Chapter 25

***

Four days following the duke of Edenbahir’s death.

Even when a major controversy came out, time continued to flow without interruption.

As public interest in Anita and Lancelot began to wane, the induction ceremony was staged as the last step in the grieving process.

Considering the importance of the Duke of Edenbahir, the number of guests for the inaugural event was laughably modest.

Lancelot, who remained at Anita’s side the whole time, addressed her questions.

“Because the Duchess Dowager denied or prevented the mourners’ visit in advance under the guise of silently retaining the mourning. The majority of folks here are family.”

Eventually, he started listing the names and details of each individual gathered around the casket.

All of the Grand Duchess Dowager’s brothers, great aunts, and cousins,  were gathered around him.

In addition, none of the people that attended the inaugural event talked with Anita. It was sufficient for her to approach him, offer Lancelot a few words of sympathy, and then go.

It is the same as treating her as if she does not exist.

She never said anything because they’re all mourners.

What the Grand Duchess Dowager intended to express was straightforward.

She is attempting to imply that Anita Volloni has no place in Edenbahir.

Not only for her, but also for the members of the family branch, thus it might be argued that it killed two birds with one stone.

If there are numerous visitors, it will be difficult for her to refuse Anita.

Lancelot has been unofficially succeeding the Duchy for the previous several days, and he has had to personally verify the minor particulars.

Anita, an outsider, was not yet ready to handle all family issues, thus it was appropriate for the Grand Duchess Dowager to assume responsibility for the mourning.

“The Matriarch has a vast network and many devotees. It is not tough to surpass me.”

Exterior conditions are identical to those inside the home.

Anita decided to wed in order to discover the location of her father and the truth behind the family’s demise.

It is not that she did not anticipate standing at the other end of the procedure with the Matriarch.

It was irrelevant that the Matriarch was dissatisfied with her. Anita inherited the investment management rights of the Callasgo Trust, which the Grand Duchess Dowager is attempting to acquire.

Therefore, it is not surprising that the Grand Duchess Dowager was the one responsible for Volloni’s bankruptcy.

The mystery man who gave Volches the letter may be linked to the Grand Duchess Dowager. No, it is likely connected.

Anita had to unearth the Grand Duchess Dowager in order to discover the reason for the Volloni family’s bankruptcy and her father’s absence.

‘It must have been that she was attempting to exclude me from Edenbahir.’

‘How to move with more ease—’

“Even if it’s a sham wedding. You treat me like a cold-hearted spouse.”

Was she that inexperienced in managing facial expressions?

Lancelot bent to her ear and pleaded with her to calm down.

“I told you to just trust me, but I don’t want to leave you alone in this roomy Chavalon.”

“Does it imply you’ll be at my side forever?”

“It would be difficult for you to follow me all day.”

‘In what manner then will you not leave me alone?’

Duke Edenbahir’s corpse was ultimately put in a casket. The coffins were carried by three attendants, and the mourners followed them slowly.

For decades, the Duke of Edenbahir and his wife have been enshrined in the rear house of the ancient mansion in the southern region of Chavalon (which reportedly served as the duke’s dwelling until 80 years ago). The former mansion was 30 minutes distant by automobile from the duke’s house, so they all relocated.

When the black coffin arrived at the ancient home, it was lowered under the earth immediately before being buried.

Jill disclosed the will of Ludwig Edenbahir, Duke Edenbahir.

“My cherished son, Lancelot. I have not made many preparations for you. Forgive me for lacking. I’ll entrust you with everything in the House of Edenbahir. My desire is singular. Remember the deaths of your mother and brother.”

‘Does Lancelot have a sibling? It was the first time he had ever heard of Anita, despite their 10-year friendship.’

She was aware that the Duchess passed away many years ago, however…

Since he’s been in hiding for ten years, there must have been a valid reason. Anita chose to pretend she was unaware until Lancelot spoke.

The in-law remained mute. Even through the eyes of an outsider, Anita could tell that the grownups in Edenbahir were paying close attention to one another.

Ironically, it seemed that only Lancelot himself was immune to the influence of the will.

The youthful-appearing middle-aged guy questioned Jill.

“Baron Jill. Is that the final word from His Excellency?”

“Yes, this is the end.”

The adults who gathered their heads grumbled in revolting tones.

“It’s great. You really didn’t say anything to your Matriarch, did you?”

“He is a kid who even in death pierces his mother’s chest.”

“Hmm, hmm. Now that his will has been validated, I believe it is time to bury his body, Baron Jill.”

Jill nodded with a harsh expression.

As the servant lowered the casket into the grave, the Grand Duchess Dowager showered it with flowers.

Anita, who was last in line, put the lily bouquet she was carrying on the coffin.

‘I purchased the flower in advance, therefore it is a little wilted. I’m so sorry. Goodbye, Duke.’

The outline of the coffin gradually faded away under the dispersed earth. Compared to the time Anita had spent with him, it was a shockingly brief and fruitless departure.

As soon as the induction ceremony concluded, they began to depart individually.

The Grand Duchess Dowager and other grownups departed the ancient home promptly, and Lancelot seemed to be conversing with a guy who appeared to be an outsider.

Anita, who was also waiting for him, had a middle-aged lady who unexpectedly approached her.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Duchess.”

It seemed foreign, yet Anita immediately knew her identity.

Millena Andersen. A Countess.

The contemporary world’s fairy godmother, who draws both new talents and great scandals.

She was a remarkable lady with clear eyes and long, lovely lips that are heavily made up.

“I can’t help but notice you since you’re always on the papers.”

How was the Godmother able to attend the inauguration ceremony? She must be an important figure.

“Countess Andersen. Don’t say that. I haven’t been married yet—”

“Call me Countess Milena… that will make you feel familiar.”

Countess Milena grinned and surveyed Anita from head to toe. It was a harsh mannerism.

“It is consistent with the overall results, although… You have large breasts.”

“Yes?”

Anita couldn’t talk right now… she’s exactly like this.

What did she say on our first meeting?

Countess Milena, however, did not care about Anita’s embarrassment.

Not understanding what she disliked so much, her brow, which was as delicate as white jade, rapidly contracted.

“I can’t. I will need to remeasure the prepared clothing. Hey, Jill!”

It was a tense and boisterous conversation.

Jill, who was observing the grave of the Duke of Edenbahir, ran up to them in a hurry.

“Yes. What’s the matter, Countess?”

“Your maid has lost the duchess’s bust size. She nearly got married looking like a dork. Do you want the whole newspaper to have the uncomfortable and scandalous headline that she seduced the Duke of Edenbahir like that?”

“Yes?”

Jill and Anita were awestruck by the obvious reprimand that proceeded without a pause.

“It’s a somewhat inaccurate chest measurement.”

“Absolutely not. You measured it improperly. A lot! It’s like observing the ocean while describing a lake! It’s making normal for the button to pop!”

“Ma… Madam.”

Regardless, this look caused Anita’s face to flush scarlet.

The deformed forehead of Countess Milena could not be extended despite the unrelenting pressure.

“I don’t know who’s that, but I’ll catch her! Don’t let her approach the Duchess especially if she’s a simpleton or a maid of the Matriarch… You understand?”

Was it because of the mention of the Grand Duchess Dowager name? Jill’s complexion changed abruptly.

“That will be kept in mind. We regret the inconvenience, Countess Milena.”

He lowered his head respectfully and apologized instantly to Anita.

“I nearly made a terrible mistake. I’m sorry, Young Lady Anita.”

“It’s… It’s fine.”

“You cannot say it is acceptable, Duchess. If they commit an error, they should be severely punished! Future apologies are unnecessary. Don’t arrange an appointment, since I will come to you tomorrow with a lovely set of clothing and jewels.”

There was no time to maintain possession. Countess Milena said her remarks without hesitation and hurriedly retreated.

Anita’s expression, while gazing at her back, was not as ludicrous as it was before.

‘You said you wouldn’t leave me alone in Chavalon, Lancelot—

You were referring to Countess Milena.’

“However, the Countess is only an outsider.”

Even with Lancelot residing in the duke’s home, there must be restrictions.

People.

‘I need someone I can entrust with all of the tasks at the duke’s residence.’

A trustworthy individual who can take precise body measurements.