It was the day for spring cleaning at the Duke’s residence, with all employees busy cleaning their assigned areas after winter had passed.

While the employees were busily cleaning their designated areas, James and Luke were engaged in a serious conversation.

“James, shouldn’t we ask the Duke to include us in the Bertan railway project? According to Viscount Martainpolo, the Bertan Imperial family has a lot of money.”

“I’d like to, but it’s a top secret matter. The Viscount only hinted at it to our Duke, so it feels awkward to pretend we know about it.”

“Augh! It’s killing me! It’s a golden opportunity to make several times the profit.”

The employees glanced at the two as they passed by, overhearing their conversation.

“Well, I heard that when the Prince of Buttan ascends to the throne, they’ll lay railways across the vast continent of Bertan.”

Luke kept expressing his regret, seemingly unable to let go of the idea.

“Well, how big is the Bertan continent? It would be difficult for one company to monopolize it. But our Duke will surely invest in the prime locations.”

“That’s right! James! What if we tell the Duke we’ll invest all our savings too?”

“Would there be room for people like us with just pocket change?”

Luke was excited like a person obsessed with money, and even James, known for his usual composure, was stirred. The employees seemed quite surprised by their behavior.

“James!”

It was Lea who interrupted their conversation. Well, they had said all they needed to say anyway.

“I have a favor to ask.”

At Lea’s words, Luke excused himself. He was going to help Terran, as he had been away from him for a while.

“What is it, my lady?”

“It’s not appropriate here. Shall we go to the corridor for a moment?”

“As you wish.”

Lea headed towards the corridor connecting various buildings of the Duke’s residence, passing through the lobby with James.

Finally reaching the quiet corridor, Lea handed James a box. The box, wrapped in purple velvet, looked luxurious to anyone who saw it.

“My lady, what is this?”

“Open it and see.”

James opened the box with a puzzled look and was startled.

“This is a pocket watch, isn’t it? And it’s a Lorance watch…!”

He was half-dazed looking at the watch with a golden chain. It was a luxury item that any man would desire.

“It’s a token of my appreciation for you, James.”

“Pardon? Why are you suddenly giving me such an expensive gift?”

“Chainer said your watch was broken, didn’t she?”

“Well, that’s true, but…”

As James couldn’t take his eyes off the watch, Lea quietly began to explain her purpose.

However, as Lea’s explanation grew longer, James’s expression darkened. It was just as she had expected.

“My lady, that request…”

“James, it’s true that you received a love letter from Miss Emily Lant, right?”

“That’s correct. But that’s a matter of the Duke’s private life, so I can’t show it to you carelessly.”

“Don’t worry about the consequences. I’ll take care of everything.”

“Still…”

James shook his head, seemingly reluctant. Lea knew better than to insist stubbornly at times like this.

“Think about it. I’m not asking for an immediate answer.”

“Well, in that case, I’ll consider it thoroughly and give you an answer. So, the watch…”

James tried to return the watch to Lea, but she stopped him with her hand.

“It’s a gift unrelated to the favor. I’d be hurt if you don’t accept it.”

At her words, James could no longer refuse.

Lea wasn’t too disappointed, as she had anticipated James’s reaction.

In fact, it would have been stranger if he had readily agreed to her request. Just then, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed.

“James.”

It seemed Luke had been looking for him everywhere.

“The Duke is looking for you.”

“You should go.”

Lea made way for him, having said all she needed to say.

Now, all that remained was to wait for James’s answer.

* * *

Lea was about to go for a walk with Terran.

The snow in the spruce forest had almost melted, making it perfect for a walk. However, as it was still cold outside, they both bundled up in their coats.

Just as they were about to leave the lobby, a servant approached Lea carrying a large bouquet.

“Flowers for you, my lady.”

“For me?”

‘Why now of all times.’

Terran’s face turned cold as soon as he saw the flowers.

Lea awkwardly accepted the flowers while watching his reaction. They were pretty, but she was too distracted to recall what kind of flowers they were.

Lea looked inside the bouquet, wondering if there was a card.

‘Please, let there be none…’

But there was one, which was the problem.

As Lea was about to take out the card, Terran snatched it away. He opened the card he had taken and examined its contents.

“How cute.”

Terran’s attitude made Lea even more flustered. According to her expectations, he would have thrown the flowers away.

“Are you okay with this?”

“Of course, it’s just flowers.”

This reaction is completely different from how he deals with Allen. Is it because Salame seems more fragile than other men?

‘Judging by the envelope, it was a card sent by Salame. Does he discriminate in his jealousy?’

Lea felt more upset instead. No, it was better to think that Terran was responding rationally.

Still, she wanted to ask. Whether he was really okay with it or just pretending…

“Aren’t you upset?”

“There’s no need to worry about it.”

Terran calmly replied and then offered his arm to Lea. Soon, she linked arms with him and they went outside.

‘Terran must have received so many flowers and love letters that he’s become desensitized.’

If that’s the case, should she not make an issue of the numerous love letters Terran receives? But to help Madame Armand, she needed the love letter sent by Emily.

“The one who holds the jewel must always bear the envy and jealousy of others.”

Terran stopped walking and looked at Lea affectionately as he spoke. Lea blushed at his words.

‘How dare you suddenly move me like this. It makes me feel guilty.’

Lea’s position became very awkward, as she would have to steal his love letter in the future.

‘It’s for justice! Throw away your conscience for a moment!’

“Grace, let’s get married in May.”

Terran’s words brought Lea back to her senses.

“Alright.”

Lea knew she couldn’t postpone the wedding any longer.

She had been pondering for a while on how to live as Grace. Clearly, this body wasn’t hers but Grace’s, and somewhere inside, Grace’s soul was also sleeping.

So she concluded that Grace Bizac’s wishes were more important than Lea Hamilton’s will.

‘Grace would want to marry you as soon as possible.’

Lea Hamilton wasn’t someone who could hastily decide on marriage, so it was difficult to make a definitive judgment.

However, she wasn’t unaware of the jealousy flickering in Terran’s eyes.

After all, she had felt the same when she saw Emily giving him a love letter. She cupped Terran’s face with both hands.

“Then, the grape will be meaningless.”

“That’s right! It will become meaningless! We could even tonight…!”

“No, no!”

Lea shook her head.

“If we get married in May, we can keep the propriety. We just need to endure until then.”

“It’s February now?”

“Yes, only three months left.”

“But since we’ve started, we should finish it. And promises are meant to be kept.”

Terran suddenly changed his attitude. He said he would get her signature on the remaining grape and definitely keep his promise.

Terran’s lips gently covered Lea’s. Between their interlocked lips, sweet breaths swirled, revealing a desperate desire that made them crave each other even when together.

‘I’ll kill all the flies buzzing around you. I’ll catch them one by one and crush them.’

Consumed by impatient lust, Terran endlessly explored her lips. At the same time, he didn’t forget his revenge against the enemies eyeing his woman.

‘Terran, the love letter sent to you will resolve one woman’s grievance.’

And Lea decided to keep it as her own secret that the plan included revenge against Emily, who had flirted with her man.

* * *

A few days later, James came to see Lea.

“My lady, I’ll help you.”

“Really? Thank you, James.”

“However, I can’t remember where I put those letters. The Duke didn’t even read them, so I tied them together well and put them away… Ah! There’s a large library in the Duke’s residence. I think I put them in a large cabinet on the right wall when you enter.”

‘Found it. It’s over now, isn’t it.’

Lea smiled very satisfactorily.

And when night fell, Lea headed to the library with Pauline, carrying a single candlestick. It was in a slightly secluded part of the Duke’s residence.

Finally, as they opened the door and entered, the always pleasant smell of books wafted through the air.

“My lady, there’s the cabinet.”

Pauline led Lea towards the cabinet.

However, the problem was that the drawers were packed tightly from top to bottom. To find the love letters, they would have to open all these drawers.

“Let’s search instead of worrying.”

“Yes.”

The two frantically opened the drawers to find the love letters.

According to James, it was a bundle tied with string. They thoroughly examined each drawer for over thirty minutes.

“It’s not here.”

“It seems James might not remember correctly.”

“I guess so. I’ll have to ask him again tomorrow.”

Lea decided to wrap up for tonight.