A Change of Husband - Chapter 10

Benjamin, the butler of House Camédici, had been so busy the past week that he barely had time to eat properly.

 

Today was no different. Skipping lunch again, he was working when a knock on the door made him raise his head.

 

“Butler, a letter for you.”

 

It was Tommy, a young servant in charge of gathering and delivering letters addressed to House Camédici.

 

“Alright.”

 

“Oh, and the master has called for you. In his office, in twenty minutes.”

 

“Understood. Thank you.”

 

Benjamin handed the boy a wrapped candy and began sorting the letters.

 

There was a lot to do. As he separated letters addressed to Esperad from those meant for the staff, he came across a stiff envelope and checked the name.

 

Benjamin Ost.

 

It was addressed to him.

 

Benjamin opened the envelope, carefully read the letter, and then threw it into the fireplace before heading to Esperad’s office.

 

Knock knock.

 

Esperad, who was going through some documents, stopped and looked up.

 

“It’s Benjamin.”

 

“Come in.”

 

Benjamin was a trusted butler of Esperad.

 

Traditionally, butlers managed the household alongside the head maid, but under Esperad’s orders, Benjamin was also involved in estate affairs.

 

Esperad was very satisfied with having involved Benjamin in the management of the estate.

 

Benjamin consistently listened to the voices of the people in the territory and conveyed them to Esperad, which helped him set priorities in managing the land.

 

“I heard you called for me, sir.”

 

Benjamin stood in front of him with a tense heart.

 

He always felt nervous when facing Esperad, but today it was especially intense.

 

“You’re here. I imagine you were surprised to be called at this hour.”

 

“No, sir. I was just worried I might’ve made a mistake…”

 

“It’s nothing like that. There’s just something I need you to do.”

 

“What is it, sir?”

 

Esperad handed him a note.

 

It was a list of tasks he needed to complete, written before he arrived at the office.

 

Benjamin’s face turned stiff as he read it.

 

It might be considered rude to question an order from his master, but he couldn’t help but ask.

 

“Are you… serious, sir?”

 

“You’re the only one I can entrust with this. Please.”

 

“…Understood.”

 

“How long will it take?”

 

“About two hours should be enough.”

 

“Then get going.”

 

At Esperad’s command, Benjamin nodded and left the office.

 

But he still couldn’t believe the contents of the note in his hand.

 

He looked over it again and muttered to himself.

 

“…I guess living long enough means you see all sorts of things.”

 

Though he didn’t fully understand what was on his master’s mind, Benjamin carried out the task flawlessly.

 

Thanks to that, Esperad was able to meet with Asilie, holding the result in his hands.

 

“Um… what is this…?”

 

Asilie looked at him with a confused expression.

 

He hadn’t expected her to cry with joy, but he also hadn’t expected this kind of reaction, and he felt a bit awkward.

 

“Well… after what happened last night…”

 

He tried to say more, but now didn’t seem like the right time to ramble on.

 

Instead, Esperad silently handed her the bouquet he was holding, almost forcing it into her arms.

 

Caught off guard, Asilie took the bouquet. The fully bloomed Aspella flowers were very beautiful, but she still didn’t understand the meaning behind this gift.

 

‘Why…?’

 

In truth, Asilie had never received a bouquet of flowers in her life.

 

She had, of course, heard women bragging about receiving flowers from their lovers.

 

But she never imagined something like that could happen to her. To her, those stories were like tales from another world.

 

So she couldn’t connect this situation with those romantic stories.

 

“What kind of flower is this?”

 

She meant to ask why he was giving her flowers, but Esperad interpreted it as a question about the flower itself.

 

The Aspella wasn’t a flower usually exchanged between lovers.

 

Though they were married, their bond wasn’t deep, so giving such a flower could feel a bit awkward. Still, Esperad had a reason for choosing it.

 

He wanted to comfort Asilie, who had faced a shocking experience on the very first day of their marriage.

 

At the same time, he wanted to show his trust in her for standing up to Madam Marce, who had likely controlled the mansion until now.

 

The flower’s meaning was trust and comfort.

 

Those were the exact messages Esperad wanted to convey to her. That’s why he welcomed her question.

 

“It’s called Aspella.”

 

It would have been nice if Asilie had asked about its meaning, but instead, she simply nodded and said nothing more.

 

Not wanting to lose the moment, Esperad brought out the next gift.

 

“And this.”

 

He held out a small ring box in front of her.

 

While she had reacted calmly to the bouquet, her response to the ring box was very different. Her eyes widened naturally.

 

She couldn’t hide her surprise as she looked between the box and Esperad repeatedly.

 

Eventually, she spoke.

 

“This is…”

 

“It’s our wedding ring. Normally exchanged during the ceremony, but the order was delayed. Even though it was rushed, it still arrived a day late.”

 

Esperad opened the box and showed her.

 

A large diamond, as big as a fingernail, was beautifully cut and set in the center. The band was shaped in a smooth, elegant curve to cradle the gem.

 

“…It’s so pretty.”

 

“Our wedding was rushed like processing paperwork, so I felt guilty that I couldn’t even give you the ring on time. I’m sorry.”

 

“There’s no need to apologize. I never even imagined I’d get a ring.”

 

At her words, Esperad’s expression turned stiff.

 

That meant she was sure he wouldn’t give her one.

 

‘Why?’

 

Esperad was shocked to realize she thought of him as someone who wouldn’t even bother with exchanging rings in marriage.

 

Yes, their marriage was arranged by contract.

 

Still, he had never intended to skip such an important tradition.

 

Besides, the ring wasn’t just for formality.

 

In Astel, there was a superstition that wedding rings protected the spouse while worn.

 

Esperad even wondered if the threats Asilie had faced on their wedding night had happened because they hadn’t exchanged rings.

 

It might be nonsense, but after seeing her in danger, he couldn’t help feeling uneasy.

 

That’s why he sent double the fee with a note asking for the ring to be finished within a day.

 

Seeing his expression darken, Asilie looked at him carefully.

 

“Esperad, did I do something wrong?”

 

He was about to shake his head but changed his mind as he opened his mouth.

 

Thomas, a close friend like Edgar, had once said that if a couple doesn’t talk things through right away when upset, the resentment only builds. He had shared stories of fights with his wife.

 

Esperad didn’t want a small misunderstanding to become something bigger.

 

“…I was just a little hurt.”

 

“What? I made you feel that way?”

 

“We’re married, so exchanging rings is natural. It felt like you thought I wouldn’t even do something so obvious.”

 

“Oh…”

 

Asilie opened her eyes wide.

 

She hadn’t expected anything from anyone because no one had ever cared for her. She hadn’t meant it as an insult, but she hadn’t thought her words would hurt him.

 

“I’m sorry for making you misunderstand, Esperad. I didn’t mean you’re not the kind of person to prepare something like this. It’s just…”

 

“If not that, then what?”

 

“I just… never thought I’d receive a gift from anyone. It’s never happened before.”

 

Esperad could tell she wasn’t lying.

 

Usually, noblewomen interpreted gifts as signs of their own charm or worth and boasted about them.

 

So for her to confess, as a noblewoman, that she’d never received a gift could have been humiliating. It wasn’t something she’d lie about to comfort him.

 

He felt guilty for making her say something so embarrassing.

 

“…I see. I’m sorry for the misunderstanding.”

 

“No, I should have thought about how you’d take it before I spoke…”

 

“No, really, it’s alright.”

 

He felt he needed to change the heavy subject quickly.

 

To lighten the mood, Esperad brought up something Thomas had mentioned.

 

“Um, I heard two plays are opening next month at the Britium Theater. Would you like to see one with me?”

 

“…I’d like that.”

 

“One is The Violet Saint and the other The Empress and the Beast. Which one do you prefer?”

 

It was only after asking that Esperad realized he had just invited her on a date.

 

People often assumed he was popular with women, but in truth, this was the first time he’d officially asked someone out.

 

He felt a moment of panic, but also relief. Their relationship was too awkward for a married couple—or even business partners.

 

They were married now, and Esperad didn’t want things to stay distant between them.

 

“Hmm…”

 

But again, Asilie didn’t look thrilled.

 

She frowned as if thinking hard, then slowly shook her head.

 

“Anything’s fine.”

 

“You don’t need to hold back for my sake. Oh—do you not know the plots? The Violet Saint is serious, while The Empress and the Beast is light and funny. Which sounds more like your style?”

 

“Well… um, I’m sorry, Esperad.”

 

Her face turned red.

 

Even when she confessed, she’d never received a gift, she hadn’t blushed this much. What she was about to say made her feel even more embarrassed.

 

After a long hesitation, Asilie shut her eyes tightly and blurted out her confession like it was a crime.

 

“…I don’t know what I like.”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“I don’t really know what I like or dislike. I’ve never told anyone my preferences. No one’s ever asked. You’re… the first.”

 

She wasn’t completely unfamiliar with plays.

 

She had once tagged along when the Bonaparte family went to the theater, though she hadn’t been able to enjoy it while watching everyone’s reactions.

 

So she couldn’t say what her tastes were.

 

But the truth was, it wasn’t just about plays.

 

Asilie didn’t know what she liked or disliked in any area.

 

There were things she wasn’t allowed to enjoy, and things she had to endure even if she hated them. There had been so many of those.

 

Eventually, she had just stopped thinking about her preferences and only did what was expected.

 

That’s why she couldn’t answer Esperad’s question properly or accept his kindness Asilie.

 

She had never experienced anything like this before.

 

“…That’s hopeful.”

 

“Huh?”

 

“This is your first time receiving a gift and being asked about your preferences, right? That’s why it feels awkward.”

 

“That’s true, but…”

 

“You’ll get used to it over time. And once you do, you’ll figure out what you want and what you enjoy. Definitely.”

 

Esperad had surprised her again today.

 

Asilie hadn’t expected that kind of response at all.

 

‘Just what kind of man is he…?’

 

“We should just watch both plays. I’ll get the tickets.”

 

She nodded before she could think.

 

It wasn’t until several hours later that she realized she was going on what the ladies of high society called a “date.”

 

 

Two days had passed since the wedding.

 

Asilie stood up when she heard that the Duke of Grandier had arrived.

 

“Shall I show him to the drawing room?”

 

Madam Marce asked, but she shook her head.

 

“Bring him here. And serve tea.”

 

“Yes, my lady.”

 

Since she shared this room with Esperad, she had already gotten his permission in advance.

 

As she sat at the tea table, Asilie recalled the letter she sent to the Duke of Grandier yesterday afternoon, after Esperad had left.

 

This is Asilie Camédici.
Please come see me.
As soon as possible, and if you can, with Greta.
Please.

 

She hadn’t expected the duke to actually come to the mansion in person.

 

But perhaps intrigued by the letter’s vague content, he had come.

 

“My lady, His Grace, the Duke of Grandier.”

 

“Show him in.”

 

At her response, the door opened and the Duke entered with Madam Marce, who was carrying tea.

 

Until Madam Marce finished setting the tea and left the room, the two exchanged only light greetings.

 

Click.

 

As the door closed, the duke spoke first.

 

“I didn’t expect we’d meet again so soon.”

 

“I know this is rude, but I had to contact you because I needed to ask for your help.”

 

“Is it because of the attack?”

 

“Is this a rumor?”

 

 

 

“Military movements by other nobles are bound to attract attention. A rumor has spread that Duke Camediči has called part of his territory’s forces to the Medici Mansion. That must mean something happened that made him tighten security. Was the target you?”

 

Asilie realized that he wasn’t just guessing—he was completely sure based on the information he had.

 

“…Yes, just as you guessed. But, did you leave Greta outside?”

 

“She’s standing guard outside the room. Someone might be listening.”

 

He truly lived up to his reputation as a powerful noble who had remained influential among the neutral ones for a long time.

 

Asilie was quietly impressed by how well-prepared he was. She brought over the teapot and teacups she had kept in the cabinet.

 

“What is this?”

 

“It’s the teapot and tea that were brought to my husband and me on the night of the attack.”

 

Duke Grandier asked, looking curious.

 

“There are no signs of tampering.”

 

“That’s why it’s easier to check. I want to know if there’s anything inside the teapot besides tea, but I can’t trust the servants in this house. That’s why I need your help, Your Grace.”

 

“You want to find out what kind of poison it is?”

 

“That’s important too, but right now, I just need to know whether there really is poison or not. And I’d like it done as soon as possible. Someone might be looking for the missing teapot and cups.”

 

At Asilie’s words, he let out a short laugh and nodded.

 

“That’s not difficult. But it can’t be done without a price.”

 

“I expected that. Please tell me what you want.”

 

“Well, I don’t need anything at the moment…”

 

Duke Grandier’s eyes sparkled.

 

Asilie felt her mouth go dry, sensing he was on the verge of thinking of something.

 

“I’m sure I’ll contact you someday.”

 

Silence filled the bedroom.

 

After a short while, Asilie answered in a calm voice.

 

“Whenever that day comes, the House of Camediči will not forget the favor.”