The Ugly Wife of the Shady Duke - Chapter 47.1
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‘In that case, I should act differently from what I know in the original.’
If she simply stayed in the annex without taking any action, the only thing waiting for her was an uncertain death.
Perhaps it would be a good idea to approach the truth, even if it was risky, as a means to protect herself.
‘Just in case, I should start creating doubt in the minds of those who might question if something happens to me.’
Grace’s death had been easily brushed off because she stayed only within the mansion, where there were no witnesses.
But if there were people who supported Grace, or at least had a mutually favorable relationship, her suspicious death wouldn’t pass quietly.
After all, she was the wife of a duke.
‘If someone truly intends to kill me, I’ll have to change my plans. It might be delayed compared to the original.’
During that time, she might discover other vulnerabilities or find ways to survive.
‘If Benjamin really wants to kill me, it might be safer to get a divorce before that… Or if not, staying here might be the safest option.’
Today, her mind was surprisingly clear. Grace was surprised by her ability to think calmly like this.
Organizing her thoughts and emotions had been the most challenging aspect since she entered this body.
‘Is it because there are so many flowers?’
The original Grace seemed to have a strong affinity for flowers, so the environment might have played a part.
As Grace looked around at the flowers, Benjamin asked her,
“Do you like this place?”
“Hmm… It would be nice if I could come here often.”
“It would be difficult for you to come here frequently due to the distance.”
“I see.”
In that moment of disappointment, Benjamin made a suggestion.
“Shall we make a greenhouse in the duke’s estate? Decorated in a similar style.”
“….! Can we really?”
“There is nothing that cannot be done for you. I’ll make sure the construction is completed as quickly as possible.”
Grace’s face lit up with anticipation, even without her realizing it. Benjamin noticed her excitement and smiled.
Although they were in the process of divorce negotiations, they casually discussed future plans.
“And besides, I was planning to make one for you whenever you wanted.”
When Benjamin added those words, a maid hurriedly entered from outside.
“M-Master… Madam! I apologize for interrupting you!”
“What’s the matter?”
“T-There has been a fire! A messenger just arrived with the news!!”
A fire accident.
The sudden words made Grace’s head spin. Benjamin observed her stiff expression and asked.
“Where?”
“I-It’s near the orphanage.”
Upon hearing the report about the orphanage, Grace immediately rushed out. She ran without thinking, her body moving faster than her mind.
Benjamin was taken aback and grabbed hold of her.
“My Lady, please calm down!”
There was more than one orphanage in the city. However, there was only one place where a separate report would be sent.
Benjamin was well aware of that.
“From here to the orphanage, it’s not a distance you can go alone!”
“Ha, But…”
There would be people gathered at the scene of the fire. Taking a carriage would only slow them down.
Grace insisted on going, even though there was nothing she could do once she arrived.
She was worried about them.
What if the children were injured? What about the other people? What if…?
‘What if the fire was caused because of me?’
It was unlikely, but she somehow associated herself with an unrelated incident.
Benjamin, sensing Grace’s agitation, furrowed his brow without realizing it, then quickly relaxed it.
“Let’s ride a horse. Wouldn’t that work? You can come with me.”
He felt that if they didn’t head to the scene immediately, Grace’s condition would worsen. Benjamin let go of Grace, whom he had been holding onto.
“I apologize for suddenly grabbing you.”
Then he reached out his hand to her, implying if it was alright to hold hands.
Trembling, Grace took Benjamin’s offered hand. His warm and firm grip held her tightly as he led her.
They untied one of the horses that were hitched to the carriage, and Grace was helped up onto the horse. Benjamin then climbed in as well.
“It’s been a while since you last rode on a horse. It might be uncomfortable. If it’s alright with you, lean on me.”
Before they departed, he explained several precautions to her.
The ride was faster and more uncomfortable than she anticipated. Grace’s body, which wasn’t used to vigorous exercise, jolted back and forth, and her stamina depleted rapidly.
Noticing Grace’s condition, with cold sweat on her forehead from the chilly wind, Benjamin gradually slowed down the pace.
As Grace noticed the thick smoke that couldn’t be obscured in the distance, she instinctively grabbed Benjamin’s arm.
It was an unconscious action driven by anxiety.
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