*****

Today, my husband and I are to have our discussion regarding the divorce. That said, since I will be spending the daytime on charitable activities—visiting the monastery and helping with the bazaar—it will have to wait until after dinner. Managing overall charitable efforts within the territory is, after all, one of the duties of a Duchess.

The seasonal bazaar is a vital source of income for the monastery. I have each group brainstorm their own stalls and offer a bonus to the group that brings in the highest sales. This has proven quite effective; it strengthens the bonds between the children and the sisters in each group, and sales have been trending upward more than ever before. Since I’ve established awards for effort and creativity alongside the grand prize, everyone looks forward to seeing which category they can win.

As I ride in the carriage, I find myself reflecting on the events at the estate.

My husband told me he would accompany me if his schedule allowed, but subordinates had been bustling in and out since last night. By breakfast, he looked as if the world were ending as he told me, 「I'm sorry. I won't be able to accompany you, but I will absolutely join you later.」

Personally, I'm just happy that he's coming later... but it was quite an ordeal just to get out the door, as he threw a bit of a tantrum, insisting he 「didn't want to be apart.」 To think he wants to be with me that much... Ugh... it makes me happy, but it's so embarrassing.

Until very recently, our only point of contact was sharing breakfast. I used to hear unpleasant rumors about him at tea parties, but looking back, I never even tried to confirm those rumors with him. Avoiding the truth just to escape being hurt wasn't the right way to handle things.

If it's with the husband I know now, I feel like we could stay together from here on...

The thought alone makes my cheeks feel hot.

***

When I arrived at the monastery, preparations for the bazaar were already complete; it seemed they only needed to finish displaying the goods. The scents of soup and sweets filled the air, and my heart began to swell with excitement.

「Ah, Duchess Ångström.」

The person who called out to me was a stout, elderly gentleman. I offered him a smile.

「Director, it has been quite a while. My household has prepared some embroidered trinkets and cookies. Please tally the sales and treat the total as a donation.」

「Yes. Thank you, as always. If any cookies happen to be left over...」

「Oh, I'd normally say to give them to the children—but I’ve prepared a separate batch for them, so there's no problem if you sell every last one.」

「You think of everything... Thank you. We are always grateful, as there is a certain gentleman who buys your prepared sweets in bulk every year.」

「My, such a person exists?」

「What a merciful soul.」

「Indeed.」

Since the servants help me, I didn't make them entirely by myself, but I'm happy to hear they are well-received. Come to think of it, I told my husband I was helping out, but I never explicitly said I was *making* them... It will be a retroactive report, but I should probably share that with him later.

「Come, the children have been looking forward to your arrival. This way, please.」

「Of course.」

The Director enthusiastically led me through the bazaar venue. I visit several monasteries for my charity work, but the Director here is particularly devoted to education and is beloved by the children. I heard he was originally the second son of a Viscount.

「I’ve reached out to relatives today, so there is quite a lot of foot traffic, but our staff are all wearing black armbands.」

「I see. It makes me happy to see the bazaar becoming more grand every year.」

When I first married into the family, the selection and quality of the bazaar goods weren't very high, and the amount of aid provided was minimal. It all started when the Director and I discussed how we could increase the children's future options by helping them learn a trade. How nostalgic.

The orphans learned embroidery, reading, and writing, and the quality of the goods for the bazaar improved... The fact that I was planning to continue donating personally after the divorce feels like a lifetime ago now.

During the cold days of my early marriage, these charitable activities were a sanctuary where I could find peace. Because this place existed, I was able to tell myself to just endure for three years and do my duty as Duchess.

Moreover, it was demonstrating my baking here that made me realize I didn't want to give up the path of a pâtissière. But if tonight’s discussion goes well, I can stay by my husband’s side as his Duchess. That thought now fills me with pride and joy.

The Director guided me through the plaza where the bazaar was to be held, and I walked around the stalls with my maids. Everyone must have been looking forward to today. The children were full of energy, and a smile naturally graced my lips.

One hour left until the opening. As I watched the hustle and bustle of final adjustments out of the corner of my eye, I wondered if there was anything I could help with, when—

「Franca.」

「—! Father, Mother!」

I turned at the sound of those familiar voices to see my parents stepping down from their carriage. Reunited for the first time in three years, I reflexively threw myself into my mother's arms. It was unladylike, but my mother didn't scold me; she simply hugged me back. My father then wrapped his arms around both of us.

「You’ve grown even more beautiful in these three years.」

「Do you really think so?」

「I’m just glad to see you looking well.」

「Father...」

「Honestly, even though Lord Dominic sends us letters regularly, you, our own daughter, haven't sent a single one.」

「Ah, about that...」

I felt that if I wrote to them, I would end up mentioning how poorly my married life was going, so I could never bring myself to pick up the pen. Looking back, I had been brooding all alone without consulting anyone.

In a political marriage, as long as it functions, love between the couple isn't necessary. That was the fundamental thought I held.

「Dear. Unlike our house, she has a great deal to learn as a Duchess. Please don't blame Franca so. Besides, since it was a **marriage of love** following a proposal from Lord Dominic—just like ours—it’s only natural they would want time to themselves as a couple.」

「Well, I suppose you're right.」

Eh? My marriage to Lord Dominic was by royal decree—was it not a political marriage?

「Father, Mother. My marriage to Lord Dominic was—」

「Fire!」

「There’s smoke coming from inside the monastery!」

*****

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