The Ugly Wife of the Shady Duke

‘Let’s just look at the content.’

Thinking that it would be a story about what kind of business it is and how much profit it would bring to herself, Catherine unfolded the letter.

However, as she read the first line of the letter, Catherine had no choice but to read it carefully to the end, and she couldn’t help but shed tears as she finished reading it.

There was not a single line about the business in the letter.

The first line was about the weather. It said that there were a few clouds in the sky, and although some might say it was cloudy, so there was no need to worry about the children getting sunburned even if they played outside all day.

And it talked about how many rooms there were in the orphanage, and how some were old but looked nice after cleaning.

Asking Catherine if she was having a good day, the letter ended with a wish for her well-being.

There wasn’t anything special in the letter, but it made Catherine very sad. There weren’t many people around her who spoke kindly to her.

“This person is really strange….”

They said they would hire her, but why didn’t they write anything about the business?

Catherine held her breath, trying not to let her sobs escape through the thin walls as tears streamed down her face.

‘Ah, I have to move.’

If the walls are this thin, she can’t cry out loud.

Luckily, her lease was ending next month.

Catherine smiled softly.

⋆★⋆

After Grace sent a few more letters, everyone agreed. One person said they would join after finishing another month of work, but it was still a victory.

She couldn’t just wait for a month doing nothing. Grace started preparing for production as soon as possible.

Grace went to the orphanage again. As the work progressed, she stayed longer at the orphanage. She preferred the orphanage to the Duke’s Mansion.

When she met the mothers of the children, they all had different personalities, but they were fundamentally good people.

Grace looked around their perfectly organized bedrooms and nodded proudly, saying, “First, we need to trade with a fabric workshop.”

“A fabric workshop? Are we going to trade with a place that isn’t even properly established like ours? Besides, we probably don’t even need that much fabric…” Cleta said worriedly.

Everyone except Grace was dressed shabbily. Of course, if Grace used the power of the aristocracy, any fabric workshop of any size would agree to trade, but that wasn’t the way Grace wanted it.

“I looked into some fabric workshops, and there are a few small ones besides the famous ones. If we talk to them nicely, they’ll agree to trade.”

“Um…”

“Usually, the big workshops monopolize the trade with dress shops. Of course, they might do small trades or odd jobs, but there will be some shortcomings. They wouldn’t want to miss even small trades.”

Grace persuaded Cleta with the words she had prepared.

“I’m thinking of buying the practice or defective products. We’re not making clothes, so it’s better that way.”

Initially, it may not be a large amount, but it would create regular customers. Customers who buy products that are difficult to sell.

Grace guessed that this is something that could be well-received in a small, low-profit store.

“Besides, tea bags may be small, but I didn’t say we would only make a small quantity. If we’re making a small amount, Cleta alone is enough as an employee.”

That didn’t match the salary proposal Grace had made.

Grace had proposed a high salary to them, but it wasn’t just out of sympathy. She also planned to give them appropriate work.

“But they might not react well to it.”

“However, it’s also a problem if we’re not prepared for a positive response.”

Going to small workshops was also a contingency plan.

Visiting a large fabric workshop and purchasing cheap, mediocre-quality muslin made for practice using their production system was also a good option.

But Grace had one advantage. She had the advantage of being a “transmigrator” who remembered the original content quite well.

‘Large workshops are risky.’

Moreover, the fact that Butler had certified the “use as you please” private property.

Since the butler said that the materials could be used as she pleased, no matter how Grace used the money, it would not be a reason for criticism during the divorce process.

‘Perhaps it’s better that I have contributed nothing to the household.’

That would just mean she hadn’t contributed anything to the family. However, if it’s mentioned that Benjamin purposely leaves the mansion vacant during their time to perform couple duties, it would garner considerable sympathy towards Grace.

Although it may be a rather unpleasant sympathetic gaze.

Grace could then say something like, “I was heartbroken and was unable to fulfill my wifely duties.”

After simulating the situation in her head, she concluded some may react with disbelief, but some may nod in understanding.

‘Despite that, he is still affectionate…’

Grace’s mind flashed with Benjamin’s affectionate smile. She realized she was thinking about him again and hit her forehead hard.

“M-Mrs. Linden.”

“It’s nothing. I’ll explain again.”

Grace held her breath. Why did Benjamin’s thoughts come to her mind so naturally, even though she wasn’t in the main mansion?