Chapter 23

"You look different."

"You look beautiful, Lady Reisha."

"Lady Reisha suits everything, which is a problem."

"Your skin is so fair and youthful, you don't need much makeup; your natural beauty is enough."

"Beautiful!"

Lagnath, who seemed to be enjoying himself, and the three maids who looked like they had accomplished something, all praised me.

Although it's a bit ambiguous whether the praise from my husband was genuine, he seemed satisfied, so I guess it was good enough.

The dress Lill chose was a cute cream color.

She strongly insisted that such colors can only be worn when you're young, and that's how it was decided.

Indeed, wearing cute colors when you're older can make you look ridiculous.

It was a reasonable color for a daytime dress. However, the fabric was of very high quality.

Moreover, it fit perfectly. I wondered when they had taken my measurements, but I decided not to question it.

These competent people must be able to estimate sizes just by looking.

They must have passed the information to my husband.

I never thought I could change so much in just a few hours.

The skills of the professionals were impressive. I even doubted, "Is this really me?"

This is what glowing skin means.

Today, I finally understood the meaning of those words.

By the way, when I smiled at Diego, the secretary who often blends into the background, and asked for his opinion, he blushed and whispered, "You look beautiful."

His innocent reaction somehow aroused my sadistic side. I don't know why, but he seemed so cute and easy to tease.

Even though he is definitely older than me, I can't help but find him cute. It's a bit addictive.

"Lady Reisha, you resemble your mother."

Lagnath has served the Verdigo family since the time of my grandfather.

He knew my mother well.

In fact, Lagnath was also involved in my mother's education.

He educated both my mother and me, and we were greatly indebted to him.

But Lagnath seemed to take great joy in it.

Thinking about how much he loved the Verdigo family, I felt a bit guilty for being so inadequate.

Before I could inherit the family, I ended up leaving. In the end, I didn't meet Lagnath's expectations.

I really wonder how he didn't abandon me.

I am truly grateful to Lagnath for coming to my aid now.

"It will be interesting to see Elise's reaction. I'm looking forward to the day after tomorrow. We'll use money to show everyone that you are a duchess."

My husband's laugh was like that of a villain.

Moreover, the idea of being "decorated" made me feel like a doll.

The day after tomorrow, which my husband mentioned, is when Elise will host a tea party using the Lindvold family's name.

He says that everything will be settled on that day.

I will be part of his plan to achieve this.

After all, my peaceful and secure life, and at least a basic improvement in my living standards, depend on it.

At the very least, please make sure the food is good.

"Until the day after tomorrow, you must thoroughly learn to be a duchess."

"Huh... What?"

"Lady Reisha, you are already married. It is natural to learn about your husband's family. Moreover, to show the difference in status, you must first act the part. Originally, these are not jobs but obligations to avoid disgracing your husband's family before marriage. However, since the marriage was rushed, we will have to learn them now. If you are provided with a living, it is only natural to fulfill the corresponding obligations."

Lagnath said this firmly, leaving no room for refusal, and my husband joined in.

"True, I did say you don't have to work, but I never said you could abandon your obligations. You make a good point, Lagnath."

Please don't play with words, husband!

"That's fraud! Work and obligations are the same thing, aren't they?"

"What do you think, Lagnath?"

"In my opinion, work and obligations are different, my lord."

"Coincidentally, I also see them as different. So, it's two to one, and they are different."

"That's unfair! You two are ganging up on me! I want a vote from everyone here!"

If this continued, I could see a future filled with a lot of work disguised as obligations.

I absolutely didn't want that.

I refused to be dragged into the world of workaholics!

"Who thinks work and obligations are the same thing?"

Of course, I raised my hand.

And another person, Diego, raised his hand hesitantly.

That's right! Diego, I knew you would understand.

However, only Diego and I raised our hands.

My husband laughed triumphantly.

"Alright, now you understand?"

"Wait, wait a minute! The other three must have been catering to you and Lagnath!"

"Making assumptions is not good."

"That's true. Trying to overturn a free decision is a failure as a master."

My objections were dismissed one after another.

"Then, my lady? Would you please fulfill your obligations?"

Fraudster, schemer, devil!

Lagnath, stop laughing and help me! I am still your former mistress, you know!

"Then, Lady Reisha, let's start with some housekeeping studies. Don't worry. Compared to the lord's work, it's much easier. And it seems you have already read the preparatory materials."

The relentless Lagnath handed me some study materials he had apparently prepared.

"When did you...?"

"I thought it might be necessary when Lady Reisha got married, so I researched the history of the Lindvold family, their relatives, and the merchants and trading partners associated with them. After that, we will practice etiquette and manners."

Wow.

I didn't need such consideration.

Moreover, Lagnath, didn't you say you wanted to enjoy your retirement? Is this what you enjoy? Why are you so enthusiastic about my education?

"What a devoted butler. This is what a loyal retainer is called. You have good subordinates, Reisha."

My husband watched me and Lagnath with a wry smile.

Let me make it clear, husband, they are your subordinates and employees now.

I sincerely wished and cursed that one day you would be in the same position.

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