CH 30.1

“. . . Yes? Ah . . . I’m sorry.”

Panicking, Marie had tilted her hand, and hot tea had spilled over the rim of the teacup. Marie hurriedly wiped the table, issuing a series of apologies. Her fingertips were trembling.

“I’ll bring another teacup.”

Anne glanced at Marie, who was about to stand up while holding the cup of hot water, and spoke.

“You didn’t end up saying that you’re not a mistress with your own mouth.”

Clink!

At that moment, the teacup fell to the floor and shattered. Marie, standing still, saw at Anne’s stern expression, and fell to the floor where the broken pieces were scattered.

“Ma . . . Madam, I . . . I didn’t mean to deceive you. . . I . . .”

“I know His Grace made you do that. By the way . . . I was comfortable around you because I wanted you to be like a younger sister, but it’s disgusting when you deceive me with a smile.”

Anne knew it too. The Grand Duke’s arrows were shooting at the powerless Marie, under the pretext of receiving his orders.

But today, when Marie smiled at her brightly, seeing that lying face, Anne couldn’t stand it any longer. Tears fell from Marie’s eyes and dripped to the floor.

“For the time being, don’t come to my room unless I order it.”

Whether or not there was a faint scent of blood from the flesh cut from the sharp pieces, Anne didn’t care. In the first place, all of these people were just the Grand Duke’s pawns. She couldn’t rely on them.

* * *

Five days later was the day of the banquet. Through the window, Anne stared indifferently at the carriages passing through the main gate.

“The vassals of the Cromund family are arriving one after another.”

Mrs. Wald, who was checking the Grand Duchess’s banquet dress for the last time, spoke carefully.

“How is Marie doing now?”

She could feel the tension from the chief handmaid and the handmaids helping with Anne’s headdress.

“Marie . . . is probably on probation in her room.”

As if she had heard of all the circumstances, Marie was no longer mentioned with a title.

“Take it easy. I have no intentions of questioning the chief handmaid.”

Anne got up from the chair and slowly gazed at her makeup reflected in the mirror.

Everyone in the Grand Duke’s castle had become one to deceive her. It was a given to call everyone and rebuke them, but the more she did it, the more likely she would be isolated here. This time, Anne would leave them as they are. However, a warning was necessary— she did not intend to be seen as weak by her subordinates.

“It’s just this once, there will be no second time. Next time something like this happens, you will be punished, so you will have to behave properly.”

The air in the room, which had been fueled by excitement from the banquet, sank.

“I will keep that in mind, Your Grace.”

“From next week, tell Marie to attend me again.”

With Mrs. Wald’s trembling reply, Anne dismissed everyone except Emily.

“Madam, you’ve become very mature.”

As Emily, who knew a bit about what had happened, spoke, Anne relaxed her rigid expression.

“Did I look like that? I had to change after you left.”

After Emily, who had received a harsh beating on Anne’s behalf, left, Anne had to live alone, swallowing her sorrow. By the time she realized that no one could be relied on but herself, she had learned to control herself well.

That was Anne’s way of life.

“But I am so happy that you have grown up so beautifully.”

Emily’s eyes were tinged with admiration, watching Anne’s gold hair, which had been draped in a long braid on one side of her neck. Thanks to the elaborate make-up, Anne was able to cover her pale face.

A dignified and gorgeous lady was in the mirror. But Anne did not admire it. This dress, too, would lose its shape and become torn fabric by the night.

“It’s worth a look.”

As soon as she remembered him, the heavy low-pitched sound came from behind her. Looking behind her, the Grand Duke was entering the room as her escort.

The Grand Duke’s gaze ran from the tip of Anne’s head to her toes with great meticulousness. Even without expression on his face, she could tell that he was pleased with it. Maybe because she’s been living with for quite a while. She could roughly understand his feelings now.

“. . . Is it to your liking?”

“I want to tear it apart.”

A not-completely unexpected answer. Anne sighed and replied calmly.

“You . . . look different today.”

He was wearing a black-blue robe with gold thread embroidery. The royal blue cravat, combined with his dark hair, showed off his handsome figure.