Duke and Duchess Reunion - Chapter 79

Chapter 79

“Marriage is something that needs to be decided carefully.”

As the past was mentioned, Aneta rubbed her forehead. She didn’t say that the circumstances were completely different from back then because Vernon would already know.

“You entered that careful marriage as a contract marriage, didn’t you?”

“You’re taking your revenge like this, I see.”

Carlos, who had been silent, suddenly narrowed his eyes dangerously, but Vernon quickly avoided his gaze.

Aneta, avoiding Carlos and meeting Vernon’s eyes, spoke.

“Even though it was a contract marriage, it was a careful decision from my perspective. The conditions were ideal, and the partner was none other than Carlos. It’s not like he’s the type of person who’d do anything foolish.”

Although the original story predetermined her marriage to Carlos, she had no complaints about her partner.

At the time, she thought that the main character, Erez, would eventually appear, so the divorce was guaranteed, and she didn’t think Carlos would cheat during their marriage.

Also, he wasn’t someone who would gamble or raise his hand against her. He had enough honor and wealth that he wasn’t interested in her fortune; in fact, he was more dissatisfied that she didn’t use a single penny from the ducal family’s assets.

“Well, it’s true that he’s not the type to mess around. But did you consider all that before accepting the Emperor’s proposal?”

“Of course. I couldn’t live under the same roof with someone of rotten character just to suppress my father. That would be the worst of the worst.”

“You’re something.”

When you list it all out, Aneta has made a rational and safe choice.

Vernon glanced at Carlos’s reaction.

His friend, who had been as stiff as a block of wood, was feigning happiness at the trust being shown by his ex-wife.

Vernon wanted to ask if he was happy, but he decided not to. The answer would be obvious.

“Since I’ve proven that I was careful enough, let’s stop talking about the past. You should also think seriously, for Chris’s sake.”

Aneta knew that Vernon was a good person. Still, she couldn’t help but worry because Chris had become more important to her than she initially realized.

“In any case, there are more things to consider when you’re marrying someone you truly love than with a political or contract marriage.”

Aneta hoped he would keep that in mind.

“I’m not in a position to oppose your marriage, so I’ll stop here with my unsolicited advice. Even if I had the right, it’s not like you’d listen. Who can stop two people from falling in love?”

Aneta said that as she bent down to pick up the teacup she had dropped.

Tap.

With a small sound, she placed it back on the table, and Vernon, after a moment of thought, spoke up.

“I know there are plenty of people better and more capable than me in this world. But if nothing else, my love for her is something no one can surpass. That’s why I decided to marry her. I can’t step back and leave her to someone else; it makes me too anxious.”

Vernon spoke, saying that from now on, he would protect her directly. Aneta silently gazed at him.

“Just like you said last time, I won’t turn her into a bird in a cage.”

Noticing the meaning in her eyes, Vernon continued with a serious expression.

“If Chris wants to keep doing what she’s doing now, I’ll fully support her. I’ll do everything I can to make sure she never regrets marrying me and is truly happy.”

“You better keep those words. If you ever make her cry, I won’t let you off easily. I’ll be watching closely, so do your best.”

As Aneta tapped the corners of her eyes with her fingers, Vernon burst out laughing. Aneta’s demeanor reminded him of Chris’s father, who used to fuss over his one and only daughter.

“If anyone saw this, they’d think Chris was your daughter.”

“Stop it. I wouldn’t want a son-in-law like you. Just imagining it stresses me out.”

“Why are you focusing on that?”

“I would welcome a daughter like Chris, but not you.”

Aneta deliberately made a disapproving expression.

Vernon couldn’t decide whether he should be happy that Chris was being pampered or sad about his cousin’s reaction toward him.

However, the dilemma was brief. Despite her words, he knew that he too was within her protective circle.

***

As she headed to the office where the members of the Welfare Department were gathered, she noticed that those present seemed more relaxed in the spacious room than before. Some appeared to be absent, perhaps having left their seats.

From Aneta’s perspective, she had come to see Chris, but for those under her, it was a different story.

When their superior made an unexpected visit, those present sprang to their feet as if they had been jolted.

They hadn’t caused any trouble or been lazy, but it was impossible not to feel nervous in front of a superior who had appeared out of the blue. It was akin to feeling uneasy at the sight of passing guards, even when one hadn’t done anything wrong.

“Welcome, Your Ladyship.”

Aneta glanced over at the people who greeted her with stiff expressions. There was Marquis Radia, Baron Shisen, the third son of Marquis Cole, the eldest daughter of Count Ifcott, Count Digen, and finally, Chris.

Though she had never enforced discipline or wielded authority, seeing them all so rigidly formal made Aneta sigh. Of course, she understood that this was to be expected.

This was a world where social hierarchy based on status was a given.

“Anyone would think this place is a knightly order. Relax.”

“Yes, understood.”“But what brings you here today?”

Marquis Radia asked, following Count Digen’s response.

Aneta rarely visited the office herself for the convenience of her subordinates; she usually summoned those she needed to see to her office.

Because of this, they looked puzzled at her appearance in the office. It felt quite strange to see their superior, who they were accustomed to seeing only in her office, standing in the workspace they used.

“I’m here because I need to see Baroness Deven.”

“You came all this way for me? You could have summoned me to your office.”

“No. You’re probably busier than I am right now, so it’s only fair that I come to you.”

Aneta responded to the startled Chris with formal language, conscious of the others’ gazes.

“I just wanted to ask if you could make some time for me after work. Are you free?”

“Yes, I am.”

“Then come to my office as soon as you’re done. I’ll be off now.”

When Chris quickly nodded, Aneta exited the office, signaling that the conversation was over. She declined the offers of those who wanted to see her off, citing that it would be burdensome.

After Aneta left, it was only natural that the remaining people’s gazes shifted from the closed door to Chris.

They looked at Chris with curious eyes, amazed at how naturally she had conversed with Aneta.

“This is the first time I’ve seen Her Ladyship make a personal appointment,” said Rael, the daughter of Count Ifcott, breaking the silence.

“Me too.”

“She doesn’t usually meet people privately.”

No one disagreed with Rael’s statement.

Aneta was someone who had nothing to lose by not forcing friendships with others, so it was rare for her to keep people close. However, she had slowly begun to change at some point.

They vaguely sensed that Chris was one of the reasons for Aneta’s transformation.

But there was no jealousy toward Chris, who seemed to be favored by their superior. It was merely a feeling of envy.

This was understandable, as anyone who got to know Chris Deven would naturally understand why Aneta cared for her so much.

“Alright, let’s get back to our work.”

The person who broke the tension was Marquis Radia, who held the second-highest position in the Welfare Department after Aneta.

As he gave the instruction, the others returned to their work, and he turned to Chris.

“Baroness Deven, you should finish your work quickly. We can’t keep the Minister waiting.”

“Yes.”

With Chris’s response, the office fell into silence. The way everyone immersed themselves in their tasks after the brief conversation mirrored the work ethic of their minister.

***

Thanks to Marquis Radia’s consideration, Chris was able to finish work earlier than usual, and, as promised, she went to see Aneta.

When Chris asked why she had been called, Aneta, who was alone in her office, replied that there was somewhere she wanted to go together as she picked up her coat.

“Somewhere do you want to go?”

“A restaurant. I thought we could have a meal together since it’s been a while. I recently found a nice place.”

As Aneta spoke, she thought of Vernon. Considering that he was probably in the middle of a good time with Chris, she added,

“If you have other plans, we can just have a quick tea instead.”

“It’s fine. I don’t have any other plans.”

“That’s a relief. Shall we go then?”

Aneta had already informed Carlos, who was likely with Russell by now, about her plans for the day. Without any concerns, she left the office with Chris.

The place they arrived at by carriage was the same restaurant Aneta had visited with Carlos a while ago. She had reserved the same room as before, and after being guided inside, they took their seats.

Chris received a menu without prices, as per Aneta’s request. Although she looked a bit puzzled, she soon chose dishes that suited her taste. Aneta added a few more items to the order before sending the waiter away.

“How are you feeling? Are you okay?”

“That’s the fifth time you’ve asked me that, Aneta.”

While waiting for the ordered food to arrive, Aneta repeated the question she had asked every time she saw Chris. Despite this, Chris shook her head with a smile, showing no signs of annoyance.

“I’m not hurt at all, so please don’t worry.”

“But how can I not worry when you get involved in such a dangerous situation because of me?”

“If you’re concerned, just treat me to this meal. And after that, let’s forget all about it.”

“I was planning on treating you from the start since I brought you here. But aside from that, I want to handle your wedding gifts.”

“Wedding gifts?”

Chris was visibly surprised by what Aneta had just said.

“How did you know I was getting married?”

“Vernon came to my office a few days ago and told me.”

Aneta joked that she had expected to be the first to hear the news, so she was a bit disappointed. Chris, startled, quickly waved her hands.

“Of course, I was planning to tell you first. I was just waiting until the invitations were ready. I didn’t expect Vernon to tell you before I could. I wanted to surprise you.”

Chris laughed awkwardly, saying that her plan had completely fallen through.

“I should’ve coordinated with him beforehand.”

“You’ve thought it through and made your decision, right?”

“Yes, of course. It’s a marriage, after all.”

“If you’re confident you won’t regret it, then that’s all that matters.”

Aneta nodded, feeling relieved as Chris affirmed her decision without hesitation.

Unlike the many things she had said to Vernon, she readily accepted Chris’s choice.