TFM 13

Chapter 13

“Yes. She handled everything herself. She is extremely capable and fair. That’s why all the staff adore her. Ever since the Duchess took over three years ago, not a single person has quit.”

“I see.”

Regardless of her competence, it was a deeply shameful matter. Titania had been managing all the duties that Fernandez had abandoned under the excuse of necessity. He had thought the Emperor would step in and take care of things.

Fernandez clenched his jaw. After today, he might need to grab Carphus by the collar and knock some sense into him like they were children again. With a sharp tug, he pulled the towel from around his neck.

“I’d prefer if they stopped disturbing the Duchess’s mornings.”

Lysander looked troubled.

“Well… truthfully, even with that line outside her door every morning, only those with the most urgent matters are granted an audience. Some of them have waited all week for their turn…”

“They’re filtered?”

“Yes. The Duchess never exceeds her set limits for the day.”

Though Lysander explained gently, it meant one thing: Titania prioritized her personal comfort above all else. Fernandez barely managed to suppress a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

He was beginning to realize—his wife was far cleverer than he had expected.

“Then we’ll leave it to her discretion. However, from now on, bring me the matters I can handle. Who’s been managing the estate all this time?”

“The Duchess has taken care of that as well.”

“…Unbelievable.”

At this rate, she had every right to sue him for overwork. And Titania… she probably had no prior experience with such responsibilities.

“The Duchess reorganized the estate’s administration and just last month completed a road maintenance project.”

“Road maintenance?”

“Yes. She dismissed a vineyard owner who was skimming profits and hired a replacement. The funds recovered from the former owner were used to repave the estate’s roads. Last year, she completed a reservoir project.”

“…”

From what he recalled, Titania had shown a strong aptitude for engineering. Still, to think she had managed even that. Fernandez looked genuinely astonished. In a single day, he had come to understand his wife more deeply than ever before.

Titania was brilliant—regardless of the field or subject matter.

“I’ll have the estate documents compiled and sent up. Sir Gray, who’s been acting as steward, is currently overseeing the final stages of the roadwork. He should return shortly.”

“Tell Gray to bring the documents directly.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

Fernandez felt like he had reached his daily limit of surprises. Leaving the staff waiting outside Titania’s door, he stepped into the bedroom.

“By the way, what time does Titania usually wake up? I’d like to join her for breakfast.”

“Hmm. The Duchess wakes whenever she wishes. But she always ensures she gets seven full hours of sleep.”

Fernandez ran a hand down his face. This mansion had clearly adapted to Titania during his absence. Now, it was his turn. And strangely enough, he didn’t mind it—not at all.

In fact, it pleased him.

“Prepare for departure to the capital. Tell Chase to get ready as well.”

“Yes, Your Grace!”

✦✦✦

“Hah!”

Titania sucked in a breath.

“Oh.”

She let out a soft exclamation.

“You were here yesterday, weren’t you?”

“Do you still think I’m trapped in a portrait?”

Fernandez asked with a smile lingering in his voice. Titania, still groggy from sleep, nodded.

“It’s more familiar that way.”

Titania had a natural talent for making others feel guilty without even trying. Fernandez chuckled awkwardly.

“Well… I’m sorry.”

“That’s not why I said it. Honestly, there were some good things too.”

And just like that, she struck a blow without blinking. Fernandez rubbed his chest—it stung a little.

“Ugh, I’m starving. Are we eating breakfast?”

“I waited for you. But earlier, I saw people lining up outside your bedroom…”

“Oh.”

Titania nodded with an annoyed expression.

“I’ve already handled the urgent matters. The rest I’ll review gradually.”

“Are they not bothering you?”

“It’s just a nuisance. And being bothered and being overburdened are two different things. Even if it’s a hassle, there are things that must be done. And frankly, these finer details should be my responsibility, not yours.”

She spoke in a flat tone.

“I don’t avoid my duties. As the Duchess of Agaphilia, I do what must be done.”

“…If it ever becomes too much, please let me know.”

“Hmm. Why?”

“I’d like to help however I can.”

Titania gave a faint smile—but what followed was like a dagger to the heart.

“You have enough on your plate. You just got back. I’m sure you have more than enough to sort through. You’re heading to the capital today too, right? So there’s no need to worry about me.”

In other words—just take care of your own business. Fernandez let out a dry laugh. It seemed her ironclad walls wouldn’t be easy to scale.

And for a peaceful marriage, there was something Fernandez knew he had to ‘handle’ first.

“Good morning.”

Princess Ludmila.

Titania’s face turned blank with disinterest. Her expression made it clear she had no desire to deal with Ludmila.

“Fernandez, did you sleep well?”

They hadn’t had a proper conversation since the engagement was broken off five years ago. Yet she approached him with affected warmth, and it grated on him. He would have to send her back once he returned from the capital.

Otherwise, he couldn’t face Titania with dignity.

“Good morning to you as well.”

But to do that, he would have to face Victoria. Both she and Ludmila had thoroughly excluded Titania. Thinking about how they had treated her left a bitter taste in his mouth.

The reverse possibility didn’t even occur to him. He didn’t yet know Titania well enough to realize that she wasn’t the one being excluded—they were the ones being left behind.

A fresh new morning had begun.

✦✦✦

“Fernandez, I need a word.”

Just before their departure to the capital, Victoria stopped Fernandez. Ludmila clung beside her like a cicada to a tree. Her sparkling eyes were far too much.

Fernandez nodded briefly.

“I have something to say as well. I’ll speak with you when I return.”

“Very well.”

At his answer, Victoria’s expression brightened. Even in front of Ludmila and the servants, Fernandez hadn’t rejected her. He had been an intimidating figure from the moment they met.

Still, he had always treated Victoria with respect. The awkwardness between them was her own issue.

Victoria stepped back.

“Safe travels, Fernandez.”

Fernandez’s cool gaze shifted to Ludmila. When she blushed under his stare, he let out a sigh. From five years ago until now…

Ludmila still seemed to live in a world entirely her own. He was half-tempted to crack open her skull just to see what kind of fluff her brain was made of.

Chase and Fernandez dismounted upon arrival at the capital. They couldn’t ride any further. After handing the reins to the guards, Chase returned with a question.

“Among the people who saw you off earlier… was the Duchess present? I’ve heard she has red hair.”

Still unfamiliar with the internal situation, Chase frowned. Fernandez gave him a sidelong glance.

“Titania’s busy. Said she was off to meet a mage.”