Page 73 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

● Custom furniture pieces from Craftsman Hendrick, including cushioned settees and chairs (eight pieces total) - 1,600 gold crowns

● Collection of artwork from various artists (six paintings, three sculptures) - 3,200 gold crowns

● Decorative ceramics and vases from the capital's finest artisans - 800 gold crowns

● New draperies and window treatments for public rooms (materials and labor) - 1,200 gold crowns

● Various plants, planters, and decorative elements - 400 gold crowns

Total expenditure to date: 9,600 gold crowns

Additional commissions are anticipated as the project continues.

Caspian read the list twice, tallying the individual items to confirm the total.

Nine thousand, six hundred gold crowns.

For someone of more modest means, this would be a staggering sum. It represented more than most nobles spent on their estates in a year.

For Caspian, whose ducal holdings and Crown stipends for defending the northern border generated over six hundred thousand gold crowns annually, it was barely noticeable.

He'd spent three times that amount furnishing Caroline's wing when they'd first married, trying to make her comfortable while keeping his distance. The irony that she'd ignored all of it then but was now enthusiastically spending his money to make the estate feel like home wasn't lost on him.

The Duchess has expressed that these improvements will make Frostholme "feel more welcoming and warm." Lady Beatrice appears to be providing guidance on aesthetic choices, while Viscount Holloway has offered assistance with coordination and logistics.

The siblings have indicated they plan to remain until your return, expressing a desire to meet with you properly.

All other estate matters remain routine. The guards report no security concerns. Supplies are adequate. No issues requiring immediate attention.

I remain at your service,

Sterling Whitmore, Senior Advisor

Caspian set down the letter and rubbed his temples.

"Bad news, Your Grace?" Marcus asked carefully. The vice commander was a solid, practical man in his early thirties who rarely showed concern unless the situation warranted it.

"No," Caspian said. "Just... complicated."

"May I ask what's complicated, Your Grace?" Thomson ventured.

Caspian considered the question. These were his most trusted officers. They'd already been witness to his unusual behavior over the last three days. They might as well know why.

"My wife's siblings have arrived at the estate," Caspian said. "Unannounced."

Edwin's eyebrows rose. "The ones she's been writing desperate letters to for two months?"

"The same."

"The ones who probably think you're a monster holding their sister hostage?" Thomson added.

"Likely, yes."

Marcus frowned. "That could be problematic. Do they pose a security threat?"

"No," Caspian said. "They're concerned family members checking on their sister. Which is... reasonable, given how Caroline was behaving before."

"Before she decided to stop being miserable and start adopting apex predators," Edwin said. "I'm sure they're very confused."