The Past Life of the Arrogant Archduke - Chapter 17

Raymond clearly remembered the door rattling at that time. Thinking about how Yulia’s sweet moans had probably leaked out through the door crack while it was auto-repairing made him deeply displeased.

Many noble families engage in political marriages. And they often announce the success of such a marriage in the most primal way.

They half-publicly consummate the marriage—by leaving the window open, or leaving the door ajar, or by showing off a body marked with signs of lovemaking during a bath.

This is done to make sure the servants who are connected to other noble households witness it.

In this way, the master couple’s wedding night spreads through the mouths of servants to the other noble houses.

There were likely many nobles who were especially curious about his wedding night, considering the rumors that he was either impotent or gay.

One could say it was a successful noble’s wedding night, but to Raymond—who wanted to hide every strand of Yulia’s hair and keep her entirely to himself—it was a mistake that made his skin crawl.

He didn’t want anyone to see Yulia’s body, marked by traces of their love, so much so that he even dismissed the attendants and personally washed her during baths.

“Tch.”

Still, since it supposedly helped the mistress establish control over the household staff, he decided to take some comfort in that.

Except for the maids and attendants who did menial tasks, all the servants working in the Grand Duke’s household were of noble origin. Raymond didn’t expect them to fully accept Yulia, who came from a fallen noble family, as the Grand Duchess from the start.

Of course, the butler would likely support her well, but if even one person dared to behave arrogantly toward Yulia…

A blue glint of murderous intent flickered in Raymond’s eyes.

The initial plan to imprison her in the dungeon without consummation and make her a puppet grand duchess, the later intention to kill her, and the memory of almost cutting off his own g******s when they reacted to her—those thoughts had long since vanished from Raymond’s mind.

***

Meanwhile, Butler Sebastian was working late into the night, diligently reviewing documents. It was all thanks to the Grand Duke, who had completely forgotten about his official duties in the heat of his honeymoon.

Still, Sebastian’s face showed no displeasure—only cheerfulness.

‘Well, it is their honeymoon… truly a wonderful time. Fufufu.’

As he removed his monocle and massaged the space between his brows out of fatigue, the door to the office opened.

“You’re working hard.”

It was Raymond. His hair still damp from bathing, he wore only a robe. The butler quickly stood up and approached him.

“Oh, you didn’t dry your hair. I’ll have a servant bring a towel—”

“No need. I only came briefly to give you this.”

As Raymond extended his hand, Sebastian respectfully offered both of his own. A moment later, the Grand Duke’s signet ring dropped into the butler’s palms with a soft thud.

The expression on Sebastian’s face, who had always maintained composure as the Grand Duke’s butler, twisted in confusion.

Even after blinking and checking again, it was definitely the signet ring. Sebastian’s hands began to tremble.

“W-Why are you…?”

“I doubt I’ll be able to handle state affairs for a while. I’m appointing you as my proxy.”

Even the heir was not entrusted with the signet ring. But he was giving it to him?

As Sebastian stood frozen with a pale face, unable to react, Raymond spoke in a firm voice.

“Because I trust you, Sebastian.”

Thump. Sebastian’s heart pounded.

To think he was trusted enough to be entrusted even with the signet… What kind of butler in the world received that level of trust from their lord?

The name Sebastian was special.

It was the name inherited by the head of the Count Sebastia family, who had served as butlers to the Northern Grand Dukes for generations.

From birth, those in the Sebastia family underwent strict butler training, and the one with the highest marks would inherit the title of family head.

Sebastian was the 23rd of his line to bear that name.

Because I trust you, Sebastian.
Because I trust you, Sebastian.
Because I trust you, Sebastian.

With the proud name and the Grand Duke’s faith added together, it became the most beautiful sentence in the world. That sentence echoed sweetly in Sebastian’s ears.