CH 19

Hardin followed Armedie like a mouse to the door as soon as he received the order.

He knew the place perfectly, right down to its use as a secret meeting place for noble women.

“Well done, Hardin.”

“That day, I will follow you.”

“Very well. Keep an eye out for suspicious behavior around here.”

Ah, they declined my invitation for all sorts of ridiculous reasons.

But here they were, having their own secret tea party.

The mood of the party froze cold at the arrival of the uninvited guest.

“…Grand Duchess Noctis?”

A voice called out to me from a distance.

The ladies’ pupils dilated, as if they had seen the grim reaper.

“If there was such an interesting occasion, why haven’t you invited me?”

I nonchalantly folded my parasol and walked over to where Armédie was sitting.

“…Your Highness, what brings you here?”

“It’s a beautiful day, and my walk brought me here.”

“…….”

“I had no idea you were here.”

How does it feel being harassed by a young woman?

Or is it because a Bevenia bore now the surname Noctis and rules over them?

The stoney faces of the ladies are a sight to behold.

“How long are you going to keep me standing like this?”

“…I beg your pardon, Your Grace, please sit down.”

Armédie stood up with a grim look on her face.

The imperial palace that began with the imperial family and ended with it.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that she held the reins of power in the old Empress Dowager’s stead.

To be trusted by such a woman, Armédie must be a noble among nobles.

That’s what you call ‘real power’.

“You may rise, and you may sit beside me.”

I clenched my fist and grabbed her as she tried to move to the end seat.

She said I was trying to get in line for the Empress Dowager.

In a way, she wasn’t wrong.

Armédie, not expecting my consideration, looked dumbfounded for a moment.

“Come on.”

The woman on my left stood up and moved to the end of the line, taking her place.

As befits her position, she remains wary of me.

Although, at this point, no one was letting their guard down for the unwelcome Flotty.

“You must have many questions for me.”

“…….”

“I’ll answer as many as you want, so ask away. You won’t get many opportunities like this.”

All the people who had been chatting excitedly when I wasn’t around fell silent.

They’re funny, really.

The same people who, just a few moments before, had scoffed at the thought of House Bevenia.

Now that I’m in front of them with the title of Grand Duchess, they can’t say a word?

“Everyone is speechless.”

The servant set the freshly brewed tea in front of me.

“Strange, I thought you had many questions.”

“Haha, everyone seems surprised by the Grand Duchess’ unexpected visit.”

“Yeah, surprised.”

Each of them made up some excuse to decline my invitation.

Yet, they’re shamelessly gathered here.

“I thought you said you were heading down to the estate with the Viscount.”

“Oh, that’s…….”

Natasha replied in a haphazardly scrawled font on sloppy stationery.

“That’s the one that was suddenly canceled.”

“Yes, yes. That’s right, ma’am.”

I can tell she’s breaking out in a cold sweat.

It’s easy to see through a bad lie.

When I break into a fit of giggles, Natasha seems to think I forgave her so she lifted the ends of her lips to match mine.

“Yes, Madam Tirith, you said your daughter was ill, didn’t you?”

“…Ah, ma’am, that was…….”

“Well, she’s finally feeling better today, isn’t she?”

“Yes……. That’s right.”

It’s hilarious how she looks away, unable to fix her lie.

It’s funny how she clasps her hands together under the table and doesn’t know what to do.

“Madam Marais, you must have just regained your health today.”

“……That’s not what it is.”

“It is, isn’t it?”

“…….”

“And today just so happens to be the day that you’re all relieved of your duties?”

I looked as relaxed as ever and quenched my thirst with the fragrant tea.

The bitter aroma of black tea wafted to my nostrils.

No one answered me easily.

I scan them all with my benevolent gaze, and they all grimace and avert their eyes.

“Your Grace, please do not be offended by this prearranged tea time.”

Armédie was a master of formalities.

Straightening her back, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around the other ladies when I thought she would never open her mouth.

“It seems the other ladies had a hard time declining Your Grace’s invitation.”

In comparison to her portrait, which exudes a great deal of pride, she seems different.

She transferred the refreshments on the tray to a saucer and set it in front of me.

“I hope this makes you feel better.”

Even so, her eye level is well above mine.

“I’ve never had my heart broken, so there’s no need to make me feel better.”

“I’m glad to hear that. I hope you enjoy your visit.”

Hot sparks fly between Armedie and I.

Her way of talking reminded me of the serpent-like prince.

I can already imagine what the Empress Dowager is like without ever meeting her.

“So now, if you have any questions, you can ask me.”

“Oh…….”

“Don’t worry, I’m not trying to tease you.”

I tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear and waited for their response.

The first to speak was a Baroness, a woman with a face that was too young to be called Madam.

“I… I first met you at the palace banquet, and you are indeed a member of the Duke of Bevenia’s…….”

She paused to ask a question, then moistened her lips with her tongue.

Her mouth must be watering at the thought of a Bevenia, the center of gossip of social circles, right in front of her.

I smiled softly.

“That’s right. I am a member of the Duke of Bevenia’s family.”

“Hmph…….”

With the sound of an intake of breath, the garden fell silent again.

In the silence, I could hear them talking to each other over the fan.

“It’s true, isn’t it?”

“I told you so.”

I decided to ignore them and move on.

When they were done asking questions, I could return the favor.

“So, how did you meet the Grand Duke?”

“That should not be the first question.”

It’s the Duchess of Kellus.

Diana, Lady Kellus’ biological mother.

I wonder who the lady’s flowing red hair resembles, so it’s her mom.

“I suppose the first thing I should ask you is how you’re here, while your mother is busy running around in disguise?”

Madam Kellus, who looked young for her age, crossed her arms and pointed sharply.

“That’s because…….”

“Don’t tell me the Duke of Bevenia’s family isn’t behind the treason. Everyone knows the Imperial Knights are already searching for them.”

“Ha.”

She sounds like her mother, Diana, even in her venomous voice.

“Who told you to interrupt me?”

“W, what?”

“Your etiquette is terrible. It’s obvious since even Lady Kellus hasn’t been taught properly.”

“Grand Duchess!”

“Duchess Kellus.”

I don’t know how much you guys have been making fun of Flotty.

I can’t even leave the house anymore.

But I’m not the downtrodden, ignored Flotty.

“In times like these, the first thing you should say is, ‘I’m sorry.'”

Duchess Kellus’ face crumpled nicely.

Her cheeks flushed a shade of red that looked almost identical to her hair.

“I’m already well known in social circles. I used to be known as the ‘Cursed Child of Bevenia’.”

“…….”

I don’t know anyone who hasn’t heard that story at least once.

Anyone who socializes in the Orlan Empire knows it.

It was the most talked-about story everywhere.

“It was the Grand Duke who surrounded me with love, so I hope there will be no further speculation.”

Watching myself act, I thought I was so shameless.

Even I was surprised at the lies that came out of my mouth.

“I wasn’t living in that mansion long before the Duke started planning things up.”

“Huh…….”

I heard the sound of gasps here and there.

They gave me a wistful glance, as if they’d missed out on a valuable piece of gossip.

They still looked disbelieving.

“Well, how are we supposed to believe that?”

“I don’t need your faith.”

Now Duchess Kellus’ face is starting to turn red.

How humiliating it must be to have a woman of her daughter’s age pose as a Grand Duchess.

And it was even Flotty, who was shunned by society.

I can only imagine what was running through her mind, and I can’t help but laugh.

“So it would be best if you did not speak unkindly of His Highness.”

None of them answered.

They only stare at Duchess Kellus, me, and Armedie, who is watching all of this.

“By the way, Lady Pessia. I have a favor to ask of you.”

“I’m not sure I have the capability to grant your request.”

I’ve had enough of this boring Kellus.

Now I need to work on her armor that will grant me access to the Empress Dowager.

“I’ve just arrived in the capital, and I’m looking for a shrine to pray at. If you don’t mind, could I come with you to your favorite shrine?”

Of all the shrines, there is only one where the Empress Dowager and Armedie go to pray together.

I wonder what she’s thinking when she hears my request.

Her gray eyes were young and cold, and I could sense a chill in them.

‘This is all a ploy to get at the Empress Dowager.’ 

‘But why? Grand Duke Noctis is an enemy of the Empress Dowager, a foe.’

Armédie’s eyes narrowed at the lingering suspicion.

“Of course, I will send you a letter soon.” (Armedie)

In an attempt to erase the doubt from her expression, she covers her face with a smile.

“I’ll wait, then.” (Flotty)

I’d better get the hell out of this party I’ve made a mess of.

Standing up, I walk around to the back of Duchess Kellus, who is shaking with rage.

“Oh, I forgot about that.”

I leaned in close and whispered in her ear so no one else could hear.

“Your husband will not be returning home today.”

“……What!”

“Shhh. Be quiet.”

“…….”

“You should go to the Partani Hotel. You’ll have a great time.”

It’s one thing for a noble to have a mistress,

but to see it with their own eyes is another matter.

Duchess Kellus, you must be in a very foul mood today.