Marriage with a Suspiciously Demure Husband - Chapter 97.2
Chapter 97.2
Hazel nibbled at her lip, lost in thought. As he always did, Kairos gently placed a finger between her lips to stop her from unconsciously biting them.
“Just in case, it would be wise to continue stockpiling the purification stones from the northern temple.”
“As my wife commands. I’ll request additional priests from the temple for your peace of mind.”
The tension finally eased from Hazel’s brow.
* * *
“What do you think about holding a ball?”
“A ball?”
“I suggest we consider it as an opportunity to meet the nobles residing in this territory.”
It had been a fortnight since they arrived in the north.
They’d received communication from the Imperial Palace and were settling in. A week ago, monsters had attacked, requiring Kairos to briefly leave and return. It had led to another argument between them, but otherwise, things had been relatively calm.
But a ball…
Hazel pondered Mrs. Tene’s suggestion.
‘As the Duchess, I suppose I should.’
She had heard that balls were held far more frequently in the north than in the capital, despite its smaller size. It was supposedly a way to alleviate the anxieties inherent in such a bleak and dangerous land. Kairos rarely attended, however.
“What has the scale of these events been like in the past?”
“Significantly smaller than in the capital, so it shouldn’t be too overwhelming. A typical ball has around fifty to seventy couples, but that number doubles for year-end, New Year’s, or other celebratory occasions.”
She had assumed that due to the harsh environment, there wouldn’t be many nobles residing in the Duchy, but the scale seemed quite substantial. And if they were held frequently…
‘It’s larger than I anticipated.’
“I see…”
Seeing her surprise, Mrs. Tene smiled gently.
“While the nobles within the territory attend, due to the high concentration of monsters in the region, many knights participate as well, accompanied by their families. This ensures a safer environment for the ball.”
“Ah, that makes sense. I hadn’t considered that.”
“Well, I hadn’t mentioned it.”
Mrs. Tene offered another reassuring smile.
So, a northern ball wasn’t to be taken lightly. If she didn’t make an appearance, rumors about her would likely spread. The Duchess’s identity was already a topic of speculation. Mrs. Tene had probably suggested the ball with that in mind.
Hazel had promised Kairos she would fulfill her duties as Duchess, so she had little choice.
‘Still, this is my first time organizing a ball…’
“Hmm, I’ll need to think about it.”
“I’ll assist you in any way I can to make it as smooth as possible. Unlike the capital, the focus here is less on formality and more on exchanging greetings and enjoying the food and company.”
“…I really like the sound of that.”
“I thought you might.”
Mrs. Tene seemed like a veteran in this area. It made sense, considering she had often organized balls in Kairos’s name, alongside the head butler, during his absences.
Unlike Hazel, she could likely arrange one in her sleep.
“Hmm, Mrs. Tene. If we were to start preparing now, how long would it take?”
“At the earliest, a week. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, about ten days should suffice.”
“Alright. I’ll discuss it with Kai—I mean, the Duke first.”
“Yes, Madam.”
‘…A ball, is it? Well, might as well dive in.’
After speaking with Mrs. Tene, Hazel excused herself, feigning a desire to visit the gardens. Once she was sure she was alone, she slowed her pace.
“Hizan.”
“Yes, Madam.”
“I wanted to ask you something.”
Hizan suddenly bowed his head.
“It was indeed sent by Annie, Madam.”
He answered before she could even ask, nearly making her hiccup in surprise.
“I knew it.”
Hizan smiled.
“You can use the communication device Annie gave you, or you can send and receive items through me. Of course, this also applies when you decide to leave.”
‘So, in a year…’
Hazel nodded.
“I understand. By the way, have you worked for the Duke for a long time? You were here even when I was in the capital.”
“I joined the Duke’s household when Annie accepted your commission and began working on it.”
‘I see. That’s how Annie received news so quickly.’
It all made sense now.
Hazel had wondered how Annie’s contact, no matter how capable, could be so well-informed. She was once again impressed by Annie’s resourcefulness. While she had paid Annie handsomely, her admiration was genuine.
“I look forward to working with you.”
“Yes, Madam.”
Hizan smiled again.
“Now that my walk is over, I should return.”
At this rate, there was no risk of Kairos discovering Hizan’s involvement.
‘And since I won’t be sneaking away anymore…’
A sense of relief washed over her, deeper than she had felt in a long time.
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