Chapter 41: Chapter 41
"I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY I HAVE TO GO AS WELL." Henry shrugged. He looked annoyed and bored by the conversation already.
"We will be gone for two weeks, in addition to the traveling time," Daniel told him.
"Isn't that a good reason for me to stay behind and take care of things here?"
"Henry, my friend," the duke started. "Life is not all about work, you should take some time to enjoy yourself."
"Says the man who, only a few months ago, did not even know the color of his bed covers because he spent every night in his office."
Daniel chuckled. "Well, not anymore," he grinned.
"Are you boasting to your bachelor friend?" Henry raised a brow.
"Not at all." Daniel raised his arms in surrender. "I just want you to find someone who would make you happy, like I did. Besides, you were also invited."
"Please, I don't need someone else telling me these things. My mother is doing an outstanding job reminding me that I need to marry, every time we interact. I do have a mistress, you know that. I don't need a wife."
Daniel rolled his eyes. "Just come with us, Henry," he said. "You might find the future Lady Flock there."
Henry sighed. "I highly doubt that," he disagreed. "But I will come along, no need to nag any longer."
Daniel smiled. "Great, I will personally see to it that you enjoy yourself at the Kalwens."
"Somehow, that makes me a bit anxious."
Daniel Laughed. "Now, go get ready." He patted his friend's back. "We leave in an hour."
"Yes, Your Grace," Henry teased.
After that, Daniel walked to Geoffrey's room with a smile. He stood at the threshold and watched Magnolia and Geoffrey for a moment before his wife noticed him.
"Oh, Daniel." She beamed. "We are almost ready."
"Why are you the one packing the suitcase?" he asked.
"Geoffrey didn't want Lady Green to pack his clothes," Magnolia explained with a smile. "He said he was big enough to do it himself."
"Yes, Papa," Geoffrey confirmed as he put a pair of shorts into the suitcase. "You said I was big, yourself."
Daniel chuckled. "I did say that." He took a few strides to sit on the bed next to them. "But you know, I don't even pack my own luggage."
Geoffrey cocked his head to the side. "Why? You are way bigger than me," the boy stated with innocent eyes.
"Well, I am the duke." Daniel took Geoffrey on his lap. "I employ people to do that for me. One day, you will be the duke as well and you need to make sure you provide work for your people."
Geoffrey was silent for a moment. "So, if I pack my clothes, some people will not have work?"
"Not quite. Packing clothes is only one of the duties, but if we keep doing things ourselves, then they will not have any tasks to do in the end." Daniel smiled. "I can do many things using magic," he whispered in his ear. "But if I did, we would lose most of our employees in the house for lack of work."
"I understand, Papa."
"Of course, we should always be grateful to them and thank them," Daniel added.
"Yes, I always say thank you." Geoffrey nodded.
"You are such a good boy." Daniel kissed him. He looked over to Magnolia who had been watching the whole scene with a warm heart. "Now shall we get going?" he asked her.
"Yes, I believe everything is ready."
"Yay!" Geoffrey jumped from Daniel's lap with excitement.
***
IT TOOK A FEW DAYS to arrive at the small province of Geiranger in the north. The landscape surrounding the area was breathtaking. There were mountains in the distance but everything else was green. The carriage passed by so many lakes and rivers with water as clear as glass, the reflection of the cloudless blue skies made them look magical.
"I never knew Geiranger was this beautiful," Magnolia said.
"It is, the abundance of natural resources makes it one of the most important provinces in the country," Daniel explained. "It provides drinkable water to almost half of Malorenia."
"Oh my."
"That's how the Kalwens made their fortune. The late earl only did the minimum." The duke shrugged. "He only acquired money through his tenants, like his family had been doing for centuries. But after his passing, Richard took over. He is such a smart man, he went into the business of building dams."
"Dams?" Magnolia frowned. "I thought only the government could build them."
"That's right, the government, and Richard Kalwen." Daniel smirked. "Since all these lakes and rivers are on his land, the king had no choice but to make a deal with him. Richard has built more than twenty dams so far. Soon, his fortune might surpass all of nobility's."
"Surpass even you?" Magnolia asked innocently.
Daniel grinned. "No, my love." He kissed her ear. "We have more money than the king himself."
"Ah, I see." Magnolia smiled. "Is my husband the richest man in the kingdom?"
"He is." Daniel raised an eyebrow. "So, the duchess should spend more money as she pleases. Whatever is mine is also yours and Geoffrey's."
"I am already spending too much, Dan," Magnolia complained. "I don't need all of those dresses and jewels."
"If I am the richest man in Malorenia, you are the richest woman, love," Daniel told her. "I would like my wife to have the best of everything."
Magnolia blushed. Having the best of everything is a concept that was very foreign to her. Having a comfortable place for her and Geoffrey, three meals a day, and not fretting for her life or her son's life are already plenty.
But she understood that with being the Duchess of Salicera came responsibilities. She had to maintain an image in high society, and she could not–under any circumstances, tarnish the Van Konigl name.
"I will do my best," was all she uttered.
"Now, I have a mission for you, love."
"A mission?" Magnolia raised a brow.
"The Marquise of Corossa has charged me with finding a wife for Henry," Daniel explained. "I understand that many people were invited to the Kalwens', so I am sure there will be many young eligible ladies."
"Oh my, does Henry know about this?"
"Of course not, he would run for the hills if he did," Daniel joked.
"But why are you trying to find him a bride if he doesn't want to get married?"
"Because he is my friend and I want him to be happily married too." He winked at his wife. She shook her head at him with a smile.
"Fine, but I need to know what he is looking for in a wife." Magnolia shrugged. "You can't find something if you don't even know what you are looking for."
Daniel pondered. "You are right, I will do some investigating and let you know."
"This shall be interesting," Magnolia giggled.
"Indeed." He grinned.
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