My Dear Husband, Let's Keep It Business-Like! ~Countess Anastasia, Raised in The Downtown, Won't Give Up Her Way~ - Episode 35

Seeing the busy servants, I, not knowing what to do, decided to return to my room for the time being.

I don’t mean to brag, but… I might be a nuisance even if I stay here.

Sebas, noticing me leaving the room slowly, is following me from behind.

“Young master, we will send a fast horse to the estate tomorrow morning. If you have anything you wish to convey to Lady Anastasia, please write a letter by then.”

“Ah, got it. Thank you.”

I return to my private room and take out a letter set from the drawer.

I had the chamberlain prepare some stationery to write a letter to the territory, but the paper is still completely blank.

What should I write?

I feel like I have a lot to say, but I don’t even know how to start.

I always stumble here, and before I know it, time has passed while I’m groaning and sighing.

Letting out a deep sigh and looking around the room as if seeking an escape, I suddenly noticed the can on the desk.

When I opened the lid, there were only a few cookies left.

I liked it more than I expected, and I even added magic stones for preservation and ate it little by little—this is a secret just between us.

I feel like these cookies are disappearing sometimes…

Even though there’s no reason for it, I can’t help but feel that way. Is it because I’m really going to miss these cookies once they’re gone?

Did I really have such a big appetite? I wonder as I put the remaining cookie in my mouth.

“Yeah, it’s still delicious!”

A tiny, tiny light flitted at the edge of Eugene’s satisfied smile.

“Hmm, again? My eyes haven’t been feeling well lately.”

Lately, I sometimes see flickering lights like the one earlier in my field of vision.

Just to be safe, I had the count’s family doctor examine me, but since there were no abnormalities in my eyes, it was probably just eye strain.

It seems like there’s a commotion downstairs. Iris and Desiree have returned, but I wonder if they managed to get a reservation for the dress?

When I hurriedly went downstairs, I noticed that everyone’s complexion was not good.

“Did something happen?”

“Your Grace, the thing is… I don’t have the dress.”

“Huh? I’ve already heard that. So you’re going to hurry up and make it now, right?”

Iris and Desiree both shook their heads in unison.

“It’s not just that I can’t find a shop willing to take on the tailoring. Even ready-made dresses aren’t available in the stores.”

“!? Is that really possible?”

“It’s usually unheard of. From what I’ve heard, it seems that several noble families have been rushing to buy dresses in the past few days…”

I was taken aback by Desiree’s words.

Is it that we’re not the only ones who can’t get our dresses ready in time for the sudden evening party?

When I looked at Sebas as if asking for an explanation, Sebas nodded and began to speak.

“If it were a high-ranking noble or a family with substantial wealth, they would have costumes prepared for sudden events. However, for ordinary lower-ranking nobles, it is not the case. For some families, even preparing for the regularly held royal balls is a heavy burden. Since this ball was unexpected, many families probably sought ready-made dresses. For the stores, dresses are expensive items, and they do not keep large inventories. They likely couldn’t keep up with the sudden demand and ran out of stock.”

“Are you saying that we fell behind?”

“Regarding that matter, I heard something at the familiar clothing store that I can’t just ignore…”

Iris hesitantly begins to speak.

Iris has a more subdued image compared to the other servants. It’s rare for her to speak up on her own like this in front of me.

“The dresses suddenly started selling about three days ago. From what I’ve heard, it seems that invitations were sent to other families around that time.”

So… are you saying that they deliberately sent us the invitation late? Is there really someone who would go that far just to undermine others?

When I glanced over, Michelle had a demonic expression, brimming with anger. Scary.

“Anyway, there’s no point in discussing this here. Let’s all think about what we can do from now on.”

Sebas gently taps Michelle on the shoulder.

A silence continues for a while, but a brilliant idea is not something that comes easily.

“Um, how about making dresses in the territory instead…?”

In response to Iris, who speaks with a slightly trembling voice, everyone turns to look at her at once.

Startled by the sudden attention, Iris went “Pya!” and half-hidden behind Desiree.

“In the territory…”

As everyone ponders in their own way, Michelle, having regained her composure, speaks.

“That might be possible, you know.”

After that, the servants moved quickly again.

“I will list a few skilled tailors located in the territory.”

“Lady Sophia often had dresses made in the estate. There should be a servant who knows about that time in the estate’s mansion. Prepare a letter!”

“Let’s send out the fast horse first thing tomorrow as planned. I will prepare the instructions for Marcus.”

Standing there doing nothing in front of the bustling servants, am I really the head of this household?

I notice that my nails have dug into my clenched fist without me realizing it.

Frustrating.

“Sebas”

“Is something the matter, young master?”

No matter how busy they are, they always respond with a smile as soon as I call.

Ah, to Sebas, I am still just a child.

“Sebas, we don’t need a fast horse.”

“Huh?”

“I’ll go.”

And for the next two days, I rode my horse.

Change horses in the town along the way, take a few hours’ nap, and then keep running tirelessly.

Due to the priority on speed, only one escort skilled in horsemanship was assigned, a journey that was hardly befitting of a count.

And finally, as I entered the territory of the Hamilton family, I noticed something strange. The number and frequency of those flickering lights in my vision had clearly increased recently.

Oh dear. I used to be able to run this fast without getting tired, but I might be out of shape lately.

When I get home, maybe I’ll work out a bit more…

While thinking about such things and riding towards the estate in the territory, I noticed a direction where light was clearly gathering.

Isn’t this more than just eye strain? I mean, this light is definitely Anastasia’s……

Dismounting the horse and entrusting it to the escort, my feet, as if guided by light, head towards a park.

Amid the cheerful shouts of the children, a familiar voice was heard.

“Alright! I’m going to catch everyone!!”

Found her. It’s Anastasia.