Chapter 20-2
Duke Adelaira’s Mansion, family head’s room.
Robbins was checking his schedule while sipping his tea.
As the head of a noble family, the duke had to balance relationships with other families and often met with the king and other members of the royal family.
Especially with Duke title, he would be in a position to lead the other nobles and compete with other dukes to expand his position within the palace.
In other words, he always had to move busily, whether he liked it or not, and naturally had to leave the tasks within the mansion to his wife and butler.
“Now I can take a breath.”
“Are you tired? It’s a little early, but how about you go to bed first?”
Yenid asked worriedly as she organized the scattered papers on the table.
She knew better than anyone that Robbins worked harder than anyone else, and that he had to work harder for both the family and himself.
“No. Maybe because I’m getting old, I can’t sleep deeply. I’ll to go to bed later.”
“Are you sure it’s okay?”
“Isn’t it okay until I give up my position as the duke? If I falter, the family will falter too.”
Yenid swallowed her silence and didn’t ask any further.
She didn’t even know which of their four children Robbins was considering as the next heir.
Of course, she would like her own child to become the next heir, but since one of them was already in a precarious position, she could only hope for the remaining one.
“… Are you curious about who I’m considering as the next heir?”
“It’s not up to me, so I can only watch.”
“What could be difficult? There’s only one talented child among my children.”
“I hope that talented child is my own.”
“Hahaha… Are you trying to be humble?”
Of course, Yenid knew very well that her options were limited.
She was only worried that her son could not become the lord of the household due to an unexpected situation.
“Yes… How is Hanette these days?”
“It’s a bit hard to say.”
“Did something bad happen?”
“No, that’s not what I meant. It’s just that… I should say there hasn’t been much progress?”
Yenid had been observing Sion and Hanette, looking for any changes or noticeable developments.
At first, their relationship seemed to be getting closer as time passed, but now it seemed to have stalled in an ambiguous state.
“I shouldn’t say too much… Even if they’re young, they can’t just fall in love in a short time.”
“Yes, I know. I’m just worried about what will happen if they can’t move past this point.”
Even if Hanette only accompanied Sion on outings or brought him food, Yenid had hoped for something more.
But they couldn’t move beyond that point, and all that was visible was a sense of awkwardness between them.
Even if that was just a small part of their courtship, as an observer, Yenid couldn’t help but feel a bit anxious.
“It’s okay. Things are going smoothly now. The engagement period is a bit long, but… they’ll get closer before that time.”
“I guess I’m just being too sensitive?”
“It’s probably because of Hanette that worries you. Do you think I would be any different?”
Things were going better than expected. As a result, both Robbins and Yenid began to pay even more attention to the two of them, and there was no choice but to be nervous.
Above all, they could only hope that their relationship wouldn’t break because Hanette had become even more gentle and calm than before.
“Well… how about sending them somewhere else for a while?”
“Are you suggesting that we send them together?”
“That’s right. There are a lot of people here, so they might feel embarrassed, don’t you think?”
“…That’s possible.”
Sion and Hanette had just recently had their engagement ceremony. Although they had become somewhat closer, they could still be conscious of their surroundings and hold back from progressing to a deeper relationship.
If a space could be provided where only the two of them could be, they might be able to advance their relationship sooner.
“We should talk to Lord Regiard about this separately. What do you think?”
“Yes, that’s a good idea.”
“Well… it’s best to resolve things like this quickly. Shall we meet with him tomorrow or the day after?”
***
The Marquis Laird’s mansion, home office.
Sion returned home alone and immediately went to find Fred.
Fred didn’t think much of Sion’s arrival, but he couldn’t help but be surprised when he heard the news.
Above all, he couldn’t help feeling a little pleased since Sion had proven the fact right in front of him.
“So, did you use the money I gave you for that?”
“Yes, I’m sorry.”
“It’s not a good thing to do, but… I’ll overlook it this time.”
Fred could understand his feelings to some extent.
Although he and Lianne did not compare Sion with his other siblings, Sion may have felt pressure.
Their talents were outstanding, and Sion had not been able to accomplish anything.
That’s why he must have used all the money he received to awaken his magic.
“I… have one more thing to tell you.”
“Speak up.”
“Can you lend me some money?”
“Is it an urgent matter?”
“I borrowed money from my fiancée…”
“What? You borrowed money from your fiancée?”
Fred raised his voice as his eyes widened.
If he needed to borrow money, he could have asked his brothers or himself.
If it was related to money and he had been involved, Hanette, Duke Adelaira could become angry.
“I’m sorry. I couldn’t stop her from lending it to me herself.”
“She lent it to you herself? What does that even mean?”
“There was something I wanted to win at the auction, but I didn’t have enough money, so my fiancée stepped in and helped me.”
“…”
Fred was about to scold him, but he thought of something else first.
Hanette was always short of money because of her gambling and drinking habits, so she was unlikely to have any left.
In other words, unless it was a special case, there was no reason for her to lend him money.
‘If Hanette gave him the money, it means she thinks highly of Sion. Then…’
Does she have a positive view of their marriage?’