Anne who utilized her innate talents while engaging in business, associated everything with revenue. Thanks to this, the finances of the Grand Duke’s castle greatly expanded, and the Northern territories became affluent to the extent that they hardly needed to collect taxes.
While this was an undeniably joyous development, Daymond began to feel a subtle sense of discontent as his wife put her business before him. Although there weren’t significant changes in their lifestyle, it was somewhat unpleasant that her small head was not fully occupied with thoughts of him.
Moreover, as Anne conducted business, she frequently encountered outsiders, and the problem was that they were all men. That aspect was particularly irksome. Business or not, it reached the point where he wanted to kidnap Anne and take her away.
“I also think it’s a bit excessive. As the ratio of tourists increases exponentially every year, people among the local residents are starting to talk.”
Watching the couple clash in opinions after a long time, Ashton couldn’t help but add his opinion. However, this time, he sided with Daymond rather than Anne.
“I suppose it’s a festival emphasizing the characteristics of the North, but now the visits from residents of other regions have surpassed that, leading to an increase in various minor issues.”
Confusion reflected in Anne’s eyes.
“I haven’t heard such reports…..”
“Ashton.”
Despite Ashton momentarily pausing at Daymond’s weighty tone, he continued to speak at Anne’s urging.
“According to the patrol units that periodically patrol, it seems there’s an increase in incidents, not just from those who cause trouble while drunk but also from those committing crimes and fleeing during tumultuous periods.”
“There were such issues? Why didn’t I know anything about it?”
Anne blinked, taking her eyes off Ashton and turning to Daymond. Daymond scratched his temple with his index finger, subtly avoiding eye contact.
“Daymond, what is it that I don’t know?”
In response to Anne’s pointed question, Daymond, after a brief hesitation, helplessly spilled the truth.
“I said there was nothing for you to know. You didn’t need to be aware of such dark matters.”
A light sigh lingered at the end of his words.
So far, Anne had focused only on the business side of things, and the management of the territory was entirely Daymond’s responsibility. Therefore, she had been unaware of such news. Daymond hadn’t informed her, judging that she might feel resentment or frustration.
“It wasn’t something you needed to worry about anyway. Other regions’ festivals also encounter various incidents, big and small. While it’s not as severe here, there is a need for some monitoring in the future.”
“I see.”
Not knowing the details, Anne realized that such incidents were more frequent than she thought, and her husband had been quietly handling them without her knowledge. Awkwardness flashed across Anne’s face as she realized that she was preoccupied with one thing and had not thought about the problems on the other side.
“It would have been better if you had told me.”
Feeling a bit embarrassed, Anne furrowed her brows.
If he had informed her beforehand, she might have been able to put an end to her stubbornness. She wouldn’t have guessed that he was secretly cleaning things up for her since they decided to not hide anything from each other. She was sorry for thinking of him as spineless until just a moment ago.
“I ended up being the only fool.”
Anne, with a slightly dejected expression, complained. Daymond, who found her pouting face cute, lifted the corners of his mouth in a smile.
“I didn’t want to be a husband who nags about his wife’s work.”
While Daymond currently felt a sense of emptiness, Anne’s lively and energetic appearance at the beginning was genuinely delightful. When they first came to the North, she had only shown a cynical face, and afterward, she was heartbroken.
Certainly, it seemed like most of those issues were his fault, and Daymond felt an even greater sense of remorse. For this reason, he wished for Anne to see only beautiful and pleasant things from now on.
He would handle unnecessary and bothersome matters within his capabilities, allowing her to enjoy whatever she wished without any obstacles. Perhaps that was his only way of repenting….
“It was something I could have handled easily. I didn’t want to become an incapable husband blocking the wife’s path.”
“There was no need to go that far…..”
Anne, feeling awkward due to the fact that Daymond had supported her secretly while being busy with his official duties, mumbled with a slightly hesitant voice.
“That’s why I hope you take some time with this…..”
“Is that so. I underestimated it.”
Facing a situation she hadn’t considered before, Anne decided to compromise.
“Then let’s put this matter on hold. I’ll leave now.”
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