The tea party, her first and last as Duchess, ended successfully.
“It was a really fun time today.”
“Thank you for inviting us.”
I responded with a smile to the guests' words.
“No, I'm the one who should be grateful.”
I skillfully poured out what happened with Madeleine and the grande dame during the party.
Moreover, I told them that I would go out with the Grand Madame and Madeleine in two days.
Therefore, whether they wanted to or not, they would inevitably become witnesses of the upcoming event.
‘Furthermore, since individuals from different factions are present, if they lie, the matter will be exposed, and if what they say is consistent, credibility will be established.
Then surely there would be justification...'
While I was thinking about this grand plan,
“Duchess, it has been truly an honor to be here with you today.”
My eyes widened in surprise, but I quickly smiled.
“It was an honor for me too.
Mrs.
Schultz.”
Gisèle Schulz, an old friend of Madeleine and daughter of the venerable Viscount Schulz, who holds a relatively high position in the aristocratic circle.
Seeing her like this, Madeline opened her eyes wide and gave me a sharp look.
'Surprising, I thought Madeleine would be more observant.'
Ignoring Madeleine's gaze, Giselle blinked and asked me with sparkling eyes, “If you don't mind, Duchess, would you like to have tea together again next time?”
I really felt a smile bursting from within me.
'Is it because she grew up being loved?
It's funny how unaware she is.'
When I was twenty-five back, I would have honestly hated someone like her.
Because I was not loved, this kind of innocence was very enviable and repellent to me.
However, now that I was practically in my mental age of thirties, the oblivious and quiet lady seemed nice to me.
'Of course, we won't have tea together again.
But there is no need to refuse.
Because that will make Madeleine feel even worse.'
“Yes, of course.”
Giselle blushed and smiled shyly in response to my answer.
I smiled in response and looked at Madeline out of the corner of my eye.
'Being upset by something like this, is it because of her youth?
She seems to lack emotional control.
Moreover, a series of surprises awaited her two days later…’
I imagined the Grande Madame and Madeleine fainting, and I could hardly suppress the growing laughter.
'I wonder what kind of reaction these people will have to what will happen in two days.'
ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚
Late at night, despite his subordinates' protests, Eric insisted on standing guard.
“Your Highness, please don’t do this and get some rest.
Even if you are transcendent, staying awake for too long is harmful.”
In response to Zenon's words, Eric laughed and replied, "I've gone longer without sleep on the battlefield.
That's nothing."
“But, Your Highness…!”
“Instead of complaining about me, wouldn’t it be better for you to rest?
We still have a long way to the north.”
Zenon sighed.
“Understood.
Then please, just stay up until tonight, and be sure to rest tomorrow.”
When Zenon left, Eric wiped the smile off his face.
'Tomorrow, huh?' 'It will be difficult.'
After leaving the Duke's Palace, Eric had the same dream repeatedly.
He was clinging to Cornelia and the child stubbornly running away from him.
In the dream, Eric was relentlessly chasing them.
'Even in dreams, they run away because they hate me.'
For a moment, as he sighed, Eric's blue eyes darkened.
'Even if it's a dream, I don't understand.'
As a transcendent being, there was nothing he couldn't chase, but in the dream, he was desperately chasing them.
Yes, as if he would face consequences if he allowed them to escape.
Unconsciously, Eric clenched his fist hard.
'But I still couldn't catch them, and I just woke up feeling anxious.'
This feeling of anxiety continued even after waking up, especially regarding Cornelia's safety in the palace.
So much so that he felt like running home and checking on Cornelia.
This desire increased every time he had that dream.
So, instead of sleeping, Eric chose to stand guard.
As long as he didn't dream, he could maintain his composure.
Knock-!
As Eric was about to add another dry log to the fire, a butterfly flew towards the flame.
At that moment, Eric saw that she was overlapping Cornelia and jumped.
“Your Highness, what’s wrong?”
Asked by the soldier who was standing guard with him, Eric let out a hollow laugh.
'Yes, it's just unnecessary worry.'
Janet would send a messenger if something happened, but still no news.
So, as always, you will remain safe in the palace until he returns.
'That's why I left so many knights behind.'
In fact, thinking about pointless matters was unnecessary when important matters loomed on the horizon.
Eric thought like this and the soldier answered indifferently as if it was no big deal.
“Just got lost in thought for a moment...”
At that moment, Eric's eyes immediately lit up.
'Where did they disappear?'
The one who was watching them from hiding rolled his eyes in confusion, and a low voice came from behind him.
“There was a rat.”
'From behind!'
By the time he realized, it was too late.
Duke Brant quickly subdued his body.
“This hair color, he’s a spy from the North.”
Hearing Eric's cold voice, the man felt doomed.
‘After torture and debriefing, he will kill me.
In this case…!’
The man tried to swallow the poison he had hidden in his mouth.
but …!
“Cough!”
In an instant, a dagger was stabbed into his mouth.
"You idiot.
Do you think you know how many Krythans you've killed so far?"
As Eric rummaged through his pockets, an incomplete map appeared.
In addition to the topographical features, the map showed the fortresses of each region and the sizes of the armies.
However, that wasn't the only reason for Eric's serious expression.
‘Short passages are marked here.
To reach the capital as quickly as possible without any conflicts.'
“Immediately notify all nearby territories and commanders, including subordinates.”
Under Eric's orders, Zenon quickly arrived.
“Your Highness, you have caught a spy…!”
Before Zeno could complete his sentence, Eric handed the subdued barbarian spy over to him and said, “There may be other spies approaching the capital.”
Although the short-lane map was still incomplete and cut off at the northern end, this was a precaution.
'Maybe they are in the process of compiling the map.
So...'
“We must prepare to defend against any possible surprise attacks near the capital.”
Agreeing with Eric's words, Zenon nodded.
“Then I will send a messenger!”
“No, that would be too slow.”
It has been more than five days since the entire unit took action.
Even if the messenger returned, it would take at least three days, even if they rushed.
During that period, there was a possibility that the enemy would discover secret passages or the number of spies who had infiltrated.
Eric spoke in a solid voice.
“I will go to the capital and deliver the news.
You go to the north to uncover the spies and prepare for battle.”
ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚
The day of the promised arrival has dawned.
I ordered the maid to dress me up, and I put on a green velvet dress.
Then, I put on a hat with black lace covering my face.
'Good, this should leave a lasting impression on people.'
It would be good if people could recognize me from afar.
This way, this plan will work.
Finally, I called in Sardin.
“Is everything ready?”
“Perfectly.”
“I will thank you after everything is over.”
Sardin nodded in response to my words.
“I will ensure that your plan goes smoothly.”
“Good, then you can leave now.
I still have things to do.”
With that, Sardine nodded and left the room.
Alone, I looked around the large master bedroom where I lived.
'The arrangements I've made...'
Furniture and decorations, including a carefully crafted antique clock.
Before coming back, it was like me, losing its shine, but still having a shine.
'At first, I thought I would be treated well here and was hoping I would be welcomed.'
On the first day of entering the duchy after marriage, I hoped that this place would become my paradise.
Even though Eric's feelings had changed, I was thinking that if I behaved well, he might change his mind.
Gradually, a bitter smile formed on my lips.
'But that was my vanity.
Once feelings change, they rarely come back...'
The youth I thought would shine here has withered miserably.
As someone who thought she would be loved as the mistress of the house, I faded away with the furniture in this room.
Existing but ignored, just a presence that no one cares about, doesn't even look at.
However, owing to the occasional attention I had received, I could not abandon my continuing attachment and waited for Eric like a loyal servant waiting for his master.
How miserable that was.
Always cautious, always looking over my shoulder to avoid dismissal, my pathetic existence.
Then, I fixed my gaze on the photo of the wedding day right in front of me.
'If it wasn't because of you...!'
Uncontrollable anger flared up from within me, at first unclear why these feelings arose.
'But now I know.
It's all because of you!'
I held the ink bottle in front of me and threw it forcefully towards the picture.
Tarakh-!
A black spot now covered the character she hated most—the unfortunate woman in a wedding dress in the picture.
It was me.