Serena sat at her desk, busy sorting through the budget for the upcoming winter. Her pen scratched steadily across the parchment, neat rows of numbers filling the page.
A knock interrupted her concentration.
"Come in," she called.
The door opened, and Lucas stepped in, his face unusually bright.
"Hello, Mother," he greeted casually.
Serena looked up and smiled. It had become easier to speak freely with him now; the awkwardness that once lingered between them had slowly faded.
"Oh, Lucas, it's good you came," she said, waving him over.
He leaned casually against the side of her desk. "What is it?"
"I think," Serena began thoughtfully, tapping her finger lightly against her lips, "you should expand the budget for the annex."
Lucas narrowed his eyes slightly, amused. "Are you saying the funds aren't enough?"
Serena tilted her head, considering her words.
"Why don't you check the ledgers for the annex?" she suggested, handing him a few neatly stacked books. "Then you'll understand."
Lucas took the ledgers, curiosity sparking in his gaze as he flipped one open.
The pages were filled with neat, elegant handwriting—there was no mistaking that it was Serena's work. Lucas flipped through them carefully, his brows gradually knitting together.
The budget for the annex was far lower than he had expected.
More troubling, he noticed some of the servants' wages were being covered... from Serena's personal money.
Lucas glanced up at Serena, then back at the ledger, then at her again—his expression unreadable.
Finally, he asked, voice low, "Where did you earn the money to pay the shortage in servants' wages?"
Serena remained calm. "I don't think I am obliged to tell you that," she replied lightly, meeting his gaze without flinching. "Since it's a personal matter."
Lucas was taken aback by her firm refusal. He raked a hand through his hair in frustration before sighing heavily.
"Then... how much do you want to increase the budget?" he asked, his voice a little rough but resigned.
Serena smiled gently, as if she had been expecting him to ask.
"An additional 200 gold coins should be enough to cover the annex's maintenance and the servants' wages properly," she said, her voice calm. "Of course, if you think it's too much, we can negotiate a smaller amount."
Lucas frowned slightly, calculating in his head. It wasn't an unreasonable request, considering the size of the annex and the number of people working there.
"...Fine," he finally said, exhaling deeply. "I'll approve the increase."
Serena's smile deepened, a rare softness flickering across her face.
"Thank you, Lucas."
Lucas grumbled under his breath, but the corner of his mouth twitched upward.
Serena waved as Lucas was hurriedly taken away by Erick, his personal aide. She looked out the window, the morning light soft against the curtains.
The budget had finally been increased—now she could properly renovate the annex.
Before, the budget had only been 100 gold coins, barely enough to cover the servants' basic wages and the most urgent repairs.
But now, with 200 gold coins allocated, the problem was solved. She could finally give the annex the care and attention it deserved.
Serena rang her bell, and soon Aiden arrived, bowing politely.
"Aiden," Serena said, her voice light with rare excitement, "it looks like we can finally renovate the annex now."
Aiden's eyes became teary as he looked at his duchess proudly, his chest swelling with emotion.
"That's wonderful news, Your Grace," he said, his voice slightly trembling.
Serena smiled warmly and stood up, brushing her dress neatly.
"I want to take a look at the annex," she continued, her tone firm yet gentle. "I need to see just how much renovation it truly needs, and we must also prepare the winter supplies."
"Yes, Your Grace," Aiden nodded eagerly, stepping aside to escort her.
Together, they left the study, their footsteps steady.