Episode 52. Living Well Without You
Rose continued speaking, oblivious to the stern expression of the Grand Duke of Artaeum.
“He knows what noblewomen prefer, so I think he’ll help us select brands.”
Gwen had been assisting nobles for over 30 years. Rose couldn’t help but think Gwen would have a good grasp of their needs.
The Grand Duke narrowed his eyes and spoke slowly.
“Really? I think since our target audience is ladies, it would be better to work with women.”
"Just the two of you..."
The Grand Duke stared blankly at Rose. It bothered him that she was meeting alone with a dark-skinned man.
He removed his trembling lips and spoke in a low voice.
“But I’m an investor, and I don’t really want to send you and that guy away alone. I guess I should go too.”
‘Wouldn’t Gwen be uncomfortable if the Grand Duke went with her?’
She was a little worried because Count Wence’s family and the Artaeum family weren’t on good terms. Grand Duke, though Gwen had been fired from Count Wence’s family, he had a feeling that the Grand Duke might not like him.
Rose thought for a moment and answered cautiously.
“I’d be happy to go with the Grand Duke.”
It was hard to refuse the Grand Duke's offer without a reason, and if the business failed by any chance, she thought she could avoid the resentment that it failed because the site wasn’t good.
Rose thought that nothing would happen and drank the cold drink on the table.
As she was drinking, Rose noticed that the Grand Duke was staring at her intently.
The heated gaze remained until she finished her drink and placed her glass back on the table.
"What else do you have to say?"
Rose met the Grand Duke's eyes and smiled awkwardly.
"How did it feel to be at your ex-husband's wedding?"
His cool blue eyes sparkled with interest at Rose.
Rose smiled, running a hand through her hair.
Not only had she taken personal revenge on Doana, but she had also shown Eric a confident demeanor, like the heroine in the original novel.
Rose continued speaking, oblivious to the stern expression of the Grand Duke of Artaeum.
“He knows what noblewomen prefer, so I think he’ll help us select brands.”
Gwen had been assisting nobles for over 30 years. Rose couldn’t help but think Gwen would have a good grasp of their needs.
The Grand Duke narrowed his eyes and spoke slowly.
“Really? I think since our target audience is ladies, it would be better to work with women.”
He didn’t know who was in charge of selecting the location or running the department store, but the Grand Duke wanted to relieve Rose of even one more task with that man.
“It would be nice if I knew any ladies or young ladies, but I don’t really know anyone who could help.”
Rose scratched her cheek awkwardly.
While Gwen statistically knew the brands favored by noblewomen, it would be even better to hear firsthand opinions from actual users.
However, Rose didn't know any ladies her age. Of course, not even noblewomen.
The Grand Duke raised the corners of his mouth as if he had anticipated Rose's words. He'd deliberately asked the question, hoping to hear it from her.
"Really? Then I can help you."
Rose perked up at the Grand Duke of Artaeum's words.
"She's about the same age as you. She's quite famous in the fashion industry, so she knows quite a few CEOs. If we build a relationship with her, it should be easy to get her to open a store."
Rose's eyes lit up at the Grand Duke's words.
"Wow, really?"
Selecting the brands wasn't that difficult, but getting them to open a store was.
Furthermore, she was thinking that persuading them might be even more difficult since there was no such thing as a "department store" in this world.
However, if the Grand Duke would help, Rose's business would undoubtedly go much smoother.
The Grand Duke nodded and said,
"In ten days, there will be a birthday banquet for my cousin. Come with me then. I will introduce you to Diana."
"H-Her Highness?"
"Yes."
Princess Diana of the Empire...!
Rose blinked in disbelief at the unexpected appearance of such a powerful figure.
"Will you come?"
Rose, blinking, quickly replied to the Grand Duke.
"Of course. It would be an honor."
"Then, my cousin Diana and I will work together on selecting the brand."
Rose nodded eagerly, fearing that her hard-earned opportunity would slip away.
"Thank you for your consideration!"
It was obvious that the busy Grand Duke was deliberately interfering with her business and monitoring her, but she didn't care.
With his help, she had the chance to gain a tremendous network.
Rose's lips curled up. Her excitement wouldn't subside.
Even before meeting Diana, Rose was already immersed in sweet dreams.
With the brand's arrival, her department store business, poised for a splendid revival, felt one step closer to reality.
The Grand Duke smiled involuntarily at Rose's flushed face and excitement.
He rested his face on one hand and looked at Rose. Then, seemingly indifferent, he spoke.
"By the way, when do you plan on going to see the department store site?"
"I haven't been able to contact him yet, so I think I'll have to send a separate letter. There's no set date yet."
"Really? Just the two of you?"
"Yes. It's a secretive project, after all."
At Rose's words, the Grand Duke tapped his finger on the table.
“It would be nice if I knew any ladies or young ladies, but I don’t really know anyone who could help.”
Rose scratched her cheek awkwardly.
While Gwen statistically knew the brands favored by noblewomen, it would be even better to hear firsthand opinions from actual users.
However, Rose didn't know any ladies her age. Of course, not even noblewomen.
The Grand Duke raised the corners of his mouth as if he had anticipated Rose's words. He'd deliberately asked the question, hoping to hear it from her.
"Really? Then I can help you."
Rose perked up at the Grand Duke of Artaeum's words.
"She's about the same age as you. She's quite famous in the fashion industry, so she knows quite a few CEOs. If we build a relationship with her, it should be easy to get her to open a store."
Rose's eyes lit up at the Grand Duke's words.
"Wow, really?"
Selecting the brands wasn't that difficult, but getting them to open a store was.
Furthermore, she was thinking that persuading them might be even more difficult since there was no such thing as a "department store" in this world.
However, if the Grand Duke would help, Rose's business would undoubtedly go much smoother.
The Grand Duke nodded and said,
"In ten days, there will be a birthday banquet for my cousin. Come with me then. I will introduce you to Diana."
"H-Her Highness?"
"Yes."
Princess Diana of the Empire...!
Rose blinked in disbelief at the unexpected appearance of such a powerful figure.
"Will you come?"
Rose, blinking, quickly replied to the Grand Duke.
"Of course. It would be an honor."
"Then, my cousin Diana and I will work together on selecting the brand."
Rose nodded eagerly, fearing that her hard-earned opportunity would slip away.
"Thank you for your consideration!"
It was obvious that the busy Grand Duke was deliberately interfering with her business and monitoring her, but she didn't care.
With his help, she had the chance to gain a tremendous network.
Rose's lips curled up. Her excitement wouldn't subside.
Even before meeting Diana, Rose was already immersed in sweet dreams.
With the brand's arrival, her department store business, poised for a splendid revival, felt one step closer to reality.
The Grand Duke smiled involuntarily at Rose's flushed face and excitement.
He rested his face on one hand and looked at Rose. Then, seemingly indifferent, he spoke.
"By the way, when do you plan on going to see the department store site?"
"I haven't been able to contact him yet, so I think I'll have to send a separate letter. There's no set date yet."
"Really? Just the two of you?"
"Yes. It's a secretive project, after all."
At Rose's words, the Grand Duke tapped his finger on the table.
"Just the two of you..."
The Grand Duke stared blankly at Rose. It bothered him that she was meeting alone with a dark-skinned man.
He removed his trembling lips and spoke in a low voice.
“But I’m an investor, and I don’t really want to send you and that guy away alone. I guess I should go too.”
‘Wouldn’t Gwen be uncomfortable if the Grand Duke went with her?’
She was a little worried because Count Wence’s family and the Artaeum family weren’t on good terms. Grand Duke, though Gwen had been fired from Count Wence’s family, he had a feeling that the Grand Duke might not like him.
Rose thought for a moment and answered cautiously.
“I’d be happy to go with the Grand Duke.”
It was hard to refuse the Grand Duke's offer without a reason, and if the business failed by any chance, she thought she could avoid the resentment that it failed because the site wasn’t good.
Rose thought that nothing would happen and drank the cold drink on the table.
As she was drinking, Rose noticed that the Grand Duke was staring at her intently.
The heated gaze remained until she finished her drink and placed her glass back on the table.
"What else do you have to say?"
Rose met the Grand Duke's eyes and smiled awkwardly.
"How did it feel to be at your ex-husband's wedding?"
His cool blue eyes sparkled with interest at Rose.
Rose smiled, running a hand through her hair.
Not only had she taken personal revenge on Doana, but she had also shown Eric a confident demeanor, like the heroine in the original novel.
"I'm fine without him. He's nothing in my life."
Eric's bewildered expression was so amusing that it was refreshing.
Rose, smiling with her white teeth, answered the Grand Duke without hesitation,
"It was the best."
It was such a thrilling moment, she wished she had a video of it and watched it over and over again.
Now she would never have to see that arrogant Eric again.
Rose savored the moment, never imagining that Eric would become so squeamish towards her in the future.
Meanwhile, in the temple, the ceremony was in full swing.
Eric and Beliana faced each other. However, Eric seemed distracted by the wedding.
He didn't look at Beliana, but seemed lost in another thought.
'Is he thinking of his ex-wife?'
Beliana, who had truly come in place of the Marquis's daughter, felt intimidated by Eric's actions.
'The Marquis told me to look good for the Count...'
Beliana sighed involuntarily at Eric's apparent lack of interest in her.
"Will Count Wence take the Marquis of Dikar's daughter, Beliar, as his bride?"
Eric's eyes were fixed on Beliana. His deep, amber eyes were cold and sunken.
"Ahem."
When Eric remained silent, the High Priest, as if hinting, pressed him for an answer.
Nevertheless, Eric remained silent, his eyes staring at Beliana with expressionless eyes.
"Eric, Eric?"
Tercia, sitting in front of him, called out urgently to Eric. She seemed deeply worried that Eric would ruin the marriage she'd barely managed to consummate.
He glanced at Tercia, who was calling him. Blood still shone through his tightly bandaged right hand.
The wedding hall erupted in a commotion. People whispered, watching him stand there blankly, without responding.
The Marquis and Marchioness of Dikar looked displeased at Eric's presence. They seemed equally worried that he might not respond.
"You're not going to ruin the marriage, are you?"
The Marchioness of Dikar whispered to the Marquis, and he snarled in reply.
"Hey, don't be so ignorant. Even if you're the Count of Wence, I won't let anyone make a fool of the Marquis of Dikar."
Amidst this turmoil of concern and worry, Eric trembled and opened his mouth.
"...Yes."
Fortunately, he seemed unwilling to run away from the wedding. The High Priest nodded and asked Beliana the same question.
"Will you, Lady of Marquis Dikar, take Count Wence as your groom?"
"Yes."
Unlike Eric, Beliana's response was swift. The High Priest, upon hearing Beliana's answer, declared before the guests.
"The two lovers have sworn before God. I hereby announce that their marriage is consummated."
Applause erupted from the guests as the High Priest spoke. The wedding hall was filled with a truly festive atmosphere.
The orchestra began to play a magnificent piece, and on either side, beautiful women, including young flower girls, showered the bride and groom with flowers.
While the couple should have kissed, Eric did not.
Eric, Tercia, and the Marquis of Dikar were toasting with the guests. Whether their love was true or not, the atmosphere was festive.
Eric simply extended his hand instead of offering a kiss of oath. Beliana hesitated and took Eric's hand.
They walked the long aisle, receiving the blessings of the people. Beliana smiled in return at the cheering crowd.
Eric was now to depart for his honeymoon with Beliana. A magnificently decorated, pristine white carriage appeared in front of the temple.
Eric climbed into the carriage first, without even escorting Beliana. Beliana struggled to get into the carriage, struggling in her cumbersome dress. Beliana's expression hardened as she boarded the carriage. Beliana, who had assumed Eric was the only one in the carriage, was surprised to find another person there.
Doana.
Beliana wasn't the only one surprised. Eric looked quite surprised to see Doana.
"Why are you here?"
Doana glanced at Beliana behind Eric. Then she scoffed and flaunted her hand.
“You’re going south, huh? I’ll come with you.”
“Why are you coming with us on our honeymoon?”
Despite Eric’s firm voice, Doana coquettishly replied.
“I won’t interfere with your relationship. I just wanted to get some fresh air. Can I come with you?”
Of course, it was a lie. Doana was determined to prevent them from having their first night together.
When Eric remained silent, Doana used her child as a weapon.
“They say traveling... is good for prenatal education. Please think positively, Eric, for the sake of our child.”
“You even have a child?”
Beliana flinched at the unexpected revelation and looked at Doana. Perhaps sensing her gaze, Doana’s lips quirked even more proudly.
“I even got a new dress... I just don’t want to go in like this.”
Her attitude was utterly shameless. Does the government want to accompany her on her honeymoon?
“We’re going together, right? Yes?”
Doana wagged her tail and clung to Eric’s arm. Beliana couldn’t hide his bewilderment at this new situation.
“It’s our honeymoon, so you’re not taking your mistress with you, are you?”
Who would take their lover on a honeymoon?
No matter how much Eric didn’t like her, this was just wrong.
At that moment, Doana muttered to herself. Of course, she was saying it so Eric could hear.
“I even got a new dress... I feel bad about leaving like this.”
Eric flinched at the mention of the dress. Doana had been clever in bringing it up, but in Eric’s eyes, Doana simply looked pitiful.
“If your wife tells me to get off, I’ll get off...”
Doana muttered something she didn’t mean, wiggling her fingers.
Just yesterday, Doana had been so happy to be his bride, and a strange sense of unease filled him.
‘...He must have been really excited, thinking it was her own wedding.'
Eric's bewildered expression was so amusing that it was refreshing.
Rose, smiling with her white teeth, answered the Grand Duke without hesitation,
"It was the best."
It was such a thrilling moment, she wished she had a video of it and watched it over and over again.
Now she would never have to see that arrogant Eric again.
Rose savored the moment, never imagining that Eric would become so squeamish towards her in the future.
***
Meanwhile, in the temple, the ceremony was in full swing.
Eric and Beliana faced each other. However, Eric seemed distracted by the wedding.
He didn't look at Beliana, but seemed lost in another thought.
'Is he thinking of his ex-wife?'
Beliana, who had truly come in place of the Marquis's daughter, felt intimidated by Eric's actions.
'The Marquis told me to look good for the Count...'
Beliana sighed involuntarily at Eric's apparent lack of interest in her.
"Will Count Wence take the Marquis of Dikar's daughter, Beliar, as his bride?"
Eric's eyes were fixed on Beliana. His deep, amber eyes were cold and sunken.
"Ahem."
When Eric remained silent, the High Priest, as if hinting, pressed him for an answer.
Nevertheless, Eric remained silent, his eyes staring at Beliana with expressionless eyes.
"Eric, Eric?"
Tercia, sitting in front of him, called out urgently to Eric. She seemed deeply worried that Eric would ruin the marriage she'd barely managed to consummate.
He glanced at Tercia, who was calling him. Blood still shone through his tightly bandaged right hand.
The wedding hall erupted in a commotion. People whispered, watching him stand there blankly, without responding.
The Marquis and Marchioness of Dikar looked displeased at Eric's presence. They seemed equally worried that he might not respond.
"You're not going to ruin the marriage, are you?"
The Marchioness of Dikar whispered to the Marquis, and he snarled in reply.
"Hey, don't be so ignorant. Even if you're the Count of Wence, I won't let anyone make a fool of the Marquis of Dikar."
Amidst this turmoil of concern and worry, Eric trembled and opened his mouth.
"...Yes."
Fortunately, he seemed unwilling to run away from the wedding. The High Priest nodded and asked Beliana the same question.
"Will you, Lady of Marquis Dikar, take Count Wence as your groom?"
"Yes."
Unlike Eric, Beliana's response was swift. The High Priest, upon hearing Beliana's answer, declared before the guests.
"The two lovers have sworn before God. I hereby announce that their marriage is consummated."
Applause erupted from the guests as the High Priest spoke. The wedding hall was filled with a truly festive atmosphere.
The orchestra began to play a magnificent piece, and on either side, beautiful women, including young flower girls, showered the bride and groom with flowers.
While the couple should have kissed, Eric did not.
Eric, Tercia, and the Marquis of Dikar were toasting with the guests. Whether their love was true or not, the atmosphere was festive.
Eric simply extended his hand instead of offering a kiss of oath. Beliana hesitated and took Eric's hand.
They walked the long aisle, receiving the blessings of the people. Beliana smiled in return at the cheering crowd.
Eric was now to depart for his honeymoon with Beliana. A magnificently decorated, pristine white carriage appeared in front of the temple.
Eric climbed into the carriage first, without even escorting Beliana. Beliana struggled to get into the carriage, struggling in her cumbersome dress. Beliana's expression hardened as she boarded the carriage. Beliana, who had assumed Eric was the only one in the carriage, was surprised to find another person there.
Doana.
Beliana wasn't the only one surprised. Eric looked quite surprised to see Doana.
"Why are you here?"
Doana glanced at Beliana behind Eric. Then she scoffed and flaunted her hand.
“You’re going south, huh? I’ll come with you.”
“Why are you coming with us on our honeymoon?”
Despite Eric’s firm voice, Doana coquettishly replied.
“I won’t interfere with your relationship. I just wanted to get some fresh air. Can I come with you?”
Of course, it was a lie. Doana was determined to prevent them from having their first night together.
When Eric remained silent, Doana used her child as a weapon.
“They say traveling... is good for prenatal education. Please think positively, Eric, for the sake of our child.”
“You even have a child?”
Beliana flinched at the unexpected revelation and looked at Doana. Perhaps sensing her gaze, Doana’s lips quirked even more proudly.
“I even got a new dress... I just don’t want to go in like this.”
Her attitude was utterly shameless. Does the government want to accompany her on her honeymoon?
“We’re going together, right? Yes?”
Doana wagged her tail and clung to Eric’s arm. Beliana couldn’t hide his bewilderment at this new situation.
“It’s our honeymoon, so you’re not taking your mistress with you, are you?”
Who would take their lover on a honeymoon?
No matter how much Eric didn’t like her, this was just wrong.
At that moment, Doana muttered to herself. Of course, she was saying it so Eric could hear.
“I even got a new dress... I feel bad about leaving like this.”
Eric flinched at the mention of the dress. Doana had been clever in bringing it up, but in Eric’s eyes, Doana simply looked pitiful.
“If your wife tells me to get off, I’ll get off...”
Doana muttered something she didn’t mean, wiggling her fingers.
Just yesterday, Doana had been so happy to be his bride, and a strange sense of unease filled him.
‘...He must have been really excited, thinking it was her own wedding.'
“I guess this little bit of a mood lifter is okay. ”
Eric stared blankly at Doana next to him.
“Yes, let’s go together.”
Eric said arbitrarily without even asking Beliana’s opinion.
“Wow! As expected of our Count!”
Doana jumped for joy and hugged Eric. It was as if she was showing off her relationship with Eric in front of Beliana, who had become the Countess.
“Count, no matter what, on the honeymoon...”
Beliana showed her displeasure at Eric, but Eric ignored her.
“Don’t be so picky. Nothing will happen to you.”
Doana’s lips curled up at Eric’s cold attitude toward Beliana.
Doana spoke to Beliana with an arrogant smile.
“Just live comfortably as sister and brother. Since we’ll have to continue to see each other in the same mansion from now on.”
She spoke to Beliana subtly and spoke condescendingly.
Thinking that the young lady Marquis, who had just turned twenty, was no match for him, the carriage carrying Eric, Doana, and Beliana set off for the south.
It was a strange honeymoon, unlike anything she's ever heard of.
Eric stared blankly at Doana next to him.
“Yes, let’s go together.”
Eric said arbitrarily without even asking Beliana’s opinion.
“Wow! As expected of our Count!”
Doana jumped for joy and hugged Eric. It was as if she was showing off her relationship with Eric in front of Beliana, who had become the Countess.
“Count, no matter what, on the honeymoon...”
Beliana showed her displeasure at Eric, but Eric ignored her.
“Don’t be so picky. Nothing will happen to you.”
Doana’s lips curled up at Eric’s cold attitude toward Beliana.
Doana spoke to Beliana with an arrogant smile.
“Just live comfortably as sister and brother. Since we’ll have to continue to see each other in the same mansion from now on.”
She spoke to Beliana subtly and spoke condescendingly.
Thinking that the young lady Marquis, who had just turned twenty, was no match for him, the carriage carrying Eric, Doana, and Beliana set off for the south.
It was a strange honeymoon, unlike anything she's ever heard of.
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