Chapter 39

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 39

Chapter Title: Estate Overhaul

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‘Do we really need to define our relationship?’

They had already formed a solid bond as husband and wife. Whether he said he liked her or not, nothing would change.

Unconsciously gripping the reins with all his strength, he consciously relaxed his hold and pressed his temple.

Enoch was fully aware that he was drawn to Agatha.

But somehow, the words “I like you” wouldn’t come out.

—I hope you like me, Lord Enoch.

“...”

Slowly tracing the scar on his face, Enoch let out a low breath.

‘I never imagined she’d developed a trauma from it.’

Enoch recalled a woman from long ago who had confessed her love to him.

She had clung to him desperately, only to betray him and never return.

After that, he buried the incident. He had focused on ending the war to survive and return, but mostly because he didn’t want to dwell on it.

Even after coming back, Enoch hadn’t sought out Esther, thinking he had forgotten her.

As Enoch peered into his own trauma, the carriage reached the palace gates.

“Welcome, Marquis Aratus. Your entry to the palace has been confirmed.”

Enoch gave a wry smile and returned the salute of the knight from the Imperial First Knights Division as he entered the palace.

At any rate, things couldn’t stay like this.

If he couldn’t voice his feelings or bring up that matter, he’d have to find another way.

Leaving the dining hall first, Agatha shoved Enoch’s face out of her mind as it kept resurfacing.

‘There’s nothing I can do about this.’

The moment he confessed, the ball was no longer in her court.

‘No point dwelling on it—it’ll just give me a headache. Better focus on work.’

She could forget all her nagging worries by throwing herself into her duties.

“Jessie, summon the First Aide for me.”

“Yes, Madam.”

Agatha headed straight to her office. Esel Maso, the First Aide, arrived after receiving the message from the maid.

“You called for me, Madam?”

“I’m planning a major overhaul of the Aratus estate.”

Ben, the former head steward of the Aratus Marquisate before the marriage, had done some repairs, but it wasn’t nearly enough.

The mansion was elegant, but it lacked the essential decorations and artworks for a noble house, and the sculptures needed more refinement.

With the subtle social season between summer and fall approaching, she needed to handle curtains, banners, tapestries, vases, and garden landscaping.

These were matters for the lady of the house to oversee.

“As you’ll see, it’s only got the bare minimum.”

“I heard His Majesty offered to provide imperial artisans. Should I request them from the Palace Interior Department today?”

“Exactly. And we’ll need materials, so coordinate with the Aratus side and the trading companies.”

“I’ll contact them right away.”

While the aide handled preparations, Agatha began getting ready to go out.

“Madam, which dress will you wear today?”

“Nothing too flashy—I’m not attending a social gathering.”

At Agatha’s order, her attendant maid Marie brought over several outfits.

“I picked active styles for today.”

Most were modest designs without puffed petticoats.

“This dress will do.”

Agatha’s final choice was an apricot-colored gown.

The dress, cinched at the waist with a green sash, featured layered sheer fabric with embroidery that made the hem uniquely special.

A hat instead of hair ornaments today.

Slipping on low-heeled shoes, she stood before the mirror. The lively vibe suited her perfectly.

“Good, I like it.”

Agatha grabbed her fan and left the room. Esel Maso, having finished his calls, followed behind.

“Renovating the estate will require a lot of stone and timber.”

“Don’t we have any stockpiled in the capital?”

“I’ve contacted the trading companies. It’ll take at least two days minimum.”

“That’s manageable. Have them bring extra fabric for the banners too.”

“Yes, Madam.”

Agatha exchanged a brief nod with First Vice-Captain Leon Takran, who was waiting in front of the main residence, and boarded the carriage.

The escort knights surrounded the carriage without gaps.

The carriage sped toward the capital Aratus estate. They passed through the main gates before she and the aide had even finished talking.

“Madam, welcome.”

Waiting out front were Ben, the head steward of the Aratus estate, and Administrative Officer Konrad Lancel.

“It’s been a while, Ben.”

Agatha descended from the carriage with the vice-captain’s escort.

Ben’s face lit up with anticipation at the news of the renovations, while the administrative officer looked tense.

Come to think of it, the Aratus administrative officer was sensitive about finances, wasn’t he?

Even during wedding preparations, and last time, she’d heard from Second Vice-Captain Huber Carwen that he’d jumped for joy upon receiving 500,000 kar of gold.

Agatha smiled and extended her hand.

“Lord Konrad? I think we met at the main estate before the wedding, didn’t we?”

“Yes. It’s an honor to see you again, Madam. I’m Administrative Officer Konrad Lancel. Please, call me Konrad.”

Konrad brushed a light kiss across the back of her hand and looked up, his face a mix of joy and anxiety.

“I heard you’re here to overhaul the estate today.”

“Yes. It’s about time we showed the world the Aratus family’s enduring strength. External prestige matters, but a true noble house’s reputation holds only if the foundations are solid.”

Konrad cleared his throat and straightened up. Agatha gestured to the steward, Ben.

“Well then, shall we tour the estate before the imperial artisans arrive? Lead the way, Ben.”

“Yes. This way, Madam.”

Agatha toured the capital Aratus estate with her retainers in tow. The old mansion retained its distinctive antique charm, just as she’d seen on her wedding night.

“Nice. A few touches should do it.”

“Thank you, Madam.”

After praising the head steward Ben, Agatha added,

“We’ll just refine the sculptures a bit. Note their locations and pass it on when the artisans arrive.”

“Yes, Madam.”

“List what we need, compile it into a report, and send it up. First, we should decide on the overall direction.”

“Understood.”

The Noblesse retainers and Aratus retainers put their heads together to align with Agatha’s plans.

With skilled artisans already on standby, setting the direction right would ensure a successful renovation.

As Agatha calmly toured under Ben’s guidance, footsteps echoed from the upper stairs.

It was Enoch’s younger sister, Isabel Aratus.

“Isabel, you’re home.”

“Yes, hello, Lady Agatha.”

Isabel Aratus eyed Agatha and her trailing retainers with curiosity.

“I’m here for a major overhaul of the estate.”

Agatha explained why she’d brought her people.

‘She might oppose it.’

Though household management fell to the lady of the house, things didn’t always go by the rules.

Especially since Isabel had handled internal affairs before Agatha arrived—she might challenge her a bit.

“I see.”

Unexpectedly, Isabel Aratus showed no sign of opposing the renovations.

If anything, she seemed a little welcoming.

“So, we’ll be redecorating the hall too?”

“That’s the plan.”

Isabel descended the stairs and calmly surveyed the hall and ceiling before nodding.

“I and Ben did what we could, but there are plenty of shortcomings. After coming to the capital and visiting other noble estates, I realized how much we lacked.”

“Ah.”

If she’d seen other great noble mansions, this one’s deficiencies would stand out.

“Please take good care of the estate repairs, Lady Agatha. Let me know if there’s anything I can help with. I’ll do my best.”

No unnecessary clashes with her sister-in-law was a huge relief.

“...I’m glad you say that. If there’s anything you want, Isabel, just tell me.”

With her mind at ease, Agatha dove into the estate repairs.

Soon, the imperial artisans dispatched from the palace arrived. She recognized many faces, as she’d often borrowed them for fixing houses or castles.

“My lady. Long time no see.”

“Yes. Take good care of it this time too. There’s a lot to do.”

“Don’t worry. We’ll give you our best to your satisfaction.”

The palace artisans, skilled in both artistry and craft, inspected every corner of the estate on their own, identifying what needed work without Agatha’s direction.

Steward Ben noted the points they raised and selected additional needs.

While sipping tea and waiting, Agatha read and signed the report they’d collaborated on, then made a request.

“We’ll soon need to host guests here. I’ll procure the artworks, so put extra care into the garden layout.”

“Yes, Madam.”