Marriage with a Suspiciously Demure Husband - Chapter 96.2
Chapter 96.2
Following her gaze, I walked towards my illusion, dispelled it, and offered her the magic stone.
Since I didn’t need to close the door, which locked automatically, I’d been holding it. Mrs. Tene, however, simply stared at me, a puzzled expression on her face as if questioning why I was giving it to her.
“You should keep this now, Madam.”
“I… I should?”
“As the duchess, you are now another master of this estate.”
“Ah… but I’m still…”
Keeping the key felt like a burden, especially given my uncertain future.
‘Is he keeping me here out of spite, or is he trying to show his sincerity? This whole situation is confusing.’
I intended to fulfill my duties as a duchess, but this particular privilege felt unnecessary. I offered the stone back to Mrs. Tene, who was smiling at me.
“I understand what you mean, and I’m deeply grateful for your trust, but I still have much to learn. I’ve only been here a short while, and I feel I need your guidance a little longer. Would you mind keeping it until I’m more settled?”
My polite request seemed to take her aback. After a moment, she composed herself and reluctantly accepted the stone.
“I understand. I shall keep it safe until you feel ready.”
“Thank you.”
Simply returning the key had eased my mind considerably.
“And as I mentioned before, please speak informally. I will do my utmost to help you acclimate to life here.”
Mrs. Tene placed a hand on her chest and bowed. Her sincerity was undeniable.
“Thank you so much. I appreciate it.”
* * *
That evening, Kairos returned from patrolling the territory and inspecting the estate. Mrs. Tene sought him out.
“You’ve worked hard today, Master.”
“Any issues?”
He asked, inquiring about Hazel.
Mrs. Tene bowed.
“No, she’s currently in the study. I’ve made sure she’s not disturbed.”
He’d instructed the staff not to interrupt Hazel while she was in the study, and they’d followed his orders perfectly.
“I’ll see her later.”
“Yes. This afternoon, I showed her around the estate and the greenhouse.”
“Did she like it?”
“Yes, she enjoyed tea there for over an hour.”
Kairos knew that Hazel staying for over an hour meant she genuinely enjoyed it. She was considerate but wouldn’t endure discomfort for that long.
‘It’s good that she found a place she likes in this desolate place,’ he thought.
“That’s good to hear. Thank you for your efforts.”
“However…”
“However?” Kairos paused, turning back from his seat.
“She declined the key to the shelter. She said she hasn’t adjusted yet and still has much to learn.”
Kairos sat down, his voice low. Mrs. Tene continued her report.
“She seems to be a gentle and composed person. She’s very polite to the staff as well.”
“I see.”
As she finished, Mrs. Tene added.
“Forgive my presumption, Master, but I believe you’ve found a good person. It makes me very happy.”
Kairos gave a rare smile.
“You’ve only known her for a few days.”
“As I get older, that’s what I’ve learned. The ducal house will become much warmer now. I’ll do my best to support the Madam.”
“Don’t push her too hard. Hazel will overexert herself.”
“Understood.”
Satisfied with the conversation, Kairos dismissed her. Mrs. Tene hesitated as if she had more to say.
“Master.”
“Is there something else?”
“Now that you’ve found such a good person, I hope you’ll let go of your anger and find happiness.”
Kairos remained silent.
“It’s this old woman’s wish, Master. It’s all I desire now. Let go of your resentment towards them and find happiness with the Madam. There’s nothing left in this world to torment or burden you. You’ve closed your eyes to it.”
“You’re becoming quite sentimental.”
“Forgive me, Master. I’ve overstepped. Please rest well.”
Mrs. Tene bowed deeply and left.
Alone, Kairos’s expression hardened.
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