It Feels Like I’m About to be Divorced, But my Husband is My Favorite

Episode 40

Contrary to Delano’s expectations, the Duchess arrogantly gestured for a maid she had brought from her family home to hand over a pocket watch.

– Come to the Rudion ducal estate. If you intend to offer something subpar, don’t bother coming at all.

While everyone was still taken aback that she mentioned the Rudion estate instead of the Basilian Duchy, the merchant laughed heartily and assured her to expect something worthwhile. Then, belatedly, he opened the clasp of the item the Duchess had picked up for him.

The object, made of wood and adorned with intricate carvings, was a handheld mirror. However, it seemed to have been damaged from the fall—its glass shattered into several pieces.

The man’s face turned pale instantly, clearly stunned by the damage to the item.

– I’m sorry, but I must leave now. If I don’t return to claim the watch within three months, feel free to dispose of it as you please.

With those words, he hurriedly exited the hotel.

Delano, who had never even asked for any promises, spent the night tossing and turning, wondering what kind of reward he might receive. He couldn’t help but marvel at the Duchess, who had managed to secure such a magnificent watch seemingly by chance.

At the time, he had no idea.

That such unbelievable fortune would come her way again the very next day.

The following day, just before their departure, the Duchess casually mentioned wanting to stop by the shopping district. Delano, though reluctant, didn’t dare object but felt inwardly annoyed.

‘So this is why she’s notorious for her extravagance. She can’t even refrain from shopping for one day while traveling?’

Granted, in the North, trading caravans were scarce, and it made sense not to miss an opportunity before the Basilian merchants moved on. But as someone who had only recently come to terms with accepting Evgenia as the Duchess, Delano couldn’t suppress his frustration and concern.

‘I just hope this doesn’t take too long,’ he thought, suppressing a sigh.

However, he was left utterly speechless when he saw where the Duchess headed.

He had expected her to visit a clothing boutique or a jeweler, but instead…

– Show me something that a nine-year-old girl or a seven-year-old boy would like.

The Duchess had entered a toy shop.

And not just to browse, but to buy gifts for the young Lady and Lord waiting at the Rudion estate!

Caught between shock and confusion, Delano was stunned into silence. The toy shop owner, perhaps sensing the wealth of his distinguished customer, nervously scrambled to show her all kinds of dolls and toys. The Duchess, without hesitation, purchased every item recommended.

Had Delano not intervened midway, she might have ended up buying the entire store.

Of course, she had already spent an astonishing 15 gold coins.

‘Fifteen gold coins on toys?!’

When the Duchess casually handed over that small fortune, Delano couldn’t help but squeeze his eyes shut.

But the real shock came moments later.

– What’s this?

– Ah! That’s an event we’re holding for customers who spend over one gold coin. You turn the handle, and we give you the prize indicated where the arrow stops. Would you like to try?

At the entrance of the store stood a large roulette wheel, densely inscribed with the names of various toys sold at the shop—soldier figurines, mini puzzles, and the like. Of course, there were also “miss” slots.

And then, in a very small section…

– Emerald Teddy Bear?

– Ahaha, our city is famous for emeralds, so we made this special item. It’s worth a whopping 15 gold!

The shop owner, explaining how the handcrafted teddy bear had premium-grade emeralds embedded in its eyes, discreetly brought out two elegantly packaged boxes from inside the store.

It was clear to anyone that the owner had “forgotten” about the item earlier and was now pushing it for sale.

After briefly inspecting the teddy bear, the duchess nodded.

– It’s quite pretty. If you had such a thing, you should have displayed it sooner.

– Indeed, madam! Then, shall I prepare it for you right awa—

– First, I think I’ll give that roulette a try. Spinning it fifteen times would be tiresome, so let’s settle for three spins.

The shop owner, who briefly showed a hint of disappointment, quickly bowed with a composed smile.

The expensive prizes had such tiny slots on the wheel, and there were so many “misses” that it seemed almost impossible to win.

Still, Delano had to restrain himself from pleading to spin twelve times on her behalf, thinking it would be a waste otherwise.

And then, it happened.

Clack-clack-clack-clack… The roulette spun with a lively sound and gradually slowed to a stop.

Delano doubted his eyes.

The arrow unmistakably pointed at the emerald teddy bear. Not even teetering on the edge—it was dead center!

– W-what? H-how… No, this can’t be happening!

The shop owner looked equally incredulous.

Hearing the owner muttering under his breath, Delano became certain the man had tampered with the wheel.

But there was no time to point this out.

Once again, clack-clack-clack-clack… The arrow began spinning and stopped at the exact same spot.

– Spinning it twice is enough trouble. Let’s go.

The duchess turned away without hesitation, and her maid neatly packed the two teddy bear boxes and left without showing any sign of surprise.

The shop owner, having just lost 30 gold in an instant, was so dumbfounded he couldn’t utter a word. Perhaps he knew grabbing them wouldn’t change the outcome.

Seizing the moment, Delano secretly gave the roulette a spin.

There were still unused attempts left from the duchess, and he wondered if he might share in such luck.

Perhaps he could get a small gift for the young lady and young lord.

But the arrow landed in front of Delano… on a “miss.”

Before disappointment could set in, a sudden fanfare sounded from outside.

Startled, Delano ran out to see an unbelievable scene unfolding.

– Congratulations! You’re the 120th customer on the 120th anniversary of Muell’s Confectionery! As a special prize, enjoy all desserts today free of charge. Pick whatever you like!

The duchess, who had seemingly stopped by the dessert shop across the street to pick up some sweets, was the lucky winner again.

Seeing this, Delano reflexively covered his mouth.

‘My goodness.’

He had never experienced anything like this in his life.

What was even more astonishing, however, was the reaction of the duchess and her maid.

The two showed no signs of surprise or excitement, even after experiencing such rare fortune.

No, it was as if they were used to it—completely unfazed, as though it were a routine occurrence.

Recalling this extraordinary composure, Delano chewed on a caramel he had taken in abundance from the store earlier.

The carriage following them was already packed with the Basillian duchy’s dowry and the duchess’s personal belongings, so the toys and sweets they had purchased had to be split between the duke’s and duchess’s carriages.

When the maid handed Delano a basket brimming with chocolates, candies, and caramels, urging him to enjoy, he pretended to clear his throat in embarrassment and began unwrapping one piece after another.

In truth, it was hard to resist such delicacies, rarely seen in the northern regions.

As Delano unwrapped another caramel, he initiated a conversation with Euclid, who, for once, wasn’t immersed in paperwork but seemed lost in thought.

“Um, Your Grace?”

“Hm?”

“Doesn’t the madam seem… rather surprising the more you get to know her?”

“My wife?”

Although Delano understood the proper title in his head, he hadn’t expected to feel so naturally inclined to address the Basillian young lady this way.

Excited, Delano didn’t dwell on this and instead looked at Euclid with glowing eyes.

Since the wedding yesterday, he had been itching to talk.

But as soon as Euclid boarded the carriage, he had dozed off, looking exhausted, so Delano only got the chance now.

“What surprised me even more than her getting gifts for the young lady and young lord today was the wedding vow yesterday. I was utterly astonished.”