Chapter 83
At Beatrice’s self-deprecating assessment, Caesar carefully chose his words. He hadn’t realized his perpetually cheerful wife harbored such feelings. A desire to support her, to ease her worries somehow, bloomed warmly within him.
“Everyone feels that way sometimes. Even I have my share of insecurities that I haven’t dared confess to you yet. But Beatrice, I don’t know if I’m qualified to give advice—”
“There’s no need for ‘qualified’, Caesar. I’ll always welcome my husband’s advice.”
Seeing his wife’s gentle smile, Caesar slowly continued speaking.
“When a mere mercenary from the streets suddenly became a nobleman, I was overwhelmed at first. But after actually starting the role, I found that governing the territory suited me quite well. Managing knights or securing the borders wasn’t much different from what I’d always done.”
He gave her a small smile in return.
“What I mean is… skills and talents can emerge later in life. If you truly wish to escape through marriage, I’d happily be your refuge. So, why not slowly discover what you love to do from now on?”
Beatrice had been sincere when she said she’d always welcome his advice, yet his words comforted her far more than she’d anticipated, warming her heart deeply.
Indeed, what point was there in comparing herself to her sisters? Even if she lacked any outstanding talent, she had a steadfast husband who wholeheartedly believed in her.
“Thank you. Speaking of which… actually, I’ve already declined the offer to serve as the Crown Princess’s lady-in-waiting. I thought I might focus on something else instead.”
Caesar struggled to hide the relieved smile forming at his lips.
“That’s good news. Have you thought about what you’d like to do?”
“For starters… I’d like to become more involved in managing our territory with you. High society here in the capital is important, of course, but I want to grow more comfortable with our life at home. Perhaps considering the profitability of the mines, we could restructure some business operations?”
Caesar agreed reflexively. Truthfully, he’d often thought that the gentle yet resilient Beatrice might actually possess a talent for business.
“Now, it’s your turn again.”
But before he could voice this thought, Beatrice was prompting him once more. Their private game wasn’t finished yet. Caesar searched his mind again.
“It’s not something I wanted to admit in front of the woman I’m trying to impress, but… I think I’m rather unintelligent.”
He avoided Beatrice’s bright gaze, murmuring awkwardly. Surprised by this unexpected confession, Beatrice laughed once again.
“But Caesar, there are many different types of intelligence. Reading books or speaking eloquently isn’t everything. You have a natural gift for strategy.”
She sincerely meant every word, but Caesar seemed to dismiss it as mere consolation.
“I’m grateful you see it that way, but I’m not sure. Sometimes I feel foolish, especially when I’m with you—like a complete idiot.”
“I’ve never thought of you that way… but promise me you’ll only show such adorable sides of yourself to me from now on. Consider this a little preview, since it’s my turn again. Honestly, I’m much more jealous than you might think.”
Caesar seemed quite intrigued by this latest confession.
“I never imagined you’d feel jealousy on account of me.”
“Are you pretending not to notice, or do you genuinely not realize? Have you any idea how many women secretly stare at you at these balls? What’s worse, nearly all of them are married noblewomen.”
“Hmm…”
“That just proves you’re the kind of real man coveted by women who already know a thing or two.”
As she said this, Beatrice planted a loud, playful kiss on his lips, leaving Caesar visibly dazed once more. Yet, she did not lose track of their game.
“Shall we each say one last thing? We’ve talked quite a bit already, yet I’m amazed at how much I still don’t know about you.”
“I feel the same. Hmm, one last secret…”
Caesar hesitated, deeply conflicted about whether or not to reveal what was on his mind. Eventually, remembering her insistence on absolute honesty, he decided to speak up. The last secret he had to confess to Beatrice was…
“The hyacinths I brought on the day we first met at the duke’s mansion… weren’t actually my choice.”
Her eyes widened in surprise.
“What? You didn’t pick them yourself?”
“Actually, Dillon recommended them. He insisted that their meaning was perfect, and I should absolutely bring those.”
“Sir Schultz?”
“Yes… I still don’t know how he discovered your tastes, but it helped me greatly. Are you perhaps disappointed?”
“No, but…”
After briefly hesitating, Beatrice’s expression brightened into a mischievous smile as she made her final confession.
“Here’s my last secret. My favorite flower isn’t actually hyacinths—it’s roses, Caesar.”
Now it was Caesar’s turn to look astonished. All along, he’d firmly believed her favorite flower was the hyacinth, and now he felt utterly bewildered.
“Then why…”
He meant to ask why she’d walked with him in the garden that day, using hyacinths as an excuse. Beatrice replied lightly and playfully.
“I’m sorry for deceiving you, but it wasn’t the hyacinths I loved—it was the man holding them. Right from the beginning.”
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