Chapter 13

Declan did not so much as lift a finger, even with the teacup in front of him. His blue eyes remained fixed on her.

From his gaze, Astrid could read complex emotions: relief, joy, even surprise.

Seeing his still-twisted nose, it seemed Declan had not yet recovered from the shock of seeing Astrid again.

It seemed she would have to take the lead in the conversation.

“Guild master, thank you for coming. I was in trouble after losing my belongings in the accident.”

“Yes… You must have gone through a lot. Since there were previous transactions, I prepared a few things.”

As Declan fiddled with his bag, a soft silence filled the sunlit drawing room.

She hoped it wouldn’t look awkward.

Astrid’s mind was filled with questions about what had happened to the west and the Merchant Guild, and whether the staff were all right.

Surely it would be acceptable to ask about the guild’s situation.

She parted her lips, searching for an opportunity to ask.

At that moment, there was a knock.

“The Duke of Raselles has arrived.”

At the unexpected visit, both Declan and Astrid rose at once.

The door opened, and Kaiden entered. After briefly looking at the two, the Duke strode leisurely across the drawing room.

Kaiden stood firmly in front of Declan and extended his large hand.

Treating him not as a fellow Academy junior, but as a merchant, Declan quickly grasped the Duke’s hand.

After a firm handshake, Kaiden spoke.

“Guild master, have you been well?”

“Thanks to you, all has been well. Your Grace, thank you for supporting our guild.”

“Support? It’s just an investment.”

There was clearly a smile on his lips, but his voice was cold.

Kaiden fixed his gaze on Astrid, who stood awkwardly.

“Miss Selinger, have you spoken enough with the guild master?”

What was the intent of this question? Was he curious if the secret about Brielle Selinger had been revealed?

Astrid tried to read Kaiden’s intentions, pulling at the corners of her lips. But his golden eyes only shone brilliantly, and she could not read his thoughts.

“We’ve only just exchanged greetings. The tea was so good we barely had a chance to talk.”

“So it was more of a tea time than a meeting.”

As Kaiden sat down on the sofa as if it were nothing, a teacup was immediately set before him. She resented that the always-busy Duke would join them, but there was no way to stop him.

Astrid decided not to cling to matters beyond her control any longer.

She handed Declan a letter she had prepared in advance.

“Guild master, I’ve listed the items I need separately. Would the Mason Merchant Guild be able to obtain them?”

“Our guild deals in a variety of goods, both domestic and foreign. Even if something is not on the list, if you request it, we’ll procure it for you.”

With a serious demeanor, Declan began to read the letter containing her regards.

Worried the contents might be leaked, Astrid had cleverly mixed the real messages she wanted to convey among the greetings and the list of needed items.

If it was Declan, he would quickly pick up on the hidden meaning within the lines.

Curious about what his reply would be, Astrid paid close attention.

“Guild master, did you bring the catalog?”

“Of course, Your Grace.”

Kaiden, after quietly watching the two, pointed to Declan’s bag. Declan immediately took out the catalog and handed it to Kaiden.

Even after that, Kaiden remained in the room. Although it was odd, no one voiced any questions.

After reading the letter, Declan’s eyes reddened, but he spoke in a bright voice.

“Miss Selinger, fortunately, we can obtain everything. First, let me show you the items I brought with me.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

“I’m sure you’ll be pleased.”

Declan’s eyes were still red, but his words were smooth. He took glass bottles out of a neatly organized box.

Astrid smiled at the now composed Declan and examined the items.

It seemed new products had been developed, as the bottles could not be opened by the usual method. When she tilted her head in puzzlement, Declan spoke.

“Your Grace, may I sit beside the young lady to explain?”

Speaking nonchalantly, Declan’s gaze was fixed on Kaiden.

Ignoring that look, Kaiden flipped through the catalog. His long fingers stopped at an illustration of a luxury item.

He traced a brooch decorated with diamonds with his fingertip. It was a cute design that noble ladies would like.

For a while, the drawing room fell into silence, and then Kaiden nodded.

“As long as Miss Selinger is comfortable, by all means.”

“Thank you. Young lady, let me show you the cream first.”

“Yes.”

Declan moved to her side and opened the lid of a glass bottle. He then poured a milky liquid onto her hand. A gentle floral scent wafted up.

“How is it?”

“It’s nice.”

Normally, the two of them would have seriously discussed the cosmetics, but with Kaiden watching, she couldn’t focus on the details.

Astrid’s neck stiffened for no reason.

Declan took out more cosmetics. As the colorful containers lined up on the table, even the staff’s attention wavered. Declan winked at Astrid and handed her a small box.

“It’s a new product. Please tell me your thoughts when we meet again.”

“Thank you.”

A quick glance inside revealed medicine and a letter. The envelope was thick, possibly containing not only Declan’s letter but also messages from the staff.

Seeing the carefully sealed envelope, Astrid’s eyes reddened. When she looked up, Declan gave her a faint smile.

At that moment, Kaiden closed the catalog with a sharp sound.

“Miss Selinger looks tired, so let’s wrap up here. When will the goods be delivered to the residence?”

“I will visit again within two weeks.”

Kaiden raised an eyebrow. It was unusual for the master of a merchant guild to visit a noble’s residence at such short intervals.

He surely knew how the Dowager Duchess and the staff would perceive Declan’s visit, but Declan didn’t care.

Kaiden never took his eyes off him and spoke in a flat tone.

“Guild master, you are very proactive.”

“Miss Selinger has been a precious customer since the beginning. Of course, I must come in person.”

Even though he understood Kaiden’s sarcasm, Declan was unwavering.

He was always consistent. Though he was little more than a puppy, whenever Astrid was involved, he would bare his fangs fiercely.

Kaiden watched the man who dared to bare his teeth in his territory, then stood up with the catalog in hand.

“Shall we go to my study and discuss business further?”

“Thank you for making time for me.”

When Declan answered politely, Kaiden immediately walked out ahead.

Declan glanced at Astrid’s worried face and bid her farewell. She mouthed the words, “Hang in there.”

Astrid still worried about others more than herself. Declan’s heart swelled at her attitude, and he responded with a gesture.

Thinking he wouldn’t see Astrid again for two weeks, he tried to take in more of her and her surroundings.

Even as the two men left, the maids stood guard by Astrid’s side. From the way they scrutinized Declan, it seemed they were not simply there to serve.

I have to get Astrid out of here soon.

Resolutely, Declan followed after the man striding ahead. Today, Kaiden’s steps felt especially impatient.

All the way to the study, Kaiden unconsciously clenched his fists. He had to try his best not to grab Declan by the collar.

He wanted to kill Declan for hovering around Astrid. Yet, thinking about how Declan had saved Astrid three years ago, he felt grateful.

He felt resentful, too, wondering why Astrid, who had been in such danger, had not come to him.

Sigh.

Since Astrid’s return, Kaiden often lost his composure.

It was the first time since becoming a Duke that his emotions had run so wild, and it unsettled him greatly. But there was nothing he could do about it.