TMH Ch#11

“Speak.”

Calyx’s eyes were filled with impatient displeasure.

“May I ask you to invest in my interior design business?”

Calyx immediately put on a stern expression.

“I’m not a philanthropist. I don’t invest in ventures without potential.”

Wait, philanthropy?

“Hold on. I’m asking for an investment, not a handout.”

Though she felt a little sorry for her earlier rudeness, there was no reason to grovel.

“I believe my interior design business can also benefit you, Duke. That’s why I’m asking for your investment.”

“What do you mean by that?”

He asked suspiciously.

“I heard you own several castles but haven’t been managing them properly.”

“You want to redecorate my properties?”

“Yes. If they’re decorated nicely, it’ll help in many ways.”

“Hah. And how would that help? So people won’t ridicule me if I decorate my castles?”

It was hard to read his face—maybe because half of it was hidden behind a mask.

“…A noble’s estate reflects their family’s image. Wouldn’t proper management of the Duke’s properties help with public perception?”

“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of my own image.”

A cold smirk appeared on the Duke’s lips.

“Besides, I don’t see why you need to ask me specifically for an investment. Compromising with Nathan Barrett over your title and fortune would probably be quicker.”

At the mention of Nathan, Marie felt a sudden surge of emotion.

She recalled the moment Nathan Barrett had stroked her cheek while trying to pressure her into marriage.

Compromise with that man?

“Didn’t you publicly humiliate Nathan Barrett and drive him out? There’s no room for compromise with him.”

Calyx raised an eyebrow.

“From what I heard, it was you who painted his face with enthusiasm.”

“…Isn’t being thrown out after just being told to ‘get lost’ even more humiliating?”

“Humiliation? You seemed to enjoy splattering him with paint.”

“What a ridiculous thing to say…!”

Marie, realizing she was getting emotional, took a deep breath.

‘Calm down. This is going nowhere fast.’

“Excuse me.”

She lifted her head and spoke clearly and calmly.

“I’m not starting a business as a hobby riding on my late brother’s name. And I’m not going to compromise just because someone is trying to force me into marriage.”

“Force? With whom…?”

“Thank you for your visit today.”

With a pleasant smile, Marie dismissed him.

“……”

Calyx’s red eyes widened slightly before he awkwardly stood up.

—

Calyx walked steadily down the hallway.

His face was slightly flushed.

“……”

He had come here with a clear purpose—to retrieve the chair.

He just needed to pay the woman properly and wrap up the matter.

If she was truly in dire straits, he was even willing to offer her a place to stay.

But he never even brought up the chair, and the purchase of the Whitehouse mansion had fallen through.

He was the one who declined the investment request, yet she was the one who had shown him the door.

Something about that irritated him.

‘I’ll have Josh handle the chair later.’

He frowned and ran a hand through his hair, black strands brushing against the edge of his mask.

> “The princess is very particular about interiors. Either renovate the Cliffside Castle properly or move into a mansion worthy of the ducal house. Otherwise, I’ll confiscate all lands owned by the Bloodstone family!”

—The King’s order.

Moving into the Whitehouse mansion was now off the table. No other suitable properties were available for purchase.

Which left him with only one option…

“……”

The restlessness in his red eyes began to settle.

“Ah…”

He looked down at his hands.

“I left my sword…”

Should he go back for it?

At that moment, he heard Josh’s voice outside.

“Wow! You’re amazing! Here! Try this spot too.”

“Here…?”

“Yes! So smooth. Oh, and over here!”

“Here…”

“That’s it! Incredible! Were you born to refinish furniture? You’re a genius!”

Through the open window, he saw Josh cheering beside the giant Dwayne.

“This… is nothing…”

“No way! I’ve never seen anyone sand like you!”

The giant was sanding the 12-person dining table that Calyx had just been holding.

His huge face flushed with joy at Josh’s praise.

Clearly, Josh had sweet-talked the giant into doing all the work.

Without lifting a finger, Josh had gotten a massive table refinished.

Scrape scrape scrape.

Fine white dust sprayed from the giant’s hands like a mist.

His skill was impressive.

“Master! Are you finished?”

“…Yes.”

“Wow!”

Josh threw up both arms when Calyx entered the garden, as if surprised by how glad he was to see him.

Dwayne nodded respectfully, then returned to his sanding.

Swish swish swish.

The rhythmic sanding sound calmed Calyx’s mood.

Behind Dwayne, several painted and drying pieces of furniture looked brand new.

“……”

Calyx’s gaze landed on the rocking chair.

Once rough and crude, it now boasted soft curves and beautiful color.

And it was that woman who had brought about this transformation.

‘Furniture refinishing…’

Compared to building construction or palace interiors, furniture work seemed minor.

Yet coming up with such a novel approach required exceptional creativity.

“……”

Tap tap tap tap.

He heard footsteps approaching behind him.

“Duke!”

She came running down the hallway, visible through the open window.

Even her secretary followed awkwardly in tow.

“Wait!”

She cradled the sword in her arms like it was some priceless treasure.

She could have sent a servant—but she came herself.

“You forgot your sword!”

Her radiant light brown hair shimmered gently. Her green eyes sparkled like grass in the wind.

There was even a smile on her face.

“Here!”

Now standing before him, she caught her breath.

Her scent was fresh and sweet.

Despite having her investment proposal rejected moments ago, there was no hint of resentment or hesitation in her.

“……”

Calyx unconsciously took a deep breath.

Unsure what expression to make, he responded awkwardly.

“…Did I?”

“Yes, you must’ve forgotten!”

Marie smiled brightly.

That smile made him flinch a little.

This woman really wasn’t afraid of him.

“…I didn’t even realize I’d left it behind.”

“Good thing you didn’t go far. Here you go.”

“Thank you.”

He looked down at the sword returned to his hand.

The hilt was still warm from her touch.

“…I’m curious about your interior skills.”

“Pardon?”

Marie’s green eyes went wide with surprise.

She clearly hadn’t expected that at all.

“…Pick a room in Cliffside Castle and redecorate it.”

“Excuse me?”

“Master?”

Josh’s voice came from behind, filled with disbelief.

But Calyx didn’t bother turning around.

“The success of your business depends entirely on your own skills, Lady Whitehouse. So before asking for investment, shouldn’t you prove your ability first?”

He maintained the most businesslike tone and expression he could.

He wanted to make it clear this was a professional evaluation, nothing personal.

“If you like my interior design, does that mean you’ll consider investing?”

Marie’s face lit up with a smile again.

She looked like she couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

“Don’t jump to conclusions. Will you do it?”

“Of course! I’m curious what Cliffside Castle is like. I want to see it right away!”

She accepted his proposal without hesitation.

There was no sign of anxiety—even though she’d never worked outside the Whitehouse estate before, even if she had learned under Henry Whitehouse.

“…You don’t seem too nervous about it.”

“Oh, well, maybe a little. I want to make sure you’ll like the design, Duke. But if you tell me your preferences, I’ll do my best to incorporate them.”

Marie radiated confidence.

It was the kind of attitude that reassured clients.

But Calyx’s goal wasn’t to decorate the castle to his own liking.

In truth, it should probably match Princess Arsen’s taste.

But he didn’t feel like doing that.

‘This is just a test, nothing more.’

He gave a silent nod.

“…Go ahead.”

He was simply curious about her abilities.

If the test were too easy, it wouldn’t be meaningful.

Wearing a stern expression, he nodded and turned away.

“Master, what are you thinking? Weren’t we moving into the Whitehouse estate?”

“Yes. That’s on hold for now.”

“Is that so? But none of the other properties are f

it for your residence.”

“I’m aware.”

“Then what will you do?”

“We’ll see. But for now… I need you to investigate something.”

“Yes, sir. What is it?”

Calyx’s red eyes gleamed sharply.

“Find out if Marianne Whitehouse is being forced into marriage.”