What’s Wrong With My Marriage? I Was Bought as a Wife, Yet My Husband Is Madly in Love With Me! - Chapter 32

“So, your older sister came by too?”

“…Yes.”

Concerned about her sister, Luce couldn’t help but look dejected, even during this precious meal with Klaus. Knowing that Nora would likely report it anyway, Luce decided to tell him about Cassandra’s visit.

“That sounds like Cassandra Orlov,” Klaus remarked.

“You know of my sister, don’t you?”

“Yes. She used to come to the church volunteer events and hand out soup. And she always made sure to get up on stage during church festivals to draw attention. My impression is that she enjoys being the center of a spectacle.”

Klaus continued as he spoke.

“She’s a celebrity in social circles as well. Though I never crossed paths with her at parties before our marriage, I’ve heard the rumors.”

Luce was terrified to ask what those rumors were. And if there were rumors about her sister, there surely must have been rumors about Luce as well.

“Because they are your sister and sister-in-law, I’ve been handling things as peacefully as possible. But if you wish, I could take a ‘less-than-peaceful’ approach to ensure they never act so insolently again?”

Klaus spoke with concern for the disheartened Luce. However, the content of his words was so ominous that Luce let out a stunned gasp.

“A ‘less-than-peaceful’ approach…?”

“Haha, exactly as it sounds.”

Klaus gave her a bright, beaming smile. The kind of sweet, melting smile he always reserved for her. Yet, for some reason, she found it terrifying. If she nodded here, the annoyance of her sisters would surely vanish forever.

“Um, well… I’ll try to handle it myself a little longer.”

“I see? If you change your mind, just tell me anytime, Luce.”

“O-oh, okay.”

Perhaps it was because they were having such a conversation.

“You, what are you doing in a place like this?”

Luce knit her brows tightly, wondering why this had to happen today of all days.

“…Brother.”

Standing there was her older brother, Ideon Orlov.

Her eldest brother took after their mother in appearance. With his tall, slender frame and a patterned jacket he wore with ease, he was a handsome man even without family bias. She had heard rumors that he was well-regarded by both men and women. He was only tyrannical toward Luce.

“This restaurant isn’t a place for someone like you. Get out at once.”

“Brother, what authority do you think you have to say that?”

When Luce talked back, Ideon made no effort to hide his displeasure and told her to be quiet.

“Don’t talk back to me. Just having you here makes the food taste bad. Listen, I don’t want anyone thinking I’m related to someone like you. Hurry up and leave.”

(Then you could have just ignored me instead of calling out to me.)

There was no need for him to go out of his way to speak to her.

“Excuse me, are you Ideon Orlov? Pleased to meet you. I am Klaus Bart, Luce’s husband. Forgive my late introduction…”

Klaus stood up and offered his hand to Ideon with a pleasant smile. Ideon let out a dumbfounded sound and turned to Luce, accusing her of lying.

“Your husband? Mirella said he was a fat, greasy nouveau riche! Don’t tell me you started having an affair so soon after getting married?”

“When your younger sister visited, a merchant happened to be delivering groceries. Perhaps she mistook him for me,” Klaus replied with a smile to Ideon’s rude remark. His hand remained extended, but Ideon showed no intention of shaking it.

“Brother, at least greet him properly.”

“If you’re Luce’s husband, that’s perfect. Could you both just leave the shop? You’re a nuisance.”

“Oh? And why is that?”

“Being thought of as her relative is a disgrace. You understand, don’t you? There are rumors everywhere that you bought her with money. They say Lord Bart isn’t right in the head, so even with all that gold, he could only get a bride who isn’t right either.”

“Brother!”

Luce raised her voice at the excessive insults. Ideon showed no sign of backing down. Klaus shrugged, withdrew his hand, and spoke.

“I see. That’s how it is. Luce, let’s go.”

“Klaus, I’m so sorry. My brother was truly disrespectful.”

“It’s fine, don’t worry about it.”

“This shop is only for selected people. You two are out of place. I’ll be sure to give the owner my advice on this.”

As Ideon continued to spew abuse, Luce tried to retort, telling him enough was enough. But Klaus nudged her along, attempting to exit the restaurant. She apologized desperately, but Klaus kept a smile on his face, telling her it was alright.

And then.

“Waiter, close the shop. Right now.”

“Yes, Lord Klaus.”

“Guide the current guests and those with reservations to another establishment.”

“Understood.”

At the exit, Klaus was issuing orders to the staff. She had a suspicion… was this restaurant also one of Klaus’s businesses?

“Through the connections of the hotels I manage, I own several restaurants as well.”

In other words, Klaus was the owner of this establishment.

Her brother, Ideon, had just picked a fight with the owner of the restaurant.

Even though he was her biological brother, she felt pathetic for him. Just as Luce thought she was ashamed to be his relative, a thought suddenly struck her.

(Perhaps… my siblings have felt that way about me all this time?)

If Luce’s hunch was correct.

(Then there’s no way we could ever settle this through a simple talk.)

“…My brother said terrible things. They are words that shouldn’t be forgiven even with an apology. Such a truly disrespectful attitude… I am so sorry.”

“I don’t particularly mind it, so you don’t need to worry. Though, I suppose you will worry regardless.”

Klaus placed a fingertip to his lips in a thoughtful gesture.

“Well, for one thing, it might be unfortunate for him, but it might have been lucky for the House of Orlov. I caught a glimpse of the group gathered in front of the shop earlier; the people your brother is associating with seem quite suspicious.”

“Eh?”

Luce and Klaus had already left the shop and boarded their carriage.

Looking out the window, she saw a group of people standing behind Ideon, who was currently harrassing the waiter. There were several well-dressed middle-aged men and a few young men like Ideon.

“Lately, it seems to be a trend to gather young ‘budding entrepreneurs’ for ‘study groups.’ They tell them they are ‘selected, special individuals’ and take their money in exchange for teaching them business know-how.”

(I’m already getting a bad feeling about this.)

Even setting aside her family bias, her brother Ideon was not competent. After all, he was taught management directly by their father. He imitated their father’s behavior and spent money exactly like him.

He doted on Mirella and slaved Luce away to prioritize Mirella’s wishes. Even when Mirella invited her friends for a tea party, she spent the entire budget on her dress, so they couldn’t even buy sweets.

When Luce said there was no money, Ideon mocked her for being stupid and lamented having such an incompetent sister.

(I’m sure Brother is being swindled. …But.)

Luce could only feel that it served him right.