My Sweet Deceiver - Chapter 50

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“You have a meeting with Baron Pierre Flanders tomorrow afternoon.”

 

“Pierre Flanders?”

 

Denis replied, reviewing the documents, to what Sylvan said.

 

“He has a suggestion for you.”

 

Sylvan added in a low voice.

 

“He is a member of the Old Nobility, and belongs to the younger generation. I think he is willing to support the decline.”

 

“I see, I see. Let’s meet.”

 

It was a good sign that his supporters were also coming from the Old Nobility.

 

Sylvan then recited his schedule.

 

“Next week, we have the execution of Duke Briem and pagans.”

 

“Okay.”

 

“After that, we’re going to set up the medical centre.”

 

“Ah…”

 

Fortunately, the opening of the public medical centre was supported by the Marquis of Benchetrit, who was reliable.

 

The only problem was that Olivier, who was supposed to take over as chairman of the academy, was still delaying the decision.

 

They met several times for the establishment of the academy, but after that, there was no contact as Olivier needed time to think.

 

“Have you heard from Olivier yet?”

 

“No. Shall we get in touch?”

 

“All right, let it go. He has a lot of thoughts.”

 

Like someone else…

 

As Denis looked into the air, Sylvan immediately knew who he was thinking of.

 

Then he said it out of the blue.

 

“You know it, right?”

 

“What?”

 

“It’s going to be Princess’ birthday soon.”

 

“…”

 

“Did you forget?”

 

Denis stroked his chin with a troubled face at Sylvan’s words. It was because he had never personally celebrated her birthday and always handed over the tasks to Sylvan.

 

All he knew was that her birthday banquet was held in the winter. She only revealed her face in the first year of their marriage, and since then, she hasn’t attended any banquets.

 

Come to think of it, he was a really bad husband.

 

A husband who doesn’t even know when her wife’s birthday was.

 

Denis once again blamed himself for his indifference.

 

“When is the date?”

 

“We have about two months left.”

 

Two months.

 

The preparations for the banquet must have already begun, so what to do with the gifts?

 

Denis had to admit.

 

That he was very poor at choosing gifts. He thought, recalling the painting he had presented to her the other day.

 

Sylvan was looking at Denis with a questionable face.

 

It seemed that Sylvan was also reminiscent of the case of the gift of a painting that Denis passed over.

 

“The symbol of fertility, no matter how precious it is, you shouldn’t have done it.”

 

“…I know.”

 

“Neither wine.”

 

Denis, who had been contemplating in his heart that he would give her wine, fell off guard.

 

“Why?”

 

“Do you think there are any wines that are not in the Princess’ collection? Before that, do you know how to choose a good wine?”

 

“…A little.”

 

As he answered, Denis thought he was somehow in a tight corner.

 

“She’ll be eighteen times better at choosing wine than you, so put aside your wine gift.”

 

For some reason, it felt like an accent was put on “eighteen,” but it was a clear fact, so Denis could not refute it.

 

“Then what the hell-”

 

“That is something you have to think about from now on. Every night and day.”

 

“…”

 

“However, it will be difficult if you think about it the day before the banquet. You need to think about it in moderation and tell me quickly so that I can get it.”

 

“I see.”

 

From that moment, Denis’ plan to “choose a gift that Tehez will like” began.

 

Denis pondered what she liked.

 

But he only realized that he didn’t know anything about her.

 

Denis called Sylvan, who was immersed in his work.

 

“Sylvan.”

 

“Yes.”

 

“What does Princess like? Her favourite food or favourite colour…”

 

Sylvan looked at Denis with a look as if he didn’t know about it.

 

“Okay, thank you. I’ll find out.”

 

As soon as he finished his work, Denis quickly went to Tehez’s palace.

 

Tehez looked at him with a puzzled expression as she had just returned from a walk.

 

“Prince, at such an early hour…”

 

Denis glanced at his watch, and it was only 5 PM.

 

“Are you not feeling well today?”

 

Tehez asked with a worried face. Denis smiled softly as he saw the look of worry on her face.

 

“No.”

 

Denis took Tehez’s coat and went to the powder room.

 

Tehez followed him.

 

“Then why…?”

 

Denis said as he hung his coat on the hanger.

 

“I’m afraid it’s a little late, but can you spare me a minute?”

 

“What?”

 

“Have a cup of tea with me, Tehez.”

 

Denis smiled and said to her.

 

‘I can’t ask you what you like all of a sudden, so I just wanted to take it step by step while sitting down.’

 

Tehez, unaware of that, made a curious expression on his intentions and then called her maid.

 

“Set up a tea table in the garden.”

 

“Wouldn’t it be cold?”

 

Denis blinked out the window. The sun was already setting. Since it was the season approaching winter, the temperature will drop further after sunset.

 

“Oh, then to the tea room.”

 

Denis looked at the tea table set in front of him and said.

 

“My wife, how about having dinner together?”

 

“What are you up to?”

 

Tehez asked with a serious expression. She took it almost as if something had happened to Denis.

 

They only ate together a few times a year.

 

Denis burst out laughing at her misunderstanding.

 

“Looking at your reaction, it’s clear that I haven’t been a good husband.”

 

He lightly apologized to Tehez.

 

“What are you talking about?”

 

Tehez was perplexed by the increasingly meaningless conversation.

 

“Because you misunderstood that something happened.”

 

“Did nothing happen?”

 

Still, Tehez was looking at him with a suspicious face.

 

“Of course, nothing happened. I just have something important to do.”

 

‘Birthday present,’ Denis swallowed.

 

If he was going to give something as a present, wouldn’t a surprise be good?

 

At least he had that level of common sense.

 

To his words, Tehez sighed and answered.

 

“You’re just saying things that don’t make any sense.”

 

Denis looked at her with an innocent face.

 

“My wife, would you like to spend more time with your ugly husband in the future?”

 

Tehez sighed and spoke to him.

 

“…As long as the Prince is okay with it.”

 

Tehez knew he was up to something, but she had no idea what it was.

 

Denis picked up a teacup.

 

Then he watched what she ate.

 

Tehez asked her maid for cookies, but she didn’t touch the refreshments at all.

 

“Tehez.”

 

“Yes.”

 

“What is your favourite food?”

 

“There is absolutely nothing in particular.”

 

Tehez quietly raised the cup and took a sip.

 

He forgot that Tehez had no particular taste in food.

 

‘She often skips meals as usual.’

 

‘That’s why you’re so skinny.’

 

Denis fixed his gaze on her white, slender wrist that was exposed from holding the teacup.

 

“What about you, Prince?”

 

“What?”

 

“What kind of food do you like?”

 

“I’m not a picky eater. As long as it’s freshly made.”

 

Tehez replied with a small nod of her head.

 

“But you hate cucumbers because of their unique smell, and you like beef the most among meats.”

 

“Right.”

 

“And you don’t like candy, but you like chocolate.”

 

“…Yes.”

 

Tehez continued without a break.

 

“And they prefer slightly salty food to bland food. And even though you can’t eat spicy food well, you always try it.”

 

At this point, Denis realized that something was wrong.

 

“Wait.”

 

Denis raised his hand and stopped Tehez from speaking.

 

“Did I ever say I hate cucumbers?”

 

It was a little secret he had kept for a long time. Even Sylvan was not aware of it.

 

He didn’t want people to know that he was a picky eater, so he sometimes swallowed cucumbers in his food without chewing them.

 

He was genuinely curious.

 

“How do you know that, Madam?”

 

She didn’t answer.

 

But she looked at Denis for a moment, then called her maid, and asked for more tea.

 

Denis looked at her with a piercing gaze as if asking for an answer, and she smiled embarrassingly and replied.

 

“I do not know.”

 

That was the end.

 

“I don’t feel very well today. Why don’t we have dinner next time?”

 

“Next time?”

 

Denis asked blankly at the sudden change in her mood.

 

“Yes. I have something urgent to do, so I’ll get up first.”

 

Tehez apologized to him, got up first and left.

 

Left alone, Denis didn’t know what had happened for a moment. He was sure the atmosphere was good…

 

After dinner, he naturally tried to go to her bedroom after having a conversation about her current interests.

 

Denis was forced to return to his palace, unable to achieve his desired goal.

 

When he returned, perhaps Sylvan had some work left, he was working in his room.

 

Sylvan looked at him blankly.

 

“Did you achieve your goal?”

 

“…”

 

“You failed.”

 

As if it was obvious without looking at him, Sylvan answered himself and was buried again in the documents.

 

Denis put his feet up on his desk and sat loosely, pulling out a cigar.

 

He could hardly understand.

 

Why did her mood change suddenly, and she got up from her seat?

 

“By the way, how did you know that I have failed?”

 

Sylvan answered without raising his head.

 

“It is because you are not aware of things. It’s a lack of experience.”

 

Denis asked, as if it was the first time he had heard it.

 

“Do you mean me?”

 

Sylvan nodded his head between the piles of documents and answered.

 

“Yes, it’s your first time dating and getting married.”

 

“That’s right…”

 

Denis answered, not trying to refute, and Sylvan said.

 

“Have you ever been in a relationship secretly? If yes, who was it?”

 

It was like a tone that showed his will to investigate each and every one of them and punish them before they become obstacles.

 

“No, no.”

 

Denise admitted.

 

‘She’s my first.’

 

With a look that said, ‘Well, that’s the reason,’ Sylvan immersed himself in his work again.

 

Denis thought as he smoked his cigar through the ceiling.

 

‘Even if I didn’t need to know about her until now…’

 

‘She will be the only one who will protect the seat next to me in the future.’

 

He suddenly realized that he had been indifferent to women.

 

He asked Sylvan, “How long have you been in a relationship?”

 

“I don’t know if I’m proud to say this, but I’ve been doing it without a day off.”

 

There was a proud look on Sylvan’s face.

 

“But why don’t you do it these days?”

 

“…”

 

At Denis’ question, Sylvan kept his mouth shut as if he had been hit with a blow.

 

“You know that.”

 

He retorted in a fit of rage.

 

“Sylvan and I are in a similar situation.”

 

Sylvan tried to answer something, but he just shut up and pretended to concentrate on the papers.

 

Denis smoked a cigar, looking at the papers in front of him.

 

How many hours have passed?

 

Sylvan said it first.

 

“You are much better than I am. You’re married, aren’t you? Don’t be too late, and go again.”

 

“…”

 

Scrambled dinner, cigar ash, and crumpled paper were strewn across the desk.

 

When Denis hesitated, Sylvan urged him.

 

“Princess will be sleeping alone in a cold room. Are you okay with it?”

 

He saw Tehez lying alone on the cold bed in front of him.

 

Of course, since it’s her room, it will never be cold for him.

 

“It’s the husband’s job to warm up the place next to his wife.”

 

After saying that, Denis rolled his eyes wide and smiled.

 

“You can come late tomorrow, My Grace.”

 

Sylvan got up while organizing the paperwork.

 

Denis gave a rough greeting to the room and hurried out with the coat in hand.

 

He was worried that a woman might fall asleep alone without him.

 

(To be continued in the next episode)