The person standing in front of the door was Zen.

In fact, after the festival ended, Zen had planned to visit Lishi’s room.

Sensing K’s hesitation, Lishi thought that Zen might come by now, so he abruptly opened the door.

“K, why are you acting like that? There are other guests in the mansion right now…”

Looking at K in the form of a wolf, Zen asked.

“No, just… K asked me to give him a bath.”

“Lishi!”

Although K called out to Lishi like a scolding, Lishi continued speaking.

“He said that even in wolf form, separate grooming is needed. I thought of going to the lake because if we bathe in the bathroom, the fur might clog the drain.”

“Ah…”

Zen stared at K with a dumbfounded expression.

K subtly avoided eye contact.

‘I knew he was a fool, but…’

He didn’t know he was this much of a fool.

‘What should I do? If the rumor spreads that Green Duke is a fool, it shouldn’t be…’

After a moment of hesitation, Zen approached K.

Then, using his palm, he patted the black wolf’s butt and said, “You naughty puppy! Naughty puppy! Where did you deceive your owner? You naughty puppy!”

+++

K was sulking.

Whether he liked it or not, Zen and Lishi were having a long conversation, catching up after a long time.

“To be honest, when I heard that Maeli came here, I also wanted to come. But my parents stopped me, saying it would be more chaotic if I joined.”

Since it seemed plausible, Lishi nodded in agreement with the choice of the Marquis and his wife.

“By the way, Erwel was helpful in this matter, right?”

“Yes, really. Erwel said that he studied at the same academy as Zen. But from what Erwel says, Zen seems to consider him a rival.”

“Well, he might think of me as a rival, but he’s not much of a match for me.”

“Erwel said Zen thinks of himself as a rival.”

“That girl always thinks that way!”

Watching Zen vent his frustration, Lishi chuckled.

Glancing at K, he was still sitting with a mischievous expression, his arms crossed.

He understood K’s feelings, but he wasn’t ready yet.

To bathe together.

How do you do that?

“By the way, Lishi. They’re opening a bathhouse soon?”

It seemed that there was a reason why Zen had come separately.

Lishi nodded.

“If you’re not interfering with what my new sister is doing, is it really okay? The nobles’ opinion is not so good.”

“It will probably get worse in the future.”

At Lishi’s words, Zen widened his eyes.

“Did you know that the public opinion wouldn’t be good?”

“Right now, it’s just saying that I’m stupid.”

“Yes, Lishi. It’s not just a matter of being stupid; it’s the only flaw of Green Duke, or now, the Duke. It’s that level.”

“Who dares to say such things!”

The chubby K, who had been silent all along, chimed in.

“Reflect on your bad behavior. Don’t interrupt when the owners are talking.”
“Who is my owner? Even if it’s Lishi, it’s not you. Get lost.”

“Zen, that nickname is fine. There was a time when you were called the flower of the Wittle Duke’s family.”

Rather than being called the flower of the Wittle Duke’s family, Lishi preferred being known as the only flaw of the Green Duke.

Zen nodded as if he understood his feelings.

“Well, if my new sister wants to be called a fool, I won’t oppose it. My husband is also a fool, so it’s hard for my new sister to be smart alone.”

“Zen, it’s okay for you to insult me, but…”

“Anyway, Lishi. Whether you’re smart or foolish, I’m on my new sister’s side. If there’s any problem because of that business, tell me.”

“Will you lend me money if I talk about it?”

“Where do I have money? I’ll just come running and play with you for a while whenever you talk, and then I’ll comfort you.”

Lishi laughed brightly.

“That’s enough.”

It was sincere.

Even if the business failed or caused trouble, having someone to play with and comfort for a while was reassuring.

+++

Jerethien didn’t rush over to play and comfort immediately.

As soon as the festival ended, each newspaper published a headline article.

The Green Duke’s wife announced the opening of bathhouses named ‘Forest.’

Since the opening of a bathhouse wasn’t something to make headlines, people read the front-page article titled ‘[Forest, Finally Revealing the Veil!]’ with curiosity.

‘Forest Bathhouse’ and ‘Forest Hot Springs’ were amazing places.

Traditional bathhouses were known for having a narrow building with a large tub where warm water was scooped with a ladle for washing.

However, ‘Forest Bathhouses’ revealed a new world as soon as you entered the entrance.

A spacious garden that appeared as soon as you entered, and by walking on the gravel path in the garden, you could enter the building.

Inside the building, instead of a dressing room, there was a small festival street.

There were stalls selling various foods, toys, and necessities.

In addition, the interior was decorated with potted plants and flower beds that grew well indoors, creating a festive atmosphere as if you were at a festival.