CH 2.04

“That’s why you should also help, Husband.”

In my husband’s office, I told him the outline of my tea party with Miss Michelle and sought his cooperation.

When I handed him the invitation to the tea party, he fiddled with it with his hand, while I prepared myself for the conditions that I would definitely have to meet.

Against all odds, he nodded so easily.

“I have work to do at the Royal Palace that day. I’m sure I can make an appearance for a while.”

If possible, I wanted you to be there from the beginning to the end.

There’s a big difference between having a shield and not having a shield.

However, he had a job to do, so I held back. If I complain here and then he decides not to go, I would be in the most trouble.

But it’s strange.

This is unusual for my husband.

Normally, he would definitely ask something in exchange.

“What’s the matter? Set your expression right.”

Because I was looking at him quizzically, Husband’s eyebrows drew closer.

It can’t be helped, right?

I don’t trust you, Husband.

“So? How did things go with Miss Andrette?”

While I was gazing at him reading the invitation for the tea party, he suddenly asked me about Miss Michelle.

What about Miss Michelle?

“How can I say it? She seemed relieved, perhaps?”

I remembered Miss Michelle’s face at the tea party, and she looked a little tired.

She must have been the most nervous person of the day when we were talking about that matter.

She looked quite troubled.

“And?”

…And?

Um…What is it you want to ask me?

“Did you get along better?”

I couldn’t get his point, so Husband asked me.

“Get…along? Well, we got along better, I guess.”

At least we’ve gone from strangers to acquaintances.

Besides, it looks like I’ll be joining Miss Michelle’s faction for a change. That’s ―― Ahh!

“Was I imprudent, perhaps?”

The Lindbeld duchy didn’t belong to any faction. 

But I dare say, neutral.

However, they do not support any faction, because doing so would upset the balance of the factions in many ways.

In other words, a situation where the duchy is leading a faction is undesirable.

“It’s no big deal. The people around won’t think you’re beholden to a faction.  In the first place, Her Royal Highness’ attitude doesn’t represent the royal family.”

The adults around Her Royal Highness were at fault for leaving her to her own devices, but others were suffering the damage!

You’re a relative of the royal family there, right, Husband? You know that you are also the cause of the problem, don’t you?

“By the way, since I’m going to participate in a tea party hosted by the royal family, you have to keep your word, okay? And of course, there’s also for the tea party I hosted today, no?”

“I know, it’s about the tea sweets, isn’t it?”

Yes, yes, that’s it!

To be honest, it’s depressing to attend a tea party that only smells of trouble and nuisance, but those sweets make me do my best!

“This is the most enthusiastic you’ve ever been, do you know?”

“Of course, that’s for sure! Husband, you should do more research on the position of sweets for women.”

“I see.”

My husband chuckled wryly.

I can’t point it out, but he’s different from usual today.

I feel like he’s being kind to me.

No, I shouldn’t let my guard down.

By the way, someone once told me.

When a husband who is always cold suddenly becomes kind, it’s because he’s hiding something.

And most of the time, the problem is related to cheating!

In an instant, I remembered my husband asking about Miss Michelle from earlier.

He asked me how we got along…Does Husband perhaps like to welcome Miss Michelle?

And Miss Michelle had also been examining my reactions.

O-Oh?

What if this could be it?

In our country, monogamy is practiced, but in order to leave an heir, a mistress is sometimes welcomed.

Speaking of which, my Verdigo family is similar to this.

Well, rarely do mistresses become full-fledged legal wives.

Husband told me that I didn’t have to bear children.

And the other day, I expressed my desire not to.

So, in order to leave an heir, does he want to bring in someone from…

But, I said from the start that it was fine.

Was he just being considerate?

And if it’s Miss Michelle, I’m all for it.

Nevertheless, would the Marquis of Andrette really offer his daughter, even to the Duke of Lindbeld, as a mistress?

I’m not sure. Could it be that my husband holds a threat against the Marquis of Andrette?

Or is it something political?

But if that’s the case, maybe that’s why he wanted me to lead the faction.

It would be strange for the world to see his legal wife join the faction of his mistress.

Besides, the weaker her position is, the more he has to protect her.

He has to show Her Royal Highness the prestige of the Duke of Lindbeld and shut her up.

Yeah, it’s kind of outlandish, but it seems to make sense…

Should I ask or keep quiet?

I mean, there’s always the future.

But, is it normal to broach this kind of subject?

Should I say that I’m in favor of him having a mistress?

Or should I be more flexible――……

“What are you thinking about?”

My thoughts were abruptly interrupted by my husband. I wondered what I should do, but I decided to ask him properly.

“Husband, are you thinking of taking Miss Michelle as your mistress or something like that?”

“What?”

“You know, you’ve been asking me a lot of questions about Miss Michelle, such as how she was, if we got along, and even if she would join the tea party without condition, which is unthinkable for the usual you.”

Just as I said this, my husband sat down and looked at me with an even more terrifying expression on his face than usual.

As I expected, the power of his gaze made me take a step back.

“So, that’s how you took it…That’s interesting to know. I said that purely out of courtesy and worry that your first tea party as Duchess might not have gone well ――…Yet, that was what you thought of it?”

My husband rose slowly from his chair and sauntered toward me.

The backlight from the sun in the west, pouring in through the windows fueled my fright.

H-Heee!

I-I’m scared!

“As I thought, we should proceed as usual.”

“Huh? Huuuhh? Kyaaah!”

I was easily repositioned and was pushed down onto his desk.

“From what I’ve heard, being gentle can make a couple closer. I tried to follow that advice, but it obviously has the opposite effect.”　

Just a  minute!

That’s for you to say, Husband!

Do you know that it’s useless to suddenly do such a thing toward someone with zero trust?

“And I must make sure to teach you never to think again of that ridiculous notion, tying me to a horrible affair with Miss Andrette.”

Is she really mad at me?

He’s so serious that even I can tell he’s really furious at me!

I just said something a little misguided, so why is that?!!!