My Dear Husband, Let's Keep It Business-Like! ~Countess Anastasia, Raised in The Downtown, Won't Give Up Her Way~ - Episode 50

According to Ana’s explanation, this talking light seems to be a spirit.

I see. A spirit, huh…

I have been studying archaeology since my student days, and many artifacts from ancient times are more closely related to spirits than those from the present.

When I first saw Ana’s pendant, I felt a strange sense of déjà vu and couldn’t shake it off.

That said, all women’s accessories seemed pretty much the same to me, and I thought, “Well, that’s just how it is.”

However, when it comes to magical tools, that’s a different story.

I understood that the pendant was something very important to Anna, so I couldn’t ask to borrow it, but relying on my memory and doing my own research, I came across a country called “Faiyum.”

Faiyum is said to be a country whose existence remains only in legends, with no certainty of whether it ever existed. It is also known as the “Land Loved by Spirits.”

However, upon investigation, it turned out that quite a few artifacts indicating the presence of Faiyum had actually been preserved. In the neighboring country, Fayoum is normally treated as something that “existed.”

By chance, the earl’s library has many foreign books, so I came across this information, but if I had stayed within the country, I would have never known it in my lifetime.

Is it being intentionally hidden?

This side is also quite suspicious.

For now, I explained what Ana understood, and we called it a day.

And then I realize.

In the end, I still haven’t conveyed anything today.

Feeling a sense of loneliness as I looked at the door to Ana’s room that had just closed with a soft thud, I heard the sound of the lock clicking shut and collapsed on the spot. …Fine, I’ll cry.

In order to change my pathetic self, I decided to learn about territory management, which I had been avoiding, while I was in the territory.

Ana is also working hard to prepare for the ball. I can’t fall behind.

With Marcus accompanying me, I inspected various places on horseback. Since I don’t know anything, I have to start by learning.

“Eugene, are you really just like my father-in-law and Sophia, one of those people on the other side? Are you mocking me?”

Remembering my father’s sorrowful voice and his murky, glazed eyes, I almost ran back to the mansion several times, but somehow managed to hold myself back.

My father was neither a good person nor a bad person; he was simply a weak man. Even my father-in-law, who was said to be an unparalleled lord, and my wife, who was called a flawless noblewoman, must have been nothing but burdens to him.

My father, who wished for at least his son to be an incompetent lord on this side, scolded me loudly when I, as a child, tried to learn about politics and economics. “Are you on their side too?”

On the other hand, he was very pleased when I showed interest in art, music, and archaeology. He said, “Money matters are not for nobles.”

Before I knew it, I too came to believe that it was right.

My father, who didn’t want to acknowledge his own weakness, ran away with another woman.

In society, he is said to be a good-for-nothing who neglects managing his territory and only indulges in womanizing, but he was just weak.

“I will stop running away now, Father.”

The remnants of my father’s impurities within me will probably never disappear. This is because I am a weak person just like my father.

So, I think I will face it instead of running away.

My own weakness.

“Mr. Eugene, your expression seems to have changed somehow.”

On the way back from the mine inspection, Marcus, who is walking alongside on horseback, says that to me.

“Really? I can’t tell myself.”

“How should I put it, you’ve become quite dignified. I’m sure your wife will be impressed as well, don’t you think?”

…I really want that to be the case.

While I was studying about managing the territory, Ana was also undergoing quite intense study and beauty treatments in preparation for the ball.

It’s nice to see Ana becoming more beautiful day by day, but it worries me that her energy seems to be diminishing in proportion to her outward radiance.

As I racked my brain trying to find a way to cheer Ana up, I remembered my friends from back in the day saying, “If you want to make a woman happy, buying her jewelry is the best way.”

That’s right! Let’s invite Ana and go buy some accessories in town!

Even though we could call the service and they would come right away without having to go to the store, Ana would surely be happier going outside.

I thought of a good idea myself, so I invited Ana for breakfast.

The fitting of the dress seemed to turn out well, and Ana looked happy. It was cute how she checked with me about the design that prominently featured green. Plus, I was all smiles because I was going out with Ana in the afternoon.

And in the afternoon.

…Somehow, Ana is staring at me really intensely…

In the carriage with just the two of us. Come to think of it, this is the first time we’ve gone out together like this, and as I was wondering what we should talk about, I noticed Ana’s gaze.

I’m not bragging, but I’m used to the intense gazes from the ladies.

Especially at the evening parties, I can feel the enraptured gazes of the young ladies all over me.

However, this is different.

This gaze, as if observing something…

Yes, this is the look in the eyes of the boys I met the other day while touring the territory, who were collecting insects and saw Kabuton.

No, Ana! Look at me more like a newlywed looking at her husband! I put a lot of thought into choosing my clothes and even brushed my hair twice as much as usual!

Even after arriving at the jewelry store, it didn’t feel like I had imagined.

Ana has been smiling and grinning the whole time, but that’s a smile that hides the emotions often displayed by nobles.

It’s not the smile of Ana that I want to see.

“These kinds of glamorous earrings would suit you perfectly, madam!”

When they said that and put on the earrings for me, I felt like my face twitched a little, so I quietly approached them. They were muttering in a volume that couldn’t be heard by anyone around, “My ear is going to come off, my ear is going to come off,” and I almost burst out laughing.

Anyway, I didn’t want to miss out on anything Anna liked, so I ended up buying quite a few accessories all at once.

Ana also thanked me with a smile, but… somehow, is she forcing herself?

When they returned to the carriage, Ana had taken off the Countess’s mask and was slumped over in her seat.

It’s strange. I brought Ana to the city thinking it would make her happy, but instead, I ended up tiring her out.

Not knowing what to do and feeling confused, Ana suddenly shouted loudly as she looked out the window.

Candy art? Do you really want something like that?

“Ahh, of all days, why today…”

The moment I saw Ana’s disappointed face as she muttered that, I realized I had gotten off the carriage.

Waving to the amazed and bustling crowd, I head towards the stall I was aiming for, where there are several types of candy crafts.

Damn it. I should have asked Ana which one she wanted.

Even so, considering the situation where people are gradually increasing around us, the right thing to do is to quickly buy and retreat.

As I stared intently at the candy art and chose, there was a delicate little bird decoration with wonderfully intricate feather embellishments.

If you take your eyes off it, it seems like it might fly away at any moment, which is kind of reminiscent of Ana.

Alright! Should I go with this?

For some reason, I pay the tearful and trembling shopkeeper, receive the candy craft, and return to the carriage.

“Wh-what are you doing, sir!?”

Ana was really flustered, but I absolutely wanted to buy her something that would make her happy.

“See, you wanted it, didn’t you?”

Saying that, when I handed over the candy craft, Ana thanked me in a small voice and for some reason, she looked down.

Did I mess up again?

Feeling anxious, I gently peeked at Ana’s face.

Ana was staring at the candy bird with a very, very happy smile.

Even if I were to give her a handful of jewels, she would only be confused, but with just one piece of candy art, she is so delighted. I want to make this wife even happier.

The feelings that I had already noticed long ago, I have finally been able to acknowledge.

I——like Ana.