His gaze, which had been rolling slowly, reached Agatha. Her beautiful lips opened.
“Sometimes, something like this is okay.”
"Yes?"
“I feel much healthier now that you take care of me.”
“Really?”
“It seems like it’ll be a long time before I let you go at night, though.”
“...!”
“If this is the price I pay for keeping my meals simple, then I think I can happily accept it from now on.”
He drank all the honey-pickled walnuts and fruit that came for dessert, as well as the wine.
Agatha, who had been absent-minded for a moment, finally came to her senses.
Her face turned red and her lips quivered.
She hesitated without answering and lowered her gaze.
“It’s okay because it’s proof of health... In fact, I think that’s actually a good thing.”
The man, who had put down his empty wine glass, stood up from his seat. He approached lightly, but a sense of heaviness that was somewhat terrifying could be felt from the body he was stepping on.
Agatha tilted her head and looked up at the man sitting high above her.
The long, straight fingers that touched the white tablecloth strangely shook her heart.
“It’s okay.”
“...Was it that lacking?”
“Very much.”
Hook, a sweet scent of wine wafted from him as he approached.
“If you eat a simple lunch every day, do you expect me to always prepare a dinner like this?”
Agatha barely managed to look down from his dark gray eyes.
“Then you know you won’t be able to come into my bedroom at night.”
“You’re going too far. Didn’t you say it was okay a little while ago?”
“You’re not feeling well, so shouldn’t you at least get some deep sleep?”
“You don’t support me at all.”
The man's lips came closer as he let out a small laugh.
“Okay. I’ll think of you even when I’m feeling lazy and eat my meals regularly. Instead.”
"Oh...!"
A large hand wrapped around her waist and lifted her up, placing her down on the table. The knights and servants quickly turned their heads.
“You’re not pushing yourself too hard. If it’s not urgent, how about making a promise to spend time with me at night?”
As if they had never spent a night together.
The man kissed her thickly.
Agatha put her arms around his broad shoulders and willingly surrendered herself to his embrace.
Rather, it was what she wanted.
The next day, Agatha was receiving a report about the gold mine from her first assistant, Ethel Maslow.
“The mining volume is considerable.”
“Yes. It has been determined that it is exactly 40% of the largest gold mine currently owned by the Nobilis family.”
Is it okay?
She looked into it and found that the reserves were considerable. She did a quick investigation while determining the compensation, but it was considerably better than she had initially thought.
“Is this all the information you handed over from Cressente?”
Agatha asked, handing over the documents that had arrived after the gold mine ownership was handed over.
Thanks to the meticulous management of the Marquis of Cresenteu, now Viscount, it was written down in detail how many workers there were, whether there was room for more production, and whether there were other minerals in the mine.
“Would you like to send someone to reinvestigate?”
“That’s right.”
Agatha did not trust the information given to her by others.
It is only natural that the Nobilis family, which owns seven mines, has a much greater mine detection ability than the Crescente family, which only owns one gold mine.
“Please call in the craftsmen from the mines. While you’re at it, it would be good to send some of the upper-level personnel as well.”
"All right."
Ethel, standing in front of her desk, handed over the following documents.
“Here is a list of winter items to be handled at the top.”
Agatha, who was looking through the list, tapped on the document.
'Come to think of it, I haven't been able to go on a tour of the upper level this year.'
Because of the successive battles over territory, including marriages, she was unable to properly take care of the upper part.
The land and the upper class were quickly ruined if not touched by the owner's hands.
Ethel noticed her worries and advised her.
“Why not take a look while you’re in the capital?”
“Should I? I think it would be a good idea to go today while we’re at it.”
“I’ll get it ready right away. Is this a surprise inspection?”
“Yes. Please don’t tell the top.”
Since it's been a while since she's been there, it would be nice to see it in its raw form.
Agatha stood up from her seat.
The weather was cold, as early winter was approaching. She wore a smooth, thick-textured dress, warm velvet shoes, and a thick fur cloak.
“Are you out, ma’am?”
“Please take care of me today too, Sir Hubert.”
Agatha boarded the carriage, escorted by Hubert. Ethel followed, and the carriage began to leave the second mansion of the capital city of Nobilis.
It was when a carriage bearing the emblem of the Aratus family was speeding down the street.
“Stop it.”
Knock knock,
Ethel, who was on the opposite side, immediately knocked on the carriage wall.
As soon as the carriage stopped, the second lieutenant, Hubert Carwen, who was in charge of the escort, rode up to the window.
“What is it, ma’am?”
“I think I saw someone I know.”
Agatha pulled back the curtains completely and stared at a familiar face through the carriage window.
'Also.'
She wasn't seeing things wrong. There was a woman who appeared to be Isabelle Aratus with a man.
Who is it?
Agatha narrowed her eyes and watched the two. The man's face was not visible, but Isabelle's face was clearly visible.
Isabelle's shy smile made her look like a girl in love.
As Agatha stared out the window, the knights of Ethel and Aratus, who were riding in the carriage with her, noticed Isabelle's presence.
“Ethel.”
First Assistant, Ethel, immediately gave an update on Isabelle's current situation.
“Lady Aratus has been actively participating in social activities recently. She regularly holds salons and interacts with members of various families.”
It was a good thing that Isabelle had safely established herself in society.
But apart from that, Isabelle was the sister of the Marquis of Aratus.
Agatha's closest relative and sister-in-law cut off all her relatives.
In such a situation, Isabelle's love affair was a matter within the Aratus family that had to be handled quite sensitively.
'I guess I'll have to check.'
Agatha got up from the sofa.
“Open the door.”
The coachman opened the door immediately. As she got out of the carriage, Agatha saw the face of the other person that she had not been able to see due to the angle.
Agatha immediately recognized who the man was.
Julian Margrethe of the Kingdom of Magretta.
He was a collateral relative of the royal family who currently resided in the Roxbad Empire as an ambassador.
Was he high in the line of succession?
As far as Agatha remembers, it wasn't like that.
Still, he was a decent man with a good reputation.
Isabelle was completely unaware of Agatha's presence until she approached her.
“Young Lady Isabelle. It’s nice to meet you.”
Only after Agatha greeted her did her eyes widen in surprise.
“Madame Agatha.”
She must have been very flustered because her hand that was holding the fan had turned white.
Agatha looked at Julian Margrethe, who was naturally with Isabelle, with an expressionless face that showed no sign of thought.
“It’s been a long time, Prince Margrethe.”
“Yes. I heard that you returned to the capital.”
Julian Margrethe greeted Agatha with a slightly pale face.
“The Marchioness of Aratus.”
The man, who had such a low position in the line of succession to the throne that he was an ambassador to another country, looked at Isabelle once before locking eyes with Agatha.
“Although it is late, congratulations on your victory in the Battle of territory.”
“Thank you. I am glad that you congratulate me like this.”
"You're welcome."
Agatha got the answer she needed from the exchange of glances between the two, the expression on their faces as they treated her, and the tone of their speech.
As Agatha turned around with a light bow, she was met with Isabelle's anxious eyes.
Just as she was about to board the carriage, escorted by Sir Hubert whose complexion had become pale.
“Just a moment, Madame Agatha.”
When Agatha turned around, she saw Isabelle approaching.
“Can you spare me a moment?”
The surprise inspection at the top was something that could have been delayed a little.
Agatha readily complied after noticing Isabelle's flushed cheeks and shaking pupils.
“Yes. Should we go into that tea house over there?”
“Yes. Thank you, Madame Agatha.”
The tea house located in the center of the capital was deserted. Perhaps that was to be expected, since not many people would come out to drink tea in the early morning.
Thanks to this, Agatha was able to have a sincere conversation with Isabelle on the empty second-floor balcony.
“I didn’t know you had become acquainted with Prince Margrethe, Isabelle.”
“We became close friends after my brother and Lady Agatha went to Nobilis.”
Isabelle clasped her hands together and opened her mouth cautiously.
“Please be kind and understanding. And don’t criticize my shortcomings.”
In short, it was a relationship that comforted Isabelle's heart when she was left alone in the capital's social circle.
“We’re not at a point where we can really explain it yet.”
“So you’re saying that you haven’t been able to formally open up to me?”
"Yes."
Isabelle asked Agatha in a voice that seemed to be hanging on.
“Please keep it a secret from my brother for a while.”
This was the reason why Isabelle followed Agatha so urgently.
“When we become formally romantically involved later, I want to tell him in person.”
“Sometimes, something like this is okay.”
"Yes?"
“I feel much healthier now that you take care of me.”
“Really?”
“It seems like it’ll be a long time before I let you go at night, though.”
“...!”
“If this is the price I pay for keeping my meals simple, then I think I can happily accept it from now on.”
He drank all the honey-pickled walnuts and fruit that came for dessert, as well as the wine.
Agatha, who had been absent-minded for a moment, finally came to her senses.
Her face turned red and her lips quivered.
She hesitated without answering and lowered her gaze.
“It’s okay because it’s proof of health... In fact, I think that’s actually a good thing.”
The man, who had put down his empty wine glass, stood up from his seat. He approached lightly, but a sense of heaviness that was somewhat terrifying could be felt from the body he was stepping on.
Agatha tilted her head and looked up at the man sitting high above her.
The long, straight fingers that touched the white tablecloth strangely shook her heart.
“It’s okay.”
“...Was it that lacking?”
“Very much.”
Hook, a sweet scent of wine wafted from him as he approached.
“If you eat a simple lunch every day, do you expect me to always prepare a dinner like this?”
Agatha barely managed to look down from his dark gray eyes.
“Then you know you won’t be able to come into my bedroom at night.”
“You’re going too far. Didn’t you say it was okay a little while ago?”
“You’re not feeling well, so shouldn’t you at least get some deep sleep?”
“You don’t support me at all.”
The man's lips came closer as he let out a small laugh.
“Okay. I’ll think of you even when I’m feeling lazy and eat my meals regularly. Instead.”
"Oh...!"
A large hand wrapped around her waist and lifted her up, placing her down on the table. The knights and servants quickly turned their heads.
“You’re not pushing yourself too hard. If it’s not urgent, how about making a promise to spend time with me at night?”
As if they had never spent a night together.
The man kissed her thickly.
Agatha put her arms around his broad shoulders and willingly surrendered herself to his embrace.
Rather, it was what she wanted.
The next day, Agatha was receiving a report about the gold mine from her first assistant, Ethel Maslow.
“The mining volume is considerable.”
“Yes. It has been determined that it is exactly 40% of the largest gold mine currently owned by the Nobilis family.”
Is it okay?
She looked into it and found that the reserves were considerable. She did a quick investigation while determining the compensation, but it was considerably better than she had initially thought.
“Is this all the information you handed over from Cressente?”
Agatha asked, handing over the documents that had arrived after the gold mine ownership was handed over.
Thanks to the meticulous management of the Marquis of Cresenteu, now Viscount, it was written down in detail how many workers there were, whether there was room for more production, and whether there were other minerals in the mine.
“Would you like to send someone to reinvestigate?”
“That’s right.”
Agatha did not trust the information given to her by others.
It is only natural that the Nobilis family, which owns seven mines, has a much greater mine detection ability than the Crescente family, which only owns one gold mine.
“Please call in the craftsmen from the mines. While you’re at it, it would be good to send some of the upper-level personnel as well.”
"All right."
Ethel, standing in front of her desk, handed over the following documents.
“Here is a list of winter items to be handled at the top.”
Agatha, who was looking through the list, tapped on the document.
'Come to think of it, I haven't been able to go on a tour of the upper level this year.'
Because of the successive battles over territory, including marriages, she was unable to properly take care of the upper part.
The land and the upper class were quickly ruined if not touched by the owner's hands.
Ethel noticed her worries and advised her.
“Why not take a look while you’re in the capital?”
“Should I? I think it would be a good idea to go today while we’re at it.”
“I’ll get it ready right away. Is this a surprise inspection?”
“Yes. Please don’t tell the top.”
Since it's been a while since she's been there, it would be nice to see it in its raw form.
Agatha stood up from her seat.
The weather was cold, as early winter was approaching. She wore a smooth, thick-textured dress, warm velvet shoes, and a thick fur cloak.
“Are you out, ma’am?”
“Please take care of me today too, Sir Hubert.”
Agatha boarded the carriage, escorted by Hubert. Ethel followed, and the carriage began to leave the second mansion of the capital city of Nobilis.
It was when a carriage bearing the emblem of the Aratus family was speeding down the street.
“Stop it.”
Knock knock,
Ethel, who was on the opposite side, immediately knocked on the carriage wall.
As soon as the carriage stopped, the second lieutenant, Hubert Carwen, who was in charge of the escort, rode up to the window.
“What is it, ma’am?”
“I think I saw someone I know.”
Agatha pulled back the curtains completely and stared at a familiar face through the carriage window.
'Also.'
She wasn't seeing things wrong. There was a woman who appeared to be Isabelle Aratus with a man.
Who is it?
Agatha narrowed her eyes and watched the two. The man's face was not visible, but Isabelle's face was clearly visible.
Isabelle's shy smile made her look like a girl in love.
As Agatha stared out the window, the knights of Ethel and Aratus, who were riding in the carriage with her, noticed Isabelle's presence.
“Ethel.”
First Assistant, Ethel, immediately gave an update on Isabelle's current situation.
“Lady Aratus has been actively participating in social activities recently. She regularly holds salons and interacts with members of various families.”
It was a good thing that Isabelle had safely established herself in society.
But apart from that, Isabelle was the sister of the Marquis of Aratus.
Agatha's closest relative and sister-in-law cut off all her relatives.
In such a situation, Isabelle's love affair was a matter within the Aratus family that had to be handled quite sensitively.
'I guess I'll have to check.'
Agatha got up from the sofa.
“Open the door.”
The coachman opened the door immediately. As she got out of the carriage, Agatha saw the face of the other person that she had not been able to see due to the angle.
Agatha immediately recognized who the man was.
Julian Margrethe of the Kingdom of Magretta.
He was a collateral relative of the royal family who currently resided in the Roxbad Empire as an ambassador.
Was he high in the line of succession?
As far as Agatha remembers, it wasn't like that.
Still, he was a decent man with a good reputation.
Isabelle was completely unaware of Agatha's presence until she approached her.
“Young Lady Isabelle. It’s nice to meet you.”
Only after Agatha greeted her did her eyes widen in surprise.
“Madame Agatha.”
She must have been very flustered because her hand that was holding the fan had turned white.
Agatha looked at Julian Margrethe, who was naturally with Isabelle, with an expressionless face that showed no sign of thought.
“It’s been a long time, Prince Margrethe.”
“Yes. I heard that you returned to the capital.”
Julian Margrethe greeted Agatha with a slightly pale face.
“The Marchioness of Aratus.”
The man, who had such a low position in the line of succession to the throne that he was an ambassador to another country, looked at Isabelle once before locking eyes with Agatha.
“Although it is late, congratulations on your victory in the Battle of territory.”
“Thank you. I am glad that you congratulate me like this.”
"You're welcome."
Agatha got the answer she needed from the exchange of glances between the two, the expression on their faces as they treated her, and the tone of their speech.
They're not usually on good terms.
It was definitely the early stages of a relationship where love had just begun.
A collateral royal family of the Kingdom of Magretta.
As for Isabelle, she wasn't a bad opponent.
But this was only her judgment, and she had no idea what Enoch was thinking.
“I was on my way to work when I saw a familiar face, so I must be leaving now. I will greet you again next time, Prince Margrethe.”
“Take a look, Marchioness.”
“See you next time, Young Lady Isabelle.”
“...Madame Agatha.”
It was definitely the early stages of a relationship where love had just begun.
A collateral royal family of the Kingdom of Magretta.
As for Isabelle, she wasn't a bad opponent.
But this was only her judgment, and she had no idea what Enoch was thinking.
“I was on my way to work when I saw a familiar face, so I must be leaving now. I will greet you again next time, Prince Margrethe.”
“Take a look, Marchioness.”
“See you next time, Young Lady Isabelle.”
“...Madame Agatha.”
As Agatha turned around with a light bow, she was met with Isabelle's anxious eyes.
Just as she was about to board the carriage, escorted by Sir Hubert whose complexion had become pale.
“Just a moment, Madame Agatha.”
When Agatha turned around, she saw Isabelle approaching.
“Can you spare me a moment?”
The surprise inspection at the top was something that could have been delayed a little.
Agatha readily complied after noticing Isabelle's flushed cheeks and shaking pupils.
“Yes. Should we go into that tea house over there?”
“Yes. Thank you, Madame Agatha.”
The tea house located in the center of the capital was deserted. Perhaps that was to be expected, since not many people would come out to drink tea in the early morning.
Thanks to this, Agatha was able to have a sincere conversation with Isabelle on the empty second-floor balcony.
“I didn’t know you had become acquainted with Prince Margrethe, Isabelle.”
“We became close friends after my brother and Lady Agatha went to Nobilis.”
Isabelle clasped her hands together and opened her mouth cautiously.
“Please be kind and understanding. And don’t criticize my shortcomings.”
In short, it was a relationship that comforted Isabelle's heart when she was left alone in the capital's social circle.
“We’re not at a point where we can really explain it yet.”
“So you’re saying that you haven’t been able to formally open up to me?”
"Yes."
Isabelle asked Agatha in a voice that seemed to be hanging on.
“Please keep it a secret from my brother for a while.”
This was the reason why Isabelle followed Agatha so urgently.
“When we become formally romantically involved later, I want to tell him in person.”
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