A shabby mansion about half a day's drive from Aratus' original territory.
The sky was cloudy as the rainy season arrived, and heavy rain was falling.
The faces of the relatives having a meeting inside were subtle.
“Have you all heard the news?”
“Yes. I still have time to listen to rumors about the capital.”
“I heard that the relationship between the Lord and Agatha Nobilis isn’t just a political marriage...”
The man who spoke last looked around cautiously.
“Can we really recover in this situation?”
“...”
A thick silence swept over the conference room. It had already been more than half a year since the Aratus family had been forced to step away from all matters.
Their goal is to return to the capital and restore power within their family.
For that to happen, there had to be a rift between Agatha Nobilis and Enoch Aratus, or there had to be some sort of influence on Enoch Aratus, but the atmosphere was turning strangely.
Then one of the relatives who had been silent raised his hand.
The new Baron Thatcher was the youngest of the blood relatives in this position, having been forcibly succeeded to the position of head of a collateral branch of the family a few months ago.
“Maybe now is the perfect time.”
“What are you talking about, Baron Thatcher?”
The Baron's eyes flashed with greed and anger.
“You’ve all heard the rumors. The relationship between Agatha Nobilis and Enoch Aratus is not simple.”
“I heard. I heard that, so isn’t that why we’re doing this now?”
“Then wouldn’t it be okay to create a rift between them? I heard that at this palace ball, when his former fiancée, Young Lady approached him, Agatha Nobilis personally kicked her out.”
“...!”
“We can take advantage of that fact too. Don’t we just happen to have the best cards?”
There was not a single relative who did not understand the Baron's words properly.
Esther Portoni.
The faces of the relatives brightened as they recalled the name of the fallen noblewoman, no, the woman who was now the Viscountess of Portoni, whom they had completely forgotten about.
“That’s right! There was that woman!”
“That’s a good thing. Hasn’t Viscount Portoni been dead for quite some time?”
“That’s right. Since they don’t have any children, even if she becomes the government, there won’t be any problems. No, if that news gets to Agatha Nobilis’ ears, wouldn’t we have an opening to sneak in?”
“Let’s make a plan right now!”
“Baron Thatcher, you have done a great job!”
The atmosphere was filled with hope at a moment when it was thought that the return was completely blocked.
“Is Esther Portoni in the capital?”
“I heard she rented a townhouse.”
“Then contact won’t be difficult.”
“I will go and see for myself as I did before.”
As one enthusiastic person steps forward, another cautious person steps in to stop him.
“There is no place in the capital that Nobilis’ eyes do not reach. I think it would be best to send a letter first, in case you get caught.”
“Then wouldn’t it be better to send a decent messenger rather than a letter that would leave evidence?”
After deciding how to contact her, the problem was how to persuade her.
“But do you think Esther Portoni would easily cooperate?”
In response to a question posed by someone, one of Esther Portoni's relatives, who prided himself on knowing her well, stepped forward.
“It wasn’t just the Lord who had feelings for Esther Portoni. Funnily enough, Esther Portoni also loved the Lord.”
Otherwise, why would the head of the household have kept the woman alive until now?
“It was a two-way love!”
Whatever the truth, the argument was extremely persuasive.
“She betrayed him for money, and now you say it’s love?”
“So, wouldn’t there be even more regrets? We just have to touch on that point.”
The laughter that had swept over was replaced by a harsh analysis.
“When things get better, isn’t it natural that you think of love more than money?”
“Besides, a family as prestigious as Aratus is rare. Esther Portoni will know better than anyone how sweet it is to become a member of our family.”
It was as if the missed gems appeared bigger.
“First, let’s make Esther think that the position Agatha Nobilis occupied was hers.”
The operation that touched on desire, foolishness, and hope was systematically completed by the hands of the Aratus clan, each seeking their own interests.
The new Baron Thatcher, who was watching the scene, could not hide his laughter.
'Go ahead. You couldn't have imagined this kind of situation.'
Perhaps Enoch Aratus expected that his relatives would calm down since he had already swept away three families and brought order to his household.
But that wasn't the case. Would greed disappear so easily?
'If you thought I would just back off like this, you were very mistaken.'
A few months ago, Baron Thatcher's suffering was indescribable when his family was swept away by Enoch's example and he suddenly became the head of the household.
Of course, it was good that he went from being an insignificant second son to a Baron, but he did not forget that he lost his father and older brother in an instant.
Even the thought of a family head who he had taken for granted marrying well and enjoying the Emperor's favor made him want to jump out of his sleep because his stomach hurt.
In that sense, Esther Portoni was the best move he could think of.
If she happens to become the head of the family, he could exert influence on the Aratus family through her, and even if her presence only causes conflict with Agatha Nobilis, it could shake up the family.
Perhaps Agatha Nobilis, who enjoyed divorce, would abandon the family.
Then, there is no way that a family that has not yet established a solid foundation will be able to endure.
“I will try to contact Esther Portoni.”
His relatives were moved by his humble words that hid his true feelings and praised him.
“If the Baron came up with such a good idea, I can trust him. Then I will only trust the Baron for that matter.”
“Please leave it to me.”
The eyes of Baron Thatcher, who had created the current situation by inducing his relatives without letting anyone know, flashed with malice.
At a time when secret plots were stirring in the border territories.
The two-day imperial ball was over. Since then, the Marquis Aratus and his wife have been living unusual lives.
Agatha, who woke up in the morning, looked at the empty bed for a moment, then got up. After calling the maids and washing up, she put on a light gown over her indoor dress and went out to the dining room.
“Are you here, Ma’am?”
It's still early.
In the restaurant, Enoch, who had arrived first, was having breakfast.
'Ma'am.'
The title 'Agatha', which was always used in private, had changed.
“Good morning, Enoch.”
Agatha sat across from him without making a fuss. She was at the head of the long table.
Knock knock-
The chef appeared with a tray and personally put the food down.
“This morning-”
“The guidance is fine, so I’ll skip it.”
“...Yes, ma’am.”
Agatha quietly chewed the fresh green salad and swallowed it.
The restaurant, which was always filled with the sound of conversation, was now filled with the clanking of dishes and the faint footsteps of servants.
Agatha put down her dishes and spoke to Enoch.
“What is your schedule today?”
Even if she tries to talk to him first, the answer she gets is similar to yesterday.
“There is a social gathering after attending the court meeting.”
“Then are you coming home late again today?”
“Yes. Don’t wait and go to sleep first.”
Agatha muttered to herself as she burst the yolk of the soft-boiled egg.
She was already in a bad mood because she felt like she had misunderstood his feelings.
With no appetite, Agatha put down her fork and drank the juice.
“I think I’ll be busy starting today.”
Now that the palace ball was over, it was time to take care of the work she had been meaning to do slowly.
“I’m planning to renovate the Aratus Mansion.”
Enoch raised his head at Agatha's words.
“His Majesty has decided to release the craftsmen.”
The gray eyes, which gave no indication of what they were thinking, were calm and composed.
“I’ll be back late at night for a while. You shouldn’t wait for me either. If you’re late, go to bed first. If you need to contact me, send someone to the Aratus mansion.”
Agatha got up first and left the restaurant. The man who had been staring blankly at her back slowly put down his dishes.
His plate was just as spicy, with the food still intact.
The second mansion of the capital city of Nobilis.
The knights who were waiting in front of the main mansion, now more famous as Agatha's honeymoon residence, looked back.
The man who strode forward and grabbed the reins of a huge steed was their lord, Enoch Aratus.
“Are you out, my lord?”
“Let’s go.”
Enoch mounted his horse and turned his horse towards the main gate of the mansion. Behind him were his aide John, who had his mouth shut, his adjutant Chad, and the knights.
Enoch said nothing as he walked to the palace.
All that came to mind was the awkward air between him and his wife that morning, even though she seemed normal on the outside.
The soft and gentle atmosphere that was unusual for a political marriage was nowhere to be found.
But it tasted bitter.
Unfortunately, Enoch had no intention of moving from this spot. No, perhaps he was hoping that this situation would pass and the atmosphere would return to the same as before.
The sky was cloudy as the rainy season arrived, and heavy rain was falling.
The faces of the relatives having a meeting inside were subtle.
“Have you all heard the news?”
“Yes. I still have time to listen to rumors about the capital.”
“I heard that the relationship between the Lord and Agatha Nobilis isn’t just a political marriage...”
The man who spoke last looked around cautiously.
“Can we really recover in this situation?”
“...”
A thick silence swept over the conference room. It had already been more than half a year since the Aratus family had been forced to step away from all matters.
Their goal is to return to the capital and restore power within their family.
For that to happen, there had to be a rift between Agatha Nobilis and Enoch Aratus, or there had to be some sort of influence on Enoch Aratus, but the atmosphere was turning strangely.
Then one of the relatives who had been silent raised his hand.
The new Baron Thatcher was the youngest of the blood relatives in this position, having been forcibly succeeded to the position of head of a collateral branch of the family a few months ago.
“Maybe now is the perfect time.”
“What are you talking about, Baron Thatcher?”
The Baron's eyes flashed with greed and anger.
“You’ve all heard the rumors. The relationship between Agatha Nobilis and Enoch Aratus is not simple.”
“I heard. I heard that, so isn’t that why we’re doing this now?”
“Then wouldn’t it be okay to create a rift between them? I heard that at this palace ball, when his former fiancée, Young Lady approached him, Agatha Nobilis personally kicked her out.”
“...!”
“We can take advantage of that fact too. Don’t we just happen to have the best cards?”
There was not a single relative who did not understand the Baron's words properly.
Esther Portoni.
The faces of the relatives brightened as they recalled the name of the fallen noblewoman, no, the woman who was now the Viscountess of Portoni, whom they had completely forgotten about.
“That’s right! There was that woman!”
“That’s a good thing. Hasn’t Viscount Portoni been dead for quite some time?”
“That’s right. Since they don’t have any children, even if she becomes the government, there won’t be any problems. No, if that news gets to Agatha Nobilis’ ears, wouldn’t we have an opening to sneak in?”
“Let’s make a plan right now!”
“Baron Thatcher, you have done a great job!”
The atmosphere was filled with hope at a moment when it was thought that the return was completely blocked.
“Is Esther Portoni in the capital?”
“I heard she rented a townhouse.”
“Then contact won’t be difficult.”
“I will go and see for myself as I did before.”
As one enthusiastic person steps forward, another cautious person steps in to stop him.
“There is no place in the capital that Nobilis’ eyes do not reach. I think it would be best to send a letter first, in case you get caught.”
“Then wouldn’t it be better to send a decent messenger rather than a letter that would leave evidence?”
After deciding how to contact her, the problem was how to persuade her.
“But do you think Esther Portoni would easily cooperate?”
In response to a question posed by someone, one of Esther Portoni's relatives, who prided himself on knowing her well, stepped forward.
“It wasn’t just the Lord who had feelings for Esther Portoni. Funnily enough, Esther Portoni also loved the Lord.”
Otherwise, why would the head of the household have kept the woman alive until now?
“It was a two-way love!”
Whatever the truth, the argument was extremely persuasive.
“She betrayed him for money, and now you say it’s love?”
“So, wouldn’t there be even more regrets? We just have to touch on that point.”
The laughter that had swept over was replaced by a harsh analysis.
“When things get better, isn’t it natural that you think of love more than money?”
“Besides, a family as prestigious as Aratus is rare. Esther Portoni will know better than anyone how sweet it is to become a member of our family.”
It was as if the missed gems appeared bigger.
“First, let’s make Esther think that the position Agatha Nobilis occupied was hers.”
The operation that touched on desire, foolishness, and hope was systematically completed by the hands of the Aratus clan, each seeking their own interests.
The new Baron Thatcher, who was watching the scene, could not hide his laughter.
'Go ahead. You couldn't have imagined this kind of situation.'
Perhaps Enoch Aratus expected that his relatives would calm down since he had already swept away three families and brought order to his household.
But that wasn't the case. Would greed disappear so easily?
'If you thought I would just back off like this, you were very mistaken.'
A few months ago, Baron Thatcher's suffering was indescribable when his family was swept away by Enoch's example and he suddenly became the head of the household.
Of course, it was good that he went from being an insignificant second son to a Baron, but he did not forget that he lost his father and older brother in an instant.
Even the thought of a family head who he had taken for granted marrying well and enjoying the Emperor's favor made him want to jump out of his sleep because his stomach hurt.
In that sense, Esther Portoni was the best move he could think of.
If she happens to become the head of the family, he could exert influence on the Aratus family through her, and even if her presence only causes conflict with Agatha Nobilis, it could shake up the family.
Perhaps Agatha Nobilis, who enjoyed divorce, would abandon the family.
Then, there is no way that a family that has not yet established a solid foundation will be able to endure.
“I will try to contact Esther Portoni.”
His relatives were moved by his humble words that hid his true feelings and praised him.
“If the Baron came up with such a good idea, I can trust him. Then I will only trust the Baron for that matter.”
“Please leave it to me.”
The eyes of Baron Thatcher, who had created the current situation by inducing his relatives without letting anyone know, flashed with malice.
***
At a time when secret plots were stirring in the border territories.
The two-day imperial ball was over. Since then, the Marquis Aratus and his wife have been living unusual lives.
Agatha, who woke up in the morning, looked at the empty bed for a moment, then got up. After calling the maids and washing up, she put on a light gown over her indoor dress and went out to the dining room.
“Are you here, Ma’am?”
It's still early.
In the restaurant, Enoch, who had arrived first, was having breakfast.
'Ma'am.'
The title 'Agatha', which was always used in private, had changed.
“Good morning, Enoch.”
Agatha sat across from him without making a fuss. She was at the head of the long table.
Knock knock-
The chef appeared with a tray and personally put the food down.
“This morning-”
“The guidance is fine, so I’ll skip it.”
“...Yes, ma’am.”
Agatha quietly chewed the fresh green salad and swallowed it.
The restaurant, which was always filled with the sound of conversation, was now filled with the clanking of dishes and the faint footsteps of servants.
Agatha put down her dishes and spoke to Enoch.
“What is your schedule today?”
Even if she tries to talk to him first, the answer she gets is similar to yesterday.
“There is a social gathering after attending the court meeting.”
“Then are you coming home late again today?”
“Yes. Don’t wait and go to sleep first.”
Agatha muttered to herself as she burst the yolk of the soft-boiled egg.
She was already in a bad mood because she felt like she had misunderstood his feelings.
With no appetite, Agatha put down her fork and drank the juice.
“I think I’ll be busy starting today.”
Now that the palace ball was over, it was time to take care of the work she had been meaning to do slowly.
“I’m planning to renovate the Aratus Mansion.”
Enoch raised his head at Agatha's words.
“His Majesty has decided to release the craftsmen.”
The gray eyes, which gave no indication of what they were thinking, were calm and composed.
“I’ll be back late at night for a while. You shouldn’t wait for me either. If you’re late, go to bed first. If you need to contact me, send someone to the Aratus mansion.”
Agatha got up first and left the restaurant. The man who had been staring blankly at her back slowly put down his dishes.
His plate was just as spicy, with the food still intact.
The second mansion of the capital city of Nobilis.
The knights who were waiting in front of the main mansion, now more famous as Agatha's honeymoon residence, looked back.
The man who strode forward and grabbed the reins of a huge steed was their lord, Enoch Aratus.
“Are you out, my lord?”
“Let’s go.”
Enoch mounted his horse and turned his horse towards the main gate of the mansion. Behind him were his aide John, who had his mouth shut, his adjutant Chad, and the knights.
Enoch said nothing as he walked to the palace.
All that came to mind was the awkward air between him and his wife that morning, even though she seemed normal on the outside.
The soft and gentle atmosphere that was unusual for a political marriage was nowhere to be found.
But it tasted bitter.
Unfortunately, Enoch had no intention of moving from this spot. No, perhaps he was hoping that this situation would pass and the atmosphere would return to the same as before.
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