Chapter 241: Before Going
Chapter 241: Before Going
After the king’s envoy left, Rudolf said with genuine regret:"I’m sorry, but from tomorrow I must pay a courtesy call on the noble who lent the money from the previous ambassador’s debt. Lord Robin won’t be happy about it, but unfortunately there’s no choice. If I don’t go, the lender will suspect that the new ambassador has no intention of repaying the debt. That would only cause more trouble."
He spoke with real pity.
"I understand. It’s unavoidable. That’s part of the new ambassador’s duties."
Rudolf’s shoulders relaxed. He’s not carrying the debt himself, yet he still looks like he’s shouldering the whole thing alone... I thought.
"Then before I make those calls, could you arrange an appointment with the Duchess for the very first thing tomorrow morning?"
Rudolf looked puzzled.
"It’s fine. The Duchess will definitely see you. She makes time for me first thing in the morning. No one else comes before me."
He still looked uneasy, but he nodded.
"Understood. I’ll arrange it."
The next morning Rudolf and I headed to the Duchess’s residence. Yesterday, when Rudolf had gone to deliver the message, she had replied with open enthusiasm:
"Please, come at any time!"
We arrived at the ducal mansion just as the Duke was leaving. Instead of ignoring us, he waited until we stepped out of the carriage, then greeted us with a wide grin.
"Welcome! My wife has been waiting for you too! Ever since you came before, my wife’s mood has been fantastic! She’s been so cheerful lately—such a happy wife! I’m thrilled for her!! Please, take your time and enjoy yourselves!!"
He shook my hand and left in a hurry, still talking.
What the—? I thought. This is the classic example of "happier husband when happier wife." I had no idea.
A voice called from behind:
"Welcome, Lord Robin. I’ve been expecting you! Please, come inside."
When I turned, the Duchess stood there with a radiant smile—nothing like her stern expression from the last visit.
Things are clearly moving in a good direction. Rudolf looked bewildered, eyes wide.
Once we were inside, the Duchess didn’t even wait for the maid to serve tea.
"Lord Robin, you brought the medicine today, didn’t you? You said ten days, but when Elle drank it at the embassy, she said it was extremely effective, so I decided to come ask for it myself. Ehehe~"
She was beaming. Rudolf was blinking like an owl.
Rudolf stayed outside the tent as usual, so I pulled two glasses from my mana bag and placed one in front of the Duchess.
"Duchess, please accept this."
She drank it in one gulp. She stared at the second glass, then nodded resolutely.