TDWO Chapter 9

Of course, it was a necessary procedure in the market for breeding horses.

The price was set by the number of times, and the success or failure of the mating attempts were considered in advance.

Not to mention whether the mare would be pregnant or not.

But would a simple young lady in the countryside really know all these details?

It seemed unlikely.

It was just her nature.

He knew she wasn’t meek, but he hadn’t expected her to be so meticulous in every detail.

Or maybe it was a natural idea that occurred to her because she cherished Marilyn.

 

“Well, that seems to depend on Kristan’s mood.”

 

Edwin replied with a hint of interest in his eyes.

 

“Oh my! So if Kristan is not pleased after the first night, he’ll just leave?”

“…….”

 

Edwin’s eyes quickly turned icy.

 

“Is Marilyn going to have a foal or not?”

 

Anri’s soundless smile was bright.

However, from those innocent-looking eyes, thorns and criticism poured onto Edwin.

Until now, the woman had mocked him plenty, but she had never been so fierce and vehement.

It was as if she were saying, “Kristan’s father, you’re the kind of man who would only spend the first night with a woman and then turn away if you didn’t like it.”

Edwin felt a whirlwind of emotions, wanting to explain that he was not such a playboy or rogue.

But since the accusation wasn’t directly aimed at him, arguing would only make things more complicated. This was just…

However, he couldn’t prove it.

 

“Then I will keep him here as long as Marilyn desires.”

“I’m grateful and honored that you would.”

 

Suddenly, Anri lifted the hem of her skirt slightly and bent her knee respectfully.

Then, Anri listed various scenarios that could arise during the mating process, prefixing each one with “Excuse me, but” or “I apologize, but.” However, her face showed no hint of apology.

First, the risk of Marilyn contracting a disease from her relationship with Kristan.

Edwin was taken aback.

 

“I can assure you that such a thing will never happen. Our Kristan is not only well-behaved, but he has never shown any interest in mares, even when they flirt with him. Moreover, our coachmen and veterinarians conduct regular check-ups.”

 

Though it was a valid concern from an owner’s perspective, Edwin still felt irritated.

Holding back his irritation, Edwin added passionately with firm resolve, “If given the chance, I would love to show you our family’s stables, no, the Grand Horse Park.”

 

‘Grand Horse Park?’

 

It seemed to be a vast meadow where the man’s family raised horses.

How grand and wealthy must their estate be to have such a grandiose name for the stables?

People in this world have a habit of giving their homes unique names.

Typically, a fitting noun, such as Grange, Hall, House, Manor, or Park, was added after the name, giving a glimpse into the surroundings or characteristics of the owner.

The term “Grange” was often used for farms attached to agricultural households, “Hall” for large halls within mansions, and “Park” for estates with meadows and trees surrounding the mansion.

 

‘But the stables are called Grand Horse Park…?’

 

It was hard to gauge the level of the estate.

Suddenly, Anri felt a strange sense of unease.

The feeling seems familiar, like she has experienced it somewhere before.

It was like hearing a similar story in the past and thinking, “What? Do they call their bathrooms’ Grand Lavatories’ too?”

Anyway, Anri gracefully apologized to the slightly wounded man.

 

“I was just speaking hypothetically, father. I apologize if I was rude.”

“Father…….”

 

Edwin echoed Anri’s words in a faltering voice, unsure why his heart fluttered at the sound of “father.”

Next, Anri discussed ownership of the foal that Marilyn might give birth to.

However, the man, who had been accommodating Anri’s requests until now, seemed troubled.

 

“I don’t know if Miss Anri will understand, but…”

 

Anri looked at the man with sparkling yet cautiously guarded eyes, as she had always done.

 

“I have an obligation to maintain Kristan’s lineage.”

“…….”

 

That’s the kind of headache that comes with owning a pedigreed horse.

If they have a family large enough to have a Grand Horse Park, they must have quite a few family members and servants. But to even continue the lineage of their livestock…

 

‘As the head of the family, I am equally concerned about our employees and even a single chick.’

 

Suddenly, she remembered the man’s affectionate words from their first meeting. It seemed like more than just a casual remark.

Does this mean Marilyn can be sold at a high price again?

 

“I thought so. If a distinguished horse like Kristan were to become extinct, it would be a great loss for the kingdom. However, as Marilyn’s offspring, I am concerned about her being separated from her child.”

“I, too, believe that such a tragedy should not happen.”

“I’m relieved to hear you say that. I am also concerned about how Marilyn will travel while she is pregnant for eleven months.”

 

The conversation between Anri and Edwin, seemingly amicable, continued.

 

“…….”

 

However, the more the negotiation progressed, Albert and Jeffrey found themselves exchanging glances unnecessarily while coughing lightly.

At first glance, it seemed like a mild negotiation was taking place.

But why were they breaking out in a cold sweat just by watching and listening?

Albert and Jeffrey, knowing Edwin’s identity, were even more on edge.

Of course, from Miss Wentworth’s perspective, it was unfair since she had no idea if the man before her was a duke or not.

Even so, she didn’t feel out of place in this class-conscious society.

No, it was more like she didn’t seem to care either way.

 

‘It’s not completely inappropriate, nor is it completely appropriate.’

 

Albert was perplexed.

Miss Wentworth acted perfectly and naturally according to the social norms widely accepted in society, but also not quite.

Was she from a different world?

On the other hand, Hendel, who served as Wentworth’s coachman, simply remained calm, as if waiting for the conversation to end at any moment.

Her behavior seemed familiar and natural to him.

 

“Albert.”

 

Suddenly, Edwin called out to Albert.

Startled, Albert caught Edwin’s gesture and approached with a leather envelope containing documents.

Edwin received it and handed it to Anri.

 

“I apologize for not getting this to you sooner. These documents specify the terms governing Marilyn’s treatment and the Wentworth estate.”
I hope they will be helpful.”

“…….”

 

Anri looked somewhat surprised or puzzled as she alternated her gaze between the elegant brown leather envelope and the man.

The man had a somewhat polished and diplomatic demeanor, akin to that of a seasoned businessman. 

Still, he didn’t seem inclined to just bring Kristan over to mate with Marilyn and then leave, as Anri had feared.

Anri’s worries were unfounded.

Although animals couldn’t speak (according to human standards), Anri was concerned that Marilyn might somehow get hurt while mating with the stallion.

While she still felt remorse for the near carriage accident involving Marilyn, she had other pressing matters to attend to now.

 

‘Ah, thanks to my garbage ex-boyfriend, my sense of caution has been thoroughly honed.’

 

But that “ex” was 21 years ago.

This is not about being a single mother; it’s about being a single mother forever.

Anri cradled the smooth and soft leather envelope in her arms.

A warm breeze passed between the man and Anri.

Anri made eye contact with the man once. For once, she felt a sense of trust.

 

“Thank you for your consideration.”

 

The man nodded in acknowledgment, but his expression remained indifferent.

After tearing her gaze away from the man, Anri approached Kristan.

Although she wished she could shake hands, she settled for lightly squeezing his black mane.

 

“Welcome to Marilyn’s House, Kristan.”

 

Satisfied with the newly constructed stable’s name, Anri’s lips curled into a genuinely friendly smile.

 

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

 

“Why are they talking for so long?”

“Who knows? She should’ve just brought him there, then returned. Honestly, that girl, Anri, is as sly as a raccoon.”

 

Candice grimaced sharply as she peered out the window on the third floor.

Catherine echoed her sentiments with even more disdain.

 

‘Oh, Anri…’

 

However, Eunice remained hunched, gazing out the window.

Anri was pacing around the stable, inspecting the horses.

Eunice couldn’t understand why her mother always called Anri a raccoon whenever she gossiped about her.

In Eunice’s eyes, Anri was a graceful flamingo.

Flamingos exhibit a dignified demeanor and slender, elegant legs. With pink feathers, just like Anri, flamingos are more romantic and mysterious.

Even now, there seemed to be a gentle light emanating around Anri, like the surface of a lake shimmering in the sunlight.

Of course, it was likely just an illusion in Eunice’s eyes.

Moreover, Anri was incomparably kind compared to Candice and Catherine.

Anri never complained, even if Eunice ate as much as she wanted.

In fact, Anri even sided with Eunice against her mother.

Even though Eunice has a lot of stuffed animals in her room, she never teased her, calling her childish like Catherine and Candice.

Anri never initiated a conversation or made eye contact with Eunice.

Eunice doesn’t like it when someone talks to her or looks at her first.

Thus, Eunice genuinely believed that Anri was a good person.

However, it’s shameless to consider Anri, a stepsister.

She’s been living with her for three years now.

Eunice couldn’t even make eye contact with Anri, let alone hold a conversation.

Eunice always felt overwhelmed by the atmosphere emanating from Anri, causing her to shy away and shrink.

Plus, she feels guilty for invading Anri’s home without permission.

Eunice knew the secret of her unknown mother, a fact that her stepfather and Candice were unaware of.