Chapter 10
I thought perhaps the subtle glance was meant to punish me for daring to refuse the Duchess’s offer—but then, from the sounds beyond the door, I realized that the time allotted to me had simply ended.
Well, that was a relief.
The meeting had concluded, much like a corporate interview. Whether I passed or failed, the results would arrive in elegantly embossed stationery, accompanied by a detailed explanation. My part in this affair was done.
All I wanted now was to rush home, wipe my feet, and collapse into bed, my energy completely drained.
“It’s already this late? Well, I suppose there’s nothing more to be done. But do come visit us from time to time.”
The Duchess seemed genuinely reluctant to see me leave.
“Thank you for your precious time. I will take my leave.”
I had no plans to change jobs, so I rose mechanically, delivering the formal words like a programmed automaton.
Right now, I probably look like a glazed-over fish.
Just as I turned, my lethargic expression fully on display, the Duchess’s voice trailed after me.
“Rebecca Felice, was it? Felice Viscount, have your steward send the guild’s catalog to us. Ah, and you may discuss the details regarding the complimentary items with him as well.”
My glazed-over eyes snapped wide open.
Sara had personally stamped our guild’s blended tea as approved.
It was the equivalent of being told, “Congratulations, you passed the corporate interview—report for work tomorrow.”
But the truly astounding part was what came before that statement.
The instruction to send the catalog to her steward meant that our guild had been granted the opportunity for regular, fixed supply to the household. Normally, when a noble family selects merchants for ongoing transactions, the steward contacts a few vendors handling the desired goods. Once a connection is made, the conservative nature of most aristocrats ensures the relationship remains steady, with repeated bulk orders providing a stable and lucrative income.
And here? The lady of the house hadn’t even specified which items she wanted—she simply chose our guild and requested our catalog. In other words: “I like what you offer, so I’ll be buying from you.”
Sara, please accept me as your humble gift in return.
Once again, financial therapy had proven miraculous.
Energy and motivation surged back into me as if a dam had burst. Smiling brightly, I bowed with all the etiquette I could muster.
“Then, Duchess, may you live long and well. With each inhale, wealth; with each exhale, health,” I declared, imbibing my words with a silent plea to be invited over again.
“If you call me again, I’m not sure I’ll understand your sense of humor, but I’ll do my best to make you laugh,” I added.
Sara burst into laughter, leaving me baffled at her comedic taste.
“Ha… ha…”
Every time I checked the ledger, a smile crept onto my face.
The revenue from our transactions with the Duchess’s household equaled the guild’s total annual sales from the previous year.
For the first time, I experienced firsthand the generosity of a high-ranking noble—it far exceeded anything I had imagined.
I recounted the numbers for what must have been the twentieth time, and then once more for good measure, savoring every digit.
Could I become the Empire’s top merchant at this rate?
Such joy couldn’t be kept to myself.
“Staff, gather ’round. It’s time for financial therapy.”
With a heart full of glee, I stamped the incentive payment forms for all employees with the guild’s seal.
Firm… perfect.
No smudges, every line crisp and clear. I beamed at the forms, pride swelling in my chest.
“Oh, right, I need to head home too.”
To mark the completion of the project, special leave had been granted to everyone—and as the guild’s head, I was the first to enjoy it.
A good boss leads by example, after all.
I recalled my previous workplace, where the manager would volunteer for overtime and weekend work while making employees feel guilty for using their leave. Despite taking time off, I would return to find excuses and complaints waiting. I silently wished that manager’s business would fail as I quickly prepared to leave.
Even as a boss myself, taking leave and heading home felt like bliss.
“Enjoy your vacation, everyone,” I said, keeping my farewell brief and to the point.
“Vacation, vacation!” I added, cheerfully, stepping out of the guild doors in my usual playful rhythm.
Billy, seeing me goofing around as usual, quickly opened the carriage door, muttering about how embarrassing I looked in the neighborhood.
“Yep, yep, I’m getting in!” I chirped, slipping into the carriage. I discreetly stuffed a bonus pouch into Billy’s pocket, imagining his delight later.
This is how you slip a gift into someone’s pocket.
I imagined his reaction with a quiet giggle.
What should I do on vacation?
Of course, my schedule was packed with dates with Theo.
Opera first, then maybe some long-overdue shopping.
I realized I hadn’t yet planned Theo’s shopping itinerary, but thoughts of dressing him up in stylish outfits filled me with anticipation. Whatever he wore would suit him, but I wanted to find pieces that were both flattering and exceptional.
Visualizing his outdated shirts and bare wrists, I slotted shopping into our date plans. With the ledger’s numbers still lingering in my mind, I didn’t have to worry about the budget—I could design the most extravagant date imaginable.
Lost in planning, the carriage soon arrived at the theater.
Through the window, I gazed at the enormous poster for the opera.
Finally… I’m really seeing the opera.
I had prepared meticulously for this moment. Thanks to my unexpected windfall, I splurged on the most expensive, highly sought-after seats. Concerned about delays or accidents, I’d set off early.
Upon arrival, I confirmed with the theater staff that the reservation was intact. I also instructed the guild team not to disturb me today unless it was urgent.
Everything was perfect.
Now I just had to wait for Theo.
About fifteen minutes later, I heard Billy calling someone—likely informing Theo’s driver of our location.
I grabbed the wide-brimmed hat I’d set beside me.
Even if it probably won’t help me remain unnoticed, reducing the risk by one percent is still worth it.
I straightened my disheveled appearance from the long carriage ride.
The door opened right on cue—and there he was, Theo, sparkling more than usual.
He’d arrived in a formal suit, a rarity for him.
Wow… incredible.
I admired him slowly, taking in the ensemble.
His suit was a steady, elegant blue, coordinated perfectly with his eyes—not the latest trend, but timelessly stylish. Accessories added refinement without appearing overdone, including a silk cravat, a brooch matching the frock coat’s buttons, and a carefully slicked-back hairstyle revealing his forehead.
A gentlemanly Theo smiled at me and extended his hand.
“Lady, may I have the honor of escorting you?”
Polite, elegant, almost as if lifted from a handbook on etiquette.
“Of course, kind sir,” I replied, placing my hand lightly on his.
He assisted me gracefully out of the carriage.
“Have you been waiting long?”
“Not at all. I just arrived myself.”
Checking the time, I realized the performance was about to begin. The area around the theater was crowded, but fortunately, our private box had a separate entrance, ensuring we wouldn’t encounter anyone else.
“Shall we go in?”
We approached our seats together.
The opera we would see was “The Rose that Embraced the Sun’s Flame,” a somewhat whimsical romantic piece. The main characters’ names, Ethan and Rosemary, were clear nods to the Emperor and Empress, whose romantic exploits inspired the story. While the imperial couple’s popularity drew many, the music itself was especially beautiful—an essential experience for any couple seeking a romantic date.
I’d read about the opera so often that I knew it inside and out. This was a beloved secondary creation, an unmissable date spot according to the capital’s guidebooks.
I trust you, self-proclaimed love guru.
Settling into my plush seat, I relaxed, confident that the splurge had been worth it.
A server promptly brought non-alcoholic wine and opera glasses.
“If you require anything else, please ring the bell on your table,” they said before disappearing behind the private box’s partition.
Theo and I whispered, sipping wine as the lights dimmed.
A lyrical melody signaled the beginning of the performance.
