Chapter 11

Following the tea gathering, Berlia returned to the house in a foul mood. This is because, following the narrative of Countess Hanzelan, scandal-related stories remained the primary subject of conversation in the social circle.

Certainly, she was mindful of her expression, but today’s location was like a thorn in her side.

“Lady… The supper is served.”

Her maid, Betty, notified Berlia that she was done cooking lunch shortly after she had changed into comfortable attire. Berlia descended to the eating area.

‘Perhaps… is Cain here?’

I was unaware of Cain’s whereabouts today. Berlia was ecstatic at the possibility that he and her would have supper together again today, if this was the case.

“There you are, Cain.”

And as soon as she saw his face, all the worry she had at today’s tea party vanished. Ultimately, she liked him. whatever the nature of this partnership may be.

“Sister-in-law, please take a seat. The chef devoted extra attention to tonight’s cuisine, so it’s extremely tasty.”

Cain rose up after checking that Berlia had entered the room. As Berlia arrived to sit opposite Cain, Cain approached Berlia and pulled out a chair. Even his tiny acts of compassion had a significant impact on Berlia.

“Many thanks, Cain.”

Cain referred to Berlia by her first name when he was alone with her after their relationship, which is the most notable distinction. In contrast, when there was just one employee, such as a cleaner or a cook, he referred to her as his ‘sister-in-law.’

It was a normal action, but Berlia felt a little melancholy when she heard the phrase ‘sister-in-law’. Because she wanted to be Cain’s ‘Berlia’.

“What are your specific plans for tomorrow?”

“Cadeline decided to visit me for a bit tomorrow morning. She said that she wanted to give me a gift in return.”

“Then, are you available in the evening?”

Cain inquired about her tomorrow plans. Berlia believed that his inquiry was ceremonial and intended to break the uneasy quiet. Berlia considered the question to be pointless and responded accordingly.

“Yes? Oh, naturally, I have no plans after that.”

“Are you not occupied with work? Then… If you agree, why don’t we go together to a play tomorrow evening?”

After Cain concluded his speech, there was stillness for around 5 seconds. Berlia blinked her eyes twice.

“Play?”

“It’s a brand-new play that will premiere tonight, but I’m receiving an invitation for tomorrow evening. I believe it would be enjoyable to go with my sister-in-law, but are you alright with that?”

Cain never offered Berlia any kind of relationship. Then Cain makes such a startling suggestion…

‘Is it for me?’

Berelia was unaware of Cain’s dating methods. Only that he was bringing blondes to the estate was known to her.

However, she’s like the same woman she saw everytime Cain brings them home. All of his partners who attended the banquets with Cain were blonde.

Berlia was now one of the blonde ladies Cain had met. Their relationship was a simple one.

Therefore, Berlia decided that he made the same offer to her as he did to every woman he met. But regardless of what Cain meant, Berlia could not resist him.

Even if just for three months, if she could leave him with memories, that was plenty.

“Sure. I have no particular plans for tomorrow evening.”

Cain grinned at Berlia’s acceptance.

“I eagerly anticipate tomorrow.”

Berlia thought to herself, ‘Really, his grin is vile’ upon seeing his smile, which seemed to be one of happiness.

* * *

The next morning, Cadeline paid Berlia a visit.

“Cadeline, welcome.”

“Did you get home safely yesterday? I’m worried since you went with a pale complexion.”

Since yesterday, when the narrative of Countess Hanzelan started, Berlia’s demeanor has been negative. Cadeline, who did not know why Berlia’s face was showing negative, was still genuinely concerned about her.

“At the conclusion of the tea party, I must have felt disoriented for a time. It’s alright now. I appreciate your concern, Cadeline.”

Berlia gave her an appreciative smile. Cadeline resembled Berlia’s closest companion. I did not want her to be anxious.

“Then it’s good for me… by the way, everytime… you never fail to amaze me Duke Hildayden.”

Berlia waved her hand as Cadeline gazed around the house and said as she waved her hand.

“What are you talking about? Your house, Cadeline, was also not simple.”

“But is it as good as… this?”

Cadeline laughed with a nice tone. Berlia seems somewhat relieved to be with her, since she is usually cheerful.

“By the way… did you hear?”

“Which?”

“I’ve heard that Hwangseong(Imperial Palace) is hosting a large dinner for the first time in a long time.”

“The Hwangseong?”

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Berlia’s eyes became wider. If the event was a dinner at the Imperial Palace, not everyone was permitted to attend. This was due to the fact that not only high-ranking nobles but even the imperial family were there participating.

“According to reports, invites have begun to come. Perhaps we will also reach Berlia soon?”

Berlia served as duchess. It was hard to avoid an invitation from the hostess of the Empire’s few dukes.

“But… my husband—”

No nobility was able to decline the invitation from the imperial palace. However, Dean, the mansion’s owner, is no longer in the capital. She did not have a companion with her. After aristocratic women made their appearance, eating feasts without a companion in the Empire was considered very embarrassing. Cadeline, seeing Berlia’s alarm, acted as if there was no issue.

“Young Master Cain is here? Why not him?”

“Cain?”

“I’m saying, where was it again… There’s one time in a banquet that the Marquis is sick, so his brother and his wife attended instead… That’s the case! Anyways, everyone knows that the Duke is away now so there won’t be any problem with you going with Young Master Cain.”

To become Cain’s formal partner and to attend a banquet. It was something she had not yet accomplished, yet for some reason, her heart was racing. Instead of being relieved to find a partner to accompany her to the feast, she was thrilled to learn that Cain might be her companion.

“Thanks Cadeline… I almost got in trouble.”

“Where did I help you?”

“You reduced my anxiety.”

“We are pals. Friends should alleviate one another’s concerns. No?”

Cadeline grinned widely. A portion of Berlia’s heart became sad as she regarded Cadeline, who claimed to be her friend and treated her as such.

Not because I was searching for a companion, but because I could not express my true sentiments that I was pleased to be traveling with Cain.

“Oh, see my thoughts. I nearly forgot to give you this when I arrived to deliver it to you.”

Cadellin clapped her hands as if she had just recalled something, although being unaware of Berlia’s inner workings. She rose from her seat, retrieved a package about the size of two palms, and presented it to Berlia.

“May I ask what is this?”

“Had it been a common item, I could have dispatched someone to deliver it, but this is a little out of the norm… I believe you need more clarification.”

She returned after a minute with a timid look on her face and made a motion to open the box. Berlia opened the package with an expression of curiosity. The package included a scented liquid candle. Inside the translucent red liquid contained in the glass container was a wick to light the liquid.

“Is it incense?”

Even if someone were sent to distribute incense candles, this would not be considered unusual. Was it because it was crafted from very costly raw materials? She waited for Cadeline’s additional explanation without removing her interested face.

Cadeline murmured in Berlia’s ear, finding amusement in Berlia’s naïve look.

“Ah… this product is an aphrodisiac.”

After discovering the nature of the incense candles in her hands, Berlia inquired aloud in shock.

“YES?!”

“Oh, I had no idea you’d be so astonished, did I?”

Cadeline proceeded with a happy look, speculating that Berlia’s response may have been better than anticipated.

“You cannot try it right now since the Duke is not here. But make sure to use it when he gets back… it’s gonna be a sweaty and amazing evening.”

“A… Amazing.”

Berlia’s thoughts recalled the night she interacted with Cain, not Dean. I was also excited on that day, but it was difficult to picture what would happen if I used this perfumed candle. Berlia’s cheeks became flushed.

“Please tell me what you think about this next time, alright?”

“Cadeline… Have you tried it?”

Berlia asked Cadeline, who had requested a review after using it, whether she had also tried this fragrant candle.

“Absolutely. After seeing its effectiveness, I’m giving it to Berlia.”

“That’s… a great way of putting it.” 

“It’s gonna lead you to a paradisiacal paradise… it’s sure to make your marriage improve… trust me and try this, berlia.”

Cadeline introduced a new subject while gazing adorably at Berlia’s embarrassed face.

“Were you aware that a play was aired yesterday?”

“A play?”

It was news pertaining to a yesterday-released play. If it was the play, it must have been the play slated for tonight with Cain. Is there anything unique about it? Berlia awaited Cadeline’s words with eager anticipation.

“It is stated that there are never-before-seen sights that defy tradition.”

“Is it good?”

In answer to her inquiry, Cadelin moved closer to Berlia and whispered as if someone were listening.

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“They said that it was more than fantastic. The individual who witnessed the performance yesterday informed me that it was quite obscene.”

“Yes?!”

Typically, the plays favored by elites do not feature shocking moments. Because they had to preserve a noble and dignified image regardless of the filthy deeds they committed in secret.

“Word on the street has it that they can’t acquire tickets because they no longer exist. This month’s tickets are completely sold out. Everyone claims to be really tough, yet it seems they cannot help themselves. Even the theatrical content is a mess.”

Berlia was reminded of Cain after hearing his comments. Did Cain recognize the play’s genre and suggest they go together? Since they said that it was an invitation, it was possible that the anecdote was mentioned without any specific intent.