Chapter 24

She found herself in this situation solely because of the Mason Merchant Guild and herself.

Declan, because of his own greed, had put the woman he loved in trouble. The self-reproach that he had caused her to be treated so poorly made him clench his fists tightly.

“Thanks to the support from His Grace the Duke, we were able to breathe a little easier. The funerals for the workers and compensation for their families have also been settled.”

“That’s a relief.”

Astrid felt reassured that Kaiden had kept his promise and that the money he sent was used properly.

As expected, it seemed the funds from the Duke were more helpful to the Mason Merchant Guild than she herself was.

Feeling somewhat bitter, Astrid took a sip of tea.

“Oh, by the way, I’ve recently confirmed that wallpaper using Selby Green is being distributed in the kingdom. What do you think about spreading news of the accident in the Selby Kingdom and selling our products?”

“I have a connection with the scientist who warned about the dangers of Selby Green. If I ask, he’ll write an article for us.”

“Using the press is a good idea. You should also actively publicize the problem with cosmetics containing arsenic and lead. Call them ‘silent killers’.”

As Astrid’s eyes sparkled and she spoke, Declan gazed at her quietly, then let out a faint laugh.

He had worried that she might struggle at the Duke’s house, but all she thought about was the guild.

He was glad she was doing well and grateful that she still cared about the guild.

Declan pressed on his aching chest. Astrid already had so many things to worry about—he didn’t want to add his own feelings to her burdens.

“I’ll do that. But now, let’s talk about you. Did you have another nightmare after taking the medicine last time?”

“Yeah… I’m just trying to accept it now.”

After Astrid mentioned the side effects of the painkillers, Declan had immersed himself in experiments, changing the formula and even replacing the medicine altogether. But as a result, Astrid had suffered terrible pain, as if her whole body was being torn apart.

In the end, she had no choice but to take the original medicine, which had a short shelf life and had to be compounded each time.

“I’ll research the medicine a bit more. See if there’s a way to reduce the side effects.”

“Thank you.”

When Declan handed her the box, Astrid nodded.

He seemed to have more to say, his lips moving slightly. At last, he spoke in a much lower voice.

“I told His Grace the Duke that three years ago, you fell off a cliff while being chased by Marquis Hamilton.”

“You did well. Thank you.”

“But you can tell me the truth, can’t you? What really happened back then…?”

Astrid gave a bitter smile and stared at the box on her lap. It was filled with various cosmetics and perfumes—things women would love.

As she touched the elegantly curved bottles and avoided answering, Declan let out a short sigh.

“As, if you need anything, just tell me. I’ll get you whatever you want.”

“Whatever I want? Are you saying you’d pluck a star from the sky if I asked?”

“If you wanted, I’d do it, as much as you like.”

It must have been a joke, but Declan’s words sounded so sweet. The junior who had always seemed like a little brother—when had he grown up enough to make such jokes? She found it endearing.

Feeling cheerful, Astrid wanted to respond with a witty remark. As she was thinking, there was a knock at the door.

“Come in.”

Unexpectedly, it was the Dowager Duchess standing behind the open door. Both Astrid and Declan jumped to their feet in surprise.

The Dowager Duchess, dressed in an elegant gown, strode gracefully across the drawing room.

“Am I interrupting the two of you?”

“Of course not. It’s an honor to see you, Your Grace the Dowager Duchess.”

“Oh my, you’re even more impressive than the rumors say.”

The Dowager Duchess looked at the tall young man standing before her.

She had heard that the Mason Merchant Guild was making aggressive investments lately, but meeting the guild master in person, her first impression was that he seemed more like a refined nobleman than a merchant.

With a smile, the Dowager Duchess extended her hand. Declan immediately bent and kissed the back of her hand.

Unlike her son, who had been a soldier, Declan Mason seemed used to holding a pen all his life. With his fair hair and skin, he looked like someone who would be quite popular among noble ladies.

As the Dowager Duchess smiled in satisfaction, Astrid quickly told the maid to bring more teacups.

Once everything was set, the Dowager Duchess took the seat of honor.

Sipping the fragrant tea, she leisurely observed the young man and woman. Both were ready to listen politely to whatever the Dowager Duchess had to say.

“You two know each other, I hear?”

“We met a few times because the house where I stayed did business with the Mason Merchant Guild.”

Astrid answered smoothly, and Declan nodded as if recalling old memories. But soon, Declan fixed his gaze on Astrid.

The Dowager Duchess watched Declan with narrowed eyes. He seemed to focus on Astrid’s every breath, his lips twitching whenever she spoke.

To figure out what he was really thinking, she would have to get to the point.

Without taking her eyes off Declan, the Dowager Duchess took out the invitation.

Astrid tilted her head as she accepted the envelope, her eyes widening.

“Miss Selinger, you are honored—Her Majesty the Queen has invited you to a tea party. How about ordering an outfit from the Mason Merchant Guild for the occasion?”

“Ah… I already have enough dresses.”

“They were all prepared in a rush, so they’re not quite suitable for the royal palace. Doesn’t the Mason Merchant Guild work with a dressmaker? Could you have a custom dress ready by next week?”

At those words, Declan’s eyes sparkled. He readily agreed that it was possible and said he would need to measure Brielle.

Flustered, Astrid looked between the Dowager Duchess and Declan, then gave up and obediently followed the maid.

Left alone in the drawing room with Declan, the Dowager Duchess smiled gently.

“When you bring the dress, bring a few sets of jewelry as well. And don’t tell Miss Selinger—it’s a surprise.”

“Dowager Duchess, you are truly generous.”

“She’ll have many social events to attend, so it’s best to prepare in advance.”

The Dowager Duchess picked up a simple snack.

While sipping tea, she watched Declan’s expression, but he simply maintained a polite attitude and showed no signs of agitation.

The Dowager Duchess and Declan enjoyed their tea time with elegant formality.

Declan was not just a merchant but a cultured gentleman, so the conversation never felt tedious.

By the time their cups were being refilled, Astrid returned.

“Miss Selinger, would you see the Guild Master off?”

“Yes, I’ll do that.”

Astrid gave a slight bow and signaled Declan with her eyes.

His cheeks flushed, as if he was happy even for a moment to spend time with her. It was only a brief moment, but he looked every bit the man in love.

Finally understanding the guild master’s true feelings, the Dowager Duchess stood up lightly.

“Let’s meet again.”

“Yes, Your Grace the Dowager Duchess.”

Declan bowed deeply in greeting. Then, almost at the same time, the two of them whispered quietly to each other.

Before leaving the room, the Dowager Duchess watched the young man and woman together as if admiring the scene, then left the drawing room.

A woman who seduced her son and now was charming the guild master—she shuddered at the thought.

* * *

For several days, Astrid faithfully played her part.

She spent most of her time in her room, only appearing for meals or when walking in the garden.

Kaiden came home every day and had meals with Astrid.

Most of the time, the Dowager Duchess joined them, creating the perfect scene of high-ranking nobles showing kindness to a pitiful woman.

The dishes prepared by the chief chef of the Duke’s house—steak and stew, each one made with care—were all excellent, but Astrid couldn’t really taste them.

Perhaps it was because of the dresses she wasn’t used to wearing, or the people she was with.

When having dinner with Kaiden, the Dowager Duchess would send a maid to help Astrid dress up.

Each time, the maid chose a modest dress with a high neckline for Astrid. The dark colors and loose fit made it feel like mourning clothes.

Astrid slowly cut her food and put it in her mouth.

By the time she finished dessert, the Dowager Duchess, who had been watching her closely, finally spoke.