Chapter 2.3

Being listed in the noble register was crucial. Only those listed could enjoy the legal privileges of nobility. It was a system established during the founding of the Kingdom to prevent the indiscriminate extension of privileges. According to this system, illegitimate children could not be included in the register.  

Of course, there were cases where noble families, desperate for an heir, used various loopholes to include illegitimate children. Some even pleaded with the Emperor, citing the risk of losing their wealth and title entirely if they couldn’t appoint an heir. However, such schemes only worked when rumors of illegitimacy remained vague. If it became a public certainty, no tricks would suffice.  

‘Ideally, I’d like to divorce him before the child is born. That would be the cleanest solution.’  

But Ariana wasn’t sure how long it would take to gather enough money. Even if things went smoothly and she amassed funds quickly, Rowen might drag out the divorce proceedings, and the child could be born in the meantime. In that case, she would have to deal with the complications of Rowen still being the Earl when the child was born.  

‘Still, it’s baffling.’  

If he intended to make an illegitimate child his heir, why was he so blatant about Alena’s presence?  

It was likely one of two things: either he had a plan to navigate this situation, or he hadn’t considered the implications at all.  

Ariana naturally assumed it was the latter. Five years into their marriage and four years since he became the Earl, Rowen remained astonishingly ignorant of noble society.  

‘Well… given his behavior, it’s not all that surprising.’  

Instead of fulfilling his duties as an Earl, he had completely immersed himself in the indulgences of noble gentlemen, losing himself in debauchery.  

‘It’s a wonder his business is still running smoothly despite his neglect.’  

This was the part that Ariana found suspicious. No matter how well-established a business might be, it was unusual for it to remain unaffected when its owner was so negligent.  

‘It could be that he hired competent people to keep it afloat…’  

But after Rowen’s father, Palvin, passed away, the experts who had worked with him had all retired for various reasons. These were individuals who had been close to the late Earl, and Ariana knew them well. The current pawnshop had inherited Palvin’s clients, inventory, and reputation, but in essence, it was an entirely new operation.  

‘I hope the investigation agency uncovers something.’  

Ariana’s thoughts drifted to the other side of Rowen she had encountered through the investigation agency. If the Rowen she knew was a blonde with green eyes and a gentle demeanor, the one from the agency had black hair, blue eyes, and a cold aura. It was astonishing how two people with the same name could be so different.  

‘Well… their bad personalities seem to be the same.’  

As she pondered, Ariana continued writing her letter. Once finished, she folded the paper, placed it in an envelope, and sealed it with her insignia. Helen, who had been waiting nearby, promptly took the envelope.  

“Where should I deliver this?”  

“Do you remember Mr. Daniel?”  

“Yes, I do. He was a restoration expert who worked with Mr. Palvin and often assisted the late Earl.”  

“Good. Send it to him. We need an expert in that field.”  

Helen hesitated, looking troubled, before speaking cautiously.  

“Well, young lady… Mr. Daniel retired under unfortunate circumstances. If you need an expert, I can find someone else.”  

“I’m aware of the scandal surrounding his retirement. That’s exactly why I need him.”  

Helen tilted her head, unable to comprehend why Ariana would seek someone with a tarnished reputation. But she soon nodded, accepting that it was her duty to follow her master’s wishes.  

“I understand. Also, I believe you’ll need a new attendant. How about assigning Gwen to the role?”  

“Gwen…?”  

“She’s the maid in charge of tea leaf management. She’s meticulous and kind-hearted, so I think she deserves the opportunity.”  

“If you, Madame Helen, believe she’s suitable, then I trust your judgment.”  

Tea leaves were expensive and required careful handling. Even a small mistake could lead to significant losses. If Gwen had managed such a delicate task without incident, she was undoubtedly competent. Moreover, her humility was evident—Ariana didn’t even know her name, which meant she had never tried to stand out.  

“Normally, the head maid would be considered first for such opportunities. Won’t Misha feel slighted?”  

Helen smiled gently, as if she had anticipated such a concern.  

“I’ve already discussed it with Misha. Both she and I agree that Gwen is the right choice.”  

“Then it’s settled. Inform Gwen and let her know I’ll have a simple dinner in my room.”  

For nobles, dinner was a particularly important meal. While breakfast and lunch could be simple, dinner was often a grand affair. However, with so many unwelcome guests in the house, Ariana had no appetite for an elaborate meal. If she went to the dining room, she would inevitably encounter Rowen, Madame Green, and Flory. The thought of facing them over dinner was enough to ruin her mood.  

“I’ll instruct Gwen to prepare the dishes you prefer when you’re feeling unwell.”  

Understanding her master’s sentiments, Helen left without pressing the issue.  

Left alone, Ariana retrieved a newsletter from her drawer and began reading. It was an ordinary publication filled with gossip and trends from high society, but it had been issued in the neighboring Lynette Republic rather than the Empire.  

Recently, the luxury goods market in the Empire had been driven by wealthy collectors arriving from the Lynette Republic by train. Ariana had once mediated the sale of noblewomen’s items to someone from the Republic and learned then of their keen interest in the Empire’s antiques and artworks.

The Empire admired the Republic’s capital, while the Republic envied the Empire’s history. Centuries-old traditions, refined customs, and a sophisticated culture passed down through generations. What seemed mundane and outdated to the Empire’s people was a source of fascination for those in the Republic.  

Human desires translate into money. Ariana intended to capitalize on this. To do so, she needed to precisely identify their desires.  

***

Alena tilted her head in confusion as she repeatedly pulled the servant bell. Every bell in the mansion was connected to the servants’ quarters in the basement. When someone pulled the bell, a loud chime would ring, indicating where the call came from. Since Alena often stayed by Ariana’s side as her maid, she frequently used the bell to summon other maids. Normally, someone would arrive within ten minutes, but this time, no one appeared despite her persistent ringing.  

“It seems the bell is broken.”  

Alena slumped her shoulders and sat at the table. Across from her, Rowen sat slouched, clearly irritated.  

“This mansion operates flawlessly. There’s no way the guestroom bell would be broken.”  

Rowen clicked his tongue, glaring at the bell. Alena widened her eyes in surprise.  

“If it’s not broken, then what?”  

“What else? They’re ignoring you on purpose. Ariana must have ordered them to disregard calls from this room.”  

“That can’t be. Ariana isn’t that petty.”  

Alena shook her head vigorously in defense of Ariana. Rowen sighed deeply, looking at her with a mix of exasperation and affection.  

“You grew up with Ariana, yet you don’t know her at all?”  

“Of course I know her. She’s practically my sister. She’s such a kind person.”  

“You’re so naive. Ariana is a cunning woman. She married me without even mentioning her infertility, solely to secure my wealth.”  

“Ariana values her family deeply. She must have wanted to protect something precious.”  

“And to protect that, she made a complete fool out of me. If it weren’t for you, Alena, I’d still…”  

“Shh!”  

Alena hurriedly grabbed Rowen’s hand and placed it flat against her stomach.  

“I think the baby just moved!”  

“The baby’s still too small. It’s unlikely you’d feel it yet.”  

“No, I’m sure I felt it.”  

When Alena insisted stubbornly, Rowen chuckled softly.  

“Alright, Alena. You’re right. I can feel it moving.”  

Though he felt nothing, Rowen smiled as he caressed the belly of the woman carrying his child. His expression held a bittersweet mix of joy and sorrow.  

“Alena, I’m grateful to you and sorry at the same time. You chose me over your relationship with Ariana.”  

“Well… I thought it was the right thing to do. I think of Ariana as my sister, but wrong is wrong…”  

“Two people nursed by the same woman—one turns out so genuine, and the other so cunning.”  

Rowen, who had been gazing at Alena lovingly, suddenly dropped his eyes coldly.  

“Well, she’s the kind of woman who decided to marry me to protect her family. It’s practically the same as selling herself for money. Not once has she lowered herself before me, always focused on preserving that noble bloodline of hers.”  

Rowen’s thoughts were now entirely consumed by Ariana. Observing the look in his eyes, Alena quietly knelt before him and rested her face against his knee.  

“Please don’t be upset, My Lord. When you’re unhappy, I feel miserable too. Even Ariana, who was like a sister to me, has turned her back on me… You’re my entire world now.”  

Her words carried the reverence one might show to an Emperor. It was a devotion Rowen had never received from anyone else, and it brought a smile back to his face.