Baron Montree knew exactly what the object in Edmund’s hands was before the war ended.
That morning, Edmund had broken into a bright smile upon hearing that the ring he had commissioned from a renowned jeweler had arrived at the ducal estate. At that moment, he looked just like any other man deeply in love.
It was a happiness all the more precious because of the hardships he had endured to reach it.
Baron Montree slowly closed his eyes, lost in reminiscence.
In truth, he had already noticed that even after reclaiming his rightful position as Duke, Edmund had been hunting down the monster that had killed the previous Duke and Duchess. The ducal estate appeared peaceful on the surface, as if it had been restored to its former glory, but beneath it lay an ever-present tension.
He knew that Edmund hadn’t explained anything to him because he trusted that he would understand without needing words. So, Baron Montree didn’t pry.
But about a month ago, when he visited the estate after hearing of a recent incident, Edmund had entrusted him with the aftermath, his face shadowed by the presence of death.
His heart had nearly stopped at that moment.
After hearing the full story from Rail, Baron Montree had fervently wished for Etricia’s recovery.
For days, he had waited, not knowing if his master was alive or dead, and finally, news of Etricia’s recovery arrived.
‘Thank goodness. If Countess Buell had remained in eternal slumber…’
With a heavy sigh, Baron Montree furrowed his white brows and pressed his fingers against his eyelids.
It was a moment of immense gratitude.
The man who had only ever cared for his sister’s happiness had now found his own.
A faint smile graced his lips as he slowly opened his eyes.
‘Now, a new Duke and Duchess will take the place of the former ones.’
It was time to proceed with the careful preparations for such a grand occasion.
That included silencing the objections of vassals who would fiercely oppose Edmund’s marriage to Countess Buell—an unconventional match in the conservative noble society—and dealing with those who would look down on her.
‘When we welcome her into the ducal estate, everything must go perfectly.’
With a gentle smile, Baron Montree turned his gaze to Edmund. It was unclear when he had stopped pretending to focus on paperwork. Now, he was glancing nervously at the grandfather clock, his golden eyes following the second hand.
Holding back a chuckle, Baron Montree asked, “Do you have an urgent matter to attend to?”
“…Not at all.”
Though he denied it, his body leaned subtly toward the door, resembling a racehorse poised at the starting gate.
Baron Montree exhaled a quiet laugh.
‘Late love is the most intense.’
But the sharp glare that shot toward him made him immediately straighten his expression. If he dared to tease Edmund about looking forward to his date with Etricia, the Duke would undoubtedly growl at him, asking if he had finally lost his mind.
Baron Montree instead placed a stack of documents in front of Edmund.
Hoping to expedite the filling of the vacant Duchess position, he decided to be a little flexible.
“These are the only remaining documents requiring your signature, including the approval for relocating the agricultural equipment storage. Once you sign these, you may leave early.”
Edmund raised a skeptical brow. “That’s odd. You said something different yesterday.”
“That can’t be.”
With an unwavering smile, Baron Montree met Edmund’s doubtful gaze. Soon, the golden eyes narrowed like those of a lazy cat, before he finally gave in.
“…Perhaps I misheard.”
With swift strokes, Edmund signed the papers and grabbed the jacket draped over his chair. Then, opening his desk drawer, he reached for a ring case—only to freeze at the weight of Baron Montree’s amused gaze.
Frowning, Edmund snapped, “You should leave as well.”
“I intend to. I should spend a quiet evening with my wife for a change.”
Edmund gave a nonchalant nod and moved toward the door, but then hesitated. Rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly, he turned back.
“…Did the greenhouse request go well?”
“…”
“Don’t laugh.”
Even as Edmund scowled, Baron Montree’s smirk refused to fade.
“It should be completed.”
“I see.”
Edmund’s ears turned red as a small smile crept onto his lips. Watching him, Baron Montree’s aged eyes softened.
“Your Grace, Duke Mipedian.”
In those golden eyes, he saw a glimpse of the innocent young boy Edmund once was.
“You have carried on your father’s legacy admirably.”
“…I know.”
“So, I have no doubt that today’s grand plan will also be a success—”
Bang!
Edmund, now red-faced, slammed the door shut and stormed out, leaving the doorframe trembling.
“Haha!”
Baron Montree, momentarily wide-eyed, burst into hearty laughter before wiping beneath his wrinkled eyes.
“You should be honest with her.”
That is the secret to a long, happy marriage. Shaking his head with a chuckle, he looked every bit like a fond uncle watching a nephew grow up.
“Did something good happen today?”
“Hm?”
Etricia, clipboard in hand, was counting inventory in the warehouse when a worker walked in.
The worker rolled up his sleeves and grinned. “You seem to be in an especially good mood today, my lady.”
Etricia’s eyes widened slightly. Startled, she quickly set the clipboard down and rubbed her cheeks.
‘I thought I was keeping a straight face. Is it that obvious?’
No way. She let out a small, amused huff—only to freeze when she caught sight of herself in a nearby mirror.
‘Oh no.’
In the distorted reflection, she saw a woman grinning like a fool. Her cheeks, now flushed like ripe peaches, grew warmer as she rubbed them with the back of her hand, her thick red hair cascading over her arm.
‘At this rate, I won’t get anything done today.’
Come to think of it, she hadn’t checked the time.
Leaning against the doorway, she peeked out at the wooden clock on the wall.
‘…!’
Realizing her date was only an hour away, she gasped.
Quickly tidying up, she turned to the worker. “Let’s call it a day.”
“Huh?”
The worker, just about to start, looked bewildered.
“The rest can wait until tomorrow.”
With an awkward smile, she brushed off his curiosity. The worker’s eyes flickered before he smirked knowingly—he had a pretty good idea why she was sending them home early.
Her highly publicized divorce and romance had been nothing short of revolutionary for commoners.
“Understood. See you tomorrow!”
The worker dashed off before she could change her mind.
Alone, Etricia hurriedly secured the last of the crates before rushing upstairs. She changed into the outfit she had prepared days in advance and styled her hair.
As she descended the jade-painted staircase, a sharp tapping sound made her pause.
Looking toward the window, she saw raindrops splattering against the glass.
Her heart sank.
“Rain… in late autumn?”
This was their first date. She had wanted to look her best.
Just as she sighed in disappointment, something caught her eye.
A tall figure stood under the awning outside, hands clasped behind his back.
He smiled gently.
“Edmund…!”
Overjoyed, Etricia rushed out the door.
