Dear Contract Husband, I Didn't Know You Were Like This? - Chapter 76
Everyone in high society knew Serene.
“It couldn’t be helped. At least she acknowledges me and loves my dresses.”
Serene was a completely different kind of noble lady compared to Maya Pendragon.
Her dazzlingly lovely appearance exuded nobility. Serene, who grew up with the abundant love of Count Baker, was a trendsetter in high society.
Since it had been a long time since a representative from House Bayarden appeared, everything about Maya would be a hot topic.
Doshen had also requested Offrage to clear her schedule.
Doshen wanted everything to be perfect for Maya’s appearance as a member of House Bayarden.
Although there was no direct pressure on Offrage, she knew what Doshen wanted and felt the strain.
If only two people wore Offrage’s hard-to-get dresses, it would surely draw attention.
“I thought I should let you know. I’m truly sorry for not being able to refuse.”
“No, how could you refuse Serene Baker on your own?”
Doshen couldn’t blame Offrage, who shook her head apologetically.
Doshen understood all too well Offrage’s position, entangled not just with Serene but also with Count Baker.
By handling Serene’s dresses, Offrage could save on monthly rent and various fabric delivery costs.
“Thank you, Lady Doshen.”
Was that all?
She could easily procure high-quality, rare fabrics that were hard to obtain on her own.
Without the Baker family’s support, it would have been difficult for her to reach this point.
‘…So I must endure such behavior.’
Offrage smiled bitterly, reflecting on her situation.
She was happy to hear from Doshen after so long but felt regretful and sorry that she couldn’t fulfill her request.
“I’ll explain to Lady Maya.”
Doshen nodded.
‘I should tell her to be well prepared.’
It would have been problematic with anyone, but the fact that it was Serene bothered her.
Though there were no overt cases of ostracism, there were rumors that noble ladies who dared to wear Offrage’s dresses in front of Serene never wore her dresses again.
“As a last resort, the Madam might have to wear a dress from another designer, Offrage.”
After contemplating, Doshen spoke with a dark expression.
Offrage blinked in surprise but then slumped her shoulders in resignation.
“I understand… I know the reason as well.”
Offrage had no choice but to agree.
‘This is serious.’
The thought of having to find a new designer as soon as the Madam returned made her feel hopeless.
It was doubtful whether the new designer could complete the work properly within the short deadline, and there was also the issue of potential gossip after seeing Maya.
‘…It’s one obstacle after another.’
Nothing was easy.
‘I hope everything ends without trouble.’
Praying silently, Doshen went to meet Maya.
***
Ah, but she might have to retract the thought that it was one obstacle after another.
“I’m fine with it.”
Maya responded promptly to Doshen’s words.
“Well… It’s just, there are those rumors.”
Doshen thought Maya hadn’t fully understood her point.
“Just getting to wear Offrage’s dress is great.”
Of course, Maya had understood.
“It might be a good opportunity….”
She had been thinking of making an acquaintance with the Baker family anyway.
Attracting Serene’s interest and starting a conversation could be a good opportunity.
From what Maya knew, Serene Baker didn’t even consider people she deemed unworthy of her status.
‘She was a haughty person.’
As captain of the imperial guard, Maya had encountered Serene a few times but had only spoken to her once.
‘I dislike people like you.’
Maya didn’t remember the exact date. It was just one of the days she was dutifully working as the emperor’s pawn.
Her words stuck in Maya’s mind because she thought deeply about them afterward.
The next time she saw Serene, she was a cold corpse in a coffin.
She vaguely remembered Count Baker weeping bitterly.
Maya hadn’t killed her.
But she remembered it was done by someone following the emperor’s orders.
‘If I could take Serene Baker and Count Baker away from the emperor….’
It would certainly inconvenience the emperor and greatly aid Tristan.
‘Let’s do our best.’
The more Maya thought about the past, the more her determination burned.
With her fist clenched, Maya looked at Doshen with a significant gaze. Doshen asked with a surprised face.
“Lady Maya?”
“There’s a more important matter.”
Maya spoke with a serious expression, causing Doshen to tense up as well.
If it was more important than this, what could it be?
