Chapter 34
Chapter 34
He didn’t realize it himself, but he quite enjoyed this time. It was different from his usual work. Perhaps it was because he had spent time conversing with Chloe and had come to feel comfortable around her—but it wasn’t just that.
She was a good conversationalist and business partner. Their values aligned well, and their skills complemented each other. She had her own perspective and convictions, and Alphonse found it enjoyable to learn about them.
At times, he even felt like he was learning from her, a rare experience indeed.
“Good work today,” he said once they had finished their discussion.
Another important decision had been made. Chloe stood up, feeling satisfied and accomplished.
“You worked hard too.”
As she replied, Alphonse stood up as well, placing the stub of his now-finished cigar in the ashtray.
“Are you feeling better now?”
He asked as he escorted her to the door.
“Huh? Feeling better?”
“You seemed quite tired yesterday.”
With those words, Chloe recalled the memories she had tried to forget, memories she had remembered the night before.
The heat of bare skin touching, the tingling sensations, the silence of the bedroom broken only by her heavy breathing…
It wasn’t her own experience, yet the memory of it made her entire body flush with embarrassment. Suddenly, she became aware of Alphonse’s arm around her shoulders, which had felt perfectly normal moments ago.
“Ah!”
She flinched and let out a small cry, stepping away from him.
Their eyes met in the air, both startled. Chloe bowed her head, face red, feeling terribly ashamed. She couldn’t bear how embarrassed she was, how guilty she felt for remembering that, and how she had overreacted.
“I-I’m sorry…”
She whispered.
Alphonse didn’t understand why she was acting this way. Putting an arm around one’s wife’s shoulder was nothing. Just days ago, she hadn’t reacted at all.
He stared at her with his red eyes. But Chloe, feeling his gaze, only bowed her head lower, avoiding eye contact.
He didn’t know why she was suddenly so shy, but he found it quite intriguing.
Just moments ago, she had confidently voiced her thoughts and discussed business with depth and conviction. And now, she was blushing and trembling like a shy newlywed at the slightest touch.
It amused him. Maybe even… made her seem a little cute.
Alphonse lifted her chin with his hand to meet her gaze. Chloe didn’t even realize what he was doing until it happened.
“Ah…”
Looking into his eyes, Chloe felt her knees go weak. The look in his eyes reminded her of the memory. Just meeting his gaze was enough to recall the sensations of that night, sending shivers down her spine. She barely managed to stay standing.
Alphonse found her flushed cheeks, teary eyes, and half-open lips quite alluring.
Many women had tried to seduce him before. But he had never felt any real attraction—it always felt transparent and ridiculous.
Yet now, here was his wife, seemingly without any such intent, stirring desire in him.
He suddenly felt the urge to press his lips against her slightly parted ones. But it was too abrupt. This trembling woman might flee if he did, and that wasn’t what he wanted.
So instead, he gently ran his hand along her back.
‘…!’
Chloe shuddered at his touch. She couldn’t understand why he was acting like this all of a sudden. She thought about running away, but her legs wouldn’t move. The best she could do was stand there, barely holding herself up.
It was already an embarrassing situation, but his every glance and touch reminded her of the sensual memories of her past self, making it all the more unbearable. She couldn’t stay calm no matter how hard she tried.
Alphonse felt a strange satisfaction seeing her nearly on the verge of tears as she reacted to his every touch.
He had the vague sense that he was tormenting her, but felt no guilt. Something in his chest itched. He wanted to tease her a little more.
He didn’t even realize that what he was feeling was a sadistic impulse he never knew he had.
Alphonse pressed his lips against the nape of Chloe’s neck.
“Ugh…!”
Reflexively, Chloe placed her hands against his chest. But she didn’t think to push him away. Considering their difference in strength, even if she had tried, it wouldn’t have worked.
‘This is dangerous.’
She felt his fingers tracing her waist, and her breath quickened. At some point, her chest began rising and falling rapidly with excitement. His hand slowly moved downward, now touching her thigh.
Her embarrassment was at its peak. Her lower stomach tingled so much it was unbearable. If this went on any longer, something terrible might happen. Finally, she thought:
‘I have to tell him to stop.’
“D-Duke, um…”
She spoke with a trembling voice. Alphonse, who had been placing kisses along her neck and lifting her dress, whispered softly:
“What is it?”
His voice was low, almost magical. Chloe felt as if she was bound and threatened by that voice. She hesitated to say the words.
But she managed to squeeze them out.
“P-Please stop now…”
It was then that a knock was heard.
“Your Grace, it’s Kiel.”
Alphonse looked toward the door. A rare wrinkle formed between his brows.
‘Of all times.’
Chloe, who had been melting into strange sensations and heat in her lower belly, suddenly came to her senses. She quickly stepped away from Alphonse.
This time, he let her go easily. She hastily adjusted her clothing, and somehow the room still felt filled with flushed breath and lingering heat, so she waved her hands awkwardly in the air.
Alphonse felt a strange disappointment at the warmth that had just been in his hands. But there was nothing to be done now.
“Come in.”
‘Huh? That’s the lady.’
Upon entering the Duke’s office, Kiel noticed not only his master but also the Duchess was present.
That, in itself, wasn’t particularly surprising. Kiel was aware that Chloe had been visiting Alphonse’s office frequently as of late.
What struck him as odd was the atmosphere between the two. Their clothes were slightly disheveled, and Chloe’s face was flushed red. Though she was trying to appear calm, her expression gave her away.
Alphonse, too, looked slightly irritated—as though someone had interrupted something important.
Kiel, quick-witted as he was, immediately sensed that something had happened between the Duke and Duchess. Still, he pretended not to notice.
“What is it?”
“I’m here to report the findings from the market research and resource supply route investigation you ordered previously.”
Alphonse knew Kiel was perceptive. He was sure the butler had figured out what had just happened.
Well, it didn’t matter. Alphonse spoke in a low voice.
“Then, please excuse yourself, my lady. I’m sorry I can’t escort you.”
“N-No, that’s all right. We live in the same house, after all.”
Chloe stammered. She quickly exchanged parting words with Alphonse and hurried out, almost as if fleeing from something.
She didn’t even know how she’d gotten back. When she finally reached her bedroom, she let out a long sigh.
She sat on the bed, then lay down sideways. Pressing her hands to her chest, she could still feel her heart pounding violently.
‘Why am I trembling so much?’
Chloe closed her eyes tightly.
‘Why did he act like that?’
Her head throbbed with confusion. There was still some time left before dinner. She decided to close her eyes and rest until then, hoping to sort through her tangled thoughts.
***
“Your birthday is coming up soon, my lady. Happy early birthday.”
Kiel’s words startled Chloe. Come to think of it, her birthday was approaching.
Technically speaking, it wasn’t her birthday—it was Chloe’s. So it didn’t really feel like her own, but she couldn’t let that show.
“Thank you, Kiel. You have a very good memory.”
“As a butler, it’s only natural. By the way, do you have plans for your birthday celebration?”
Chloe felt a bit flustered. As the lady of the house, it seemed she was expected to prepare her own birthday party.
It felt a little awkward, but apparently that was the custom in the Empire. She nodded.
“I haven’t thought about it in detail yet. I suppose I should start preparing soon.”
“Yes, please let me know if you need any assistance, my lady.”
Kiel replied with a kind smile. Chloe also smiled and nodded.
***
“It’s been a while, Alphonse.”
A strict-looking elderly woman walked into the Duke’s mansion foyer, guided by a maid. Alphonse, who had been waiting, bowed respectfully.
“Have you been well, Lady Mason?”
Chloe, standing next to Alphonse, suddenly realized she was nervous. The elderly woman gave her a rather stern look before speaking.
“So you’re Alphonse’s wife. Nice to meet you.”
“I’m Chloe Battenberg. It’s a pleasure, Lady Mason.”
Chloe bowed politely.
The Duke and Duchess had only learned of Lady Mason’s visit the night before. It was thanks to a messenger who arrived just ahead of her that they even had any notice.
‘An elderly relative will be visiting. She says she’ll stay for about two weeks.’
Chloe recalled what Alphonse had told her the day before.
According to him, Lady Mason was the last member of the Mason Count family and had looked after Alphonse when he was a child.
Although her title within the Empire was only that of a countess, she was born a princess of a neighboring kingdom and shared blood with the Imperial family through her maternal line, making her someone even high-ranking nobles treated with great care.
‘She may be a bit eccentric, but she’s not a bad person at heart.’
That’s how Alphonse had described her, with a slightly furrowed brow and a sigh.
In any case, though the visit had been sudden and a bit overwhelming, there was nothing to be done. Chloe wanted to get along with his elder relative and be acknowledged as a good wife.
Lady Mason scrutinized the couple from head to toe.
“Hmph, you two seem to get along well.”
Chloe felt shy, but the compliment made her secretly happy. She replied with a bashful smile:
“Thank you, Lady Mason.”
She failed to notice Alphonse’s face hardening beside her.
The Duke and Duchess personally escorted Lady Mason to the drawing room. Once seated, the old woman sighed.
“Finally, I can breathe. At my age, even walking a short distance is exhausting. So, you’re Chloe, right?”
“Yes, Lady Mason.”
“I’m tired from traveling. Could you get me something to drink?”
“Yes, please wait just a moment.”
Chloe stood to prepare tea for Lady Mason. But the older woman’s words stopped her in her tracks.
“Where do you think you’re going? Are you really going to fetch a drink yourself? How improper.”
“Ah, well…”
“As the mistress of the Battenberg duchy, whose prestige and honor are second to none in the Empire, is that how you should behave?”
Lady Mason clicked her tongue in disapproval.
Chloe hesitated for a moment at her words. Honestly, setting aside the tone, Lady Mason was right. According to the laws and customs of the Empire, it was unbecoming for a noble to enter the kitchen directly.
In the end, Chloe sat back down and gave instructions to the maid standing nearby.
“Tell Lisa to brew some black tea. A mild, unflavored blend would be best.”
Chloe had already taught the kitchen maids how to brew tea. They had shown interest, and she thought it might come in handy when serving guests—so it was fortunate.
Lisa was the most skilled at brewing tea among the kitchen maids.
The maid bowed to the master and mistress of the house and Lady Mason before leaving to pass on the instructions.
The kitchen maids were agitated when they received their mistress’s order. Although they had practiced brewing tea many times under her guidance, this would be the first time they were serving it directly to guests.
They decided to do their utmost to brew the best tea possible for their beloved and respected mistress.
Kitchen maid Ashley fetched a tea canister from the tea pantry. Lisa carefully brewed the tea using the leaves she was given.
Soon, the maids appeared in the drawing room, carrying the teapot and teacups neatly arranged on a tray.
One cup was placed in front of each of the duke, the duchess, and Lady Mason. After pouring the tea with polite gestures, the maids stepped back.
Lady Mason sniffed the air, picking up on the distinctive aroma of black tea, and commented.
“What is this? It’s not coffee. The scent and color are unusual.”
“It’s called black tea, Lady Mason,” Chloe explained.
Lady Mason raised her eyebrows.
“Black tea? Isn’t that something drunk in the East or Iberia? Now even duchies in the Empire drink tea?”
Tea wasn’t commonly consumed in Lady Mason’s homeland, the Kingdom. At her mocking remark, Alphonse responded first, his expression tinged with displeasure.
“Lady Mason, my wife’s tea is special. It wouldn’t hurt to taste it before judging.”
Chloe signaled to Alphonse that she was fine, and when he fell silent, she calmly added:
“I took great care in preparing it. I hope it suits your taste.”
“Well, if you insist…”
Lady Mason still looked skeptical, but relented. She raised the teacup daintily with her pinky extended and took a sip.
Then it happened.
CRASH!
Startled by the sudden, sharp sound, Chloe flinched. Alphonse, equally surprised, instinctively pulled her close with one arm.
But Chloe had no time to dwell on the gesture.
Red tea spilled across the floor, the stain spreading. The shattered pieces of the teacup were scattered everywhere.
Lady Mason’s face had gone pale. Eyes wide and lips pursed, her hand trembled uncontrollably.
“Did you… actually give me this to drink?”
Her voice trembled with rage. Chloe felt her mind go blank.
“I’m terribly sorry, Lady Mason. Please excuse me for a moment.”
Chloe quickly stood and took a spoonful of tea from Lady Mason’s teapot to taste it herself.
“Ugh…”
She grimaced. The tea was unmistakably awful. It was so bitter and astringent it made her face scrunch up, and the sweet, savory aroma characteristic of black tea was nowhere to be found.
While she was doing this, Alphonse worked to calm Lady Mason and instructed the staff to bring in the maid who had brewed the tea, along with the tea canister.
Shortly afterward, a trembling Lisa appeared with a pale face and the canister in hand. She bowed deeply, on the verge of tears.
“I sincerely apologize. This mistake was due to my inadequacy.”
“So you’re the one who prepared it? What on earth were you thinking, doing something like this? Wicked girl!”
Lady Mason shouted, apparently convinced Lisa had done it on purpose. But Lisa could only bow repeatedly in apology.
Seeing Lisa’s pitiful state, Chloe thought to herself:
‘Lisa isn’t the kind of girl who would ruin tea on purpose. She must’ve made a mistake during the brewing process.’
Chloe opened the canister. As the lid came off, she sighed.
She had realized what the mistake was.
‘It’s fanning-grade tea leaves.’
Chloe interrupted Lady Mason, who was still yelling at Lisa.
“Excuse me, Lady Mason, but I must say something. Lisa did not brew the tea poorly out of malice.”
“What are you talking about? Are you saying a kitchen maid can’t even brew tea properly? That’s nonsense!”
“Lady Mason!”
When Lady Mason raised her voice, Alphonse stepped in with displeasure. Chloe again signaled that she was fine and shook her head calmly.
“I personally taught the maids how to brew tea. Lisa is the most skilled among them. That’s why I trusted her. But today, a small mistake occurred.”
“How would you know? You didn’t even go to the kitchen.”
Now subdued by Alphonse’s presence, Lady Mason asked more quietly.
As if expecting the question, Chloe scooped a small amount of tea leaves from the caddy and held them in her palm for both Lady Mason and Alphonse to see. The leaves were ground so finely they hardly looked like tea at all—more like dirt to the untrained eye.
“The tea brewed today was made with fanning-grade leaves, which are finely ground. I don’t have many of this kind in my collection.”
Chloe paused to make sure Lady Mason was following. Not only she, but also Alphonse and even Lisa were paying full attention now. Chloe continued.
“The method of brewing varies depending on the form of the leaves. Unlike whole-leaf tea, finely ground tea has more surface area, meaning its components infuse more easily. The smaller the particles, the more carefully they must be handled, and the shorter the brewing time must be.”
“So the brewing method for fanning-grade leaves must be very different from whole-leaf ones.”
“Exactly, Your Grace. Fanning-grade leaves must be steeped for a much shorter time. Also, while we usually put the leaves in first and then pour water, with fannings, it should be done the other way—water first, then tea leaves. Otherwise, the leaves get overstimulated and release too many bitter components.”
“So, what you’re saying is…”
Lady Mason interjected.
“That maid made a mistake in the brewing method.”
“Yes. When I taught the maids, I only used whole-leaf tea, which I had the most of. Lisa brewed today’s tea the same way she had learned to brew whole-leaf tea, which caused the bitter taste.”
After her long explanation, Chloe took a breath and turned to Lisa.
“Isn’t that right, Lisa? You brewed the tea the same way you’ve always been taught.”
Lisa looked dazed.
“Y-yes, madam. That’s exactly what I did. I put in the leaves first and poured water, then steeped it for 3 minutes and 30 seconds like always…”
Only then did Lisa realize her mistake. Though she had brewed the tea exactly as she had been taught, she was confused and distressed by how terrible the result had turned out.
“In that case, we will consider any punishment for the maid at a later time.”
Alphonse broke the silence. He turned to Chloe and said:
“My dear, if it’s not too much trouble, would you prepare the tea yourself? I would very much like to drink the tea you make.”
This was his way of giving Chloe a chance to restore her slightly tarnished dignity. Of course, he may have genuinely wanted her tea as well.
Chloe, aware of his intention, was grateful for his consideration. She glanced at Lady Mason.
“Would that be all right?”
“Of course.”
