The Ugly Wife of the Shady Duke

When Grace asked what was wrong, Benjamin showed no sign of wavering.

“It’s nothing that My Lady needs to worry about.”

Under normal circumstances, Grace wouldn’t have pressed any further, but today she persisted with her questions.

“Is it not important?”

“That… well…”

Benjamin couldn’t give a proper answer to her question about whether it was unimportant.

Grace also knew it from the stamp imprinted on the letter.

‘The fact that you had such a stiff expression upon receiving a letter from the palace means that there was something important written in it.’

After contemplating for a while, Benjamin finally opened his mouth.

“It’s about the Rondel Canal.”

“Ah…”

Rondel Canal, a name that Grace couldn’t be unfamiliar with.

‘Is this about the investigation starting in earnest regarding the contamination in the western region?’

“We have completed the purification process of the Rondel Canal, but its condition has worsened again. A request has come in asking if we can conduct a brief investigation on this matter.”

Grace’s speculation was correct, but it raised another question in her mind.

“The Rondel Canal is indeed an important issue. However, what is the reason for His Majesty ordering an investigation?”

There were many people besides Benjamin who could conduct the investigation on the canal.

“During the purification process, I was the second-highest-ranking individual present at the site. So, I suppose that’s why the order was given to me.”

The first was undoubtedly Crown Prince Sylvester. Benjamin mentioned that he was the second-highest, but if someone were to ask who held a higher position between Duke Felton and the Crown prince, it would be ambiguous.

‘Considering the numerous complaints they have been receiving, could it be a strategic move to send Duke Benjamin to that position in order to appease the discontent?’

“And…”

Benjamin cautiously added to his statement.

“There is a magic tool workshop near the Rondel Canal. It is the largest in the kingdom.”

The magic tool workshop and Duke Felton were inseparable. It could be said that the business originated from Duke Felton in the first place.

“Some people suspect that the magic tool workshop may have had an impact on the Rondel Canal.”

“That’s…”

An absurd twist. The reason why the magic tool workshop was able to establish itself so quickly was because the core material used in operating magic devices, the magic stone, had no adverse effects on nature whatsoever.

In fact, the reason why the magic tool workshop could be established near the starting point of the Rondel Canal was that it was known that the essential material, magic stones, was not a pollutant.

‘But now that the situation has turned like this, are they blaming the magic tool workshop?’

As technology advanced, the power of Duke Felton grew, and those who sought to restrain him spread malicious rumors.

‘Perhaps the very fact that Benjamin was ordered to go there is indicative of them considering those rumors.’

There was no way that Benjamin was unaware that Grace had also noticed.

‘So, is that why he tried to hide it?’

Grace hesitated for a moment before asking Benjamin. 

“So, when do you plan to visit the Rondel Canal?”

“I was thinking of stopping by after I finish our outing.”

“If it’s because of our appointment, I can just go back first.”

“N-No, that’s not it!”

Benjamin seemed intent on stopping by the Rondel Canal regardless of their intentions, and if he was going to do so, he might as well do it at a time when there would be more witnesses.

However, if he were to visit separately after finishing this outing, it would likely be late in the day.

“Wouldn’t it be better to go earlier?”

“But I have a prior appointment with My Lady right now.”

Grace looked at him with raised eyebrows.

‘I think I know why Benjamin accepted that task.’

If Benjamin were to refuse the request, it would take time to choose someone else. This would delay the purification process of the Rondel Canal, and consequently, the quality of life on the island would be affected.

‘In fact, it’s not just about the island, it’s about the issue of contamination in the western region.’

Regardless of the political intentions behind it, Benjamin couldn’t refuse. He had a genuine desire to protect and care for everyone to the best of his abilities.

“We can go for the outing next time? Isn’t that possible?”

In truth, after Benjamin inspects the Rondel Canal today, he might be busy for a while and won’t have time to go out together.

Grace pretended not to know anything and spoke as if suggesting that he accept her proposal.

But Benjamin hesitated.

“I’m worried that if I keep canceling my appointments with My Lady, it will be taken for granted.”

“You shouldn’t put the canal and our appointment on the same level.”

When Benjamin expressed his concern for Grace, somewhere deep inside her, her heart stirred.

She ignored the stirring in her heart.

“If I keep yielding, there may be nothing left for me.”

Despite that, he still didn’t budge.

‘Something seems off with the priorities here.’