CHAPTER 13
“It’s only natural for a knight to do his duty.”
“Of course. Thanks to that, this empire feels so secure.”
Louisa nodded along and had already pulled the box into her arms.
The way she gently patted it as it sat on her lap—like a cherished pet—was subtly heartwarming, even for the one who had given it to her.
‘Strange… I thought I’d be more uncomfortable. Back then, even making eye contact was unpleasant…’
Raphael, unaware that the corners of his lips were ever so slightly curling upward, spoke casually.
“…Have you eaten? It seems I might have more time than expected.”
But before she could answer, a sudden knock at the door interrupted them, drawing Louisa’s gaze.
“Pardon the interruption. I was instructed to inform you even if it was in the middle of something…”
“Oh, it’s fine. Has he arrived?”
“Yes! Lord Albert Rosé has just arrived.”
“Really? Then guide him to the garden first and ask him to wait just a little. His Highness dropped by despite his busy schedule.”
A servant relayed the message respectfully through the open door. Louisa turned to Raphael with a bright smile, as if to say, See? Isn’t that right?
‘…That’s true.’
It was a fact. He had only come for a short visit and a cup of tea during his busy day.
‘So why does this feel so irritating?’
Raphael’s brow furrowed slightly.
He had even tried to be considerate, wondering if she’d feel disappointed if he left too soon… only to find out she had already made plans and expected him to leave.
‘Who is this person she’s meeting that it’s fine to just send me off like this?’
He didn’t like the way this was going—it felt like he was being hurried out the door.
Louisa, who always clung to him, was now brushing him off. Maybe that’s what felt so off. The longer he thought about it, the more bitter his mouth felt, like chewing on raw herbs.
‘…Well, it’s better this way. I won’t have to spend more time with someone I don’t particularly enjoy being around.’
Nodding as if to agree with himself, Raphael abruptly rose from his seat. Despite his churning emotions, his expression remained impassive, looking just like usual.
“I was about to leave anyway.”
But his voice was cold, almost biting—like someone gritting their teeth. The air around him turned so chilly that the servant by the door flinched in fear.
“I’m sorry. I had a prior engagement today, so I asked to be informed even if someone came in the middle of a visit. But actually, the timing worked out perfectly, didn’t it?”
Louisa smiled brightly without a hint of guilt, her face completely unaffected.
She had just gotten free holy water and was about to finalize a wine contract with Albert—life couldn’t look more like a blooming garden.
Raphael left with a sour feeling, his steps heavy. Yet after only a few paces, he glanced back.
“…Is this appointment so urgent that you can’t even see me off?”
“Yes! It’s kind of urgent.”
Normally indifferent to formal etiquette or other people’s actions, Raphael found this oddly irritating.
Louisa didn’t follow him or show any sign of regret. She just stood there smiling while he left.
‘No manners.’
It was a petty thought—but Louisa had no way of knowing that, nor would she have cared even if she did.
Honestly, she didn’t want to.
Raphael wasn’t even sure what he was thinking anymore.
“Never mind. Don’t bother seeing me out.”
With that, he turned sharply and left the drawing room.
Louisa stared blankly at his retreating figure, wondering how she was supposed to react to that kind of exit.
‘Hmm… Well, it happens!’
Her deliberation was brief—nonexistent, really.
Cheerfully dismissing Raphael from her thoughts, she made her way to the garden, tightly clutching the box of holy water.
Albert was standing in front of a garden table and brightened visibly when Louisa arrived.
He greeted her politely and even pulled out her chair. Louisa smiled warmly and sat down.
“Did you have pleasant dreams last night?”
“Honestly, I was too excited to sleep. Meeting you yesterday still feels like a dream.”
Albert gave a shy, boyish smile.
There were bags under his eyes, but his gaze sparkled so brightly that Louisa’s mood improved just by looking at him.
“Well then, now that you’ll have this as proof, you’ll be able to sleep soundly tonight.”
Without delay, Louisa placed the contract she’d asked Brown to prepare last night on the table.
She encouraged him to read it slowly, then took a sip of her tea. Even though it was the same tea she’d had earlier, it tasted better now.
She had briefly worried that Brown might reject her request, saying it wasn’t appropriate for a duke’s aide to handle personal business like this.
But surprisingly, Brown had readily agreed and returned with the paperwork faster than expected—leaving Louisa quite stunned.
“If you need anything else, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Are you sure? I actually debated whether I was bothering a very busy man.”
“It’s no trouble at all. His Grace instructed me to prioritize your requests above all else. In fact, he even said if I help you, I can skip other tasks and receive a bonus—so I sincerely hope you’ll keep using me!”
Then he told her something even more surprising, and Louisa was speechless.
That cold, icy duke…?
It didn’t make sense. But Brown’s sincere tone and eagerness made it hard to believe it wasn’t true.
‘People really are unpredictable. Maybe it’s because I coughed up blood?’
As Louisa tilted her head in thought, Albert lifted his head from the document he’d been reading intensely.
“I’ve finished reviewing everything. May I sign here?”
“Already? You can take your time—or we could meet again tomorrow if needed.”
Louisa straightened up and spoke earnestly. Of course, she preferred to finalize things right away, but she was willing to wait if it meant building a lasting partnership.
“No need. The contract is very straightforward and well-written.”
“Oh, that’s good to hear.”
“Honestly, even if the terms had been unfavorable to me, I would have accepted out of gratitude. But you handled it so fairly, I’m just deeply thankful.”
“This isn’t a one-time thing—I’m thinking long-term. A lifelong business partner sounds strong and reliable, doesn’t it?”
“How could someone like me… I’m truly honored by your kindness.”
Albert bowed repeatedly in embarrassment and then hesitated, his shoulders shrinking slightly.
Louisa noticed his suddenly darkened expression and gently encouraged him to speak.
“…I’m so grateful that I want to show results as soon as possible. But I’m ashamed to say it might take some time to resolve the current issues.”
“It’s alright. I’m happy to wait if it means creating the perfect wine.”
Of course, that was a lie. She desperately needed money, and waiting wasn’t an option.
She reminded herself that delays in wine production were unacceptable—and carefully steered the conversation.
“I’ve actually been reading up on wine out of personal interest. Since we’re partners now, how about we brainstorm together?”
“Oh, I couldn’t possibly trouble you with my worries. But if you have any thoughts, please share them freely!”
“Oh my, don’t be silly. Let’s just think of it as a team meeting between colleagues.”
“Colleagues… I’m overwhelmed. I might cry from joy.”
Louisa smirked inwardly. If I give him a solution now, he might really burst into tears.
“The issue I noticed yesterday was with the aroma. Is that the main problem?”
Albert nodded, clearly frustrated.
“Yes. Honestly, I’m at a loss. There are too many variables. No matter how much I experiment, I’m still new to winemaking, and my lack of experience is holding me back.”
“Experience doesn’t matter. What makes this wine special is its uniqueness. You’re the one who created it, Baron Rosé. Don’t sell yourself short. Hmm… I’m no expert on aroma, but may I offer a thought?”
“Of course. Please do.”
“I just want to help however I can, so please feel free to take this as a light suggestion. I read that temperature plays a big role in wine fermentation. Since your wine is kind of a hybrid between red and white, have you tried adjusting the fermentation temperature?”
“Ah—no. I was focused on the fermentation period and hadn’t thought about temperature.”
“Then how about fermenting it at about three degrees lower than red wine typically is?”
“But lowering the temperature might weaken the aroma.”
“Hmm… Is that so? Then what about using lees aging to enhance the wine’s flavor? That might compensate, don’t you think…”
Louisa deliberately trailed off, watching Albert’s reaction.
The deep furrow in his brow showed how seriously he was considering it, so she remained quiet and let him think.
