Divorce Begins with Remarriage - Chapter 45

It was clear that merely mentioning it at tomorrow’s tea party would cause a tremendous stir. Therefore, she had to urgently discuss it with Roberto beforehand. After all, Berenice was the head of the Cyrilov Branch of the Valencia Merchantry.

“Madam?”

“Thank you, Selphine. You did really well.”

“What did I do…….”

Instead of answering the bewildered Selphine, Berenice picked up a pen. She had to quickly write a plan and pass it on before Alfonso left work.

Once she decided, she had to act quickly.

Berenice’s lips curled up. Her eyes sparkled with passion as she went about her work. Seeing this, Selphine carefully filled her teacup. The tea, which had cooled down by now, seemed just right as she gulped it down.

It was clear that Berenice was overdoing it.

‘She should hire an aide before that…….’

Selphine sighed lightly.

***

Of course, Roberto strongly agreed with Berenice’s opinion. The roads in the territory, which were already less maintained than those in the capital, were a headache for him too. It was too big of a project to tackle and the financial status of the ducal family had to be considered.

“Thank you, Berenice.”

“What for.”

“No, Duchess. I, too, as a person of Cyrilov, want to express my gratitude. The project you are planning will surely be of great help to the Cyrilov territory.”

“Thanking me for such a thing. It’s also beneficial for the prosperity of the Valencia Merchantry.”

Berenice said shyly.

“It seems like Cyrilov’s future has brightened since Berenice came. You always do your best for me.”

“You do the same, Roberto.”

Alfonso smiled happily at the sight of such a harmonious newlywed couple. What a harmonious couple. Berenice and Roberto were synergizing with each other. As Cyrilov thrived, the Valencia Merchantry would also benefit.

Where else could you find such a healthy relationship?

There would have been no one else as fitting for the duchess position as Berenice.

Besides, although it’s not as hot as the rumors suggested, the two were sweetly living together.

Alfonso wished for Berenice to stay healthy and long in Cyrilov. And for that, Berenice’s health was very important.

“Ah, Duchess. I have one suggestion to make.”

So Alfonso raised his hand.

“What is it?”

“I suggest hiring a new personal physician and an aide for you, Duchess. Since the personnel authority of the ducal family is entrusted to you, I dare to make this suggestion. Also, a nutritionist to assist the head chef of the ducal family is needed.”

“…That’s a reasonable opinion. I’ve been concerned about Terenzio’s health anyway. Ah, I’ve been considering an aide already.”

Terenzio’s health.

Even in such times, you’ve touched my heart again.

Alfonso pressed down his teary eyes. Such a kind and smart madam that House Cyrilov was blessed with, we’re truly blessed.

“Not only Terenzio but also Your Grace and the Duchess should manage your health through regular check-ups.”

“Of course. The child can’t grow healthy unless the parents are healthy.”

About Terenzio again.

Alfonso was about to praise Berenice, swept away by waves of emotion. Of course, Roberto was no different.

“…I don’t know how I can repay this gratitude.”

“We’re married after all. That’s enough.”

That was a code only Berenice and Roberto could understand. It meant that by marrying Berenice, Roberto became a legal shield against Livio. Roberto thought it wasn’t enough, but Berenice thought it was.

They didn’t know about this gap between them.

Because of this, both were anxious to do more for each other.

To others, they seemed like a perfectly sweet newlywed couple.

Enough to make Alfonso even happier.

***

Many ladies of Cyrilov attended the first tea party hosted by Berenice.

Berenice knew what expectations they had in coming here. And she planned to satisfy their needs.

By drawing them to her side one by one, she hoped that genuine relationships might remain in the end.

Among those who attended were unmarried young ladies whom Berenice had carefully invited. This was because she intended to hire an aide and did not want to differentiate between the married madams and unmarried young women.

“Thank you all for coming here today. I hope we all have a good time together.”

Berenice smiled brightly.

“Thank you for the invitation, Duchess.”

The most esteemed madam greeted on behalf of everyone.

“I have a lot to discuss, so I’ll get straight to the point. To foster camaraderie, I’ve prepared a dinner for tonight, and I hope for your generous understanding. After all, we are all concerned about the future of Cyrilov.”

At Berenice’s gesture, Selphine handed out prepared folders to the ladies.

“The first matter we’ll discuss is about playmates, as previously mentioned. I’ve included an application form in the documents I’ve distributed. I hope you’ll consider it carefully. Furthermore, to widely promote the playmate system in Cyrilov, I’m considering establishing an educational facility for young children who are yet to enroll in the academy.”

This was something Berenice felt while raising Terenzio. Not all nobles went to the academy. Most completed their studies through home education, but that alone was often not enough. Berenice hoped that more children would take an interest in their studies.

That’s why she thought of an educational facility.

“Oh my…”

The eyes of the noble ladies who were raising young children sparkled. How could one come up with such an idea? It seems different for those in business. They admired as they read through the plan.

“I’ve already been granted approval for this. I plan to use the budget allocated to me this year.”

“The Duchess’s budget for this…?”

“Please think of it as a gift from me to the people of Cyrilov.”

Berenice smiled gently. Even without her budget, Berenice had ample wealth. It was about using the surplus budget in the right place. Naturally, the madams, already troubled with children’s issues, voted in favor.

That’s right, just look at Countess Ehier.

Wasn’t it because home education wasn’t properly conducted that her child behaved so recklessly?

The gazes towards Berenice began to warm up more.

Besides, they weren’t going to increase taxes but instead use the Duchess’s budget. This was truly a big deal. They say blood doesn’t matter when it comes to money…

‘Is it necessary to have some people after all?’

Berenice’s plan revealed her confidence and boldness even more.

“The next plan is a bit different. This is a suggestion from me, as someone affiliated with the Valencia Merchantry. You may discuss it further upon returning home.”

“What… The Valencia Merchantry will support the road construction?”

“Yes, that’s correct. The road issue directly affects the interests of the Valencia Merchantry.”

“Incredible!”

“But this isn’t something I can do alone nor something the duchy can do alone. We desperately need your families’ help.”

Though she presented it as though she was asking for help, there was no one present who didn’t understand the implications. It was about the rights and interests involved in road construction. Depending on who oversees this road construction, the benefits would vary.

A subtle excitement arose among the ladies.

Of course, this was also something Roberto would mention when he met with his vassals. But there was still time before that meeting, and Berenice’s tea party was first. By mentioning this matter first, Berenice gave those attending her tea party the privilege of accessing information sooner.

People began to think it was good that they attended today’s gathering.

And they also thought that they must definitely attend Berenice’s tea parties in the future.

“And the last agenda is… I need an aide who is well aware of Cyrilov’s situation. If anyone is interested…”

“Me!”

“Me!!”

Hands shot up here and there.

“Someone skilled in calculations…”

Half of them put their hands down.

“And would have no problems in preparing documents…”

Another half.

“It would be nice if someone could demonstrate abilities comparable to Aide Alfonso.”

Eventually, only one person remained.

A beautiful woman with short hair was smiling brightly.

“I am Clara from Count Marte’s family. I have recently graduated from the academy, Duchess. I’m sure I can be of assistance in your endeavors.”

“Could you visit my office tomorrow?”

“Yes!”

Clara nodded energetically. After addressing all three agendas, as Berenice had said, the sun had set. Moreover, since they had only discussed work-related matters, they were hungry.

Berenice treated them to a generous dinner.

Enough to boast of Cyrilov’s grandeur.