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CHAPTER 21
“Then shall we have a meal together…?”
“I’m tired. I don’t feel like eating. I’m not even hungry.”
“Ah, I see. Yes, of course. You must be exhausted. Next time, I’ll arrange contact properly through a maid.”
“Alright. I’ll be going to bed early.”
With that unmistakable dismissal, Iriett twisted his lips into a faint smile and nodded. He had tried to make the atmosphere pleasant for nothing, but he couldn’t afford to sour things now. He quickly headed toward the door.
“Yes, Madam. Please have a restful night.”
Thud.
Rather than answering, Radian stared at the closed door. When the carved patterns on it began to strain her eyes, she pressed her temples lightly.
“Haah…”
Her sigh was long. This felt like far too submissive an approach if it was merely about reconciling their relationship. Like a cheating husband before making his move, he always became gentle right before doing something. What was he planning this time? Worry deepened in Radian’s eyes.
Knock, knock.
“It’s Wendy.”
“Come in.”
Wendy entered and immediately stood beside Radian, looking at her with concern. Those innocent eyes filled with sincerity made Radian’s chest tighten for a moment.
“Nothing happened, right?”
“Yes. Nothing happened. But are you alright, Lady Radian?”
“Yes, I’m just a little tired. Oh, Wendy, let’s eat this together. I’m hungry.”
Radian pointed at the table set with alcohol and food. Wendy widened her eyes. She had occasionally eaten desserts Radian brought, but she had never been served such luxurious appetizers and wine.
“I-I couldn’t possibly eat something so precious with you… especially with the Marquis…”
“Eating with my husband would be worse. It’s too much for me to finish alone anyway. Eat with me. You will, right?”
“Yes, yes, of course.”
Wendy awkwardly sat down, clearly uncomfortable, though anticipation filled her eyes. Smiling at her, Radian began slicing a thick white loaf of bread.
“I look forward to your cooperation.”
“Don’t worry, Madam. I’ll do my best.”
Jane smiled brightly and extended her hand. Radian took it without hesitation. Their hands shook firmly before parting.
Jane was the head of a merchant guild specializing in transporting goods. She had been surprised when a noble lady of a ducal house summoned her, but after receiving a generous advance payment within ten minutes, her eyes had practically sparkled.
The goods were being transported from the capital to the border. Though heavy, they weren’t valuable—essentially junk: used mana stones worth only a few silvers each. No bandits would bother such cargo.
Still, the payment Radian offered was enormous. Jane had thought this noble lady, ignorant of the world, had suddenly changed her mind—but after hearing her plan, she realized Radian was quite intelligent. That made her even more impressed.
Radian handed Jane the warehouse key.
“Do you remember the address?”
“Yes. Navaret Street, numbers 34, buildings 101 to 109. I got to where I am thanks to my memory.”
“Oh my, that’s impressive.”
“Of course it is.”
Jane spoke confidently. Radian nodded quietly. In a world where it was difficult for women to hold jobs, someone who became a guild leader must have had something exceptional—hers was likely memory.
“Then until we meet again, stay healthy, Madam!”
“And you as well.”
“Excuse me then.”
Jane left briskly.
Tap tap tap—
“Yay!”
Unable to contain her joy, Jane ran down the hallway, cheering softly. The sound reached Radian’s ears.
Of course. The ducal corridors picked up even the smallest sounds.
Yet Radian didn’t find her behavior rude. Rather, it lifted her mood slightly.
She collapsed onto the soft sofa in the reception room, spinning lightly before sitting down in a relaxed posture. She unfolded the contract on the table again.
It was a contract transferring full ownership of the used mana stones to her. The ducal seal glinted in the sunlight—authentic without a doubt. Happiness filled Radian’s face.
Knock, knock.
Another visitor?
Radian quickly stood and composed herself. Her previously loose dress regained its elegance instantly.
“Lady Radian. Lady Mensklisha has sent over the dress.”
“Let her in.”
Recently, Radian’s reception room had been unusually busy. Though Shan had reported the strange activity to the Duke, Aight Duke had been ignoring him since the Silvia incident.
A woman entered wearing a peacock-feathered hat and a dress with elaborate patterns.
“Welcome.”
“Lady Radian, I hope you’ve been well.”
Lisha Mensklisha—once gloomy at their first meeting—now spoke brightly, just like Jane. Her cheerful voice sounded like bells.
“Yes, I’ve been well. And you?”
“Not really. I stayed up three nights making this dress.”
“Oh my… you shouldn’t overwork yourself…”
“It’s fine! Just being able to make something like this is an honor!”
She handed over a beautifully wrapped box. The ribbon was so elegant it felt almost too precious to untie.
Radian gently undid it.
Inside was a dress so stunning it took her breath away.
“Wow…”
Radian hugged Lisha impulsively. The startled designer froze.
“I’m sorry, I was just so happy…”
“It’s fine… I was just surprised. You’re very expressive, Lady.”
“Only with people I like. Thank you. It’s exactly what I imagined… no, even better.”
Later, Radian lay on her bed, gazing at the dress hanging in the wardrobe. The wind from the open window made it sway beautifully.
“Is that the dress for the ball?”
“Michael.”
Radian smiled brightly at him.
Michael, seated, looked at her seriously.
“Yes, that’s it. Pretty, isn’t it?”
“Yes. It is.”
“I knew you’d say that. Shall we start the lesson? I reviewed.”
“…Let’s postpone today’s lesson. There’s something you need to see first.”
Michael placed a small green pill into Radian’s mouth.
“It’s medicine to calm your mind. Better than grabbing your neck later.”
Radian grimaced and swallowed—it was extremely bitter.
Then Michael placed a viewing orb on the table. The screen activated.
“…Iriett?”
It was Iriett and his lover, Viscount Giannadion. They were in a reception room.
“I told you I’d come if you call me…”
“I just wanted to see you.”
“Tell me—how does it feel to seduce your wife again?”
“Don’t even mention it. He’s changed so much in a year it’s exhausting.”
Radian stared in disbelief.
“It’s natural. Power turns people into aged cheese.”
“If only she were more obedient…”
“Even if you age, you’ll still be handsome.”
“My Gin… you are my paradise.”
Then came the words that shocked her further.
“So when are you planning to deal with her?”
“Before the wedding. It’ll be easier to bury afterward.”
“Cause of death? Suicide?”
Iriett frowned.
“Suicide in a ducal house? Impossible. It’ll be an unfortunate accident. Until then, I’ll act like the perfect loving husband.”
