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Chapter 52
Roje continued speaking without seeing the stern expression of Duke Artium.
“You’re someone who understands what noblewomen prefer, so I think you could help with selecting the brands.”
Gwen had served the nobility for over 30 years. From Roje’s perspective, it was only natural to think that Gwen would know the needs of the nobles well.
The Duke narrowed his eyes slightly and spoke slowly.
“Is that so? I think, since the target customers are noblewomen, it might be better if you work with another woman.”
Roje didn’t know who was handling the department store site or operations, but the Duke wanted to reduce even a little of her work with that man.
“It would be great if I knew some noblewomen or young ladies, but there really isn’t anyone who could help.”
Roje awkwardly scratched her cheek.
Gwen probably knew, statistically, which brands noblewomen preferred, but it would be ideal to hear opinions directly from the actual users.
However, Roje didn’t know any peers her age. Of course, not any noblewomen either.
The Duke raised the corner of his mouth as if he had expected her response. Her words had been exactly what he wanted to hear.
“Is that so? Then I can help.”
Roje perked up at the Duke’s words.
“She’s about your age. I know several CEOs in the fashion industry who are quite famous. If you build a relationship with her, bringing in the brands should go smoothly.”
Roje’s eyes lit up.
“Wow, really?”
Selecting brands wasn’t particularly difficult, but getting them to agree to join the store was another matter.
Moreover, in this world, the concept of a “department store” didn’t even exist, so persuading them could be even harder.
But if the Duke bridged the gap, her business would surely become much easier.
Nodding, the Duke continued.
“In ten days, there will be my cousin’s coming-of-age celebration. Go with me then. I’ll introduce you to Diana.”
“The… Princess?”
“Yes.”
The princess of the empire, Diana…!
Roje blinked in disbelief at the unexpected appearance of such a prominent figure.
“Will you go?”
Blinking rapidly, Roje quickly responded.
“Of course! It would be an honor.”
“Then, you’ll select the brands with me and my cousin Diana.”
Roje nodded enthusiastically, afraid the opportunity she had barely earned might slip away.
“Thank you so much for caring!”
It was clear the busy Duke was deliberately participating in her business to watch over her, but she didn’t care.
It was a chance to gain incredible connections.
Roje’s lips curled into a wide smile. Her excitement refused to settle.
Even before meeting Diana, Roje was already lost in daydreams.
Securing the brands for her department store would bring her business closer to a grand revival.
The Duke couldn’t help but smile at Roje, her face flushed and glowing with excitement.
He propped his face on one hand and looked at her, speaking casually.
“By the way, when will you go to see the department store site?”
“I haven’t contacted her yet, so I’ll probably have to send a separate letter. No date has been set yet.”
“Alone?”
“Yes. Since this is a project we’re keeping secret.”
The Duke tapped his fingers on the table.
“Alone, huh…”
He stared at Roje thoughtfully. The idea of her meeting with that dark-haired man alone bothered him.
He parted his lips and spoke in a low voice.
“Still, I’m an investor. I don’t like the idea of you two going alone. I should go with you.”
‘If the Duke goes, won’t Gwen feel uncomfortable?’
He was slightly worried since the Wens and Artium families didn’t get along. Gwen had been dismissed from the Wens, but he wondered if the Duke might not welcome him.
After a moment’s thought, Roje answered cautiously.
“I’d be glad if you came with me, Your Grace.”
It was hard to refuse the Duke’s suggestion, and if the business failed, at least she could blame the site rather than herself.
Thinking it would be fine, Roje took a sip of the cold drink on the table.
While drinking, she noticed the Duke staring at her intently. His piercing gaze remained until she put down her glass.
‘Does he have something else to say?’
Roje smiled awkwardly at him.
“How did it feel to attend your ex-husband’s wedding?”
His icy blue eyes sparkled with interest.
Roje brushed her hair back, smiling.
She had taken personal revenge on Doana and boldly acted as the heroine in front of Eric.
I lived well without you. You’re nothing in my life.
Seeing Eric’s stunned expression had been oddly satisfying.
Showing her white teeth, Roje confidently replied to the Duke.
“It was amazing.”
If there had been a video, she would have wanted to watch it again and again.
She wouldn’t have to see that arrogant Eric’s face ever again.
Unaware that Eric might cling to her in the future, Roje enjoyed the moment.
Meanwhile, in the temple…
The ceremony was in full swing.
Eric and Beliar faced each other. However, Eric didn’t seem focused on the wedding.
He wasn’t looking at Beliar but was lost in thought.
‘Is he thinking about his ex-wife?’
Beliar, standing in for the real Marquis’ daughter, felt intimidated by Eric’s behavior.
‘The Marquis told me to make a good impression on the Wens…’
Seeing Eric uninterested, she sighed.
“Will Count Wens accept Lady Beliar, daughter of Marquis Dicard, as his bride?”
Eric’s dark brown eyes were cold.
“Cough.”
When Eric didn’t answer, the deputy priest nudged him for a response.
Still, Eric kept his lips shut, staring at Beliar with an emotionless gaze.
“Eric… Eric?”
Tersia, sitting nearby, called him anxiously, worried he might ruin the marriage they had barely managed to arrange.
Eric glanced at her. His right hand, wrapped in bandages, still showed traces of blood.
The hall murmured. Guests whispered as they stared at him silently.
The Marquis and his wife frowned at Eric’s behavior. They were worried he might refuse to respond, just like Tersia.
“Surely he won’t ruin the wedding, will he?”
The Marquise whispered to her husband, who growled in response.
“Don’t speak nonsense. Even if they are the Wens, I won’t let them make the Dicard family look foolish.”
Amid the worry, Eric finally spoke.
“…Yes.”
Luckily, he didn’t intend to flee the ceremony.
The deputy priest nodded and asked Beliar the same question.
“Lady Beliar, will you accept Count Wens as your husband?”
“Yes.”
Unlike Eric, Beliar answered quickly.
Hearing her response, the deputy priest announced before the guests.
“The two have sworn before God. Thus, the marriage is official.”
Applause filled the hall. The atmosphere was festive.
The orchestra played a grand piece. Flower girls and elegant women showered petals upon the couple.
Traditionally, the couple would kiss, but Eric didn’t kiss Beliar.
Instead, he simply extended his hand, which Beliar hesitantly took.
They walked down the long aisle, receiving blessings. Beliar smiled at those cheering her on.
Outside, a magnificent white carriage awaited.
Eric boarded first without escorting Beliar.
Beliar struggled into the carriage in her cumbersome dress. Her expression hardened when she saw that another person was already inside—Doana.
It wasn’t just Beliar who was surprised; Eric also looked shocked.
“Why are you here?”
Doana glanced at Beliar behind Eric, sneered, and deliberately grabbed Eric’s arm.
“You said you were going south. I’m coming along too.”
“Why would you come on our honeymoon?”
Despite Eric’s firm voice, Doana cooed.
“I won’t disturb you. I just want to get some fresh air. Can’t I come along?”
Of course, it was a lie. She intended to prevent them from having their first night together.
Seeing Eric remain silent, Doana used her child as leverage.
“They say travel is great for prenatal care. Think positively, Eric—for our child’s sake.”
‘She has a child?’
Beliar, unaware of this, glanced at Doana in shock. Doana’s smirk grew wider, as if flaunting it.
“I even had a new dress made… it’s too good to waste.”
Shamelessly bold, she planned to follow on the honeymoon despite being a mistress.
“You’re coming with us, right?”
Doana clung to Eric’s arm, wagging her hips coquettishly. Beliar was utterly bewildered.
“A honeymoon… you’re not taking your mistress, are you?”
Who brings a lover on a honeymoon?
At that, Doana muttered, as if to herself, loud enough for Eric to hear.
“I even had a new dress made… it’s too good to waste.”
Eric flinched at the mention of the dress. Clever Doana had deliberately brought it up, but to him, she just looked pitiful.
“If my wife tells me to get down, I will…”
Doana mumbled insincerely, fiddling with her fingers.
Just yesterday, she had been thrilled to become his bride. Eric recalled this and felt slightly awkward.
‘She must have been expecting her wedding…’
This little mood adjustment would be fine.
Eric glanced at Doana beside him.
“Fine, you can come along.”
He spoke without asking Beliar’s opinion.
“Yay! Our Count!”
Doana cheered, pressing against Eric, flaunting herself before Beliar, now a Countess.
“Count, even so… a honeymoon…”
Beliar protested, but Eric ignored her.
“Don’t be fussy. It won’t harm you.”
Eric’s cold tone made Doana smirk.
“Relax, sister. We’ll be in the same mansion anyway.”
She spoke casually to Beliar, confident she was superior to the young 20-year-old daughter of the Marquis.
The carriage departed, carrying Eric, Doana, and Beliar south.
It was an absurd, unprecedented honeymoon.
