TKMLTE 99

CHAPTER 99

Translator: Rae

***

Suspicious Businessman (2)

Whitney doubted her eyes.

"What in the world…!”

Fury surged through her at the ridiculous newspaper article. From the photograph alone, it truly looked as if the marquis was desperately clinging to her.

More than anything, the angle of the shot was intentional—clear enough to reveal exactly who was inside the carriage.

‘I knew something felt off, but I’m still caught off guard!’

She sensed that something bad would happen if she got involved with him. Whitney regretted sending the letter. She wrote the new one but knew too well it was useless.

The only relief was the response from Cheston—he had agreed to accompany her.

“It seems I’ve walked straight into a trap.”

"I'm sorry, I should have been more vigilant.”

"No, it's not your fault. He would have found a way to make contact with you in various ways. I might as well hear what he has to say."

Rumors must have already spread. No matter how the story had been twisted, there was no chance that anything good was being said.

"We're supposed to meet in the afternoon, so we'll find out soon. Your Highness is scheduled to arrive beforehand, so please make sure to escort him separately."

"Yes, I'll tell them to sneak in through the back door."

Whitney nodded. In order to find out what he had in mind, she didn’t disclose the fact that Cheston also accompanied her today.

If their discussion remained strictly about business, there would be no issue. However, if things took a different turn, Cheston might have to step in.

Whitney sincerely hoped this would end without incident.

***

At the appointed time, the marquis’ carriage arrived in front of the duke’s estate.

He stepped out of the carriage, dressed even more impeccably than before. Whitney turned to Cheston after watching the man enter from the window.

"Your Highness, you must not reveal yourself. Do you understand?”

"How many times must I say it? I’ll behave as long as that bastard doesn’t pull anything suspicious.”

"You’ll have to endure it in order to figure out his plan.”

Cheston didn’t respond. If that man pulled out any ridiculous moves,  he might immediately slash his neck right then and there.

Whitney made her way to the drawing room, with Cheston following behind, disguised as a guard beneath his cloak.

“He might be deeply involved with the queen.”

"For example?"

"Do you remember the queen's toys I told you about before?"

"Yes, I think I remember. You said she had several lovers.”

"It might be one of them."

Whitney had considered the possibility that he was sent by the Queen, but she hadn’t thought he might be her lover.

“Are Your Highness certain about his identity?”

“Whitney, the problem is that no one here really knows what the real marquis looks like.”

“Now that you mention it, Your Highness has a point. Even Maurice didn’t recognize him, so there’s no reason someone couldn’t be impersonating him.”

"Yes, that’s why you have to be careful, I’ve heard that the queen’s lovers are quite skilled at seducing people.”

He kept reminding her as if he was truly worried. In reality, Whitney had already seen the Marquis of Aroche’s face once, but it had left no particular impression on her.

Anyone who had laid eyes on Cheston wouldn’t even bother sparing the marquis a glance. Whitney had grown so accustomed to Cheston’s looks that she had developed an immunity to beauty. 

Unless someone even more handsome appeared, she would never be swayed by mere looks.

She carefully opened the door to the parlor and stepped inside. Cheston, with his head slightly bowed, stood behind her.

"Marquis Aroche, it seems you’re on time. I can't spare you much time because I have other plans. Did you say you wanted to invest?"

The marquis wore an intrigued expression at her steady and unwavering tone. Then, he handed her a newspaper and spoke.

"Have you seen this? I wanted to apologize, as it seems I’ve caused you some trouble.”

"If you were aware of that, you shouldn't have acted that way in such a public place. I hope you'll be more careful in the future."

The marquis, despite wearing an apologetic expression, seemed strangely pleased. His satisfied demeanor slowly cracked Whitney’s composed expression.

“We already have more than enough investments. Our funds alone are sufficient. I think it would be best for you to look into other ventures.”

"Can't you give me a chance at least? The more investors you have, the more you can expand your business. That would be beneficial, wouldn’t it?”

"You might think that way, but I don't intend to expand further as of now. Therefore, I’d appreciate it if you refrained from contacting me personally again.”

Since she had no intention of doing business with him, there was no reason for them to contact each other any further.

"May I ask why you are interested in business?"

“I’ve always had a deep interest in wine. In fact, the winery you’re working with has been on my radar for quite some time.”

“...You’re not even from the capital, yet you’re quite familiar with winery in a distant village?”

“I’m a businessman, after all.”

The marquis smiled with a shrug. It was true that businessmen tended to be interested in profitable ventures, but… something still felt off.

"Are you really not considering working with me?"

"Yes, I'm afraid so.”

He nodded as if understanding her decision.

"I hope you don't regret it. I could have more than doubled your fortune. Even so, you wouldn't be so cold-hearted as to turn me away without offering at least a cup of tea, would you?"

“…Of course."

"Then I’ll gladly accept it and go. I hope your business thrives, Duchess Regnant.”

He glanced at his watch briefly before offering a serene smile. Whitney didn’t let her guard down despite his appearance.

The Marquis of Aroche did nothing troublesome. He simply drank his tea, and then rose from his seat. Whitney escorted him out while watching his every moment.

She was worried that something else might happen.

***

Cheston took off his cloak and stared at the Marquis' carriage as it pulled away.

He couldn’t shake the unsettling image of those gray eyes from his mind. The persistent gaze that had slowly scrutinized him made him want to snap his neck on the spot.

He clenched his fists over and over, suppressing the rising fury. He had noticed it—the impure intent lurking within that gaze.

‘What other schemes could he be plotting?’

The way he was staring at the clock and waiting for someone left a lasting impression on him.

He left the duke’s estate, intending to do nothing more than drink tea and return to his villa. Whitney saw him off, and as soon as the carriage departed, Cheston took off his cloak to reveal himself.

“It seems like he has something else in mind. After all, it was you who ended up in the papers as that man’s woman. But don’t worry—this time, that won’t happen.”

If another ridiculous rumor were to spread, he would be the one disgraced. Ever since Cheston entered the succession battle, every place he visited was reported to the king.

In other words, at least the royal family was aware that Cheston came to the duke's residence today. 

“I don’t think he came to the duke’s estate for no reason. The fact that he left so quietly bothers me… And more than anything, it’s strange that he knows about the winery.”

Cheston wrapped an arm around her shoulders and looked at her.

“He calls himself a businessman, so it’s not strange for him to take an interest in matters that attract public attention. But if that part bothers you. I’ll look into it.”

"I asked for information, but I still have no specific information."

Cheston had already received a report, but since the person was shrouded in mystery, there was nothing yet uncovered about those known as nobles of the capital.

There was nothing distinctive about his appearance, nor had he left any evidence that could identify him.

Seeing the worry written all over Whitney’s face pained him. With everyone around her never giving her a moment’s peace, she probably hadn’t had any time to rest.

Cheston quickly changed the subject.

“More importantly, don’t you have to attend Lady Helene’s banquet tomorrow?”

"Oh! That's right."

"You must have something to tell me."

At his words, Whitney hesitated slightly. Then, she asked with a shy look on her face.

“…Would you like to attend the event together as my partner?”

“Of course.”

He kissed the back of her hand. It might have been a bit late, but he had said something—surely that was enough.

He told Witney that a gift would be coming soon.

"Gift?"

“You’ll see. You might even be pleased. I’ll come to pick you up tomorrow, so get some rest for today.”

But Witney grabbed him by the collar. Cheston tilted his head sideways at the wind.

“Stay a little while before you go.”

“...A little while?”

His Adam’s apple bobbed up and down. Whitney’s green eyes wavered, and soon, her hand slipped away from his collar.

Thinking that he had misunderstood her, Whitney hurriedly added an explanation.

“W-Well, if you leave right after the marquis, it might seem suspicious. And if you go straight to the royal palace, that would reach the member of the royal family’s ears as well, wouldn’t it?”

"That's true. Then I'd rather stay a little while as you suggested.”

Even if others found it strange, it didn’t particularly matter to him. But he nodded in agreement with her excuse. Then, he smiled while taking Whitney’s hand.

Her flushed ears looked endearing to him.

“If there was a lake, we could go for a boat ride, but since there isn’t, how about we take a stroll instead?”

“…That's a good idea. The weather is nice, so let's take a stroll.”

He intertwined their fingers, lacing his own between hers. Her delicate fingers flinched slightly, but he didn’t let go.

Before long, a maid approached and handed over a parasol.

"The sun is quite strong."

“I’ll carry this myself, so there’s no need for you to accompany us.”

The maid glanced at Whitney for confirmation. She gave a small nod, signaling that it was fine, so Cheston led Whitney toward the garden.

“I thought there was a greenhouse at the duke’s estate, but I don’t see it anywhere.”

“...I had it removed.”

At her words, Cheston’s expression turned wistful. Leaning in slightly, he murmured close to her ear.

"What a shame. Nothing to be done about it, I suppose.”

Then, he opened the parasol and ducked slightly. As a result, their figures were hidden beneath its shade.

***

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