TGDHC Chapter 63

Chapter 63 – A Heated Response

Mr. Barnes woke up late and reached for the Northern News on his bedside table.

He had bought it on his way home from work yesterday, but the pages were already wrinkled—his wife must have read it first.

He opened the page that was folded more deeply than the others.

‘Cecile’s Recipe #6: Beef Stew’

“Looks like we’re having beef stew for lunch,” he muttered.

Every time the Northern News came out, Cecile’s featured recipe would be served the next day at their table.

He could already smell the savory scent wafting up from the kitchen downstairs as he flipped through the magazine.

Then, one article caught his eye.

It was about a new “Couples’ Night Package” being launched this week at Marie’s Inn.

“…Upon arrival at the inn, couples and their children briefly part ways for a pleasant separation.
While the couple enjoys a romantic evening, the children are well cared for and entertained by the inn’s special staff.
The next morning, the couple enjoys breakfast delivered to their room and reunites with the children before returning home comfortably in a farewell carriage.”

“Four families who tried the package ahead of its official launch all gave rave reviews.
Mrs. Bennett, who visited the inn with her husband and two sons, said she felt like she was back in her honeymoon days and would definitely return.”

“This inn really comes up with the strangest ideas,” Barnes muttered.

Reading the article reminded him that his wife’s birthday was coming up soon.

“Maybe I should book it…”

She had probably already read the article.

If he casually mentioned over lunch that he had made a reservation, her eyes would surely go wide with surprise.

Feeling excited, Barnes got dressed quickly and slipped out of the house without his wife noticing.

He headed toward the inn, smiling to himself at the thought of how happy his wife would be.

But once he arrived, a notice on the door made him freeze.

“The Couples’ Night Package is fully booked for next month.
Visitors to the restaurant may come inside to receive a waiting number.”

Still confused, Barnes reread the notice—just to be sure.

“You’re the tenth one today.”

A man waiting outside the restaurant spoke to him with a sympathetic tone.

“What?”

“You’re the tenth person to stand there looking like that.”

“You mean, all these people saw the Northern News? How is it already so crowded?”

“It’s already been a day. You don’t know how fast people are these days? All the reservations were gone within hours after the magazine came out.”

With no luck, Barnes returned home disappointed.

***

The “Couples’ Night Package” turned out to be a much bigger success than even I expected.

“I couldn’t believe my eyes,” said Cecilia.

She had gone to visit the inn with a fresh copy of the Northern News in hand, planning to chat with Mrs. Marie and advertise a little.
But because of the huge line of people trying to reserve the package, she barely got to speak with her.

‘So Northerners are secretly romantic types?’

Of course, the growing fame of Marie’s Inn helped a lot too.

From the start, Mrs. Marie had been very enthusiastic when I explained the package.

It wasn’t just about food and a room, but about offering a thoughtful, bundled experience—which she seemed to really like.

— “We should clear a room to make a playroom for the kids.”
— “How about offering wine with a variety of desserts to choose from?”

Unlike when we worked on the “Menu of the Day,” she eagerly gave her own suggestions.

— “It’s your inn, after all. You should do things your way,” I told her.

However, I did set a minimum price for the package.

— “The wine and carriage don’t cost that much… and we’ll watch the kids ourselves. Won’t it be too expensive for guests?”

— “It’s not just about cost. It’ll take a lot of effort. If we get flooded with bookings, you might need more staff. And if this isn’t a short-term offer, it needs to be priced right so you can keep giving good service.”

I had also advised her to focus on guest care, but seeing the results now, I think we could’ve charged double.

“How do you come up with these ideas, My Lady?” Cecilia asked with wide, amazed eyes.

“If you’d gone into business, you’d be wealthier than any trade guild!”

“I guess I’d never starve,” I joked.

“My Lady, please,” Cecilia narrowed her eyes.

“No matter what happens, there’s no way the Duchess of Blenheim would ever go hungry.”

“Well, who’s to say I’ll be Duchess forever? You never know how life turns out.”

I hadn’t meant anything by it, but both Cecilia and Leta froze at my words.

They looked at me like I’d just announced the end of the world.

“…Why would you say that? It sounds like you plan to leave the duchy…”

“If I ever stop being Duchess, maybe I’ll run an inn in Rondoris,” I teased.

It was just a joke to mess with Cecilia, but when I pictured it in my head, it didn’t seem like a bad idea.

Maybe after this transmigrated life, I really could start a business…

“My Lady!”

Cecilia looked devastated.

“I’m just saying it in passing.”

“Please don’t say things like that, even as a joke.”

She frowned deeply.

“No one could ever replace Your Ladyship.”

Leta nodded firmly beside her.

“Well, thanks—even if it’s just words.”

“I meant it!”

Still muttering to herself, Cecilia finally quieted down after Leta handed her some tea and snacks.

***

Meanwhile, Perel was humming to himself as he walked down the stairs of the main residence.

He was finishing work earlier than usual today.

Ever since the Duchess arrived, his schedule had become unpredictable.

On days he thought he’d be busy late into the night, he’d suddenly be free early because his boss wanted to go for an evening stroll.
And on days he expected to leave early, he’d get extra work because his boss had a dinner plan and left everything to him.

‘Still, it’s way better than walking home in the cold every night like before…’

Today, the Duke and Duchess were dining together, so Perel was “officially dismissed” earlier than usual.

He was just about to enjoy his free evening when—

“Sir Perel.”

A chilly voice called out from the stairs near the front entrance.

“L-Lady Cecilia?”

As he approached, he saw the Duchess’s maid standing with a cold look in her eyes.

“Why are you standing here like this…?”

“I was waiting for you.”

“For… me?”

Cecilia lowered her voice.

“Let’s talk.”

And so, Perel found himself being dragged to a secluded corner of the garden, surrounded by the vines.

“What’s this about?” he asked nervously, folding his hands politely.

Cecilia blew out a sharp breath.

“Sir Perel, you like Her Ladyship, don’t you?”

“…Pardon?”

“I do.”

Without waiting for a reply, she continued.

“That’s why I want Her Ladyship to stay happy here in the duchy for a long, long time.”

“O-of course. I want the same.”

“If she leaves… I don’t even want to imagine what comes next.”

“What are you talking about?”

Perel’s eyes widened.

“Did Her Ladyship say she’s leaving?”

“It wouldn’t be surprising if she did,” Cecilia said suddenly, holding out a dried bouquet.

The once-colorful flowers had wilted and turned fragile.

“Do you know what this is?”

“A dried bouquet?”

“It’s a gift from the orphans by the lake. They made it for Her Ladyship.”

“I… see.”

Perel didn’t quite see the connection yet.

“She kept it in her room for a long time. Then she asked me to dry it. Do you know what she said?”

“What did she say?”

“She said it was the first bouquet she ever received, and she wanted to keep it for a long time.”

Perel’s eyes flickered.

“You understand what that means, right?”

Cecilia narrowed her eyes at him.

“It means the Duchess never even got flowers from her husband after marriage.”

Perel bit his lip slightly.

‘She’s expecting too much from the Duke…’

The only things that man handles well are swords and monster heads.

“And then I overheard the maids talking…”

Cecilia suddenly lowered her voice, so Perel leaned in.

“…Is it true that the Duke and Duchess haven’t even spent their first night together?”