Blair had already depleted most of the jewels and valuables she owned as an imperial princess while entrusting requests to Mikhail.
So Blair had made another plan to secure capital for the business. Using her memories of the future that she possessed.
However, she had no intention of stealing someone else's business ideas. Although she had miraculously returned to the past by chance, it didn't seem right to use that solely for personal gain.
Instead, what she was aiming for was...
'If my memory is correct, my brother's chamberlain will soon buy a few paintings at an auction.'
When she attended a family dinner, Ivan had cursed that his chamberlain had bought cheap paintings.
However, the artist who painted those pictures would catch the eye of the Piace Marquis family, famous for patronizing artists for generations, two years later, making a name for himself, and consequently, the prices of his paintings would skyrocket.
Only then did Ivan dig out the paintings he had carelessly stashed in the warehouse and boast about his artistic insight.
Blair planned to take a little of what would eventually become Ivan's share.
Having lived her whole life being taken from by him, wouldn't it be okay to keep this much for herself?
Rationalizing it like that on her own.
'It will take 2 years for the paintings' value to rise, but I was planning to rest until giving birth to Asiel anyway.'
Even after the topic related to business, Mikhail skillfully led the conversation, guiding Blair not to focus on the sounds from the next room.
Having lived as a guild master and traveled to various countries, he laid out stories that Blair couldn't help but be fascinated by, and he gazed at her eyes that sparkled more than usual.
When the next room quieted down after a while, Mikhail naturally wrapped up the conversation. Thanks to that, Blair was able to finish watching the play she had seen as a child.
Finally, the play ended.
"I'll escort you."
Mikhail extended his hand to Blair. Blair took his hand and stood up.
But after taking just a few steps, Mikhail stopped at the door.
"Regrettably, my escort ends here. It's not time yet."
Blair, who had been staring at that sight, suddenly asked.
"Are you a nobleman?"
Even in the future Blair knew, Mikhail's identity was not revealed. She naturally thought he was a commoner, but meeting him in person, he was very skilled in noble etiquette.
Mikhail smiled at Blair's sudden question.
"I'm glad if it appears so."
He responded gently while naturally avoiding a direct answer. Noticing this, Blair didn't press further.
Mikhail lightly kissed the back of Blair's hand and let it go.
"Then I'll see you again soon, madam."
* * *
"Welcome back, madam."
When she arrived at the duke's residence, Mason and the lined-up servants greeted her.
Blair asked him as she entered the mansion.
"Where is the duke?"
"His afternoon schedule ended early, so he returned a short while ago."
At the news that Herdin was in the mansion, Blair's heart sank.
Although nothing had happened with Mikhail at the theater, and currently she and Herdin were strictly a show couple based on a contract, she felt uneasy. Like someone who had really committed adultery and returned home.
In fact, all of this was just part of a plan to give him the safe divorce he wanted.
Blair climbed the stairs, hoping as she often did recently, that she wouldn't run into Herdin.
But God was not on her side.
Next to the door was Herdin waiting for her.
Her husband, who hadn't shown his face for the past fortnight, with cold eyes.
Search "child" at redcatty [.] com to read ahead up to chap 170.