Chapter 51
Chapter 51
Ailee didn’t want to disappoint Minerva any further, so she offered the answers she thought Minerva wanted to hear.
“I’d love that. Actually, I was hoping to buy a hat, and, um, a bracelet. Oh, and some clothes too.”
The truth was, she desired nothing at the moment. However, once she started, the words flowed effortlessly. Besides, she couldn’t stop herself; Minerva’s pleased smile widened with every item Ailee mentioned. Mid-sentence, a sudden worry pricked her:
‘What if she thinks I’m being greedy and inconsiderate?’
But Minerva’s face was so radiant, her concern seemed unfounded.
“Is there anything else you’d like?” Minerva’s eyes urged her to name at least a dozen more things. Flustered, Ailee stammered, trying to think of more. She felt like she’d already listed everything she could see.
“A, a ring… and a necklace. And, um, I think I need new shoes…”
Minerva’s delighted smile bloomed like a full moon.
Ailee had never openly expressed her desires before, so every word felt foreign.
‘What am I even saying?’ she thought, bewildered.
“Wonderful! In that case, we’ll go out soon and have a leisurely shopping trip. I need to introduce you to the estate as well, so we’ll combine the two. If there’s anything else you want, just remember to tell me anytime.”
“Yes? Yes, of course.” Ailee’s mind was a whirlwind of confusion. ‘Why is she so happy that I’m asking for things?’ Even with her sharp intuition, Ailee couldn’t understand. ‘I’m talentless, I didn’t bring a dowry, and I have nothing to offer. Why?’
Minerva’s firm hand enveloped Ailee’s. Startled by the small touch, Ailee didn’t pull away.
“If my son gives you any trouble, you tell me immediately.”
‘I’ll give him a piece of my mind and call him an ungrateful beast,’ Minerva thought fiercely, but then chuckled and rose gracefully. Ailee followed suit, unable to refuse.
“The weather’s perfect for a walk. This is a good opportunity to show you around the mansion. Dear, if you see a room you like, tell me. We can turn it into a study, or anything else you desire.” Minerva continued, and Ailee could no longer maintain her composure. In a daze, she followed, hand in hand with Minerva.
“Oh, and dear, even though you said you didn’t need them, these are yours now, so I’ll store them in the vault. I’ll give you the key soon, and don’t worry about security. It’s as secure as the royal palace.”
‘What is she talking about?’ Ailee couldn’t grasp Minerva’s train of thought. She thought Minerva would take the treasures back if she refused them, but instead, she was creating a vault for them. And giving Ailee the key?
Ailee seriously began to wonder if this was some new form of torment. But Minerva’s hand was so warm, she quickly dismissed the suspicion.
***
‘Who am I? Where am I?’
Mother was excitedly showing off every nook and cranny of the ducal estate. Showing it off would have been fine, but her subtle glances seemed to convey an unspoken message: ‘So, what do you think? We have all this. Don’t you want to stay? Don’t you want to live here forever?’
Of course, it could all be my imagination. No, it had to be my imagination.
“What do you think of this room? It would be a nice place to relax when you’re tired of my son, wouldn’t it?”
“Yes? What?”
“I’m just teasing.”
‘Is this what noblewomen’s jokes are like?’
Usually, Ailee froze up around older women, but perhaps the earlier shock had been greater, because she wasn’t trembling. She felt strangely at ease.
“That’s the Duke’s office. Newlyweds, and he’s always working. He’s my son, but honestly, he’s a bit much.”
‘I think I’m the one who sent him back to work,’ Ailee thought, observing Minerva carefully. She forced an awkward laugh.
“Let’s go say hello anyway.”
Ailee wanted to avoid Kin, unsure what he might say, but she couldn’t refuse Mother’s request. They entered the office.
The decor was generally simple, but as expected of the extravagant ducal estate, the office was spacious and filled with various ornaments. Walking on the soft carpet, Ailee looked at the imposing man seated at his desk. Several aides, who had been assisting him, stood and bowed as they saw her and Mother.
“Lady Minerva.”
“Ah, please, continue your work.”
Mother gestured for them to sit, and Ailee offered an awkward greeting. The aides exchanged glances, likely speculating amongst themselves whether she was the rumored Duchess.
Ailee turned her attention to Kin. He had been working diligently when they entered, but the moment their eyes met, he rose dramatically. He acknowledged his mother with a nod, then rushed over to Ailee, wrinkling his nose with a pout. “You wouldn’t play with me, but you’re having fun with Mother. I’m hurt.”
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