「Again today?」

That day, when informed by the Earl's valet that he would not be attending dinner, Countess Ursula Rainbird, with her back perfectly straight, replied with a single, expressionless "Is that so?" her voice devoid of warmth or inflection.

Dining alone was hardly a novel experience.

Far from it; though half the month had already passed, she had dined with her husband fewer times than she could count on one hand.

Citing differences in sleep schedules, they now slept in separate bedrooms.

She knew it was a busy time for managing the estate.

Therefore, Ursula, as his wife, said nothing and, aside from her social obligations, had endeavored to do what she could, such as managing the household and assisting with estate affairs in his absence.

This, however, was a concerning trend.

Ursula finished her meal in less time than usual, then summoned not only the butler, but also the serving staff and the head chef from the kitchen, and questioned them.

「…What have His Lordship’s meals been like this past week?」

A heartwarming, if subtle, story about the unsmiling, expressionless Countess and her husband, the Earl.