Chapter 24
The Duke placed a hat on Cecile’s head, then sat down at his work desk. Despite just returning from a business trip, he seemed ready to dive straight back into work.
Still wearing the hat, Cecile trotted over to him and clung to his desk.
“You’re working already? You should rest a little.”
“I don’t have time for that.”
“But if you keep this up, you’ll ruin your health.”
“I’ve always worked like this. I’ll be fine.”
‘So that’s how you want to play it. You’re unusually stubborn today, huh? But I know your weakness.’
In an instant, Cecile drooped her eyebrows and made a pitiful, teary-eyed face.
Even someone with blue blood would feel the urge to wrap her in a warm hug after seeing that pitifully adorable expression.
“I’m just really worried about you, Duke. You just got back from your trip… couldn’t you play with me for just a little while? Just a little.”
The Duke glanced at her, then sighed and covered his face with his hand as if troubled.
“Cecile…”
His face was usually expressionless and stoic, but Cecile, well-versed in human emotions, could tell he was conflicted.
After a brief inner struggle, the Duke finally set down the documents in his hand and spoke in a low voice.
“Cecile, I know that you expect kindness and affection from me. I know how much care you’ve shown me.”
Cecile focused intently, sensing he was about to say something important—something different from usual.
“I… I can’t return any kind of affection to you.”
“…”
“After receiving comfort from you, I thought long and hard about it. Cecile… I don’t think I’m capable of loving anyone anymore. Elizabeth, and the child she carried for me, were likely the last people I’ll ever be able to love.”
As he said this, the Duke looked deeply tormented.
“I’m sorry to say this, but I can’t love you. I can support you physically and financially, but please don’t expect anything emotional from me.”
Cecile looked at him quietly.
‘Ah, so that’s what it was. I thought it might be something serious.’
This was well within the range of what she had expected.
‘This man really is out here digging his own grave again.’
With a mixture of pity and exasperation, Cecile looked at him. On the outside, she was just a wide-eyed, blinking girl, full of innocent cuteness.
‘Wait a second. Could it be that earlier, when he looked annoyed, it was because Anne was freely expressing affection while he felt guilty about not being able to give me any? Was he jealous?’
The Duke seemed to think Cecile was struggling to accept what he said, so he continued explaining.
“This may be a difficult thing for you to hear, but I have a terrible reputation. Being associated with someone as infamous as me won’t do your future any good.”
It was obvious he wasn’t saying this because he liked her.
‘Now what should I do?’
Cecile hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath without him noticing and gently placed her hand over his.
“I’m fine with that.”
When the Duke turned to her in surprise, Cecile was smiling sadly, her eyebrows drooped in a heart-wrenchingly pitiful expression.
“I knew it was a selfish wish. Just the fact that you let me stay here, someone with no blood relation to you, and treat me so well… It’s more than I deserve.”
She turned her head slightly, as if to hide tears, though it was all a carefully crafted performance—down to every glance and gesture.
“I won’t ask to grow closer anymore.”
Then, timing it perfectly, she turned back and looked him in the eye.
“I’m happy just like this, Duke.”
Her eyes, slightly red and moist, shone as she smiled—pure and lovely, like a little angel.
Sunlight pouring in through the window softly lit up her face. It was the perfect stage effect.
The Duke stared at her as if he’d been hit.
He slowly brought both hands up to cover his face and let out a groan, as if in pain. He seemed deeply conflicted.
‘Well, he probably won’t flip his decision just because of a little trick like this. He must’ve thought long and hard before reaching that conclusion.’
Cecile thought to herself.
‘It’s better to settle for a moderate outcome than push too far and ruin everything—especially if your opponent has made up his mind.’
“Duke? I have one request. Will you hear me out?”
The Duke parted his fingers slightly and looked at her.
“What is it?”
Fidgeting with her fingers and putting on an awkward expression, Cecile replied.
“I… I won’t ask you to really be close with me anymore. But… can you let things stay just as they are now?”
“As they are…?”
“Yes. Like, sometimes talking with you… sometimes sharing meals together… and maybe, once in a while, going out somewhere…”
She lowered her voice and spoke shyly.
“I promise I won’t get confused and think you care for me. You and I are just playing pretend. A little family game.”
The Duke looked thoughtful. He leaned back in his chair and sighed.
At that moment, Nibelung, who had been itching to speak, jumped in.
[Actually, the only time you’ve eaten with the Duke was after you caught that embezzler. And you never had any real plans to go out. Now you’re sneakily making regular meals and outings official!]
‘Exactly. This is my chance to secure more perks.’
[But from the Duke’s perspective, this is a losing deal. Why would he agree to it?]
‘You really don’t understand people. Humans aren’t that rational. More often than not, they make decisions based on emotion.’
It was clear the Duke was feeling terribly guilty because of Cecile’s earlier performance.
‘When someone feels bad, it’s hard for them to refuse a small request. And if he refuses—well, I lose nothing anyway.’
Eventually, the Duke made his decision.
“…All right. It’s the role of the master of the house to entertain its guests.”
‘I did it.’
A surge of triumph spread through Cecile’s mind.
“But let me make one thing clear. This is only a temporary game. Don’t expect it to last, and don’t expect me to grow attached to you. If you ever confuse this game with reality, I will never face you again.”
“Of course! Thank you so much, Duke!”
Cecile bounced with joy and hugged him tightly. The Duke sighed but let her do as she pleased.
‘As long as we keep having contact like this, it’s only a matter of time before he falls under my influence.’
Still clinging to him, Cecile’s eyes gleamed sharply.
‘I will capture your heart completely, Duke Bartholomew. I will never be betrayed again.’
The Duke had no way of knowing what kind of face or thoughts she was hiding.
All he did was gently support her back so she wouldn’t fall.
Warm sunlight streamed through the windows. A child hugging an adult, and the adult watching with a gentle gaze—it seemed like a peaceful afternoon from the outside.
Though Cecile was investing considerable effort into the Duke, she still didn’t trust him completely.
‘If I were to think I could safely live long-term in the house of the villain who’s after what’s in my belly, I’d be a fool. I need to get out of here as soon as possible.’
And to do that…
‘I need money.’
The mayonnaise business was going smoothly.
For now, they were taking orders mostly through Hans’s personal connections, but the word was spreading fast.
There were already 17 or 18 chefs placing regular orders.
‘The ingredients are cheap, so the profit margins are amazing.’
Cecile counted the coins in her pouch.
She already had five gold coins and eleven bronze ones. It was nothing like the petty cash she got from selling those dresses she took from the palace.
‘Now that I have capital, time to grow it.’
[Oh! What marvelous scheme will you invest in? I assume you have an incredible plan?]
Nibelung cut in, thrilled.
[I think gambling is best! With your magic, cheating would be child’s play! Or stocks! You’ve regressed—you must know which ones will rise!]
“You really are a fool. Gambling and stocks at a time like this?”
[What? Are you saying there’s a better way to make money than gambling or stocks?!]
“Of course there is. I’ve got a lucrative plan that puts those to shame.”
Cecile smiled slyly and tucked the pouch back into her coat.
