CH 1.19

“I’d better get you out of the Duke’s house sooner rather than later. Your hostile act of doing whatever you please in the name of the Duke of Lindbeld and disgracing this name is worthy of death. Since I have taken the trouble to find you a marriage partner, you should consider this a generous punishment.”

I really could have taken you to court for the so-called defamation, you know?

I’m confident that I will win. I’m sure I can win.

The court will definitely give the Duchess of Lindbeld the benefit of the doubt. That way, you’ll live in a monastery for the rest of your life  at best,  and at worst, you’ll live in prison.

I don’t care for either, but I think you should get married.

“Anyone? Do we have any candidates? If there are any, I’ll make sure you get a proper dowry from the Duke of Lindbeld.”

Although I led them to believe that Elise had the backing of the Duke of Lindbeld, the truth was good riddance.

The marriage might sound beneficial, but it wasn’t at all. On the contrary, it was only harmful. Unfortunately, those who idly attended this tea party have gone out of luck.

The men quickly turned their heads, looking pale.

Elise was already past marriageable age, but she was a beautiful woman, so I thought they’d have a good time.

Elise could also be treated as an accessory to be carried around.

“My, we’re in trouble…I thought there might be one of you ――…You don’t get to show off much, do you, Elise-san? But I’ve talked it over with my husband so that we can be prepared for this. We’ve already approached someone and he’s very satisfied.”

Having suffered so much mocking, Elise trembled.

She was furious.

Despite having such an attractive face, men would have been turned off in an instant. Look, take a look at her.

Was she frightened? ―― Or was it me she was scared of? Either way, it didn’t matter.

So far, it was a travesty.

All the same, I argued that it would be a pity to force this faulty being on the young people who have bright futures, and so it was cancelled.

My husband took my argument to heart and arranged another marriage.

“He’s a little older than you, but also at an ideal age. I think it’s a good balance. It’s Count Gersh, owner of the mining city in the north. He had recently separated from his fourth wife and was looking for a new one. He was very pleased when I told him what you look like.”

With those words, not only Elise but also the invited ladies paled.

Count Gersh was a rich aristocrat who owned a mining town, but he looked like a reptile, and he had many mistresses.

He was already over 40 years old and had a son who resembled the Count as his heir.

Rumors have it that both of them have special s*xual proclivities, and they both would love his future wife.

Good for you, Elise.

You’ll be adored by young men.

I’d absolutely detest that, though.

“WH-WHAT? No, this can’t be right! Claude-sama would never send me to such a man! And I’m sure Andres-sama would be against it!”

“Well, I did my best to find him with my husband. Hahaha, don’t get so excited. Of course, Father-in-law gave his permission. See?”

I took out a letter from my long sleeve and threw it to Elise. She took it from me and read it, her face draining of color.

I’m glad you finally understood the reality.

Impossible, Andre-sama ―― she muttered in disbelief.

I left Elise alone and clapped my hands together and smiled as if I was embarrassed, addressing other ladies who were invited to the tea party.

“My apologies. I shouldn’t have singled out Elise-san for special treatment. I must arrange good matches for you…since you and Elise-san are such good friends. After all, it’s better to marry amicably, don’t you agree?”

“U-erm, that ――! We can’t bother Your Grace with our affairs!”

“Y-Yes! Exactly. We’ll take care of our own affairs.”

When they found out about Elise’s marriage partner, they all declined verbally.

Oh, I see. You don’t want to get married yet? You’re all so young.

But I haven’t forgotten.

I haven’t forgotten how you and Elise used to make fun of me.

I’ll let you off the hook for now, though.

“Well, good luck to all of you. I hope you find a good man.”

Finally, as I looked at the girls with the Goddess smile according to Ragnard, I saw my husband approaching from afar with strides.

You’re too late!

He definitely deliberately showed up when everything was finished.

“Are you done?”

I glanced sideways at the person who questioned so leisurely.

My husband approached me and gave me a peck on the cheek as if to show everyone that I was his beloved wife.

For a second there, I had an urge to knock him down with the fan in my hand, but I restrained myself.

You’re lucky I’m so patient, Husband.

That look on your face was of conviction of the status quo!

“C-Claude-sama!”

Elise clung to my husband as if he was her last hope.

But my husband shot Elise with ruthless words.

“Elise, you’ll be picked up later today. Go back to your room and get ready as soon as possible. Oh, I’ve received a reply that Mrs. Miriam can accompany you as your attendant. Good for you. You won’t have to leave your mother ―― Take her to her room. Keep an eye on her until someone comes for her, and never let her an inch out of the house.”

He ordered the manservants, and they left supporting Elise.

Speaking of which, I heard that Mrs. Miriam was already pushed to her way into Elise’s room.

My husband really planned to get rid of both of them once and for all. 

Fortunately, Mrs. Miriam was beautiful too. Thanks to her, they took her in.

My stepmother was also a beautiful woman, but she’s a shadow of her former self, and I admire people who never give up making efforts.

“Speaking of which, what on earth is this gathering all about?”

“Huh? I’m not sure. It’s a private tea party with some good friends, and I’m glad she’s able to say her goodbyes to them before she heads north to get married!”

I should reiterate that this gathering was not hosted by the Duke of Lindbeld.

And didn’t forget to threaten them that if they were to say something bad, they’d be next.

“I’m sorry, but Elise has suddenly decided to get married, so may I ask you to leave today? Oh, yes, Miss Michelle, please come and visit us sometime.”

At any rate, I wanted to have a proper talk with her.

She gave up her seat for me, and I felt sorry for making her stand ever since. She was very perceptive and I believed I would like her very much.

“It’s an honor, Your Grace.”

Miss Michelle smiled winningly, bowed to me and my husband, and went home. Then, following Miss Michelle’s lead, everyone greeted each other with excuses and left.

They were utterly scared.

Most of them were older than me, though.