One day, Madonna gently suggested to Philome that she should start taking on the role of hostess.
For the first few days, Philome struggled so much that Madonna ended up doing almost everything.
Philome knew she was still lacking in her ability to be a hostess and had much to learn. There was no way that her mentor, Madonna, wouldn’t know that.
But why did she make such a suggestion to her? After thinking it over, Philome concluded that Kaien must have had a hand in Madonna’s proposal.
Kaien smiled as he gazed at Philome.
“I thought you would notice. When did you catch on?”
“When Madonna brought the documents related to the Duchy of Wintbell’s assets.”
“So you figured it out right away.”
Even though Philome was Kaien’s fiancée and they had a good relationship, they were still not married. Since breaking off the engagement wasn’t impossible, Philome was essentially an outsider in the Duke of Wintbell’s household.
However, on the first day she agreed to take on the role of hostess, Madonna brought and showed her the documents related to the Duchy of Wintbell’s assets.
At that moment, Philome was convinced that Kaien must have spoken to Madonna separately.
“Thank you. You’re worried about me, aren’t you? You’re concerned I’ll struggle while you’re away.”
As she said, Kaien was indeed worried.
Even though he would come back every two weeks, it wasn’t enough. He wanted to receive daily reports about what was happening, but he knew that was practically impossible.
So, Kaien decided to give Philome power in her hands.
The power of the Duchess of Wintbell, or something equivalent to the Duke himself.
The servants, who had already treated Philome like the Duchess of Wintbell, began to treat her even more respectfully after she took on the role of hostess.
Kaien wanted Philome to be able to do anything she wished without being disrespected by anyone while he was away.
Only then could he feel a little more at ease.
And for that, power was necessary.
“That’s right. I’m thinking about you and worrying about you like this.”
Kaien took Philome’s hand.
Then he slowly rolled his fingers over the cool palm of her hand.
“So don’t get hurt, don’t get sick, and don’t be sad while I’m away. Be happy and smile.”
Philome chuckled softly.
“How can a person always be happy and smile?”
“I’ll make you that way.”
Kaien kissed the back of Philome’s hand.
It felt quite different from the kiss earlier. While the previous kiss had overflowed with clear desire, this one was more like a gentle bird kiss.
“Philome, do you remember what I said last time?”
“The part about making me a precious person to everyone?”
“Yes.”
Kaien smiled.
“You remembered it well without forgetting. Don’t forget it in the future either. I will definitely keep my word.”
Why was that?
That night, the words Kaien had whispered in her ear with the wind blowing from the sky came to mind.
‘You will surely acknowledge my love.’
‘And you will say to me.’
‘I love you. I can’t live without loving you. – Like that.’
Kaien keeps the promises he makes. That meant Philome would someday say such words to Kaien.
“I, Kaien…”
Philome looked at Kaien, who was wearing a confident smile.
Kaien was a wonderful person, not just because of his looks. He was overflowing with confidence; he succeeded in everything he truly wanted to do, and above all, he was kind to her.
Philome watched Kaien, who was busy fiddling with his hands, and thought for the first time that perhaps it was truly impossible not to love Kaien.
☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓 ☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓
Perhaps because it was the last and most extravagant banquet before the full onset of winter, people were oddly excited.
With heating stones placed here and there, their attire was light, as if it were summer rather than winter.
They threw off their thick, heavy coats and, dressed more lightly, engaged in warm conversations.
And the topic they discussed was surprisingly common.
“Have you heard about the Kevan Marquis family?”
It was indeed about the Kevan Marquis family.
As winter approached and the social scene quieted down for a brief respite, a tremendous incident had occurred, making it only natural for everyone to talk.
“About the drugs, right?”
“How could he even think about secretly drugging the nobles?”
Rumors that Ethan Kevan was involved in the drug trade had spread quietly. However, there were not many nobles who welcomed it. Among them, drugs were generally not well received.
Aside from the illegality, the significant side effects made everyone hesitant.
From the nobles’ perspective, who believed that wealth and power should be visibly apparent, drugs that could ruin one’s appearance were something they were reluctant to touch, no matter how pleasurable they might be.
Knowing this mindset well, the royal family did not crack down on drugs intensively.
Then, this incident happened.
Ethan, who had tried to lure others into drug use by secretly mixing it into their drinks, was caught, and his criminal activities were exposed.
“What an utterly outrageous person. I was invited to that banquet too, and I’m really glad I didn’t go.”
If she had attended, she would have been helplessly addicted to drugs, ruined her appearance, and disappeared from her family’s registry.
The young lady shuddered, expressing her disgust.
“This matter cannot just be overlooked.”
“So what happened?”
“I heard through rumors that everyone was caught except for Lord Emon.”
“Is it that only Lord Emon didn’t use drugs? So does that mean he becomes the Kevan Marquis?”
Objectively speaking, it was a good thing for Emon, the second son, since the rightful heir had disappeared.
However, people’s thoughts were cold.
“If he inherits that position, it would be a disgrace for the nobility.”
“That’s right. I wouldn’t want a position stained by such dishonor, even if it were offered.”
If Emon had a good reputation, people might have shown him sympathy.
But everyone knew that Emon had flirted with young ladies and ultimately eloped with a close friend of his fiancée on the day of their engagement.
“Honestly, even aside from that, it’s better not to inherit the title of Marquis Kevan. How would he handle all that debt? I heard that the nobles who attended that banquet sent a petition to His Majesty. They want financial compensation if there’s no opportunity to hold the Kevan Marquis family legally accountable.”
“They certainly deserve it.”
In reality, the nobles who attended didn’t need the money.
What they were doing was to restore their own tarnished honor.
“Still, didn’t the Kevan Marquis family have a mine?”
“Apparently, that’s long since gone to ‘Beanstalk.'”
At the mention of the family’s assets having gone to Beanstalk, people’s expressions became subtle.
They knew well that Beanstalk was an indispensable place for the nobility, but once they received something, they would never return it.
“One marquis family just disappears like this.”
It was considered one of the fastest families to collapse in history, leaving nothing behind.
“By the way, have you heard the news? About Lady Philome. I heard she’s already taken on the role of hostess.”
“Oh my, it seems Duke Wintbell has really fallen in love.”
The rumors intentionally spread by Kaien began to circulate among the nobles as he planned.
“Lady Philome must have saved the country in her past life. After her hopeless former fiancé left, she met the perfect Duke Wintbell.”
Many nobles, especially young ladies, held a considerable fondness for Philome, who had suddenly elevated her status.
She didn’t act superior or boastful just because she became the fiancée of Duke Wintbell overnight. In fact, it was more accurate to say that Kaien was someone who the young ladies couldn’t even reach, so jealousy was non-existent.
Kaien left no room for anyone, and no one felt even the slightest possibility from him, so Philome was not someone to be envied.
“So, they’ll be here tonight?”
As soon as the words were finished, the loud voice of a servant announcing the arrival of Kaien and Philome was heard.
The eyes of the nobles immediately focused on the entrance of the banquet hall.
