Chapter 13
Just as the butler had predicted, Dolores was only able to meet Reslexion after noon.
In his own territory, Reslexion looked like a languid beast, the top of his shirt loosened and carelessly open.
Normally, Dolores would have scolded him for such improper attire.
But this time, I have to endure it.
Perhaps he had been in meetings with his aides until dawn—there were faint dark circles under his eyes.
The fatigue made him look like a drowsy black predator.
“Your Grace.”
Dolores began, her voice slightly choked.
The memory of the roses filling her room stirred her emotions without her realizing it.
“Thank you so much for preparing all of—”
“Let’s talk about Lindinis first.”
“……”
“You must want to rest as well, but this matter is urgent for me.”
“…Of course.”
Dolores immediately gathered herself into an elegant smile.
Why had she even thought of doing something nice for a man who could turn her touching feelings into a rag?
The Grand Duke and I are in a transactional relationship. If one gives, the other gives in return.
He had saved her. Now it was time for her to fulfill her duty.
Trying to get emotional… I still have a long way to go.
“The places I recommended were Bedford, Islington, and Lindinis.”
“Yes. And we’ll start by securing Lindinis.”
Dolores nodded at his choice.
If we plant influence between Islington and Bedford, things will be easier later.
However, there was a legal issue.
When Lindinis was incorporated into the Empire, its former owner had been granted the title of Marquess of the Border and managed the land.
Therefore, Reslexion had no legitimate claim to seize it.
A territorial war between fellow imperial nobles has long been illegal.
But even if he could not own the land, there were plenty of ways to rule it in practice.
“Lady Dolly. You know Lindinis is in chaos over the succession issue, right?”
“Of course. Everyone is watching to see whom Lady Elizabeth Lindinis will designate.”
The Lindinis marquessate currently had no surviving direct male heirs.
The matriarch of the house had no right to inherit the land herself, since she was technically an outsider.
However, before his death, her husband had granted her the authority to appoint an heir.
“I’ve heard that all the collateral branches are lobbying her to gain favor.”
“There’s one candidate I’m backing.”
“One of your aides is related to her by blood?”
Reslexion nodded.
“Viscount Oswald Lindinis. I’ll place him in the Marquess seat.”
“I see… Viscount Oswald.”
Dolores silently searched through the memories of her first life.
In truth, the matriarch will die of old age before long. The succession fight will turn into a muddy battle.
In her previous life, Reslexion had only secured Lindinis after years of bloody suppression.
But if we can obtain the land through social politics…!
Years could be shortened to mere months.
And this would be the first test for Dolores to prove her worth to this man.
“Is there a particular reason you’re supporting him?”
“Of course.”
Reslexion replied while chewing a piece of beef.
“He has no ego.”
“Your Grace…”
“Why? In this situation, that’s a huge advantage.”
“……”
“He won’t even move unless I give him orders.”
Dolores considered criticizing his cynical tone, but held back.
If she nitpicked once, she would suffer headaches for the entire duration of their contract.
“…Very well. Then we simply need to guide Lady Lindinis into choosing him?”
“I like that we understand each other. Do you have a connection?”
“Not yet. But I know what kind of person she is.”
The matriarch was a woman ahead of her time, sensitive about etiquette, and nostalgic for the past.
Dolores slowly lifted the corners of her lips.
The perfect timing to win her favor was approaching.
“I’ll host the first salon after the ceremony and invite her. She’ll be coming to the capital.”
“…Ah. The ceremony.”
“Surely you haven’t forgotten?”
“I must have wanted to forget so badly that my mind discarded it.”
As Reslexion covered his face and sighed, Dolores’ eyes sharpened.
Was this man serious?
“We’re legally married, but we still have to exchange vows properly in front of others. The invitations have already been sent.”
“We’re already husband and wife. Do I really have to dress up like some clown?”
“It’s tradition, Your Grace. Not a clown—formal attire.”
Though she tried to maintain her elegance, her tone gradually grew sharper.
Since the topic of the ceremony had come up, she decided to discuss one more thing.
“We’ll continue using separate bedrooms, correct? Many couples do.”
“Of course. Unless my lady intends to pounce on me.”
“Hoho. Your Highness is certainly handsome, but there’s no need to be so conceited.”
As if. You’re impotent anyway. Dolores swallowed the mockery inside.
Reslexion grinned shamelessly.
“Why? Didn’t you marry me because I’m your type?”
“If you believe every sweet compliment is sincere, how will you ever accomplish great things?”
“Even so, you’d better keep saying those sweet things, Lady Dolly.”
He rose first, laughing softly.
“We need to look like we get along for the remaining period, don’t we? In front of the servants, too.”
Dolores had already finished eating—she was feeling nauseous anyway—so she stood and linked her arm through his.
Seeing him frown, she emphasized,
“You must play your part as well. It can’t look like I’m the only one clinging to you.”
“Ha… Don’t worry. I’ll play the role of a very devoted husband.”
When the dining room doors opened, the servants hurriedly bowed.
Dolores sincerely hoped they looked like a loving newlywed couple.
Sometimes, a rat would sell its master’s secrets.
“If you need anything for the salon, tell me. Don’t worry about the budget.”
“Yes. I’ll inform Sir Shelly when the time comes… Ah.”
“Hmm? What is it?”
Dolores’ eyes sparkled as she smiled brightly.
“Before the ceremony, may I ask Sub Rosa for a small favor?”
At the upcoming wedding, Madam Loire would certainly try to provoke her again.
And this time, Dolores had no intention of kneeling and begging.
No, that’s not enough. It’s not enough that I simply don’t kneel.
During the abduction wedding, that woman had smiled while dragging her away.
This time, I’ll be the one making her kneel.
Bertrand, the butler of the Lancaster estate, was very favorable toward Dolores’ arrival.
He had long worried that his unruly master might grow old and die alone.
It had been… no, very… sudden, like beans roasting in lightning, but what did that matter?
Thinking so, Bertrand personally carried tea to the study.
Reslexion was reviewing documents while wearing rimless glasses.
“Your Highness. Starting tomorrow, I will gradually show Her Highness around the estate.”
“Good. Did she complain about the room?”
“She was very satisfied. She mentioned no discomfort.”
“Then that’s fine. Anything else?”
“She seemed particularly fond of the Briant roses.”
Bertrand smiled in satisfaction, recalling what he had seen that morning.
Dolores had been gently touching the roses, smiling endlessly.
Even the maids had paused in their duties to steal glances at her picture-like figure.
“Thanks to your prior instruction to prepare the seedlings, we were able to provide only the freshest ones.”
“……”
“Your eye for taste is remarkable.”
“Ha. What taste?”
Reslexion replied irritably.
“If someone chirps in your ear about how great some weeds are, of course you’ll remember it.”
“……”
Bertrand maintained his smile despite the blunt answer.
He had served the Grand Duke since childhood.
Unfortunately, the boy had learned early to protect himself with sarcasm instead of honesty.
Sometimes that tone remained a light, cynical joke.
But Bertrand felt a slight unease.
I hope His Grace does not grow too sarcastic with the Grand Duchess.
A cynical tone between husband and wife often led to serious discord.
In any case, the Lancaster estate was accepting this new change quite well.
…However, at the Marquis’ residence, a great commotion was taking place.
