Divorce Begins with Remarriage - Chapter 48

“Terenzio, you came?”

“Mom……”

“I was just about to take a break.”

Berenice naturally covered up the documents. Clara, who volunteered to be Berenice’s assistant, had come to work and was helping her.

“I’ll be out for a moment.”

Berenice whispered to Clara, noticing why Terenzio had come.

“Yes, Duchess.”

Clara nodded with a smile. Berenice approached Terenzio and took the child’s hand. It was natural for Terenzio’s lips to break into a wide smile.

“Do you want to go for a walk?”

“Yes, Mom!!”

Berenice stroked Terenzio’s head as he jumped around excitedly. The playmates he had talked about before were scheduled to come tomorrow.

Perhaps visits to Berenice out of boredom would decrease.

‘That’s somewhat disappointing.’

Berenice shook off such needless thoughts and listened to Terenzio’s chattering voice. There was someone watching Berenice and Terenzio.

It was Roberto, who had just returned from an outing.

“Where are you going?”

“Ah, Roberto. Did your trip go well?”

“Yes. I invested in the northern mines as you advised, Berenice.”

“That’s good to hear. Next time, investing in the shipbuilding industry might be a good idea too. With the trade routes opening up, the shipbuilding industry is growing.”

“I’ll do that.”

Roberto nodded.

It seems Berenice’s business acumen, perhaps inherited from Viscount Dante, was exceptional. She had a knack for identifying promising investment opportunities.

Roberto had no objections to Berenice’s suggestions.

“We were about to go for a walk, Roberto. Would you like to join us?”

“Yes. That would be nice.”

He would always agree.

Roberto also took Terenzio’s other hand.

It felt as if no one could disturb this peace. For a lifetime.

***

Three children were selected as playmates for Terenzio.

The noblewomen raising children of the same age supported Berenice’s new policy. Besides the children who came in as playmates, educational facilities for other children were also planned to be established within the territory.

Although it was initially limited to the nobility, Berenice’s dream did not stop there. Her goal was to create educational facilities that any child living in the Cyrilov territory could attend.

This was a goal Berenice became interested in because of Terenzio and subsequently pursued.

“Thank you for coming all this way, Miss Janis.”

“It’s only natural since you asked for me, Duchess. I’m rather thankful that you remembered and sought me out.”

“How were Terenzio and the children today?”

“Fortunately, some children persistently followed along, while others gave up quickly. But I believe it will get better soon.”

“That’s a relief. I trust in your curriculum, Miss Janis.”

Having this conversation made her genuinely feel like a proud parent. Berenice smiled softly and asked in a lower voice,

“Which category does Terenzio fall into?”

“Master Terenzio belongs to the most persistent group.”

Berenice beamed at Janis’s answer.

Of course, even if Terenzio wasn’t like that, he would still be cute and lovable. It’s just that…

How could she not be happy to hear her child is doing well? Berenice bit her lip hard, overwhelmed with emotion. She couldn’t let herself get too carried away and compromise her dignity as a noble.

“Thank you, Teacher. I’ll be counting on you to look after the children in the future.”

“Not at all, Duchess. And thank you for providing accommodation as well.”

Berenice smiled gently.

It wasn’t such a difficult task. Finding a mansion in the Cyrilov territory was nothing compared to finding one in the capital.

Janis left after exchanging various other pleasantries.

Berenice checked the time. Roberto and David were likely still discussing the road project.

“Ahem.”

Actually, Berenice had slipped out briefly after hearing that the children’s playtime was over. Her footsteps towards Roberto’s office became lighter.

Then, she almost started running.

“Madam? Madam!”

“Hurry up, Selphine!”

Berenice raised her voice unusually.

Janis had left after heaping much praise on Terenzio. She was itching to share this news with Roberto or someone else. Berenice opened the office door wide, leaving Selphine panting behind.

“Berenice…?”

“Roberto. It seems our Terenzio did really well. Miss Janis left after giving him a lot of praise. He’s diligent and he seems intelligent too. And he has great patience.”

Berenice caught her breath and spilled out the words.

“Oh. Is that so?”

“What’s with that reaction?”

Berenice puffed her cheeks. She was slightly disappointed by Roberto’s lukewarm response when she expected him to be happy. Berenice’s gaze turned towards David.

David, with an awkward smile, clapped his hands.

“The young master is remarkable! It doesn’t seem to show such patience at his age. Cyrilov’s future is indeed bright. Hahahaha.”

“Right! You see it too, don’t you, Lord David?”

Berenice sat down, her face flushed with excitement.

“Roberto, you have to realize how amazing this is. Terenzio is only seven years old.”

Roberto looked at Berenice with a strange gaze.

Berenice was so excited as she recounted exactly what Miss Janis had said, but to Roberto, her appearance was…

‘Beautiful.’

He was more concerned about that, so Terenzio’s story didn’t even register. He hadn’t expected Terenzio and Berenice to get along so well when Berenice first proposed marriage to him.

That’s not it.

Where would you find a new bride who genuinely loves and cares for a seven-year-old boy?

But Berenice was indeed putting her heart and soul into treating Terenzio well. There was a good reason why Terenzio always followed Berenice around.

Sensitive children can incredibly discern those who like and dislike them. Roberto was grateful for the affection and care Berenice showed towards Terenzio.

He appreciated her taking care of the thoughtful details he neglected.

Berenice’s heart was so beautiful that she appeared even more beautiful to him.

No, he knew she was beautiful already…

Roberto smiled as he looked between the excited Berenice and David, who was playing along with her.

“Thank you, Berenice.”

She truly was a blessing to him.

How did such a person come to find Roberto? I was so moved that my throat burned, beyond my understanding.

“What have I done…”

Berenice cleared her throat with a “hmm-hmm” and drank some water.

Looking into Roberto’s earnest eyes seemed to calm her down somewhat. The sun was setting. Against the backdrop of the office, dyed in deep red hues, Roberto was smiling like a picture.

Berenice could no longer make any reply and closed her mouth.

Because the look Roberto gave Berenice pierced her heart.

***

Afterward, Roberto received advice from David that he must always respond well in such situations. Otherwise, it might lead to a marital fight. Accepting this advice, which was imbued with years of experience, Roberto has since always given his best response whenever Berenice went on about how exceptional Terenzio is.

Now, that has become the routine for Roberto and Berenice.

Today, sitting head-to-head, Berenice and Roberto were discussing the road construction and merchantry activities. They planned to conceptualize a new specialized commercial area in addition to the existing market near the central fountain.

They were discussing plans to make the area a merchantry alley focused on imported items from outside, especially once the mana train service to the village starts and regular trade routes open. The existing market would continue to sell local produce and primary products as it has always done, ensuring no overlap in items.

The commercial district would mainly introduce luxury goods.

“How about we build several buildings in this area and offer them to the locals at a discounted rent as a priority?”

Roberto nodded at Berenice’s suggestion.

“Not bad. I would like it if the construction of the commercial district gave more of an impression that it’s for the locals. Otherwise, it might be seen as killing the local market.”

“That’s a good point. Given the size of the Valencia Merchantry, some people often think of it as a predatory large market. But Valencia Merchantry has always sought coexistence with local commerce. Balancing this is difficult.”

“There might also be a way to revitalize the local market by hosting a specialty product festival.”

“How about… the Valencia Merchantry hosts that festival?”

Berenice’s eyes sparkled.

“And continue pushing the plan to prioritize leasing rights to locals in the commercial district.”

“Is that really okay? The Valencia Merchantry is also a group that seeks profit. Berenice, if you’re overextending because of Cyrilov…”

“No, Roberto. There have been several cases already. You know Valencia Merchantry always seeks coexistence.”

“…That’s truly commendable.”

Roberto smiled faintly. Berenice looked radiant with passion for her work. Unlike the cautious Roberto, Berenice was aggressive and daring.

Roberto saw in Berenice what he could not do himself.

Roberto’s eyes lit up as he watched Berenice.

‘There’s much to learn.’

And.

‘Ahem. She’s also pretty…’

Roberto’s ears turned red.

This time, someone visited the office while Berenice was engrossed in documents.