Chapter 33
“Understood.”
While Melania instructed the maids and servants to carefully move the jewelry boxes, Shay spoke to Thompson.
“As I mentioned before, I’d like to review the financial documents. I’m feeling well today, so could you arrange for me to go over them?”
“Yes, milady. Would you like me to bring the documents here for you, or should I prepare a separate space in the study?”
The Grand Duke’s residence had five studies. Three of them were accessible to guests, while the other two were for family members only. One of those, the Nibelum Study, contained very important documents, so even family members could not enter freely.
“You would be conducting business in the Nibelum Study, correct?”
“Yes.”
The Nibelum Study was mainly used by the head of the family. It contained major documents and even secret records.
“I’d prefer the Laleria Study.”
Laleria was another study reserved for family members. Since Shay intended to review financial documents, a secure location seemed more appropriate.
“Then I will prepare the Laleria Study and let you know when it’s ready.”
After Thompson left to make the arrangements, Shay looked at Melania.
Her gaze naturally fell on the ring Melania wore—the one he had placed on her finger. She might be wearing it simply because he gave it to her, but it also felt like she had accepted his wish to start things differently.
Earlier, Shay had said he had a question, yet Melania had patiently waited for him to speak first, never taking the initiative herself. It gave a glimpse of her calm nature.
Shay began to speak.
“I’d like to meet Miss Bianca Humphrey. I wanted to check if the etiquette here differs from the capital. In the capital, someone of lower rank writes a letter requesting a visit to a higher-ranking person, meets them, and then social interactions begin. How does it work here?”
“It’s the opposite here, Grand Duchess. Those of lower rank may not visit the residences of higher-ranking individuals without prior acquaintance.”
“So, gathering at the Grand Duke’s residence for the maid selection was an exceptional case, then?”
“Yes. It was for official business.”
And it was his past self who had ruined that official business with personal feelings.
Reflecting on the memories and what Rosa had told him, it seemed that although he outwardly despised Benjamin, he had some form of obsession with him as well.
Otherwise, why would he insult Benjamin just for being flirty?
Or was it just to trouble him?
Why had he treated Benjamin so carelessly?
‘Benjamin didn’t even commit a grave mistake against me. I was incredibly sharp back then—if he had done anything wrong, I would have retaliated much more severely. Honestly, Benjamin is my type, so there was no need to act cruelly. In my memories, it wasn’t just playful bickering; I was outright vicious.’
No matter how much he thought, he couldn’t guess the reason. It was easier to assume he had simply lost his mind for a while.
‘The idea that my father ordered me to be cruel to the Grand Duke doesn’t hold either. There would have been no benefit for him in doing so.’
For this hypothesis to hold, he would have needed to benefit William by treating the Duke coldly. William was never a man to act without advantage.
‘My thoughts keep going in circles. There’s too little information. For now, I can only do what I can.’
“So, to meet Miss Bianca Humphrey, I should send a letter requesting a visit to the Humphreys?”
“Yes. Essentially, a visit letter is a notification, not a request for permission. You can set the date without concern.”
“Thank you. In the capital, the more important the recipient, the more decorative the letter—sometimes with inexpensive pearls or jewels. How is it here?”
“Here, high-quality stationery without patterns is preferred. The wording should be neat and concise.”
The rules for invitations and visits were completely different. If he had known of these customs beforehand, he might have studied them, but his actions here were completely opposite from what he was used to.
“I see. Then, should I also send a small gift with the visit letter?”
“Here, gifts are exchanged only after three or more meetings. Sending a gift before that, regardless of rank, is considered rude.”
This was the opposite of the capital, where even an initial letter might include a small token—like a hairpin or brooch—to show favor. Receiving both a letter and gift made a positive impression.
“I heard the Humphreys are an old and prestigious count family. Would one day be enough for a visit?”
“If you wish to win Miss Bianca Humphrey’s favor, I recommend staying one or two nights. It will spread the impression that a high-ranking visitor found the place worthy and pleasant.”
In the capital, staying overnight on a first visit would be seen as inconsiderate, but here it was different. Shay, satisfied, said to Melania,
“I’m glad I asked you. The customs here are very different from the capital—this helps a lot.”
“I was only doing what was natural.”
“Choose the stationery and envelope, Melania. Your choice will be much better than mine. Once I’ve reviewed the finances, I’ll write the letter, so please check for any phrases that could be misinterpreted or cause mistakes.”
Even expressions commonly used in the capital might not work here. To fix a potentially terrible first impression and gain allies, he needed to be careful.
“I’m grateful you trust me with this.”
Shay smiled in response.
“I trust you because you’re capable.”
Seeing how much he had changed, Melania looked at Shay once again.
The Grand Duchess had certainly changed. She knew people didn’t change easily, but this could only be described as such.
‘Reviewing finances and writing letters will take up the whole day.’
Thinking this, Shay felt himself growing excited. At the Alantara Count household, he had been surrounded by expensive, luxurious things, but could do nothing of his own will.
The only thing he could do freely was read. Many tutors were assigned, but all taught subjects his father wanted him to learn. Even hobbies were dictated by William.
Fortunately, by fifteen, while his mother was still alive, he had learned much and could now chart his own course.
Here, it was different.
Knowledge wasn’t just for reading; it could be applied through action.
Mistakes and failures would happen, but it was still better than anything he had done during his previous marriage.
‘I’m glad. It feels good to have things I want to do or need to do.’
Shay smiled. The jewels Benjamin gave him were precious and joyful, but the freedom he was given was even more valuable.
Shay examined the documents while asking Thompson questions. He couldn’t grasp all the details in a short time, but he could get the general picture.
William had never taught Shay anything about accounting. Shay had learned everything through self-study. Luckily, he was quick to understand and had learned the basics of accounting from his mother and tutors.
The Grand Duke’s finances were well managed. Benjamin checked them periodically, and the staff were generally competent.
However, this wasn’t the only responsibility of the housemistress.
Although Rosa was assigned as a personal maid, she could do little beyond her personal service.
Thus, having the vassal families’ people serve as maids was important. It also strengthened family bonds.
Shay resolved to handle matters with Bianca Humphrey carefully and picked up the pen.
After Thompson left, Melania entered. Considerable time had passed just reviewing the financial documents.
The stationery Melania prepared was cream-colored with a slight sheen—clean and luxurious. The ink and pen worked smoothly.
Before writing the letter, Shay had to confirm something.
“Melania, could you tell me what I said and did to the maids, including Miss Bianca Humphrey, when they were selected?”
“Are you sure… you want to hear?”
Seeing Melania hesitate like that suggested he had done something inappropriate.
Even if he didn’t remember, it was his responsibility to fix it.
“Yes.”
Hearing his answer, Melania paused briefly before speaking.
