ILTDAMH|CHAPTER 118

Chapter 118 

The Dessert Shop (2)

James looked Merican up and down, clearly offended that she had spoken to him without deference.

Her dress was neat, modest, and well-fitted—nothing extravagant, yet far from cheap. 

She looked different from the usual noblewomen of the capital, who adorned themselves with jewels and bright silks.

Still, from her clothes and her composed demeanor, he could tell she was a noblewoman—probably from some wealthy provincial family.

Well, if she’s just a country noble, why should I be afraid?

James straightened, pretending generosity as he spoke.

“Listen, Madam. You must be new here. The capital isn’t some place where you can open a shop just because you have a little money. Here, you need the approval of the other shop owners. Didn’t Cain explain that to you?”

Cain, the real estate broker, quickly protested, his face turning pale.

“What are you talking about, Mr. James? Of course I explained everything! But this lady insists on opening a dessert shop, so I was in quite a bind.”

Ah, so they think I’m just some country noblewoman.

And that’s why they’re trying to look down on me.

Merician tilted her head slightly, her tone calm but sharp.

“Yes, he gave me that absurd explanation earlier. But I couldn’t quite understand it. You see, according to Imperial law, there’s nothing that says only five dessert shops can exist in the capital—or that one needs permission from existing shop owners to open another.”

Imperial law? James nearly snorted. She’s one of those people who’s read too much for her own good.

Still, there was something odd.

Why wasn’t she afraid of him?

James was a towering man—nearly one meter ninety, weighing close to one hundred thirty kilos. His rough face and heavy build were enough to make most men flinch, let alone women. Usually, a scowl was all it took to make others back down.

But this woman didn’t even blink.

And come to think of it… she looks familiar.

After staring for a long moment, James frowned.

“Madam, have we met somewhere before?”

“As if. Why would I ever have reason to meet someone like you?”

Merican’s voice dripped with disdain. 

The sickly sweet smell of his breath made her stomach churn, and she turned her head slightly in disgust.

James’s pride flared.

“Do you even know who I am? I’ll have you know I’m a cousin of Paulo—yes, that Paulo—from the branch family of Marquis Rephide, the Imperial Empress’s own bloodline!”

How laughable.

A cousin of a branch family from the Empress’s house—parading that like it made him king of the world?

“So what exactly am I supposed to do with that information?”

“What?”

“Since when do merchants have to grant permission before someone opens a dessert shop? And more importantly, why are you, a commoner, trying to lecture a noble?”

James froze. He had expected her to pale at the mere mention of the Rephide name—but instead, she was staring him down, unruffled.

Wait. Is she so provincial she doesn’t even know who the Rephide family is?

Just as he opened his mouth to “educate” her, the office door burst open.

“My Lady! Forgive me—I was delayed by some matters at the guild,” Edward said, hurrying in. “Have you found any shop you like?”

Merican smiled faintly.

“No, I came a bit early. Come, have some tea first.”

She nodded at Cain, who hesitated but quickly poured a cup and set it before Edward.

“Thank you, My Lady.” Edward gave the man a polite nod before taking a sip.

“Did you resolve the matter?”

“Yes. The tenant asked for a little more time, so I granted a few extra months.”

“Well done.”

Cain suddenly blinked in recognition.

“Wait a moment—aren’t you the butler of House Kanoluf?”

Edward turned to him with a courteous smile. “It’s been a while, Cain.”

“Y-yes, sir! But… did I hear correctly? You called this lady My Lady?” He gestured hesitantly toward Merican, who was sitting with perfect pose, sipping her tea.

“She is indeed our mistress,” Edward replied calmly. “Did she not tell you?”

Merican shrugged lightly.

“Well, no one asked. And I came to look at shops, not to introduce myself.”

In that instant, the color drained from James’s face.

That’s where I’ve seen her.

The newspapers from last year—the portrait that had shaken the entire Empire.

The Duke’s missing wife, the woman the entire nobility had been gossiping about.

The Duchess of Canoluf.

He remembered reading that the Duke had found her again—and that they’d recently remarried.

Dear heavens… she’s not a provincial noble. She’s the Duchess herself!

Cold sweat broke out across his back. He recalled that even Paulo, his own cousin, had once spoken disrespectfully to her—and nearly died at the Duke’s hands for it.

Oh gods… don’t tell me the Duke came too?

He stiffened, already planning his escape, when Merican’s smooth voice cut through the air.

“James, was it? Where are you going? Our conversation isn’t finished.”

He froze and sank back into his seat.

“D-Duchess, I truly didn’t recognize you earlier. My deepest apologies. But, ah, did you still wish to speak with me?”

“I did. You said one needs permission from other merchants to open a dessert shop. And Cain here told me there were no available properties for lease.”

Edward’s eyes narrowed.

“What does she mean, Cain? And who exactly is this man whose permission my lady supposedly needs?”

“Of course not, sir! There are plenty of vacant shops!” Cain stammered. “My Lady, please, which location would you like?”

Merican almost laughed.

A moment ago, the man had claimed none were available—and now he was fawning over her.

She glanced briefly at the map Cain handed her, then lifted her gaze to James.

“Even if there’s a property, it seems I still can’t open a dessert shop—since, as you said, I’d need permission from the merchants. Isn’t that right, James? Oh, and Edward, you asked who this man is. He just told me—he’s the cousin of Paulo, from the branch family of Marquis Rephide.”

“Ah… Duchess, I think you misunderstood,” James blurted, voice trembling. “I didn’t mean permission, per se! I only meant that if you opened a dessert shop, everyone would be delighted! Isn’t that so, Cain?”

“Y-yes, absolutely! Everyone would be thrilled! So then, Duchess—where would you like to open it?”

Merican studied the two groveling men for a long moment before tapping a spot on the map.

“Here.”

Cain followed her finger—and his face fell.

“D-Duchess, do you truly wish to open your shop there?”

James looked equally stricken but dared not object outright.

“Why? Is there a problem?” she asked, her smile turning sharp. “You asked me to choose, and I have. That’s the spot I want. And I will open a dessert shop there.”

Her tone left no room for argument.

***

“Welcome, Kat.”

“Oh? My Lady—you’re the woman from before…!”

At Merician’s call, Cat and Elena entered the office, and Cain nearly jumped to his feet in surprise.

“Well, look at that—you’ve been here before, haven’t you, Cat?” Merican said cheerfully, as if she knew nothing.

“Yes, I came here last time to find a place. But, um, why did you call us, My Lady?”

Merican smiled and nodded politely toward Elena, who had followed behind.

That lady—she’s the one who helped me at the cookie shop! Elena’s eyes widened.

“Elena, we can talk properly later. For now, let’s finalize the shop contract.”

“Contract?” Elena repeated, startled. She looked between Merican and Cain in confusion.

But they said dessert shops weren’t allowed… so what contract could she mean?

“Now that everyone’s here,” Merican said calmly, “let’s go see the property.”

Cain swallowed nervously, shot James a glance, and led the way out of the office.

“My Lady,” Cat whispered as they walked, “what’s going on?”

Merican smiled faintly.

“You’ll see soon enough.”

Moments later, Elena stopped in her tracks, staring in disbelief.

“Y-you can’t mean to rent this place, My Lady! That’s the shop right across from Paulo’s dessert shop! He—he’ll be furious—”

“I know,” Merican said coolly. “I’m well aware that the man glaring at us from across the street is a member of the Rephide branch family. That’s exactly why this is the perfect spot.”

She turned toward the opposite storefront, where Paulo himself stood in the doorway, scowling in disbelief.

Merican smiled sweetly, her eyes glinting like steel.

“After all, if you want to hunt a tiger… you have to step right into its den.”