A Change of Husband - Chapter 55

Baron and Baroness Werther were very refined people who enjoyed a quiet and peaceful life more than anyone else.

Knowing how busy a duke and duchess must be, the elderly couple never once caused any trouble for Esperad and Asilie during their stay at the Medici Mansion.

Everyone was satisfied, not only because the duke and duchess were considerate enough to make their guests comfortable, but also because of the couple’s own calm and modest way of life.

That morning, Asilie had finished her work early in the office.

She asked Madame Marce to invite the Werther couple for afternoon tea, then headed to the drawing room.

Not long after the maid finished setting up the refreshments, there was a knock at the door.

Knock knock—

“Come in,” said Asilie.

At her permission, a woman entered the drawing room carrying a mountain of clothes in her arms—it was Sophia.

“Madam, since you called me, I brought the dresses I’ve made so far. I think it’s time to start preparing your fall wardrobe.”

“Already?”

“Hohoho, there are already rumors that other noble ladies are getting ready for the Harvest Festival. As the duchy’s exclusive designer, I can’t fall behind!”

Asilie had intentionally not asked much of Sophia lately, hoping the woman would take some time to rest.

But even without being asked, Sophia had continued focusing on her work.

Asilie silently looked at Sophia.

Every time she saw how hard Sophia worked, many emotions would fill her heart.

Before her return to the past, Sophia’s career had taken off after Queen Cordelia appeared at a ball wearing one of her dresses.

Because Asilie knew what Sophia’s future could be, she had believed that helping her out of hardship would allow her to spread her wings again, just like before.

But that wasn’t the case.

Even though Sophia had become the exclusive designer of the duchy and Asilie had always worn her dresses, people only praised Asilie’s beauty—not the designer behind it.

Despite the dresses being just as beautiful as anyone else’s, Sophia remained unnoticed.

After much thought, Asilie reached a conclusion.

The reason Sophia hadn’t gained recognition this time, even though she was making even better dresses than before, was simple:

Back then, the person wearing her dress was someone with huge influence.

Asilie hadn’t fully established herself in high society yet.

Her reputation was improving, but she was still criticized for being from the countryside.

Due to threats, she was limiting her public appearances, and as a result, she hadn’t formed strong bonds with the conservative noble ladies either.

No matter how beautiful Sophia’s dresses were, people didn’t care who made them as long as it was Asilie wearing them.

At first, Asilie thought they could succeed together.

But now she wondered if, without meaning to, she had become a barrier holding Sophia back.

“Sophia, I actually called you here because I have something to say.”

“To me?”

Still excitedly explaining the details of the dress she’d brought, Sophia widened her eyes and looked at Asilie.

But perhaps sensing something serious in her expression, she carefully set the dresses aside and sat up straight.

“Is something wrong?”

Today, Asilie planned to encourage Sophia to become independent.

It was impossible to predict who would establish their place in the world first.

But one thing was clear—they both needed to grow on their own to truly support each other.

“I think it’s time for you to step away from the work at the Medici Mansion.”

“…What? What do you mean by that?”

Sophia looked at her in shock.

In a way, this could be taken as being fired.

They had always maintained a good relationship, and there had been no problems, so the suddenness of it was clearly upsetting to her.

Knowing an explanation was necessary, Asilie began speaking slowly and gently.

“Of course, you’ve served the duchy with great dedication, and I’ve been very satisfied with how the quality of our clothes has improved thanks to you.”

“…”

“You haven’t just worked for me and the Duke—you’ve been making clothes for everyone in the household. We’re all grateful for your help.”

Sophia’s expression relaxed a little once she realized she wasn’t being dismissed for doing anything wrong.

Seeing the change, Asilie continued, feeling slightly relieved.

“But I don’t think your great talent should remain buried in this mansion.”

“Buried?” Sophia repeated, shaking her head in disbelief.

“If you hadn’t rescued me, I’d still be struggling to make a single dress, probably doing chores all day.

I’d be begging the tailor shop owner just to use some decent fabric!”

“But, Sophia… do you really think your amazing skills should be used making maid uniforms and training clothes for knights?”

Sophia closed her mouth.

She had always felt deeply grateful to Asilie for saving her from a hard life and paying her generously.

That’s why she’d thought it only right to help in any way she could.

“Well…”

“I truly appreciate your help, but the average noble won’t want to buy a dress made by someone who makes servant uniforms.”

“…Have I brought shame to your name?”

Sophia’s face froze as she asked.

Only now did she realize that if word spread she was the one making working clothes, Asilie’s reputation could suffer in society.

“No, not at all. That hasn’t happened.

But I think if you want to be recognized for your talent, it’s time to build your own path.”

“Do you mean…”

“I want you to open your own boutique.”

“…What?”

Sophia looked at Asilie with surprised eyes.

“H-how did you…?”

“You are someone who deserves to be recognized not only by me but by many others. You must not be satisfied with just this place.”

At those words, Sophia lowered her eyes without saying anything.

She didn’t want to leave the Medici Mansion, which had become her safe haven, but at the same time, her passion as a designer told her not to settle. The conflicting feelings kept her from answering right away.

“Sophia, as your first official client, I want to invest in the boutique you’re going to open.”

“What? What do you mean…?”

“I can’t just let a designer who worked for a duke’s family leave without support. Skill is important, but having the right appearance is also very important. You know that too.”
“My lady…”

Only then did Sophia fully understand Asilie’s intention, and her eyes filled with tears.

She had already received more kindness than she could ever repay, yet this kindhearted lady always looked after her, one step ahead.

“How could I possibly accept more help from you?”

“I told you already. I’m investing. I believe you will succeed even more.”

“But still… how could I accept such a large amount of money…?”

“The House of Medici is not in hardship, as you well know.”

Asilie comforted Sophia with a warm voice.

In the end, Sophia couldn’t hold back her tears.

When no one else recognized her worth, Asilie did.

When no one believed in her, Asilie did.

When no one cared for her wounds, only Asilie did.

What she owed Asilie was more than just material help.

After crying for a while, overwhelmed with emotion, Sophia finally calmed down. She removed the handkerchief from her face and nodded.

“…I will rise to the top and repay you, my lady.”

Sophia’s eyes were full of determination as she spoke her vow.

The large terrace at the end of the third-floor hallway was perfect for afternoon tea time.

The sunlight didn’t shine directly in, but it was still bright. The large windows let in a cool breeze and offered a nice view outside.

That was why Asilie had told them to guide Baron and Baroness Werther to this spot.

“Am I late?”

Although she had arrived earlier than the scheduled tea time, she saw that the Werther couple was already seated.

“Not at all, haha. The weather was nice, so we took a walk and arrived early.”

“That’s right, hohoho. Grace Villa—our home—gets too hot in the summer, so we can’t go for walks. But Medici Mansion has such a good breeze that we really enjoyed walking here again.”

Hearing that, Asilie smiled in relief.

“I’m glad. I was afraid I kept you waiting too long.”

“Haha, don’t worry. We’re just old folks who happened to arrive early. We hope we didn’t make you uncomfortable.”

“Oh no, not at all. I was just surprised. Is everything comfortable during your stay at the Medici Mansion?”

Baroness Werther shook her head with a smile.

“We are being treated so well. There’s nothing to be uncomfortable about.”

“That’s a relief to hear. Ah, I heard that you’ve been meeting with Lydia often these days…”

“Oh, Miss Lydia? Hohoho.”
After meeting Lydia by chance during a walk, Baroness Werther had started spending time with her regularly.

Lydia was mature in some ways, but still clumsy in others. It seemed to awaken Baroness Werther’s passion for teaching again—she had

taught many noble young ladies proper manners for years.

Lydia was similar to other noble girls she had met before, yet also different.

In some ways, Lydia was much more mature. In others, she was like a child, still lacking.

To Baroness Werther, who had grown used to a quiet life and had started feeling bored, spending time with Lydia brought new joy.

“I really like Miss Lydia, my lady. She reminds me of my younger self.”

“I’m glad that a girl with many flaws could bring you joy. I tried to make sure you wouldn’t feel uncomfortable, but I wasn’t sure if I could

bring fun into your stay, so I was worried.”

“Hohoho, I’m enjoying myself plenty. And this man often says that thanks to the Duke, he feels younger these days.”

Baron Werther nodded.

“Haha, I’m receiving unexpected help. I often worry that young people find time with us old folks boring.”

“That’s not true. If His Grace hears that you’re enjoying yourself, he will be very pleased.”

Since the Werther couple came to stay at the Medici Mansion, Esperad would sometimes visit the Baron to ask his advice on family

matters or politics.

Although it was Esperad who sought help, Baron Werther said it made him feel like he was back in his younger days, full of passion for

politics. He enjoyed the time they spent together.

Fortunately, the Werther couple seemed happy living at the Medici Mansion.

“Haha, is that so?”

“I also learn something new every day by watching the two of you.”
“What could someone like me, covered in the stains of time, possibly teach you?”

“I deeply respect those ‘stains of time.’ People like you, who lived by principle and did the right thing, make me reflect and feel a lot

through everything you say and do.”

Baroness Werther smiled at Asilie’s words.

She had come with certain biases and prejudices, knowing Asilie’s humble background. But those thoughts disappeared after meeting her.

“I feel the same. Watching the young Duke and Duchess live so sincerely makes me reflect on whether I wasted my past.”

“I feel embarrassed hearing that. I’m just doing my best to live each day without regret.”

“There are many people who can’t even do that.”

Baron Werther shook his head with a serious face.

“I’ve seen it myself. There were those who had so much but still desired things they shouldn’t have and ended up ruining everything.”

“They ruined everything…?”

“Haha, when you live a long time, you learn things you’d rather not know. Maybe it was also because of the role I had.”

Even though he held only the title of ‘Baron,’ Baron Werther was highly respected in noble society for his academic achievements and

lifelong integrity.

To become an elder of the royal council, one not only needed royal blood, but also a certain level of fame and the unanimous approval of

existing council elders.

Baron Werther had become a council elder at the youngest age ever and had also become the head of the council earlier than anyone

before him.

He had seen and known much.

“There was a time when I thought a certain young man was upright, but then I saw him act without morals. It was truly terrible.”

“How could that be…”

“Anyone who betrays the basic duty of being human must live with the knowledge of their wrongdoings. That’s why I’m thankful that I

still have even a small amount of power.”

Baron Werther let out a deep sigh, his face filled with sadness, as if thinking about “that person.”

“At least I can stop an immoral person from becoming king.”

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