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

Episode 61

I held my breath and quietly listened to the ongoing conversation.

Contrary to my expectations, the atmosphere between Lady Biers and the children was not friendly or comfortable. Instead, it felt one-sided, as if she were scolding and interrogating them.

So, without realizing it, I opened the door and inserted myself into their conversation.

“15 gold.”

I even kindly informed her of the doll’s price she was so curious about.

And with a sharp gaze, I quickly caught on.

Behind Lady Biers, who screamed in surprise upon seeing me, I noticed a fleeting sense of relief in the children’s eyes, as if they had narrowly escaped a difficult situation.

‘They trust me even though we’ve barely spoken.’

In that moment, it occurred to me that, contrary to the head maid’s assumptions, Lady Biers might not be the best companion for these children.

I approached Lady Biers, who was rolling her eyes nervously, and held out my hand.

She quickly placed the teddy bear on it.

Seeing this, I felt a slight pang of regret.

‘I spent 15 gold, yet everything went to storage, and the chosen one is essentially a free gift…’

Life truly is ironic.

Marianne’s comment about my choices being childish stung a little, but at least I managed to gain something, which was fortunate.

“A person’s words reflect their character. You can say whatever you want when you’re alone, but please be careful in front of the children, Lady Biers.”

“I-I apologize.”

When I pointed out the vulgar words she had used earlier, she bowed her head, seemingly aware of her mistake.

Not wanting to continue the conversation, I brushed past her and approached the two children. I handed the teddy bear to Dior, who was staring at it with teary eyes, unable to look away.

As soon as Dior received Marianne’s approving glance, he quickly took the bear and hugged it tightly to his chest.

He looked so adorably endearing that I almost burst into laughter.

But I held back, afraid I might look frightening in their eyes. Instead, I said in a firm but soft voice:

“It’s not the most expensive thing, but there are many shameless people in this world who covet others’ belongings and try to take them without effort. So, take good care of it.”

I hadn’t expected Dior to understand my words, nor whom they were directed at. But to my surprise, his eyes sparkled, and he nodded earnestly.

Marianne, too, showed the same response.

Under her intense gaze, which felt like it could pierce my cheek, I awkwardly asked:

“By the way, are you saying you didn’t like anything else besides this doll?”

It was then that the children realized I had heard their earlier conversation. Their expressions stiffened.

“A-Aunt…”

“That was…”

“Next time, let’s go together and pick something you really like.”

Their eyes widened in surprise.

I shrugged.

“Didn’t my knight tell you? I didn’t know what you’d like, so I only bought a little. Next time, we’ll go together and choose. Also, if there’s anything else you want besides toys, feel free to tell me.”

Because…

Trailing off, I gave a faint smile—a smile I had refrained from showing until now for fear of scaring them. Then, I turned to Lady Biers and spoke directly:

“A branch of the Basilian Trading Company will soon open in the North. You’ll have access to a much wider variety of goods than before.”

For so long, the Northern region had been at the mercy of Biers Trading Company’s monopolistic practices.

But those golden days were now over.

‘It also means the money they extorted from the Rudion Duchy will be cut off.’

“A-A Basilian branch in the North…?”

It took Lady Biers a while to process my words. Once she did, her face turned pale.

I smiled calmly, unbothered by her reaction.

“Isn’t it wonderful? Now, even in the North, you’ll be able to access goods from the capital and other regions quickly and conveniently.”

I deliberately avoided mentioning the prices.

While the Basilian Trading Company wouldn’t overcharge or demand unreasonable distribution fees like the Biers Trading Company, it would still be challenging to offer the same prices as other regions while newly expanding their network here.

Even Delano had been subtly expressing his concerns about this, hoping I would mediate.

But no matter how much the Duke of Basilian dotes on his daughter, a merchant is still a merchant. He wouldn’t adjust market prices just for his child.

‘And besides, I can’t extend my hand any further in this matter.’

What we truly needed was a fundamental solution. And I already had the answer.

The problem lay in the Northern region’s underdevelopment, harsh living conditions, and the lack of trading companies willing to pass through.

‘We just need to revitalize the territory.’

If the territory flourished, more trading companies would naturally follow.

Of course, failed proposals and abandoned business plans already filled my office desk, but I wasn’t too concerned.

If we lacked specialties, we could create them. If that failed, we could turn the region into a bustling trade city.

Perhaps it was my confident expression, but Lady Biers’ face turned completely white.

“I-I just remembered something urgent. I must leave now.”

“Do as you please.”

Without waiting for further permission, she hastily opened the door and fled as if running for her life.

“Lady Biers?”

The head maid, who had just arrived with the dessert in hand, tilted her head in confusion as she looked at me.

“She said she had urgent business and left early.”

I answered lightly while glancing at the tray she was holding.

‘It’s pudding.’

Considering their age—a time of growth and a weakness for anything sweet—they probably couldn’t take their eyes off it.

Imagining the children completely entranced by the pudding, I couldn’t hide the satisfied smile that crept onto my face as I turned around. And then, I was startled.

Marianne and Dior were staring at me with sparkling eyes instead of looking at the pudding.

The duke’s chef might have been frustrated all this time, unable to fully showcase his skills due to a lack of ingredients.

The pudding he had crafted with great care was flawless in fragrance, consistency, and texture.

At first, the children hesitated as if gauging the situation, but after cautiously tasting the pudding, they began devouring it with abandon.

Watching them scoop spoonfuls of pudding into their mouths with radiant smiles brought an involuntary smile to my face as well.

‘Come to think of it, the children seem a bit thin.’

Of course, they are already incredibly adorable, but chubby cheeks are particularly endearing in children. It would be nice if they could gain just a little weight.

With such thoughts of “aunt-like ambition,” I spent a fulfilling time with them. However, on my way back to my room, I felt strangely uneasy.

“Something still feels off.”

The hallway leading to the children’s room felt unusually quiet and empty—it wasn’t just my imagination.

Even when the pudding was being served and when I was leaving, I noticed that there were no attendants looking after the children.

While the estate might be short-staffed, this seemed excessive. Curious, I subtly asked about it, and the head maid replied.

When Lady Biers is present, she dismisses all maids and attendants to ensure the children have “a comfortable time.”

It was consistent with what the head maid had implied earlier.

At first, I accepted the explanation, but now that I knew Lady Biers’ attitude toward the children wasn’t particularly warm, I asked again.

— A comfortable time? Who decided that? Did the children request it themselves?

— Pardon? Well…

The head maid blinked, seemingly surprised by my question, and then shook her head.

Lady Biers had claimed that the children seemed uncomfortable with the servants around.

I could only smile bitterly, twisting my lips.

‘Was that really for the children’s sake?’

It seemed more like she dismissed the attendants for her own convenience.

I’ve encountered many two-faced people before—especially among those who are supposed to be “family.”