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Chapter 64
“It seems everyone gathered just to make a good impression after hearing that President Wharton is coming.”
Anna glanced outside with a bored expression.
“They say famous boutique owners often encounter people like that.”
“I had no idea.”
Before coming to this city, I had no money, so there was no reason to maintain any relationship with a high-end dress shop owner. Naturally, I never loitered around to memorize the schedules of celebrities just to make an impression.
‘But now this is going to be troublesome.’
The aristocratic hyenas were constantly on the lookout for a ‘chance encounter’ with President Wharton, so I couldn’t even get out of the carriage and had to wait nearby. The thought of pushing through that crowd was overwhelming.
While wandering near the tea house feeling awkward, someone came to meet us secretly to help.
“Dogaresa, you’re here? There are so many people, you’ll have to enter quietly through the back door.”
Valentina had sent someone to help our carriage stop at the back entrance.
“I’m sorry you had to go through this as a distinguished guest.”
“It’s not like Valentina could have predicted this, so it’s nothing.”
Other ladies were also waiting near the tea house, hoping for just a glance or a chance to make connections. Even if Wharton had ever received a harsh review from a critic, Wharton was still Wharton.
“She really is the center of attention,” Anna remarked.
Anna escorted me into the tea house. Not long after, President Wharton entered through the back door. Wharton gave off the impression of a prickly artist whose thoughts were difficult to read.
After a brief greeting and a few sips of tea, Wharton let out a slight hum. Vivian Wharton must have seen the newspaper’s harsh review. She could also see Anna looking dejected. Meanwhile, the meeting began.
“The official second branch is scheduled to open within this year, so if we coordinate the schedule well—”
Anna bowed her head deeply, taking notes as she recorded the meeting. Occasionally, the president glanced at Anna, but she buried her face in her notebook in embarrassment.
During a short break in the long meeting, Valentina served another round of tea made with newly sourced leaves—a sharp business tactic.
“I like that it’s not overly sweet. What’s this tea called?”
“Honey Black Tea.”
It seemed this month’s special creation at the tea house perfectly suited President Wharton’s taste. Valentina would never miss such an opportunity.
“We introduce a new tea every month. We’ve created a tea calendar and placed it on the table, so please take one. When there’s a special tea you like, be sure to visit us.”
“I’m curious about next month’s special tea too. I’ll have to come often.”
I pretended not to notice Valentina’s brief sales pitch. She had supported me before when there was a protest in front of the illegal merchants’ guild, helping to gather opinions from other merchants. Now, having successfully pitched to President Wharton, she smiled in my direction. It seemed she noticed Anna accompanying me.
“I heard that Anna participated in the stripe design this time. Is that correct? That’s impressive.”
“Eh? Oh, no… I didn’t receive very good feedback…”
At that moment, the atmosphere in the tea house tensed with a soft clatter. President Wharton set down the teacup as if interrupting his own words.
“Dogaresa, may I give Anna some advice regarding this recent critique?”
Anna shrank her shoulders, probably worried she would hear something unpleasant. The president’s expression softened slightly, as if noticing this.
“It’s not negative, but since you are Dogaresa’s attendant, it could come off as rude, so I wanted to ask first.”
I exchanged a glance with Anna. She swallowed and nodded vigorously.
“It’s okay. Anna probably really needs your advice.”
Wharton, with his hair neatly tied back, pointed at Anna with a slightly impatient finger.
“Thank you. Then, Anna.”
“Yes, sir!”
“Whether good or bad, having critics comment on your design means that many people are paying attention to it.”
Being an industry professional, Wharton was able to give more precise advice than I could.
“No matter how harsh the critique, you can include it in your portfolio. Even a small record matters when applying to a prestigious fashion academy.”
At the mention of a fashion academy, Anna’s face immediately brightened. Her recovery was remarkable.
“Be proud that your work caused a stir enough to be evaluated. You’ve done well.”
“I’ll remember that!”
I felt relieved that the conversation was going smoothly.
‘Speaking of academies…’
Valentina’s juniors, who had helped with the showcase designs, were students at the Royal Design Academy. Among other departments, they said there were clothing and fashion-related courses, so I should look into that.
“Since Dogaresa has allowed Anna to continue assisting me, I’d like to teach her the basics of fashion terminology and garment construction. Is that alright?”
“Of course. As the president said, it will be helpful when she continues her studies at an advanced school.”
Just what I hoped for. Thinking of the fashion academy, I smiled faintly, ready to provide Anna with a bigger future.
By the time the meeting about the second branch and the tailored advice for Anna ended, the sun was beginning to set. Seeing the sky dyed in crimson, we hurried to prepare for the journey home.
These days, returning to the ducal mansion was a pleasant thought. Alfredo would greet me at the entrance, probably dropping little hints about ‘information picked up on the streets,’ thinking I still didn’t know his true identity.
I wondered how Michele would give relationship advice to his uncle this time. Ezekiel might no longer need Michele’s advice.
When I casually greeted my husband at the entrance, we would discreetly hold hands for a few seconds before letting go. It had become a familiar routine.
As I rose from the sofa lost in these thoughts,
“Uh? Uh-oh?”
I felt dizzy. Valentina, seeing me stagger, widened her eyes.
“Be careful!”
Her warning sounded distant as my head spun. Even as consciousness dimmed, I couldn’t stop thinking of the next tasks.
What is happening? August will end soon, Michele will return to school, and if I’m like this, the estate work… the work…
“Someone call the ducal mansion! A person has collapsed!”
The sun stretched long shadows across the late afternoon. Ezekiel, reviewing the estate ledger and checking on his wife’s accomplishments, was winding up the day’s work and lost in small thoughts.
For example, what to eat for dinner, when would his wife return. If he went down in ten minutes, would he meet her right on time?
He had never worried about such things when he was alone in the mansion. Having someone in his life now made him acutely aware of mornings and evenings.
He had learned the feeling of anticipation for someone and began looking forward to dinner. He, who rarely cared about delicious food, now thoughtfully considered desserts, taking into account both his and Viola’s preferences.
Though he had never carefully chosen desserts before, he found himself jotting down words like cake or pie on blank spaces of paper. The reason was clear: Viola cared about desserts and looked happy when eating them.
Ezekiel, doodling Viola’s face in the corner of the paper, rested his chin on his hand, covering his mouth to hide his silly smile. He carefully drew her long golden hair and added a tiara on top—a mark only married women of the family could wear, showing Viola was the duchess of the house.
While he focused on this childish doodle,
“Your Grace! Dogaresa is—!”
Olga burst into the office as if an emergency had occurred.
