Chapter 46

"You can do what you like."

That's what Ragnarot told me, but in reality...

There's nothing!

Or rather, I can't think of anything right away, you know?

After all, I've been focused on managing the estate. My desire has been the development of the estate!

And the duchy is already prospering so wonderfully. It feels like it's too late to think about its further development.

Even if I think about starting a new business, it would compete with existing ones. If it were known that the duchess was involved, the existing merchants might be treated with consideration and could go out of business.

That would be too bad.

"Miss Reisha, you're so unmaterialistic."

"I'm not that unmaterialistic."

Still, I do want an easy life and to eat delicious food. I want to rest and relax. I have those desires.

Michelle is sitting across from me, drinking tea and giving me advice. He seems to have adapted well to this duchy and always enjoys life.

"You see, that's why you're unmaterialistic. You only think about what everyone else wants! If you became a duchess, you could buy jewels, dresses, even a villa, and spend money like water every day, enjoying life, and it wouldn't be strange, right?"

"Do you really think that kind of life would be fun?"

"It's a difference in values. Many young ladies dream of that kind of life. I would decline. It seems tiring and not to my taste. I bet Miss Reisha isn't interested either?"

Yeah, exactly.

I've rarely envied the life of my stepmother and half-sister in the Verdigo family.

Well, the massages by the maids were really comfortable, and I understood why one would want to be served in the bath.

I think that's one of the few indulgences I understand.

"I do think it's the duty of the rich to spend money and keep the economy going."

"Then, should we start some kind of business, Madam?"

"I'd rather avoid getting busy."

"What about just drafting a plan and throwing it to Claude? He seems to have a lot of free time lately."

Indeed!

We've been having tea together a lot lately.

"Diego seems to be busier, though."

Ah, I see.

Diego, stay strong!

He's sacrificing himself for my husband, who is trying to build trust.

I'm sorry, Diego.

I can't give you a day off, but I'll make sure to tell my husband to give you some work!

"Why don't you go out and change your mood? You're always cooped up."

Outside, huh.

Michelle means outside the mansion.

Not just a walk in the garden. We're actually having tea in the garden right now.

I'm not really cooped up. It's just that everything can be done within the mansion, so I don't move around much.

After all, I'm the duchess. People come to me even if I don't go out.

"Maybe I'll go out sometimes..."

The duties I'm responsible for aren't always there.

Generally, the busiest times are during seasonal changes or personnel movements.

So, I should be free now, but I'm still studying on my own.

I've been trained by Ragnarot in lordly matters, but that's a man's job. For household management, my stepmother didn't handle it, so I only did it part-time while managing the estate. I didn't have a proper chance to learn.

I can do the basics, but I still have a lot to learn.

The scale of the Verdigo family is different.

"Let's study another time! You need to take a break sometimes!"

You're always taking breaks, aren't you?

Why does Michelle seem to be having the most fun? Wasn't it supposed to be my break?

"Since that's decided, I need to prepare! I should probably tell Claude, right? Oh, by the way, I need one of the maids."

"...I don't know what you're going to do... Lill, find someone who's free. If there's no one, help out. Leina, can you tell the master? Laila, help with the preparations."

If I'm going out, I need to change.

I'm wearing what you might call house clothes.

I could go out like this, but it wouldn't be fitting for a duchess.

People can tell by your appearance.

I don't plan to meet anyone I know, but my appearance has been spreading rapidly since the tea party, so I can't be careless.

Following my instructions, everyone starts moving.

To be honest, the preparation is just changing clothes.

I'm not going to a formal social event, so I need to look presentable but still be able to move.

Honestly, it's a hassle, but it's a big help to have Laila around.

She likes this kind of thing, so I can leave it to her.

It's important to let people do what they like!

Leina quickly returns with the master's message.

He says to be careful.

It's a common thing to say, but he does care.

By the way, Lill stays with Michelle.

I don't know why he needs a maid, but I can't interfere with everything Michelle does.

"Miss Reisha, how about this?"

Today's dress is a deep purple.

I like the calm color.

I turn around in front of the mirror, satisfied.

"It's good. This color is really nice. And this fabric is worth the price."

Becoming a duchess hasn't made me a fashion enthusiast, but the quality of the clothes has improved, and it's exciting.

I didn't understand the point of spending money on such things before, but as I have more leisure, my feelings have changed.

It's a bit stiff every day, but it's fun to dress up for occasional outings.

After finishing the preparations and heading to the front door, there are the master, Ragnarot, and...

No one is commenting?

Or have they already commented!?

"Ah, Miss Reisha! Let's go quickly?"

Michelle is dressed as a woman.

"...Why?"

"What? It doesn't suit me? This is a new dress! I can expense it, so life here is fun!"

"Master..."

Is this okay? I ask with my eyes, and he sighs, looking resigned.

Ah, are you tired, Master...? And Ragnarot, you really allowed this?

If it's an expense, the receipts go to Ragnarot, right?

"I know it's useless to say anything. What I'm thinking now is that he could have taken over the Andretto family."

Ah... Yeah, maybe.

He could rally allies with just his words and crush the opposing faction completely.

He could do it.

He would do it.

Like with the princess.

I joined the master because I thought it would be more fun.

Absolutely.

If you have time, please support me with a bookmark and a five-star rating below the ad.