Chapter 43: I Took Away Yeju's First Love
The next day, I drove Raymond out of the mansion.
He wore an aggrieved expression, but perhaps not wanting to incur a greater debt, he packed his things without resistance.
Still, as the lady of the house, I bid him farewell kindly.
"You can start work next week. I'll inform you of the location through the servants."
As the servants placed his luggage outside the gate, he vanished in an instant with magic.
Where Raymond had stood, only petals fluttered down.
"Phew, that leech of a man is finally gone."
Lily scowled and spat out harsh words.
The other servants were busy throwing away or disinfecting the items Raymond had used.
"It's amazing he's still alive."
It was surprising how he managed to make everyone in the mansion dislike him so much in such a short time.
'If this is a skill, then it's a skill.'
With the urgent matter resolved, I decided to visit the boutique construction site with a light heart.
Overall, we were building a three-story building, reflecting the opinions of both me and Rella.
Today, we were scheduled to have a meeting to finalize the internal design and the purpose of each floor before starting the interior work.
Rella, the designer, and the construction supervisor were already at the site waiting for me.
As soon as I sat down, the designer began presenting the internal design.
"Of course, the first floor will house the boutique's flagship perfume store. We plan to divide it into a showroom to display products and a space where customers can try scents and receive recommendations, maximizing their experience."
This was a common business model used by other boutiques.
"And the second floor, as you suggested, will sell body products..."
The designer paused, as if in thought.
Then, he cautiously shared his opinion.
"I'm a bit concerned about this. Since our main customer base is nobles, they might be hesitant to expose their skin in front of strangers. While it would be ideal for customers to experience the products like with perfumes, I haven't found a suitable method yet."
I tilted my head at the designer's concern.
If there isn't one, why not create such a space?
"What about creating that space on the third floor?"
"It might not be a particularly special experience to just apply cosmetics and leave..."
We had spent a lot of time brainstorming, but no clear solution emerged.
We decided to continue the discussion later and ended the meeting.
On the way back to the mansion in the carriage, Lily voiced her concerns.
"You seem to be overworking yourself lately."
"You're working non-stop without a break. Look, your shoulders are so tense they won't even relax. You need to unwind in the hot spring tonight, no matter what."
"That takes too long and isn't very appealing."
Once I get in, it takes 4-5 hours, and I end up feeling quite exhausted.
Lily, worried by my complaint, muttered.
"At least get a massage. If you keep this up, your body will stiffen up even more..."
Her words sparked an idea in my mind.
"Lady Pioneer, the Pioneers aren't in financial trouble, and I'm very worried that you're too focused on business to the point of harming your health... Miss?"
"Goodness, Lily! That's exactly it!"
I hugged Lily tightly and thanked her several times.
As soon as we arrived at the mansion, I sent a servant to the site to schedule another meeting.
"You said to rest, but you're scheduling more work!"
"I promise I won't do anything else today."
I calmed Lily, who was reacting strongly, and headed to the hot spring.
The large hot spring in the basement of the mansion was a space my mother created after being inspired by the hot springs she saw during her travels abroad.
The exotic atmosphere and the large bathtub, big enough for several adults, were always beautiful.
I rarely used it, preferring to let my father or guests use it.
As I submerged myself in the hot water, an involuntary groan escaped my lips.
Soon, my body adjusted to the temperature, and I felt drowsy.
I looked up at the magical night sky created by magic.
"Magicians really are dedicated to unusual things."
I still vividly remembered how hard my mother had studied magic to create this ceiling.
'If we're going to build it, why not expand it further?'
With my mother's help, expanding the business might not be a bad idea.
If the spa on the third floor is successful, we could even open a dedicated shop.
"Miss! It's time to get out."
Lost in thoughts of various ways to grow the business, I hadn't realized how much time had passed.
I dried off with a bath towel, put on a robe, and came out.
Then, I was led to get a massage from Lily, who had been waiting.
Each press on my body was painful but refreshing.
"I told you to rest, but you were thinking about business again! Stress will only make your body stiffer."
Lily's grumbling was filled with concern.
Still, I felt good because I had solved my dilemma thanks to her.
"Business seems to suit me more than I thought."
"Thinking about what to do next and how to expand the business is so interesting."
Lily's eyes widened in surprise at my words.
Then, she muttered as if understanding.
"Come to think of it, you always preferred entering the meeting room over playing as a child."
"Yes. The Duke would sit you on his lap during meetings, and I would always fall asleep in the corner."
Lily's words brought back forgotten memories.
After realizing I was possessed, I was too embarrassed to attend meetings, but I must have thought my father's meetings were cool even as a child.
With Lily's words, the massage ended.
I returned to my room and lay down on the bed.
"So, what's the next plan?"
Despite her grumbling, Lily seemed curious about the next step.
I smiled and kept my answer brief.
Lily left, her curiosity unsatisfied.
I looked forward to the next day and fell asleep.
"Your Majesty, Sir Raymond has left the mansion."
At the steward's report, Aster put down the documents he was holding.
He felt relieved that the man who had been on his mind had finally left.
He smiled faintly and rested his chin on his hand.
When the Duke of Pioneer requested more soldiers to guard the mansion, Aster deliberately sent palace knights.
Thanks to this, he could hear about the goings-on inside the mansion.
The Duke probably anticipated this to some extent.
'The lady might not like it if she finds out.'
His contractual partner was prickly and sharp, but she had her soft spots.
Perhaps it was due to the violent gazes she often received.
If he had expelled Raymond outright, there would have been a lot of talk.
Karina seemed not to care about such things, but how could a person truly ignore them?
He was concerned every time she was hurt and withdrew.
He had once strived to be loved by someone.
It took a long time to realize he could never have that person and to let go.
The emotions and memories from that time still haunted him deeply.
"Your Majesty, what are you thinking so deeply about?"
Aster snapped back to reality at the steward's words.
"Nothing. Tell them not to report on Raymond anymore."
The steward bowed and left the room.
Since the masquerade ball, he had been thinking about Karina more often.
When he first approached her, it was purely for mutual benefit.
He was well aware of Tatiana's covetous gaze on him in public.
He let it be because he wanted Andrew, who seemed happy, to be unhappy.
He used this to approach Karina.
The Pioneers were popular among the people, and forming a connection with a neutral house would be beneficial.
Moreover, the other party was so tired of love that it made him shudder.
'She was the perfect match for me.'
A match who would never love him, which was why he started the contract...
But at some point, he began to care.
The way she stood tall, pretending to be unaffected even as she was battered and worn down.
Aster ran his hand over his anxious face.
He felt a growing thirst.