you've got the wrong woman, duke! | phileo boleoti

10.

♡

“she’s a crazy kid, worse than me, i swear.” leonia grumbled, flipping through the books you brought with you aimlessly.

her mutterings continue till she finally slams it closed.

“i mean, with her strange crybaby of a father, how else with she turn out?! just because daddy’s handsome, all sorts of strange people are attracted to him. i bet he likes daddy!” she shouts the last part, as if coming to an epiphany.

you, too, give up on today’s lesson. she won’t be able to focus at anything at this rate.

she seemed to be losing her mind.

“it’s not like that, i’m sure count rinne is very much in love with his wife. he’s a bit peculiar, yes, but he’s not a bad guy. especially if he has the patience to deal with your father.” you muttered the last part sarcastically.

leonia, seeing you’re ready to sit down and talk, asks her maids to bring some snacks then she put her hands together as if in prayer.

“well that’s alright! i believe in you teacher, you’re already halfway there!”

“pardon?”

her face is in all smiles but the way her words hint towards something is less than pleasant for you. you shake your head, shutting down her thoughts.

“nothing like that will arise between me and the duke. i’m sure there is some woman out there, someone far more suitable for him.” varya.

it would take some time for her to finally appear but there was no use in changing the timeline. no matter what, her appearance is vital to the progression of the story.

you couldn’t care less, though.

this family had nothing to do with you, after countess bosgruni’s work lets up, you’ll go back to your own business and focus on making more money.

“daddy seems to—”

“that’s enough for today. i’ll have to get going now, don’t want another mishap like last time.” you cut her off before she can say anything further, fixing up your stuff before waiting for leonia to catch up to you.

she complains for a bit that you leave too early, as always but again, you convince her to let you go.

in addition to asking her to understand count rinne’s children, as in the future their connection will flourish into a beneficial one.

when she finally leaves, however, rupert approaches you. “his grace wishes to speak to you, your highness.”

…damn.

…

in one of the rooms, conversation sparks between old friends.

“we were about to get suspicious, since we have been getting involved with so many upper ranks due to the issues with the warehouse.” cannis explained to phileo, discussing his worries.

the group engaged furthered the point of exchange till a knock was heard from the outside.

“your grace, i’ve brought her highness.” 

the couple abruptly stopped, glancing at each other.

her highness?

“let her in.” he didn’t elaborate anything to do and instead said these three simple words.

when you enter, you’re surprised to see not one, but three pairs of eyes looking at you.

what the hell? was he out of his mind?