Wicked Husband-Chapter 142 - 141

As the drug became harder to obtain, House Erzet restricted its export, announcing that foreign sales would only begin once there was a stable domestic supply. They also limited purchases to nationals and expanded their production facilities to meet demand. Despite these efforts, Aspiria remained a product that required lining up at dawn to obtain.

’And to think there’s a rumor I’ll be giving it away for free...’

Who could have spread such a baseless claim? Even Eileen couldn’t supply enough Aspiria to meet that kind of demand. She now found herself in a position where she would have to address and refute this misinformation.

More than the personal inconvenience, Eileen was concerned about the potential damage to House Erzet’s reputation. With a troubled expression, she asked,

"Do you know where you heard this, by any chance?"

"I heard it myself at the theater just yesterday."

Baroness Contarini, equally appalled by the situation, showed Eileen the best way to respond.

"The more esteemed your reputation, the more likely you are to attract undesirable attention. Don’t let it bother you too much. The best course is to deny it firmly without giving it too much energy."

Technically, tracing and punishing the source of false rumors was the standard approach. However, in society’s intricate web, responding too aggressively to a mere rumor could be seen as unsophisticated.

As a duchess, Eileen’s position was one that would inevitably invite scandal. Addressing every rumor in detail would be impractical, so it was wiser to adjust her approach now.

Eileen carefully took note of the baroness’s advice before responding,

"Thank you, Baroness. Without your guidance, I could have made a mistake. I must find a way to repay you..."

From her time in society, Eileen had learned that relationships required reciprocity. The baroness’s help deserved an appropriate gesture to maintain their alliance.

"You’ve already repaid me more than enough," the baroness said with a smile, subtly indicating their surroundings. Following her gaze, Eileen noticed several people watching them from a distance.

The sight of the two women conversing warmly would surely spark rumors about the closeness between the baroness and the duchess.

Baroness Contarini smirked slightly.

"I have a terrible vanity, you see. It’s why I host such grand balls."

Eileen recalled Sonio’s information: House Contarini was one of the wealthiest families, with an influential trading network, and the baroness was known for her refined taste and opulent lifestyle. Before House Erzet became involved in luxury goods through its new duchess, the baroness had been the most sought-after patron in society.

"You needn’t question my goodwill; the honor of your acquaintance satisfies my vanity like nothing else."

With one hand on her chest and the other gathering her skirt, the baroness gave a graceful bow, her smile unwavering.

"Keep me close, and you’ll never be disappointed."

***

Eileen promised repeatedly to attend Baroness Contarini’s ball, ensuring her appreciation was clearly understood.

Afterward, she started toward the Erzet tent but paused, deciding to take a moment to walk alone through the forest. Though the crowd filled the woods, the natural setting still provided a peaceful backdrop for gathering her thoughts.

The imperial forest, with its native plants largely untouched by foreign species, retained the distinct scent of Traon’s flora. Breathing in the fresh, earthy air, Eileen was struck by a wave of nostalgia.

As a child, she had visited this forest a few times. Cesare had brought her here, knowing her love for plants. She remembered running ahead, excitedly explaining the different species to him, carefree and full of energy.

It had all seemed so innocent and joyful back then. Now, looking back, she couldn’t help but feel it was a foolish indulgence—taking up half a day of the prince’s valuable time for something as trivial as a walk through the woods.

Eileen lingered on memories of her younger self and Cesare, when he had still been a prince, allowing her gaze to wander over the forest canopy. But a sudden commotion snapped her from her thoughts.

Several military vehicles appeared on the road ahead, moving in a line. As the heavy doors swung open, Cesare stepped out, straightening his cuffs as his eyes scanned the surroundings.

After a brief exchange with those who had come to greet him, Cesare’s eyes quickly found hers. Their gazes met, and a memory echoed in Eileen’s mind—the words of a noblewoman who had once chuckled as she spoke to her:

’Haven’t all the ladies in the capital harbored feelings for him at some point?’

It hadn’t been a provocation, just a simple observation of what seemed like an undeniable truth.

The words felt irrefutable. Looking at him now, Eileen understood that anyone who could see Cesare and not feel some admiration was surely lacking a heart.

Despite all the times she had seen him, Eileen found herself captivated once again. Their eyes locked, and she began to move toward him, the earth soft beneath her feet.

Crunch, crunch. Her steps quickened as she approached. Seeing her coming, Cesare raised an eyebrow, a bit surprised.

As the grand duchess drew closer, those surrounding Cesare moved aside, clearing a path. His focus remained solely on Eileen, an unmistakable signal to those around him that this moment was for her alone.

The onlookers, who had hoped for a chance to interact with the duke, quietly withdrew, content for now to watch from a distance. The curiosity surrounding the relationship between the grand duchess and the duke had fueled rumors and speculation—whispers about the truth behind the duke’s alleged affection.

Despite the eyes on her, the only gaze that made Eileen nervous was his.

Knowing that Cesare was waiting for her made Eileen feel flustered. She hurried her steps to close the distance between them, only to stumble. The unfamiliar pants she wore threw off her balance completely.

A nearby nobleman instinctively reached out a hand to help, but before he could, Cesare had already closed the gap and steadied her.

Relieved not to have fallen in front of everyone, Eileen looked up at Cesare. The recent tension between them seemed to vanish in that moment, leaving her practically in his arms.

"So eager to see me?" he murmured with a teasing smile.

Flustered and unsure how to respond, Eileen stumbled over her words. With everyone watching, her nerves only worsened.

After a brief pause, she managed to express her gratitude and, standing on tiptoe, leaned toward his ear to deliver the message she had intended.

"Thank you for catching me, Cesare. I needed to tell you something important..."

But before she could finish, Cesare turned his head, nearly causing her lips to brush against his cheek. Startled, Eileen quickly drew back.

Her world shifted as Cesare swept her off her feet, lifting her into his arms and beginning to walk.

Amid the gasps of onlookers, Eileen blinked rapidly, her long lashes fluttering in confusion. Gathering her wits, she leaned closer, whispering again,

"W-where are we going?"

Cesare, his gaze fixed on the direction of the Erzet tent, replied,

"You mentioned you had something important to say."

Then, as casually as if they were alone, he added,

"Best we discuss it somewhere private, don’t you think?"

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