Capitulo 43
Episode 43
The next day, I kicked Raymond out of the Duke’s house.
He put on an innocent face, but packed his bags carefully, as if he didn’t want to incur a larger debt.
Still, I, the hostess of the house, politely dismissed him.
«You can go to work starting next week. I’ll tell you the place through the servant.»
As the servants carried all his luggage out the door, he quickly disappeared magically.
Only petals fluttered where Raymond disappeared.
«Finally gone is that leech.»
Lily scowled and spat out harsh words.
Even other members of the community were busy throwing away or disinfecting the furniture Raymond used.
«It’s amazing he’s still alive.»
It was unbelievable that the Duke was so hated by everyone in such a short time.
This is also a skill.»
With the urgent matter resolved, I decided to visit the boutique site with a light heart.
Overall, I was building a new three-story building that reflected Lela’s and my views.
Before going inside today, there would be a meeting to determine the interior design and purpose of each floor.
«Welcome, Pioneer Princess.»
Already waiting for me at the site were Lela, a designer and a construction manager.
When I sat down, the designer began to present the interior design as if he had been waiting.
«First of all, there will be a perfumery on the second floor, which is, of course, a sign of boutiques. We will maximize the customer experience by dividing the showroom that displays the product and the place where you can taste it and get recommendations.»
Until now, it was a standard business method used by other boutiques.
«And on the second floor, as you said, I plan to sell body products that are applied to the body…»…..»
The designer murmured for a moment.
And carefully voiced his opinion.
«This worries me a little. Since the main clientele are aristocrats, I think they will be reluctant to show their skin in front of strangers. I think it would be better for the customers to experience it in person, like selling perfume, but I haven’t found a suitable way yet.»
I cocked my head to the side at the designer’s concern.
If not, shouldn’t you make a space like that?
«Then shouldn’t we make a space on the 3rd floor?».
«I don’t think it’s going to be a special experience just to do makeup, but…….»
There was something to that statement.
At best, it created a high-end brand image, but I didn’t think it would be very popular to go up to the third floor and apply cosmetics or hands.
«I’ll think about it some more.»
I thought about it for a long time, but there was no clear solution.
We concluded the meeting by promising next time.
On the way to the Duke’s house in a carriage, Lily complained under her breath.
«I think he’s been overdoing it lately.»
«What?»
» You work so hard without a day off. Notice. Your shoulders are stiff. Tonight, no matter what, you need to relax in the bathroom.»
«That doesn’t look good because it takes too long.»
Once I was dragged in, I was tired because it took four to five hours.
Lily mumbled anxiously at my complaint.
«If you don’t like it, you should at least get a massage. If I do this, your body won’t get stiff……..»
Lily’s words aroused my eyes.
«It’s not like the Duke of Pioneer is in trouble, and I’m so worried that he’s too focused on his business to harm his health.»…. Miss?»
«My God, Lily, that’s it!»
«What?»
I hugged Lily, who didn’t know what to say, and thanked her many times.
As soon as the carriage arrived at the duke’s house, the servant was sent to the place to reschedule the meeting.
«I told you to rest, but you’re going back to work!».
«But I won’t do anything else today.»
I calmly made my way to the large bathroom, calming Lily who reacted violently.
The large bath in the basement of the Duke’s residence was a space that my mother, who had traveled to another country, was thrilled to see the hot spring there and made it herself.
The room, with an exotic ambiance and a bathtub big enough for three or four adults, was always lovely.
I rarely use it because it’s annoying, and it’s mostly used by my father or guests staying at the duke’s house.
«Ugh…»
When I immersed myself in hot water, I heard a pained sound.
Soon the body got used to the temperature and became numb.
I looked up at the magical night sky.
«Wizards take strange things very seriously.»
It was still vivid how hard my mother worked with magic to make that roof.
«Since you’re going to do it, should you enlarge it?».
It didn’t seem wrong to get help from my mother and start a bigger business.
If the spa that was to be made on the third floor worked well, it would be good to make a separate pro store.
«Miss! You need to get out now.»
Time has passed since I was thinking about growing my business in various ways.
I came out of the bathroom, cleaned myself with a bath towel and put on a robe.
And I was taken to get a massage from Lily that I was looking forward to.
It hurt every time I squeezed here and there, but it felt good.
«I told you to have a good rest, but you went back to thinking about business! Then your body gets stiffer from the stress.»
There was a lot of concern in Lily’s complaining words.
Still, I felt good because I resolved my worries thanks to her.
«I guess business is my constitution more than I thought.»
«What?»
«It’s a lot of fun to think about what to do in the future and in which direction to expand my business.»
Lily opened her eyes wide and blinked at my words.
Then she mumbled as if she understood.
«It’s true, since you were little you liked going to the conference room more than playing house.»
«Me?»
«Yes. That’s why the duke joined the lady on his lap. I used to fall asleep all the time in that corner.»
Lily’s words brought back memories she had forgotten.
I didn’t go to the meeting because I was shy after realizing I was possessed, but I think I thought it was cool when I saw my dad having a meeting since I was young.
«Well, it’s over.»
The massage ended with Lily’s words.
I went straight back to my room and lay down on the bed.
«So, what’s your next plan?»
Lily must have been curious to know what my next one was, even if she was grumbling like that.
I laughed and didn’t speak at her words.
In the end, Lily walked away curious.
I fell asleep hoping tomorrow would come soon.
* * *
«Your Majesty, Sir Raymond has left the Duke’s house.»
Aster put down the papers he held over the attendant’s report.
I felt reassured that the man who had worried me all along had left.
«He’s finally gone.»
He rested his chin with a slight smile.
The Duke of Pioneer deliberately distributed the knights of the Imperial Palace to ask for an increase in the number of soldiers to protect the duke’s residence.
Thanks to this, I could hear the work inside the duke’s house.
Probably, the duke also expected and accepted this.
‘If the princess knows, she may not like it’.
Her mistress by contract carries thorns and spikes, but she often weakens in strange places.
Perhaps it’s because of eyes that are close to violence.
If Raymond had been cast out like him, he would have talked a lot.
Karina didn’t seem to care about such things, but how could a human.
I worried that she would be hurt and cringed every time.
There was a time when I was struggling to be loved by someone.
After a long time, I realized I couldn’t have him forever and I was able to shake it off.
The feelings and memories I felt at that time became a deep scar and still bother him.
«Your Majesty, what do you think?»
Aster belatedly came to himself at the attendant’s words.
«It’s nothing. Since Raymond is gone, tell him he doesn’t have to show up anymore.»
«Yes, Your Majesty.»
«Let’s leave now.
The attendant withdrew from the room.
After the masquerade, I spent more time thinking about Karina.
When I first approached her, I only thought that they would benefit each other.
Aster was no fool.
He was well aware that Tatiana’s gaze lusted after him in public.
I let it go because I wanted Andrew’s misfortune, which I thought would make him happy.
And taking advantage of that point, I approached Karina.
She was a popular duchess among the imperial people, and if I had a relationship with a neutral duchess, there would be no better outcome than that.
Besides, the other person is tired of love.
«You were the perfect match for me.»
It was a contract I started because I would never love myself…….
At some point, my heart started to ache.
Standing there as if nothing was wrong, even though it was shattered and worn.
Aster swept his nervous face with his hand.
«This is unexpected.»
I was thirsty.