Newlywed Life Begins with a Mistake - Chapter 6

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 6

“This is quite troublesome indeed.”

At the very moment Evelyn and Casian were having their conversation.

There were those secretly eavesdropping on their dialogue.

It was head maid Sophia and butler Sebastian.

“It’s due to my lack of virtue. Since everyone refused the position of the Princess’s personal maid, I had no choice but to pass it on to those two children.”

“It’s alright. Didn’t we anticipate that unpredictable incidents would occur from the moment the Princess came to the Duke’s mansion?”

Sebastian, the butler who had served the Duke of Heteus for generations in his family, comforted Sophia before listening intently to the sounds coming through the artifact.

-But, dear. Where are the ledgers?

When Evelyn sent Mary and Rose away, she had quietly instructed the two to leave behind brooches just in case…

As expected! Something truly shocking was happening.

“Could it be that her memory has returned?”

“If she’s putting on an act, there’s a possibility her memory has returned.”

To ask about the whereabouts of the ledgers in such an innocent voice.

If she intended to thoroughly extract information from the House of Count Heteus, this would certainly be possible.

Sebastian, sensing the crisis, pondered with a rigid expression how to overcome this situation.

Just as he was engulfed in such contemplation, a calm voice came through the artifact.

-The ledgers are being well kept by the butler.

It was an affectionate yet firm tone.

Casian expressed a gentle refusal that wouldn’t offend the other party.

But no sooner had he done so than Evelyn’s voice was heard.

-Is that so? I should call for Sebastian then.

Evelyn seemed ready to pull the bell rope at any moment to summon him.

Fortunately, Casian appeared to restrain such behavior from Evelyn, but their conversation didn’t cease.

-Is there really a need for that? Sebastian is someone who has been managing things for a long time in place of mother.

-Mother may be fine with that, but I’m different. Originally, the ledgers should be managed by the lady of the house, shouldn’t they?

Though they were exchanging words in calm tones, it was clear that harsh words would soon follow.

If she were the witch of the North, she would surely shout, “Are you saying you can’t trust me?”

However, something unexpected happened.

-Casian, I know I’m unreliable, but couldn’t you give me a chance? I am the Duchess of Heteus. Though I’ve been neglectful of the ducal house while lying bedridden, from now on I want to faithfully fulfill my duties as a duchess.

Contrary to expectations that she would fly into a rage and cause a scene, Evelyn was persuading in a gentle tone.

At the same time, she presented a new approach.

-I haven’t examined the ledgers yet so I’m not sure, but there’s a short-term solution to overcome the financial difficulties.

-A short-term solution?

-Yes. Raising taxes. More precisely, differentially according to categories.

She said that since applying the same rate equally to everyone had unreasonable elements, the most effective method would be to collect taxes by comprehensively considering various aspects such as income, production volume, and product categories.

She also didn’t forget to mention other regions.

-Compared to other regions, the South receives relatively low taxes, so I think raising taxation on some items would be acceptable.

It was a reasonable opinion.

Casian too was attempting to adjust profits by imposing special levies on luxury goods or unethical businesses, considering such aspects.

To the extent that one might wonder if she had entered and exited Casian’s mind, Evelyn clearly conveyed her opinion while making valid arguments.

“Did we misjudge this person?”

“That might be the case.”

According to rumors, Evelyn was said to be a woman who constantly caused trouble and was utterly wicked.

It was said that her specialty was obtaining what she wanted through violence if she didn’t like something.

But now…

“She’s setting an example for noble ladies.”

As Sophia said, she was a model of a virtuous lady of the house.

“Come to think of it, we’ve never actually witnessed the Princess doing anything evil.”

“She did interrogate the maids, but if she’s the duchess, understanding the current situation would be her priority, so that’s naturally unavoidable.”

Sometimes compassionate, sometimes strict.

While a gentle nature is important, dignified grace is also a necessary quality for a duchess.

If only certain aspects are emphasized, one might be ignored or provoke rebellion, so it was important to possess all qualities comprehensively.

Though it was ironic that such qualities were seen in Evelyn, Sebastian, thinking that perhaps Casian had gained a reliable ally, unconsciously revealed his true thoughts.

“If only she hadn’t been the Count’s lover, it would have been good.”

Though he was listening intently to find fault somehow, he found himself being persuaded without realizing it.

“You never know about relationships between men and women. When you think about it, eyewitness accounts of the Count and Princess being together were few and far between.”

“Still, weren’t there many who said they saw them here and there?”

“Did you forget that those who witnessed such scenes were forces friendly to the North?”

At Sophia’s pointed remark, Sebastian was startled as if he had gained enlightenment.

At the same time, a new suspicion flashed through his mind.

‘Could it be that the marriage arrangement with Count Heteus was a choice to avoid marriage with the current Emperor?’

Of course, his master’s feelings were most important, but what if the labels attached to Evelyn weren’t true?

‘Ahem. My imagination has gone too far. I cannot rashly open my heart to the witch of the Nor— no, to a surveillance target.’

He had to judge this situation coldly from the perspective of a retainer who had long been loyal to the ducal house.

“Hmm. The savory aroma reaching all the way here suggests the meal preparations are nearly complete. I shall go check first.”

Sebastian, who hastily left his seat, quickened his pace with wider strides than usual.

I must hurry. I cannot leave His Lordship alone in the study with the surveillance target for too long!

As the butler responsible for House of Count Heteus, I must assist my master!

Therefore.

“Lunch preparations are complete. Please come down to the second floor.”

Let the married couple have their quarrel in the dining room!

* * *

Slice slice. Chop chop.

Silent sounds echoed repeatedly in the dining room.

At the steady and rhythmic noise, Casian’s gaze, which had been consistently silent, was drawn to one side.

Following the source of the sound, he saw Evelyn cutting meat herself.

“Honey, how’s this thickness?”

“It’s good.”

To be precise, she was preparing the ham to be easily eaten.

Originally, this would be the cook’s job, but.

“Oh my!”

“Chef!”

The chef, who had been carrying a massive hind leg, stumbled and injured his hand and back.

Fortunately, the head maid, Sophia, swiftly caught the meat.

“Phew, the Black Label ham is safe.”

“Couldn’t you ask if I’m safe too? Ugh!”

The wailing chef tried to get up somehow to perform his assigned duties, but since he complained of pain with every movement, it seemed impossible for him to handle the preparation himself.

Eventually, Evelyn, unable to bear watching, stepped forward herself.

She could have called someone else to do the hand carving, but.

“No way! I can’t entrust something this precious to someone else.”

With menacing eyes warning not to take the ham away from her, Casian and the servants had no choice but to watch quietly.

I thought this kind of thing should originally be done by a professional, but soon something amazing unfolded.

Slice slice. Chop chop.

Her skill with the knife was extraordinary.

Even though she was clearly holding a long cutting knife for the first time, Evelyn displayed graceful yet swift technique as if she had become one with the blade.

“My goodness! The marbling is still alive!”

“And how about how it’s transparent and thin whenever it catches the light!”

Not only cutting it into bite-sized pieces, but controlling the fat content of each section while slicing the Black Label ham thinly with sharp eyes was no ordinary feat.

It was reminiscent of a knight annihilating enemies on the battlefield.

I know it’s a rude comment, but it felt like a powerful aura was emanating from her body.

After the hand carving was finished, Evelyn served an appropriate amount of ham onto Casian’s plate.

She also distributed small portions of ham to the employees and encouraged them to taste it.

“Everyone, try it quickly.”

“Yes, my lady!”

At Evelyn’s invitation, the employees promptly put the ham in their mouths.

Seeing exclamations flow out as soon as they ate, it was undoubtedly perfect cutting.

“How is it, honey?”

“It’s delicious.”

It wasn’t ceremonial praise—it was truly delicious.

Skill sufficient to enjoy fine cuisine.

The only unsettling thing was.

‘Why do I sense fighting spirit?’

The fact that he could sense a knight’s aura from Evelyn.

At this strange question, Casian’s eyes sharpened.

She’s clearly an innocent woman who knows nothing. So why do I sense the aura of a knight who has reached mastery?

For a moment, he even had the illusion that someone’s swordsmanship overlapped with hers.

While observing Evelyn’s actions, Casian unconsciously grabbed her hand.

“Honey?”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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