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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Vine
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After requesting Baron Raviole to make a wise choice, I went on a picnic with Chloe as promised.
The location is a small hill near Firenze.
A place I often visited with my family, including my parents and my brother, the current Medici Baron, when I was young, after my reincarnation.
“This is where I used to play with my family when I was young.”
“Is that so?”
“We only came about once a year, as my parents were always busy.”
Chloe looked at me with sympathy.
In Korea, it’s normal for parents to take their children on trips at least once a year and to play with them regularly.
Fathers who don’t play with their children on weekends are considered bad fathers.
But such a noble father is unheard of in the Toscana Empire.
Most parents are in loveless, arranged marriages, and children are treated as tools for the family.
So, even playing with them once a year puts them in the top 1%.
‘A father’s love is usually reserved for the children of his mistresses, whom he chooses based on appearance or personality.’
The family’s wealth goes to the children of the legal wife, while the children of mistresses receive a small inheritance and their father’s love.
Even I find this absurd.
“That’s how noble families are. My father was actually quite affectionate.”
“It must have been lonely.”
Since I was mentally an adult when I was reincarnated, it didn’t affect me much.
But my brother Albert was quite lonely as a child.
His obsession with power and suspicion of me might stem from that loneliness.
“It was lonely, but it was alright. They both loved me.”
In other families, it’s common for fathers to treat their children coldly, like subordinates.
“What about you, Chloe?”
Chloe’s smile faded.
“Never mind, I’m sorry.”
What was I thinking, asking someone who lost her entire family to a famine-induced plague about her childhood?
There are things you just shouldn’t ask…
Chloe gave a bitter smile.
And looked outside with a longing gaze.
“We were poor, but we were happy. My father was a bit strict, but he often played with us, and my mother always told us stories before bed.”
I can imagine what kind of family they were.
A dependable yet kind father, like a bear, and a gentle and loving mother, like a lamb.
And children following their parents around.
A poor but happy family.
“Then, last year, we got a new lord, the crops failed, a plague spread, and they all died. But I was happy.”
Tears welled up in Chloe’s eyes.
“I see.”
“But I’m happy to be with you now, young master.”
I stroked her hair.
The past is the past, there’s nothing we can do about it.
Being happy now is what matters.
“We’ve arrived, young master.”
I got out of the carriage upon hearing the coachman’s words.
A secluded hill with colorful wildflowers.
“Shall we spread the blanket and have lunch?”
As I was about to start the picnic, Sebastian approached me.
Work-related matters while I’m trying to relax…
“Chloe, lay out the blanket and wait for me. Everyone must be hungry, so feel free to start eating and relaxing.”
It took us about two hours to get here, as it’s quite far from the city.
They must be hungry.
“You’re so considerate of your servants, young master.”
I might be a noble in this world, but in Korea, I was just an ordinary worker.
So, I understand how they feel.
‘It’s tough to work when you’re hungry.’
“What is it?”
“Baron Raviole suddenly passed away from an illness.”
It will be reported as a “sudden death” to those who don’t know the truth, but it’s obviously suicide.
“He died honorably to protect his family.”
Sebastian nodded.
“The Raviole family avoided ruin, and his eldest son inherited the Barony. But they’ll have to live quietly from now on.”
The Duke spared the family, even though Raviole betrayed his faction, but they will be under constant scrutiny.
So, they’ll have to live off a pension, unable to participate in social circles.
“It ended well.”
“Yes, it did. But… there’s something else.”
“What is it?”
“Baron Medici asked about your thoughts on marriage.”
Marriage is something I have to consider eventually.
But I’m currently increasing my value at an incredible rate.
“I can marry into a much better family in a year. Why rush?”
This era is quite male-centric.
Women, regardless of their status or wealth, are practically ineligible for marriage with nobles after a certain age, but there are no such restrictions for men.
‘It’s not uncommon for a 60-year-old man to marry a 20-year-old noblewoman.’
“Understood.”
As Sebastian was about to leave, he asked,
“But what are your thoughts on Chloe?”
“She’s like family. She’s always with me, and she’s kind and cute.”
Sebastian is suggesting I make her my woman.
Chloe has opened up to me, but we’ve only known each other for a little over two months.
There’s no need to rush.
Sebastian sighed.
“Being too kind can sometimes be cruel, young master.”
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While Fabio was talking to Sebastian…
Chloe opened the lunchbox.
“Thinly sliced ham, lettuce, and cheese sandwiches, milk, and my favorite cake.”
Sandwiches and milk were things she could enjoy on special occasions, even as a serf.
But cake, made with milk and lots of sugar, was a luxury she thought she’d never taste.
Fabio often buys it for her, just because she likes it.
‘He’s not very good with sweets, but he always eats them with me.’
There’s no other young master in the world who would treat a mere maid so well.
“I wouldn’t be experiencing this happiness if it weren’t for the young master.”
She doesn’t even want to think about it, but she would have been sold to some unknown man for a hefty price.
A miserable fate of being forced into losing her virginity and living a life seeking a man’s favor.
Chloe reflected on her near fate as a sex slave.
And anger welled up at the villagers who tried to sell her after her parents died.
Even if it was to ensure their own survival, they were like family…
“There’s no one I can trust but the young master.”
The despair she felt when she was betrayed and almost sold into slavery.
And the prince who saved her.
“So, I must do my best to earn his love. Even if I can’t be his wife.”
It would be a lie to say she doesn’t yearn to have Fabio all to herself, but…
Being by his side is enough.
Being with Fabio makes her feel safe, comfortable, and happy.
Just then, she heard Fabio calling her.
“Are you hungry? Let’s eat.”
“Yes, young master.”
Chloe naturally sat beside Fabio.
She deliberately leaned against him slightly.
The warmth she felt through his clothes.
The comforting feeling of security being by his side.
“These sandwiches are delicious, Chloe.”
“Really?”
“Yes, they look beautiful too. Almost too pretty to eat.”
The young master usually enjoys fine cuisine prepared by skilled chefs.
He’s a kind person who always praises the servants and compliments the food, no matter what’s served…
“I’d love to have these again tomorrow. Can you make them for me?”
He praises her homemade food and asks for more.
Even though her cooking isn’t perfect.
Seeing Fabio enjoy her food warmed Chloe’s heart.
Unlike other nobles, he genuinely cares for her, a mere maid, practically a slave.
Fabio, as always, stroked her hair.
And sometimes, his gaze lingered on her chest.
The men in the village used to stare at her, some even leering.
Back then, it only disgusted her, but…
‘I don’t mind the young master looking.’
So, she decided to pretend she didn’t notice his gaze.
If she showed any sign of noticing, he would avert his eyes.
But relying solely on her looks might lead to Fabio leaving her someday.
“Young master, I have a favor to ask.”
“What is it?”
“I want to study. To be of more help to you…”
It’s an audacious request for a mere maid, but…
“Really? I’ll buy you any books you need. You can study by my side while I work, and I’ll even hire a tutor.”
Chloe was grateful for his generosity.
And she realized,
‘I can’t live without the young master.’
“I’ll reward you if you study hard. So, study diligently.”
Chloe made up her mind.
To ask to stay by his side, to be closer to him, as a reward.
Sebastian, observing from afar, sighed.
“…He’s such a naive young master. Is he really the same person who rose so quickly in just four months?”
Soon after, Fabio officially established his trading company.
And he immediately set off for Bio Village to make it his base of operations.
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