New World with Four Husbands

Chapter 683: Craftsmen

The carriage ride toward the city was smooth and quick, the path clearing effortlessly before them.

The citizens of the city moved to let them pass, their movements practiced and well-timed as the carriages glided swiftly, the horses’ hooves clattering against the cobblestones, the wheels rolling smoothly over the pathways.

Coco watched, marveling at the way the citizens moved for them.

Not long after, the carriage came to a halt in the middle of the bustling market street, the busy area filled with people hurrying to get to their destinations.

Before Coco could even fully process where they were, the door swung open, interrupting her thoughts.

The footman stood beside the open door of the carriage, clearing his throat politely to catch Coco’s attention and he spoke with a deferential tone, his gaze lowered respectfully.

"My lady." He murmured, his voice barely audible above the noise of the busy market around them. "The Duchess is calling for you."

Coco gave a small, but firm nod in acknowledgment, her lips curving in a grateful smile then, as if on cue, Zaque moved to exit the carriage before her, extending a hand in her direction.

Coco’s gaze flicked to his hand and without hesitation, she accepted it, her fingers sliding into his strong grip.

He gave her a gentle squeeze before gently helping her out of the vehicle.

When she got out, Coco quickly pulled Zaque close with a soft tug and he obligingly leaned down slightly, allowing her to press a quick kiss against his cheek.

She pulled back, her gaze shifting to the carriage where Cleora stood beside an unknown man, their heads bent together in hushed conversation.

Coco took a few steps closer and let go of the mediator’s hand, a curious expression on her face.

Cleora turned when Coco approached and got close enough, a small flicker of amusement in her gaze as she gestured toward the man standing beside her, who had also turned to face Coco.

"Coco." Cleora hummed and smiled at her daughter. "This gentleman here will be in charge of crafting the furniture in the house for you."

The gentleman offered a polite nod, his eyes flickering over her briefly at the mention of the furniture, but Coco blinked in surprise, her gaze flicking between the two of them.

Furniture? They had a furniture maker? For their new house?

Just as Coco was beginning to process Cleora’s words, a voice cut through the air, redirecting her attention.

"Your Grace." She called, her tone polite, but with a hint of eagerness as she stopped before the three of them, her demeanor respectful when she addressed Cleora. "I heard you called for me?"

Cleora nodded, her gaze sharpening slightly as she turned her attention toward the woman.

"Ah, you must be her." She replied smoothly, her voice still cool and composed. "I wasn’t expecting you to arrive as early as us."

The woman smiled, appreciating the underlying pleased tone of Cleora’s words.

Then, Cleora gestured gracefully toward the woman, her tone calm and deliberate— just as Jacques stepped forward, drawn by the conversation.

"This lady will be in charge of Jacques’ house." Cleora stated, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

The moment the words left Cleora’s lips, Jacques froze.

Coco nodded, then turned to the craftsman with a warm smile, her head tilting slightly as she addressed Cleora. "Care to introduce him to me? I don’t believe I’ve caught his name yet."

Cleora blinked and scratched her cheek— a small, unguarded gesture that sent a ripple of quiet shock through the group.

The craftsmen stiffened and the footmen’s jaws dropped.

They never saw the Duchess never do that.

But there it was— the faintest flush at her cheeks, the slight dip of her chin as she glanced at Coco and in that moment, they couldn’t help, but wonder.

Who is this girl? How could she make the Duchess wear a look they had never seen?

Their eyes flicked to Coco— the way she stood without fear, without lowering her head like others, and yet standing with such ease beside Cleora.

A friend? A protégé? Or.. Something more? A lover?

They didn’t know, but one thing was certain.. She held a key to the woman behind the title— and no one else had ever come close.

Cleora cleared her throat, straightening slightly, trying to reclaim her composure, though the softness in her eyes remained and with a motion uncharacteristically tender for a woman of her status, she reached out and gently ruffled Coco’s hair, fingers threading through the dark strands with affection.

"Sorry about that." She murmured, voice warm, still carrying a sheepish look. "I was just.. Excited. To see what you would want in your home and to introduce you to them."

Coco blinked up at her mother, just as Cleora’s hand slid down from her hair to rest gently on her shoulder, turning her towards the male craftsman.

"This is Bob." The older woman began, a note of admiration and pride in her voice as she introduced him to her daughter. "The best woodworker you’ll find anywhere in Ersthan."

Coco found herself facing the craftsman Cleora had gestured towards— Bob himself.

The man had lowered his head before, an acknowledgment, but now, his demeanor changed completely somehow.

She felt a strong sense of respect around him and it was clear to all present that the man had recognized Coco’s importance to the Duchess.

He dipped his head even further, his voice held genuine sincerity, every word carefully chosen. "It is an honor to be working under you, my lady. I will be under your care starting today."

Cleora smiled, satisfied.

Then, her gaze shifted to Jacques, who stood beside them and with a nod, Jacques stepped closer to Cleora, her eyes following the person Cleora was looking to.

"This is Marie." Cleora introduced the woman with a proud chuckle. "She is also the best in her field."

"It’s an honor to work under you, my lady."