'Out of all the men, it seems that the marquess is still keen on keeping tabs on my territory,' Stephen thought.
Although Vanessa has been deemed cursed, she is still the granddaughter of the marquess, making it likely that she could still be wed, albeit to a man of lower status.
But what about Stephen? He might have been born from a lowly servant, but he still has the blood of the former count in him. Moreover, he is now also the new count of the territory.
Even if it is an insult to marry his granddaughter off to an illegitimate child, his position cannot be disregarded. Thus, wouldn't it be possible for the two to wed?
"But are you perhaps interested, my lord?" Vanessa asked, chuckling at the prospect. "My grandfather knows no bounds to his greed, and just a heads up, I am quite stronger than most women my age, as I have the genes of a swordmaster."
The current marquess was formerly known as a swordmaster before he settled into his position. Due to this, his kin had also taken the mantle from him, with a much stronger physique than others.
"I know, my lady, but what would that benefit me?" Stephen asked.
Vanessa smiled and replied, "I can bear as many children as you wish, my lord, without rest."
Stephen blinked his eyes a few times, baffled by Vanessa's blunt words. He cleared his throat. "If it weren't for the music, what you just said would have been heard by everyone."
"Well, let them hear what they want." Unlike her angelic appearance, Stephen could tell that this woman was not as she seemed. She was straightforward and blunt.
"I am still busy with the territory's affairs," Stephen replied. It was a good offer; by marrying the granddaughter of the marquess, he could establish a long-term trade between both territories.
Not only that, he would be introduced as the marquess's son-in-law, granting him more power and prestige. However, the problem lay with the marquess.
He was, in fact, intending to put a leash on Stephen. If he became his grandfather-in-law, the marquess could have a say in the Genest County's affairs.
"Are you afraid of my grandfather, my lord?" Vanessa interrupted, catching Stephen deep in thought.
"Afraid?" Stephen chuckled but did not reply.
Sensing his hesitation, Vanessa chuckled and added, "Of course you should be. My grandfather may be an old man now, but that doesn't mean he isn't crude. Your neck would be tightly under his control."
Stephen gazed into her eyes; it seemed as though she was desperate. "May I ask, before this dance ends, why are you so keen on suggesting marriage to me? As you know, I am merely a bastard."
"It's a matter of prospect. I am merely a child spoiled and groomed to be married off for their sakes. I am simply doing what I can in return for everything they have spent over my 19 years of life," Vanessa spoke, then quickly added, "Besides, I have far more interest in you than in William."
The dance finished.
"You two looked like a wonderful couple!" the marquess laughed. He patted Stephen on the shoulder. "What do you say, Stephen?"
Stephen paused and looked at the woman beside him. "She's certainly an amazing woman, my lord, but may I have some time to get to know her better?"
Stephen was stalling the prospect of marriage and engagement. The marquess seemed dissatisfied.
"I would love that, my lord. Perhaps I could visit your estate if you are free? Since I know that you are busy with the territory," Vanessa suggested.
The marquess's expression softened. "That would be great! We shall await your invitation when the time comes!" he laughed.
Stephen bowed his head slightly, making a polite excuse to leave the ball early.
As he sat in the carriage, Stephen recalled their conversation and chuckled. "She reminds me of Seunghee."
He leaned back in the carriage.
'Besides, I have far more interest in you than in William,' Vanessa's words echoed in his mind. They held more meaning than they first appeared.
"Well, the prospect of marriage isn't that bad." Stephen thought, as the carriage halted and he stepped out.
Although he had visited the shop, a week ago. The exterior was brighter, and the blueprint he had given Arthur seemed to be shaping up well. He knocked on the door.
"Who is it?" Arthur peeked out, his eyes widening in shock as he quickly opened the door. "My lord!"
"Arthur." Stephen smiled and was led inside. The interior of the shop was still a mess since it was under construction.
"Thank you, my lord!" Arthur replied, visibly happy with the compliment. "Oh, we're still painting and refurbishing some furniture, but we've made sure to take care of our rooms first."
"Good. Now, is the kitchen shaping up?" Stephen asked, following Arthur into the kitchen.
"The machines you provided us with serve a multitude of functions, my lord. We've already placed them," Arthur said.
It had taken over 300,000 gold coins for Stephen to buy two mini-fridges, a meat slicer, a bread slicer, a coffee grinder and brewer, stovetops, a sandwich prep table, a dough mixer, and modern tools such as knives and other equipment.
"We've also placed the decorations you provided, my lord," Arthur added.
Stephen had bought decorations to create a more ambient atmosphere. He nodded approvingly. "Good, it seems as though everything is well."
"Also, my lord, regarding the ingredients, we've managed to secure contracts with a local butcher, dairy, vegetable market, and others," Arthur added.
Stephen nodded. "You have all done a good job. When do you estimate the store will open?"
"Within a week, my lord!" Arthur said. "We've also received the menus you provided."
"Good. I expect more positive results," Stephen said. After a few more words with Arthur, he returned to his quarters.
'Was it wise to open a deli café already?' Stephen wondered, uncertain. The cost had been tremendous. Opening a store would indeed generate income, but he needed far more money to open other stores.
"No, the deli café could fetch hundreds of gold coins daily." Now, what Stephen needed were smaller stores that could provide steady income.
He was already considering other store types that could generate income. The handkerchiefs were currently in production, and the scented candles were also being crafted for revenue.
Coming up with new products was easy, but the costs lay ahead. Stephen held his head as he formulated plans.
---
The next day, Stephen prepared himself; it was the emperor's birthday, after all. Stephen needed to make a favorable impression on the emperor.
He rode the carriage to the venue, where everyone had their servants present their gifts. Some had large boxes, but Stephen had not brought his servants, as he intended to present the gift himself.
He only had one small chest with him.
As everyone entered the hall, the current emperor—a man in his late forties, with blonde hair and red eyes—scanned each noble present.
One by one, the nobles were called to present their gifts, starting with the princes and princesses.
Stephen stood to the side, once again noticing Vanessa with the marquess. Around them, servants carried large boxes.
Stephen waited for his turn.
"I present to you, Father, a quill pen. Its feather is plucked from the northern regions of the Icelandic Empire. It comes from the ice bird, known for its exquisite feathers and beauty."
Stephen glanced at the second prince, kneeling before the emperor. It seemed many others had also gifted a quill.
Since they had to explain each of their gifts and their origins, for bragging rights, it would take a considerable amount of time before Stephen's turn came.
He glanced at the balcony garden.
"My lord," Vanessa greeted. Stephen sighed and turned to face her. "It seems that you looked bored inside."
Stephen didn't reply, earning a chuckle from Vanessa. "It seems we are back at square one, my lord."
The silence grew, but Vanessa didn't seem awkward. She spoke up, "You are unlike William."
Stephen inwardly sighed. "Of course, we are different. We were born from different mothers."
"It's not about that—the way you act, as well as your appearance." Vanessa smiled. "You resemble the former count much more than William. You have his black hair and frame, so much so that my grandfather sees his friend when he looks at you."
"The marquess said that to you?" Stephen asked.
"He did. You're much more domineering, even intimidating. William was actually more like his mother—blonde hair and green eyes. He was frail as a child and doted upon by the former count."
William Genest, notably the count's favorite, had been doted upon due to his mother's early death after giving birth to him.
"He was easy to talk to, kind, and shy as a child. But as he grew older, he became bolder. Even my grandfather wanted to smack him but couldn't because the former count adored him," Vanessa added. "My grandfather has a certain respect for you."