The Military Doctor Excels at Being a Contracted Duchess - Chapter 41

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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 41】

 

This meant he would purchase it.

 

The jeweler excitedly brought out the next set.

 

“This is a necklace, earrings, and tiara set used by a noble family in the 1700s. Sapphires of this quality are hard to find even now!”

 

What do betrothal gifts mean in noble families?

 

They are assets legally recognized as the noblewoman’s private property even in case of divorce.

 

Even if she receives no other property from her husband and is driven out, she doesn’t lose the jewelry like earrings and necklaces she received as gifts.

 

Noblewomen who were expelled from their homes for various reasons sold their jewelry to continue living.

 

At such times, the jewelry received as betrothal gifts usually sold for the highest prices.

 

Because they gave such precious things.

 

Therefore, betrothal gifts were, in a way, a noblewoman’s last lifeline.

 

How expensive and fine the gifts she received also measured how much she was loved by her husband.

 

Though she had no interest in such vulgar meanings, the betrothal gifts from Bayern couldn’t be inferior to those of other noble families.

 

“Buy that too.”

 

Nodding his head, he then turned his attention to a golden birdcage that came out next.

 

Unusually, the jeweled bird wasn’t inside the cage.

 

It stood on top, spreading its wings majestically.

 

“This was received by a princess as a 15th birthday gift…”

 

“I like the meaning. Include that too.”

 

The betrothal gifts alone already exceeded 2 billion.

 

Add to this a two-story house within the estate. A small townhouse in the capital.

 

And a four-horse carriage exclusively for Ebel with four plump white horses.

 

Naturally, he also planned to hire a dedicated coachman so Ebel could use it comfortably anytime.

 

Combined, this totaled roughly 3 billion.

 

It was an enormous gift that even the current Queen of Richter couldn’t receive.

 

Though Ebel had no idea.

 

“Your daughter will be so delighted.”

 

Mrs. Eberstain smiled warmly watching Victor write the check.

 

“I want to see her every day, but I’m holding back, worried I might make her feel burdened.”

 

“You could visit in about three days. Ebel would like that too. Wedding preparations require many hands, so if you help, Ebel will be much more comfortable.”

 

“Oh my! Thank you for saying that. I just hope I won’t be a bother.”

 

When Victor readily made the arrangement, Mrs. Eberstain was overjoyed.

 

An adopted daughter gained again in her old age.

 

She constantly worried – would she break if squeezed, would she fly away if blown upon.

 

Her hesitation about visiting frequently, fearing she might be bothersome when they were busy or wanted to rest, was just like a real birth mother.

 

That’s probably why Ebel smiled so much when she was with the Eberstain couple.

 

“Madam, how about you rest now. Your delicate body is getting feverish.”

 

“Ah, yes. That’s the problem with getting old. You gentlemen continue your conversation. I think I need to lie down a bit as he says.”

 

As the lady rose gracefully, well-trained servants quickly came to carefully support her.

 

After the lady left the drawing room.

 

With just the two of them remaining.

 

Victor slowly opened his mouth, having completely erased the gentle and warm atmosphere he’d maintained until now.

 

“Lucas is.”

 

“He’ll arrive soon. The timing is about right.”

 

“I see. Shall I smoke a cigar.”

 

“Yes.”

 

The colonel, having returned to his soldier’s demeanor, first cut Victor’s cigar and offered it. After lighting it for him, the colonel cut his own and glanced toward the window.

 

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen his face. I wonder what interesting news from the world he’s brought this time.”

 

“Right. Lucas would throw a fit if he couldn’t travel.”

 

Victor’s tone seemed strangely like he was reminiscing about someone he hadn’t seen for a very long time – perhaps over five years – but the colonel dissolved his doubts in cigar smoke.

 

How long had the two men waited quietly like this?

 

Before the butler’s polite knocking had even finished, a boisterous voice could be heard.

 

“Victor! Uncle! I’m back!”

 

A man with long, dark golden hair who looked like a playboy even if seen upside down.

 

Someone who seemed infinitely frivolous but changed to a split-personality level when given cannons or bombs.

 

The one who had saved his and his comrades’ lives several times on the battlefield… Captain Lucas Steiner.

 

Victor’s childhood friend had appeared.

 

“I have so much to tell you. I really missed you both!”

 

Lucas ran over with a bright smile and hugged both men simultaneously.

 

At his carefree attitude, a faint smile formed on Victor’s lips too.

 

Yes, this was the kind of man he was. His friend.

 

The second of the final twelve who had survived until the very end and supported him.

 

Patting Lucas’s back, Victor murmured quietly.

 

“I should tell them I’ll return home tomorrow.”

 

* * *

 

The next morning was leisurely.

 

Though Victor hadn’t returned home, Ebel wasn’t particularly worried.

 

He had sent word that he was meeting Lucas at Eberstain.

 

He would probably drink strong liquor all night and return around afternoon.

 

No matter how perfect and flawless a man might be, there was no need to be that way even when with friends.

 

Ebel decided to do what she needed to do in the meantime and received greetings from the newly arrived servants.

 

Seven maids and three servants.

 

Most were from nearby villages or experienced workers who came with letters of recommendation, and there seemed to be nothing particularly unusual about them.

 

But when she went out for a garden stroll to get some sunlight while alone, Ebel encountered a face she hadn’t seen earlier.

 

Wearing a thin shirt that clearly showed his muscle definition and suspender pants.

 

A curly-haired man wearing a carelessly placed straw hat was watering the flower beds.

 

He worked diligently as if he were one with the old watering can, but there was a strange atmosphere that made it hard to shake the feeling it was all for show.

 

Like deliberately splashing water forcefully timed with her approach, or deliberately pretending to wipe sweat while straightening his back.

 

Anyway, he seemed desperate to be noticed.

 

“Oh my.”

 

And this became clearly apparent the moment Ebel tried to pass by indifferently.

 

“It’s hot as hell. This damn weather.”

 

Though he was speaking Richter, it was the characteristic rounded pronunciation of the French.

 

Most people wouldn’t be able to distinguish it, but having been through battlefields, she knew.

 

“Oh, good day, my lady.”

 

When Ebel tried to ignore him and pass by, the man brazenly struck up a conversation.

 

He was so natural that it almost felt like he was someone she’d known all along.

 

But Ebel didn’t bother to respond and simply turned around.

 

If gardener Dotson had spoken to her, she would have smiled and greeted him back, but why bother with someone she’d been warned was suspicious.

 

‘Does Victor know this guy has gotten into the house?’

 

Since he seemed to receive reports about everything happening inside the manor, it was hard to think he wouldn’t know the current situation just because he was away.

 

‘Then shall I try to extract some information before Victor returns?’

 

The man was strangely showing her favor.

 

His constant, tireless attempts to talk to her were proof of this.

 

“My lady, walking around in this heat without even a parasol. I have decent arm strength – shall I hold a parasol for you?”

 

Since he didn’t enter as a servant, Genevieve must have brought him in.

 

But hasn’t Genevieve been in seclusion since that day?

 

“I could at least provide some shade with my hand. Oh dear, your skin will be damaged.”

 

…Even if she wanted to make a lover, she’d have to go outside the manor to do so.

 

Then how did she bring this guy in?

 

“Now you’re finally looking at me. I’m Leo. I’ve been staying here since last night.”

 

Ebel narrowed her eyes as she looked up at the chatty man.

 

Objectively and subjectively, he was quite a handsome man. If only he would keep his mouth shut.

 

While Victor had a strong jawline and neck that radiated power, this one was more slender. Not that he looked like he’d collapse at a touch, though.

 

Beneath his shirt, unseen lean muscles were packed tight. His standing posture looked casual, but it was that of someone trained.

 

His curly hair, rare to find in Richter, harmonized well with his seemingly gentle appearance at first glance.

 

So… he was like a man who resembled a well-ripened grape.

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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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