Wicked Husband-Chapter 67 - 66

However, upon seeing the first envelope, Eileen immediately felt regret. It was from Ornella, the daughter of Count Farbellini and the soon-to-be Empress of Traon, currently her most concerning counterpart.

Feeling a mixture of anticipation and trepidation, Eileen set aside Ornella’s letter for the moment and decided to check the others first. Absentmindedly picking up a thick envelope, Eileen checked the sender and was startled.

"The professors...?"

It was a letter from the professors at the university where Eileen had studied.

When she saw the envelope with the professors’ names written on it, memories of her university days flooded back into her mind.

Originally, there had been no place for Eileen in her circumstances to even dream of attending university. It was Cesare who had daringly suggested for the first time that she might be able to enter.

Eileen shamelessly clung to him, eventually succeeding in gaining admission through a somewhat cunning method—using a recommendation letter from Prince Traon of the Empire.

Her time at university had been the happiest period of Eileen’s life. During those years, she satisfied numerous curiosities that self-study alone couldn’t fulfill.

Engaging in academic discussions with fellow enthusiasts of plants brought her immense joy, especially delving into the professional study of medicinal drug development using plants.

Chemical experiments, which Eileen couldn’t have performed alone, were a significant part of her education, and she received substantial help from the university.

Although initially intimidated by the older students and professors, they proved to be kind and nurturing, and soon she felt at home among them.

Due to difficulties at home, she couldn’t complete her studies and had to leave university prematurely. Nonetheless, the time spent there became cherished memories and valuable assets. The knowledge she acquired has been a reliable support for Eileen ever since.

"I hope everyone is doing well..."

Lost in nostalgia, Eileen opened the envelope. Despite expecting it to be thick, she found a lengthy letter inside.

[...Upon belatedly hearing the news of your marriage, I hasten to send my congratulations. Enclosed is a modest token of gift. Please accept it.]

Now a Duchess of Erzet, Eileen received a letter from her professors written in extremely polite language. Amidst the formal greetings and lengthy updates on their lives, Eileen could almost hear the familiar voices of her mentors.

Smiling faintly, Eileen confirmed the enclosed gift—a part of a paper published in an academic journal. The paper was based on research she had collaborated on with her professors during her university days, and Eileen’s name was listed as one of the authors.

As she read further, Eileen felt a sudden lump in her throat. She clenched her lips tightly and absentmindedly rubbed her chin, continuing to absorb the contents of the letter.

[...We plan to visit the estate soon. If you have the time, could we meet briefly? We have missed you dearly all these years, and while we understand your position, we cautiously request this favor.]

The letter concluded with polite requests and warm greetings. Eileen read through it once more, feeling a sense of longing and regret.

"They plan to visit the estate. Can I meet them?" she asked Sonio, who was surprised but assured her that it was certainly possible.

"If there’s anything you wish to do, please feel free to tell me," Sonio added, offering his support.

Despite initially imagining the life of a grand duchess as daunting, Eileen found comfort in Sonio’s reassuring response.

Taking a deep breath, Eileen gathered her courage and then opened Ornella’s letter. The scented stationery emitted a faint fragrance of lilies.

The contents were polite and ordinary, sincerely congratulating her on her marriage and extending an invitation to her first social gathering as the Duchess of Erzet—a tea party.

It was obvious to Eileen why Ornella, full of grudges, was calling her to a social gathering.

"I can almost picture getting ambushed, all with masks and cigarette smoke billowing around."

Shaking off the fanciful thought with a slight shrug, she muttered, "That’s a bit much."

Setting aside Ornella’s letter, Eileen tucked it into a corner. While she had obligations as the Duchess of Erzet, she wasn’t about to bend over backwards for Ornella.

True, the Parvellini duchy boasted a distinguished lineage, but it paled in comparison to the prestige of Erzet. Even esteemed noble families had found themselves overshadowed in Cesare’s presence.

There’s no need to choose Ornella for the first social gathering. After all, it would only strengthen her position in society.

"I think this way, but Sonio, what are your thoughts?" Eileen turned to Sonio, seeking his perspective on the matter.

Sonio, deeply moved, responded, "You speak wisely, my Lady. There is absolutely no need to be swayed."

"Then... where would it be best to attend the first social gathering?"

Feeling perplexed as she sifted through the flood of letters pouring in for the Duchess of Erzet, Eileen sought guidance. It was her habit to ask when unsure, and Sonio, with a knowing smile, observed the array of letters on the desk.

"While it’s only the steward’s opinion, as the Duchess, you hold the highest noble position in the Empire..."

Transitioning seamlessly from palace life to her new role as grand duchess, Sonio paused, his smile gentle yet contemplative.

"Wouldn’t it be fitting to extend invitations to those of lower rank?"

***

Thanks to Sonio’s guidance, Eileen found herself thinking in a new direction. As the Duchess of Erzet, she decided that her first social gathering would be personally organized by her.

Sonio assured her that he would personally curate the guest list for the invitations, and his enthusiastic involvement ensured that everything proceeded smoothly.

Talking about various things with Sonio, time flew by swiftly. Senon, who was expected to arrive soon, did not appear until sunset. Cesare was heard briefly working in his study and then heading out again.

Alone at dinner, Eileen remarked, "It’s unusual for someone who typically stays at the Duke’s residence."

Dining alone at the expansive table didn’t make Eileen feel lonely. Sonio, though occupied, kindly engaged her in conversation.

Yet, Eileen didn’t feel isolated. Being alone was natural to her. The time spent with Cesare yesterday and today felt like a miracle.

Waiting for Cesare was familiar to Eileen. She simply looked forward to seeing him again tomorrow.

Finishing her dinner, Eileen read the etiquette book Sonio had chosen and retired early to bed.

Lying there, sleep eluded her. Despite her tired body, her mind raced.

Restlessly murmuring with wide-open eyes, Eileen’s thoughts revolved mostly around Cesare.

He had no intention of telling Eileen his secrets. But that didn’t mean he completely hid them. Even though he became the Duke, the one-sided relationship remained the same.

He was such an affectionate man that calling it deceit would be too much. That’s why it was even more painful. IShe couldn’t possibly guess Cesare’s intentions.

’He’s never been one to reveal his true feelings...’

What could have made him like this? How could she be of any help to him, even a little?

"I want to do well."

After becoming the Duchess, ambition surged within Eileen. She yearned to be constantly by Cesare’s side. However, the fear of displaying her inadequacies lingered, knowing that just as suddenly as she became Duchess, she could be cast aside.

In this regard, Cesare was like a sword. Eileen never knew if any disagreement or misstep could lead to losing his affection overnight.

"I must become the person His Grace needs," she resolved.

Replaying these worries in her mind, Eileen unintentionally drifted into sleep. Her half-dreaming mind sensed a presence and jolted awake. Accustomed to falling asleep alone, her body reacted sensitively to someone else’s presence.

Blinking sleepily, Eileen looked ahead and saw the distinct figure of a man. Smiling with eyes that blended into the darkness, he chuckled softly. A faint scent of blood touched her nose, and a languid voice mixed with warm breath tickled her skin.

"Sorry, did I wake you?"

Eileen slowly blinked again, seeing Cesare right before her—it was undoubtedly a dream. For a moment forgetting she was in the Duke’s residence, she smiled as though she had encountered him in the small bed on the second floor of their old brick house.

"Cesare..."

She called his name with overwhelming happiness, her giggles laced with childish mischief.

"I missed you."

In response, Cesare narrowed his sharp eyes, leaning closer to her. His face mere inches away, he asked softly, "Since when?"

"Always, always..."

It was a whispered confession of deep affection, tinged with sadness at her inability to fully express the intensity of her feelings. Gazing at him with a dazed look, she felt as though even his eyes, which held her captive, were softened by the intoxication of the moment.

"Alright, Eileen."

Their lips met gently, like flower petals settling down. They kissed tenderly, each touch careful as if they feared the moment might shatter.

"I’ve missed you too, all this time," he murmured softly in reply and kissed her again.