CDTD 18

Chapter 18

The carriage that had left the Duchy of D’Fania headed toward the capital, Evnia. While riding, Phil kept grumbling to Ludice.

“You should be preparing a dress. Why are you going to the workshop street?”

“To prepare for the banquet.”

“But you said it’s for the banquet. So why are you going to the workshop street instead of the dress shop street?”

“Because I have to go to the banquet.”

“……”

Phil frowned. He seemed to suspect that she was teasing him.

Seeing that, Ludice’s lips curved gently.

“I’m not teasing. As for the dress, if there isn’t enough time, you can just wear what you already have.”

“……You mean for your first banquet as a duchess, you’d just use a dress you already own?”

Phil Evans asked in disbelief. He had never heard of such a thing, even as an outsider.

Before an important banquet at the imperial palace, isn’t it customary for the daughters or wives of noble families to prepare a new dress?

“I haven’t worn it to a banquet before, so it’s still a new dress anyway. Is it really necessary to get another one?”

“That may be true, but…”

“It’s better not to waste unnecessarily.”

Phil shook his head slightly and sighed.

It seemed that his mistress was so straightforward, or rather indifferent, when it came to such matters. He thought it was almost a waste of beauty.

He let out a sigh without realizing it.

“They say couples grow alike.”

“Alike? You mean me and Quinlan?”

“Yes. Both of you say the same thing. Both warn against unnecessary waste.”

“Oh my. I see.”

Surprisingly, a blush appeared on Ludice’s face.

Phil, as if witnessing something he shouldn’t, asked, “Do you really look like that?”

“Of course. It means I suit Quinlan. It’s a wonderful compliment for me.”

Watching Ludice’s face light up, Phil shook his head. He thought he had asked something unnecessary.

“By the way,” Ludice casually changed the subject.

“We’ll be organizing the western territories now. Aren’t you upset you can’t help with that?”

“……I don’t know. I don’t know how to explain it.”

Phil took a moment to gather his thoughts before continuing.

“I’ve never doubted that I would serve by your side after traveling the battlefield and returning.”

“But?”

“Isn’t it strange? Somehow, I feel that working with you, Ludice, is just right. I wonder why.”

Ah. At that moment, Ludice didn’t know what expression to make.

Phil clearly had no memories of having worked with her before, yet he spoke as if he had.

And she didn’t dislike it.

It felt as if he were telling her that her tragically ended past wasn’t a dream but reality, and that now it could be rewritten.

It wasn’t an unpleasant feeling.

“Good to hear you don’t mind.”

Ludice smiled and leaned back comfortably.

Sitting upright with her arms crossed on the swaying carriage seat, looking outside, her profile was beautiful. Her haughty gaze naturally drew attention.

Is this what it means to be someone who draws attention even when doing nothing?

Phil swallowed his breath.

He had met many nobles while serving the Duke of D’Fania, but none were like Ludice.

Red hair, sharp golden eyes with fine contours. Even with minimal makeup, the sultriness at the corners of her eyes could not be hidden.

If Quinlan D’Fania, her master, was a powerful predator with weighty presence, Ludice was a swift and agile predator.

Phil swallowed hard, staring at Ludice.

I’m lucky she’s the one I serve.

The thought suddenly struck him. He realized he had already decided to serve Ludice properly.

“Are you really not going to get a maid?”

“Why are you so interested in my maid? Is it so strange not to have one?”

“Is it reasonable that the duchess has no maid by her side? Isn’t it inconvenient?”

“Now?”

A bitter, mocking laugh escaped her.

“I’ve never felt inconvenience. And there’s always the risk of being betrayed again.”

Phil frowned at her words. He remembered handling a spy who had pretended to be a servant even before Ludice’s marriage.

Seeing his gloom, Ludice smiled with a tilt of her lips.

“It’s rare that I even had a maid.”

“But in Roxburg…”

Phil abruptly shut his mouth while trying to continue. It felt awkward discussing her family in front of her.

“Why? You can tell me. I’m not that petty.”

“……We’ll see about that later.”

Ludice let out a faint smile at Phil’s answer.

In their previous lives, Phil had once answered similarly as Ludice’s aide.

—Whether I would make a good master or not, we’ll have to see.

Yes. She had given him a non-complimentary compliment, saying he seemed not to be a bad master. Perhaps it could be considered a success.

“You won’t be a bad master to me, right?”

“…….”

“You can trust me. We’ll work well together, Phil.”

“Don’t say unnecessary things.”

“I only need you to follow me.”

Embarrassed, Phil turned his head.

“It feels like something one says to a lover. Not comfortable.”

Unlike Ludice, who smiled mischievously, Phil’s face flushed slightly.

At that moment, the carriage began to slow. They had arrived at Ludice’s intended destination.

Pulling back the cloth and glancing out the window, Ludice spoke to Phil casually.

“We’ve arrived.”

Her voice carried a subtle excitement.

The carriage stopped at the workshop street. It was an area filled with smithies, leatherworking shops, and other craft workshops.

Though named the workshop street, nobles who prided themselves on sophistication never came here.

“Why are we here?”

Phil looked around, bewildered, as Ludice started walking confidently, and he hurried to follow.

Even in a form-fitting traveling outfit, Ludice walked faster than Phil. Her lowered veil shook slightly with her pace.

“To buy a dagger.”

“A dagger? For your weapon? Well, Baros is indeed large. Something light and easy to wield makes sense. Ideally…”

“I came for Quinlan’s.”

“Oh… your duke’s…?”

Phil’s eyes widened. He wanted to ask why the duke needed a dagger for the victory banquet, but asking again might earn him a scolding.

Perhaps noticing his thoughts, Ludice narrowed her eyes and glared.

“Forget about the banquet, Phil. It has nothing to do with this.”

“……Yes. But a dagger for the duke?”

“Yes. There’s a talented blacksmith here who makes high-quality blades.”

“Really? Who told you about them?”

“…….”

Ludice stayed silent. How could she reveal the blacksmith from her previous life?

—“Lady Ludice, call me anytime you need. I’ll make it with all my skill.”

Just those words, and he would diligently craft any weapon. His strict nature often caused rejection, but he remained loyal to those he trusted.

“I heard of him when I was in the Evnia Knights.”

“Ah, I see.”

“Just follow me. He’s trustworthy.”

Ludice led the way.

After winding through alleys, she finally stopped.

“Here.”

The front of the shop was neat, but the back was cluttered with various items in production.

The shop sign bore an anvil and hammer, signifying a blacksmith.

“A blacksmith, then.”

“Yes, a blacksmith.”

“…….”

“Why?”

“Nothing… just…”

Phil hesitated, and Ludice frowned.

“What do you want to say?”

“I’m just amazed that you know a place like this.”

“You should know good shops. Skilled blacksmiths are rare.”

“That’s true.”

Phil nodded in amazement, and Ludice let out a soft laugh.

“Anyway, stop overthinking. Looks like we need to get to work properly today.”

“Ah, no! You can’t forbid me from speaking! I…”

At that moment, a rough male voice came from inside the shop.

“Who’s there?”