Chapter 315
Dehart tapped his fingers on the armrest, murmuring,
“The wall was higher than I expected.”
He seemed stressed about how things with Tarien were not progressing smoothly. No wonder—Tarien was the only merchant guild in the empire that maintained stable trade with the distant southern continent.
They were notorious for being picky, rarely supplying goods even to the highest-ranking nobles. It was no surprise they were acting difficult with a northern Duke who had only just established himself in the capital.
“This has become rather troublesome.”
Resting his chin on his hand, Dehart sighed. At that, Doreen’s eyes sparkled.
“If you’d like, would my family be able to help?”
Dehart tilted his head slightly, gazing at Doreen with his chin still propped on his hand. The back of her neck turned red in an instant, and Sebelia drained her cold tea in one go.
While Sebelia had the servant bring fresh tea, Dehart pondered Doreen’s offer before replying,
“That sounds a little too advantageous for me, my lady. I doubt Count Serica would approve.”
“Don’t worry about that, Your Grace! My mother would absolutely say yes—she’s one of your biggest supporters. Oh, and there are a few conditions for opening up trade with them, but it’s actually pretty funny…”
With a wide grin, Doreen leaned toward Dehart to whisper something secretive.
“Here’s the thing…”
But just as her lips were about to reach his ear, Dehart abruptly got up. Doreen was left whispering into thin air, her eyes wide with surprise. Dehart brushed his hair back as if to rid himself of some unpleasantness, then, making a sound as if he’d remembered something, glanced toward the door.
“I have something to attend to.”
At some point, Eli had arrived holding a stack of documents. He waved them at Dehart with a cheerful smile.
“Oh, I see. You must be busy.”
While Dehart spoke with Eli, Doreen fidgeted with her fingers, watching them, and Sebelia looked away out the window.
By then, the evening sky had begun to glow with sunset.
“Lady, it’s probably about time for you to head home. I heard you wanted to leave before dinner.”
“What? Oh, I didn’t realize it was so late.”
Flustered, Doreen stood up. Rosalyn got up as well, saying she’d see her out. Dehart was still deep in discussion with Eli.
“Your Grace.”
Doreen started to say goodbye, but Dehart suddenly spoke.
“You’re leaving already?”
“Yes, I need to be home before dinner.”
“Hm.”
Rubbing his chin, Dehart sent Eli a meaningful glance, then said,
“I’ll have a carriage prepared for you.”
“Huh?”
“It wouldn’t do to send a young lady home alone at this hour. I’ll have Eli accompany you, just in case anything happens.”
Eli, standing beside him, flashed his most charming smile.
“I’ll see to your comfort, Lady Doreen.”
“Oh my.”
Doreen was moved, Rosalyn frowned, and Sebelia simply watched the scene unfold.
“Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Your Grace.”
A little later, Sebelia stood by the study window, watching as Dehart escorted Doreen out. Rosalyn, having said her goodbyes, came over to her.
“Looks like they still have some business to discuss about the Tarien merchant guild.”
“I see.”
“Hey, Sebelia…”
Rosalyn seemed to want to spend more time together, but for some reason, Sebelia had a headache that had been lingering since earlier—undoubtedly from that strange herbal candle Dehart had burned.
“I’m sorry. I’m not feeling well.”
She gently nudged Rosalyn away, not wanting to be held up any longer.
“I think I caught a chill from the wind. I should rest. You should be careful too, Rosalyn.”
“…All right.”
Ignoring Rosalyn’s meaningful look, Sebelia left the study. She wandered the halls, watching as the sunset painted the walls like watercolor.
By the time she finally reached the end of the corridor—it felt like forever—Dehart still hadn’t returned.
From that day on, Dehart began coming home later and later.
“Is something going on lately?”
Her voice was quiet as the man raised his head. Returning home in the early dawn, his face flickered with discomfort.
“You’re still up?”
“I’m the one who should be asking, Dehart.”
As he took off his coat, Dehart glanced at her, realizing she wouldn’t let it go easily tonight. Seeing her determined expression, Eli, who had been following, quietly slipped away.
Standing at the top of the stairs, Sebelia narrowed her eyes.
The sound of her fingers tapping the railing echoed through the quiet hall. A tense silence followed, until Dehart finally spoke.
“There’s been some trouble with the new business with the central region. I had no choice.”
“…I see.”
“It’s not dangerous or anything. I just wanted to resolve it quickly so you wouldn’t worry, but I didn’t mean for you to misunderstand.”
The tapping stopped. Dehart quickly climbed the stairs to stand before Sebelia, bowing deeply.
“I mean it.”
He gazed up at her, eyes wide and lashes trembling, looking so earnest and pitiful that Sebelia couldn’t help but sigh.
So sly.
“Bella…”
He leaned in closer, seeking affection, and Sebelia put a hand on his cheek with another sigh.
“Just this once.”
“Okay. I promise I won’t give you cause to worry again.”
With a smile as bright as a blossoming flower, he kissed her forehead.
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