Chapter 98

“Ah…”

It was a young woman. A woman with fire-red hair and red-brown eyes, that gave the impression of overflowing even at a glance, and Petronilla quickly guessed that she was the Duke of Efreni’s mistress.

Petronilla glanced over at the Duchess of Efreni, who was shaking her body and suppressing her emotions in order not to show such ugliness in front of Petronila, who was the guest. But for Petronilla, who had already grasped the whole situation, simply thought that the Duchess hated her husband’s mistress to that extent.

Petronilla wondered whether to greet the woman, who was supposedly the Duke’s mistress but decided to stay still. Even if she did, her status was not low, so it would not be a fault to do so.

Petronilla sat still and watched the dynamics between the Duchess and the mistress. The Duchess calmed down her trembling hands and asked the mistress.

“January, what is it?”

“I was wondering if a guest had come, Elder Sister.”

The face of Duchess Efreni hardened noticeably with the words ‘Elder Sister’. Petronilla felt bad vibes and tensed up her body. The Duchess of Efreni opened her mouth with a cold voice.

“Even so, that is none of your concern. Is it not?”

“Oh, Elder Sister. I was just wondering if I could be of any help.”

As the woman said that, she laughed gently, and spoke in a friendly voice to Duchess Efreni.

“You will be gone from the Efreni Estate starting from today. I was getting worried.”

Even though it was a response that deviated from the subject, it was her intention to provoke the Duchess of Efreni by bringing it up. If Petronilla felt that way, it would not have gone unnoticed by the shrewd Duchess of Efreni. The Duchess smothered her anger and responded coolly.

“How could I entrust you with such serious work as this? Do you not think so?”

“…”

“That is why, while I am gone, I will be leaving the affairs of the household to this young lady from a deeply rooted Marquis family. Did I not say this once before?”

“You did it, Elder Sister.”

January smiled beautifully and looked at Petronilla. Petronilla had a little smile pass through her expressionless face. The smile was not too excessive, and not too empty, and January smiled slightly at the formal smile.

“Just by looking briefly, it is clear she has a good disposition and will fill Elder Sister’s empty space well.”

“… I also think so.”

The Duchess of Efreni then forced a smile and said to January.

“While I am away, Lady Grochester will take care of all the matters for the rest of the household. So I hope you follow the instructions of the Lady. You are also a member of this family.”

“… as I must.”

January smiled obediently, and Petronilla instinctively thought that the little time she would have to spend with her would be very tiring. She was only fortunate that she would be spending very little time in this house. Anyways, she was only going to look over at the minimum that was necessary.

“You must leave now, Duchess. You will be late at this rate.”

When a servant urgently told this to the Duchess of Efreni, she stood up as if she had no choice. She held Petronilla in an embrace one last time and spoke to Petronilla in a voice that was unparalleled with warmth.

“I leave everything in your care, Lady. But obviously nothing will happen that will require your attention.”

Because the butler was holding down the fort. Petronilla nodded as if she knew what the Duchess meant.

“Yes, Duchess. Please take care of yourself.”

“Thank you, then.”

The Duchess of Efreni returned to her usual calm self and left the house. All the servants in the Duke’s house saw her off, and that included January as well. Even though the Duchess of Efreni had been blatantly ignoring her.

As soon as Duchess Efreni left the estate, January slowly approached Petronila. Petronilla laughed without getting flustered. January then spoke to her.

“It seems that Elder Sister did not trust me. Considering she has asked someone else to take care of this, and not me.”

“That cannot be, Madam.”

Petronilla smiled elegantly and defended the Duchess of Efreni.

“The Duchess probably wanted you to be considerate and wanted you to feel comfortable.”

“Do you really think so?”

“I do not know. Honestly, I cannot know a human’s thoughts.”

Petronilla ambiguously concluded.

“Anyways, I was not told about anything other than just being asked to help out. If I knew you were here, I would have refused.”

Of course, she had accepted this proposal because she had already known. Petronilla pretended not to know, however, and spoke on to January.

“Do not worry, Madam. I am only going to do the minimal things the Duchess has asked for. Anyways, I am an outsider, and I do not think that the Duke would like to have an outsider know the situation inside his home.”

“The Lady is smart, as well as polite.”

“That is flattering.”

Petronilla slightly lifted her head and peeked to look up at January. Petronilla wasn’t too short, but January was taller than her. She had entered her thirties, but she looked quite young for her age, and she could pass for her twenties at a glance. Petronilla, who knew to some extent the circumstances of this household, only felt pity for the Duchess of Efreni. A Duke that did not possess any grace.

“I heard about the basic details from the butler yesterday. I will stop by only when needed. Even if it is not me, the butler will take good care of the household affairs.”

So this was simply playing the role of a watchdog. Even January and Duchess Efreni knew it. It was merely symbolic. Petronilla spoke further.

“I think that Her Majesty will be waiting for me. I will be on my way now.”

“Take care, Lady. Butler, escort her.”

“… Yes. ”

“…”

Petronilla got on the carriage without a word. Before the carriage departed, the butler quietly spoke to her.