CH 4.05

“What do you think 　I’m sure you don’t know anything about the Lindbeld dukedom, so I’ll tell you all about it.”

Do you honestly think I’m going to nod my head in agreement to the offer above?

It’s a basic rule to be wary of overt solicitation, you know?

Or are you trying to tell me that I’m too stupid to understand such things?

It’s true that my reputation is in shambles.

“I have recently returned from studying abroad after graduating with honors. I’d like to talk about the future development of the Lindbeld dukedom based on my experience.”

Whoopsy!

The part about young being excellent was pretty emphatic. I can well understand being made to look so blatantly stupid!

What’s more, I have no idea what the future holds for the Lindbeld dukedom.

It’s hard on her to say this much.

I felt a little compelled to listen.

For a start, I also felt that it would be beneficial to hear from a woman who had graduated with honors and had seen other countries.

Erm, it’s okay to just listen for a while.

“On that note, Helmina, I’ve told you countless times it’s troubling that you’re still using a prehistoric style of leadership. You see, we’ll be having more and more exchanges with other countries in the future. You’ll have to adapt to that.”

Helmina’s temples twitched.

I see, a troublesome sojourner, ey?

My husband said that Helmina is in charge of the housekeeping.

Helmina’s attitude is telling me to get the hell out of here. Quite impressive.

I wondered misguidedly if she’s what the world calls a woman who can’t read the air…Or, she’s exactly that woman who can’t read the atmosphere! 

Besides, if she really thought that the position next to my husband was hers, she would have taken care of Elise’s matter and settled down herself…Oh, was she studying abroad? 

No, but she knew even before that…

“I heard that those two are gone. That’s good to hear. I couldn’t punish them for their deeds because Mother told me not to interfere. But at the right time, I could have done something about them.”

So you were studying abroad when the right time came.

“Did Madam kick them out or something? Hmm, you’d have to be capable to do that, though.”

“Rosaliemond, that’s enough. It’s unpleasant.”

Does my Husband find it unpleasant?

After all, he was the one who got me involved in Elise’s affairs, even though he had his reasons.

I squeezed my husband’s arm and interrupted the conversation.

I smiled at Miss Rosaliemond as I felt my husband giving me the ‘What?’ look.

“That’d be amazing. I’ve never been abroad and would love to hear more about it…You’re right, Helmina. I’d love to have her as a companion.”

When I replied, the people behind her looked at me as if they were gnashing their teeth.

Surprisingly, however, Miss Rosaliemond only narrowed her eyes and looked at me, but her face didn’t distort in rage.

“Madam―― But…”

“I hope you don’t mind, Husband. You won’t object, right?”

My husband fell silent as he pondered my true intentions.

“You want to chat with her ――?”

“Yes, I would be happy to have her share her extensive knowledge with me. I still have a lot to learn.”

While admitting that my knowledge is inferior, I was trying to appoint her as an advisor――a servant.

Rosaliemond looks somewhat unamused.

I don’t think she’s uncomfortable, but she’s probably frustrated because my reaction isn’t what she expected. She’s disbelieving, or … Anyway, it’s hard to describe.

“Husband, may I?”

“If you’re fine with it, then so be it.”

Somehow, I felt the blood of the Dukes of Lindbeld. They weren’t as vicious as my husband’s, though.

“Then, Madam, I will come to your room later.”

“I’m in the same room as your husband. Is it alright to invite someone in, Husband?”

I saw everyone who must be burning with jealousy at my words.

At that moment, my husband wrapped his arm around my shoulders, hugged me tightly to himself, and kissed the top of my head.

“Of course not. I can’t allow anyone to enter our marital bedroom. Invite them to the parlor.”

I looked at him in protest at his sweet, debauched tone. That was overdoing it, but my husband is exuding a thorough-like resolve. 

That’s not it!

I’m the one who has to deal with them, no?!

“Arrange it that way….But no later than tomorrow.”

Precisely. 

Afterwards, I’ll have to meet with a number of vassals.

“Rosaliemond-sama, we will meet tomorrow at tea time. And everyone, of course.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. However, I’m on my way to a dinner party, so we will meet again by then.”

With a chuckle, Miss Rosaliemond turned around and left.

Hmm, should I point this out to her?

It’s rude to turn your back on the head of the house and his wife…

But no one else has pointed it out, so I’ll just have to wait and see.

My Husband seems disgusted as he sees off the departing figure of Miss Rosaliemond. 

Speaking of which, Husband, there are many people here and there who would like to take my place.

Please do something about your face even for a second!