DSMBL Chapter 69

Chapter 069

Just as I wanted, I finally started receiving the responsibilities of a duchess. Until now, all I did was hang out with Stephanie and Theo, but now I had real work to do.
Cassius’s assistant brought a huge pile of documents to my office.

“I’m Rozewood Cason, and I’ll be explaining the duchess’s duties to you today. Please feel free to call me Rozewood.”

Oh, Rozewood.
So this is what he looks like. In the novel, he used to help Lorencia.
But now he’s helping me instead?

“These documents are about public facilities in the Northern Territory. They mostly include things like bridges, city walls, clinics, and art museums.”

“Are there any facilities that need urgent repairs?”

“The wall repairs have already started by the Duke’s order. Besides that, the reservoir needs maintenance.”

I wrote down what Rozewood explained.

“You’ll need to visit the reservoir yourself, check the condition, and give directions for the repairs.”

“Hm. Got it.”

“And this is a project that the former Duchess started but didn’t finish. She wanted to build an educational facility for children.”

“By educational facility, you mean…”

“An academy. Other regions have academies that represent their lands, but the North doesn’t have it. It’s always been a place where survival came first. But the former Duchess believed that’s exactly why people needed education.”

Cassius’s mother must’ve been a smart woman.

“Does Cassius want to continue this project?”

“He did, but he didn’t have the time. He’s been handling everything in the North on his own.”

Rozewood bowed his head. I was surprised by the sudden gesture.

“Then, thank you very much, Duchess.”

I could see a lot in Rozewood’s eyes. It was like he was remembering the Charlotte from before I took over her body.

I gave him an awkward smile.

“Truly… thank you for many things, Duchess.”

I nodded.

“It’s a bit embarrassing. The old me… was kind of a mess.”

Rozewood pressed his lips together and stayed silent.

“Anyway, building an academy isn’t just about putting up a building. We’ll need teachers to educate the children and a principal to run the place too.”

I changed the subject—for both Rozewood and myself. No matter how I thought about Charlotte’s past actions, it was hard to see them in a good light. And Rozewood didn’t seem like someone who would lie to protect her either.

“You’re absolutely right, Duchess.”

“To handle all this, I think I’ll need a personal aide. Do you know anyone who might be good for the role?”

I couldn’t do it all alone.

In the novel, duchesses usually had assistants helping with their duties. Lorencia had one too.

“…How about hosting a party?”

“A party?”

“Honestly, with the Duke’s reputation, it wouldn’t be hard to hire someone. However, whether or not they will actually follow you is a different story.”

Damn it, Charlotte.

You really should’ve lived a little better.

I mean, I get why she was the way she was… but I couldn’t help feeling a bit frustrated.

“Even if it’s not a grand ball, I suggest holding a social gathering. Talk with the noble ladies, build relationships. In the North, these gatherings are especially well-developed.”

I already knew that. Because the area is so remote, their social networks are more intimate.

“Especially with all the recent trouble involving the Count of Mers, everyone must be uneasy. So it’s actually a good time.”

“Alright, a party… I’ll think about it.”

“Thank you, Duchess.”

After that, Rozewood kept explaining all the tasks I had to handle.

And only when the lessons were over did he finally smile in relief.

“Now the North can finally stand tall.”

Now I understood.

To stabilize people’s lives, those in authority must be held accountable. I stared blankly at Rozewood’s bright, refreshed face.

I really need to hire an aide as soon as possible.

—

“Huh? Then does that mean you’ll be busy now, sister-in-law?”
“Probably. And don’t eat so messily, Stephanie.”

I was watching the kids eat their snacks.
Now that I thought about it, I couldn’t leave them with the head maid forever.

I really needed to find a good nanny.
Once I got busier, I wouldn’t be able to spend as much time with the kids.
But not someone like Janice, who just used children for her own benefit.

“Hmmm.”
“What’s wrong? You look like you have a lot on your mind, human.”
“Ah, I was thinking about who could take care of you two. I need someone I can trust.”

I didn’t know anyone around here. I clicked my tongue lightly.
There’s no parenting forums like a mom café, and no job posting websites either.
Moments like this really made me miss the convenience of the modern world.

“I don’t need anyone to take care of me. I only need you.”

What are you even saying, Stephanie?
“Don’t get food on your face, Stephanie. And don’t spill it on your clothes. Also, don’t talk with your mouth full!”

Stephanie puffed out her cheeks.
“Charlotte, you say ‘don’t’ way too much.”
“…Just sit down and eat. Theo, Stephanie.”

It felt like my soul was slowly being worn down.
The head maid, watching me and the kids, suddenly laughed.

“Whew. Is this what parenting is normally like?”
“Pretty much.”
“Was Cassius like this too?”
“Hmm… His Grace was more composed. He had a heavy burden on his shoulders from a young age.”
“I see.”

I found myself wondering what Cassius was like as a child.
I watched Theo wandering around with a cookie even though I’d told him not to.

Right now, Theo looked like the perfect eight-year-old.
Innocent and childlike.

I tried to imagine what Cassius would’ve looked like at that age. Maybe with a more serious face? Or perhaps with sharper eyes?

Theo must’ve felt my gaze, because he looked at me and smiled.
That smile—it was just like Cassius’s.

“Come here, Theo. You’ve got crumbs all over your face.”

He hesitantly came over, and I gently held his cheeks and brushed the crumbs off.

“I’m worried about finding a good nanny. Head maid, do you know anyone you can recommend?”
She shook her head.
“Ugh…”

I really needed a better way to get this kind of information…

“Oh! Among the invitations I received, are there any gatherings for mothers with children around Theo’s age?”
“Yes, there are.”

“I definitely need to go to that gathering! Should Cassius come too?”
“No, it’s only for noble ladies and their children.”
“Even better.”

Now I understood why such gatherings existed.
The noble ladies could enjoy their own time, and the kids could run around and burn off their energy.
There’s nothing better for kids than playing with others their age.

“Please check the invitations and bring them to me.”
“Yes, Duchess.”

And just like that, my next outing was decided.
I wondered what this meeting would be like.

—

Three days later.

The gathering was hosted by the Count Kersis family.
They were long-time residents of the North, and their first grandchild was about Theo’s age.

“Kids, what did I tell you?”
“Don’t eat while walking!”
“No shouting!”
“Greet others politely!”
“Don’t bully your friends!”

Good. I must’ve drilled it into their heads by now.
This would be Theo’s first time meeting kids his own age.
Until now, Stephanie was his only friend—but today, Theo’s world would grow a little bigger.

He was especially excited, which made me a little worried.
I gently touched his forehead and gave him a little divine power for the first time in a while.

“Whoa—”

Thankfully, his body had recovered a lot, so it didn’t feel like my soul was being drained like before.

“Have fun and stay healthy, okay?”
“Yes!”
“Got it!”

I patted Stephanie on the head too, and we went inside.

“Oh my, Duchess! You really came. This is…”
“I’m Theo Istheria.”

Theo greeted them so politely.

“Oh my goodness, what an adorable young lord! When my daughter-in-law said the Duchess wanted to attend the gathering, we were so surprised!”

The Countess smiled warmly, covering her mouth.
She was a kind-looking elderly lady.

“I heard good things about this gathering, madam.”
“Oh, I’m honored to hear that. Everyone’s in the greenhouse right now.”

The Countess whispered to me,

“The greenhouse connects to the garden, and there’s a fence around it. It’s perfect for the children to run around and play.”

…This place is parenting heaven. Like a fancy kids’ café?