CH 4.04

Einhorn isn’t such a majestic city, but it radiates a simple solidity and history-like feeling.

As we entered, I looked out the window, and the bustling, cheerful citizens welcomed our convoy.

This is their stronghold, and they adore it.

I can distinctly feel that. 

The carriage continued forward, and the entered the Lord’s mansion.

Even the Duke’s Mansion felt like a castle, but this one was truly a castle.

It was not a Lord’s mansion, but a Lord’s castle.

In case of an emergency, this castle will serve as a fortress to protect the people and allow them to escape. Hence, it also functions as a fort.

I checked myself so as not to stare with my mouth hanging open.

As I stepped out of the carriage with my husband’s escort, I was greeted by a scene that gave me a sense of déjà vu.

This…This was even more awesome than before.

No, yeah, I knew it, okay? But despite knowing it…

The servants are standing in a row.

Makes sense. That’s because the Lord and Lady of the house are back. They have to do it!

Naturally, the Territory Steward is in the front row.

I was worried whether he would be able to handle the appointment of someone from my side, who had no ties to the family, as the Chief Steward, when he was practically on top until now. I decided that if the Territory Steward won’t climb over Ragnard’s head, then there wouldn’t be a rank dispute.

“We’ve been expecting you, Master and Madam.”

The man with dark brown hair mixed with gray looked somewhat nervous.

He’s younger than Ragnard.

However, he has the looks that made me feel like he should be the person in the position to protect the historic territory of the Lindbeld dukedom.

Rockdell has a tricky and stern appearance, but the person in front of me has a soft face that seems meek.

Well, perhaps it’s just his face that’s meek.

There’s no way that the person chosen by my husband’s grandfather could only be kind.

“Risha, let me introduce you. This is Alois. He’s been working for me for many years as the Territory Steward. He knows more about the domain than I do.”

“Nice to meet you, Madam. My name is Alois. This is my wife, Helmina. I’m in charge of the housekeeping of this castle, so if you have any needs, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

Helmina has the air of a strict tutor.

Her green hair, mixed with gray, was tied up tightly and not a strand was out of place.

I feel a little nervous. I feel like I need to earn her trust. It makes me wonder if I can do it.

She’s not hostile, but she’s looking at us.

Can I really trust her? If I can trust her?

At any rate, I greeted her with enthusiasm.

“Nice to meet you, Alois, Helmina.”

For a moment, Helmina’s stern gaze flew to me. However, I dodged it without losing my smile while breaking out in cold sweat inside.

I got worried, feeling like my lips were drawn.

We continued to probe each other for a while, and then Helmina nodded faintly and smiled.

For now, at least I got a passing grade. That’s good, that’s good.

I mean, I’m scared. Seriously.

“I heard about Madam from my husband. Please feel free to let me know if you need any help.”

By all means, I will.

I have tons of questions I want to ask you.

After all, my knowledge of housekeeping is still limited.

“By the way, where is that man?”

“He’s in the Duke’s Mansion. He’s too old, and it takes a toll on his body to be carried around so much.”

As I was conversing with the Territory Steward and his wife, a gorgeous voice suddenly sounded from the back of the room.

When I looked up to see who it was, I saw a glamorous bunch beyond.

“I didn’t know you were coming back.”

“Who’s this?”

I should have been informed in advance if there’s going to be a troublesome disturbance.

The group appeared as if they were the mistresses of the castle.

I think it’s even more so when they had their cronies behind them.

Before my husband could answer, the group arrived. They stared at my husband with sparkling eyes, and then gazed at me as if inspecting me.

It’s just plain rude normally, but they seem to take it for granted.

Afterwhich ――

Ah, someone snickered at me.

“Claude-sama, we’ve been waiting for your return for a long time. I have heard that you have gotten married. Please allow me to greet your wife.”

The speaker was a woman who seemed to be the leader of the group.

Her presence was unmistakable.

Her bright pink hair was tied up in a gorgeous bun, and she appeared on her way to a social event.

The impression I got: she’s a bully.

Yeah, that means I’m the one who’s being bullied here!

Well, they’re everywhere. People like her.

Or should I say, Husband…

Wherever you go, you have followers, right? Or believers?

I think it’s about time you do something about your special appeal to women, just because you’re good-looking, don’t you think? I’m tired.

If you show your true colors, I’m sure they’ll run away barefoot!

Also, their outfit isn’t appropriate for the occasion to begin with.

Why are you dressed like you’re going to a soiree?

When I glanced at my husband, I found that he’s a bit irritated. I could tell that this woman is someone he didn’t want to see.

“Don’t be rude, Lady Rhodia.”

Helmina spoke back to the woman named Rhodia, standing as if to protect me.

“Eh? Was it rude of me to come out to greet her? Don’t you think it would be rather rude if I didn’t come out to greet the Duchess? And, Helmina, have you forgotten who I am? I’m a member of this family, remember? I hope you won’t do anything to undermine Claude-sama’s dignity by giving me your opinion, a servant. Don’t you think so, Claude-sama?”

“I beg to disagree. It’s true that we’re related by blood, but disrespect for my wife is unacceptable as it disgraces the Duke of Linbeld.”

Oddly enough, my husband retorted in my defense.

Or rather, he’s taking the initiative to scorn her! That’s the attitude!

“Risha, she’s also my cousin, Rosaliemond. Rosaliemond, this is my wife, Risha.”

That was smooth, Husband.

Does that mean there’s no need for further explanation?

But, you know? There’s a lot of stares.

Not at me, but at my husband.

Speaking of which, Her Royal Highness is a second cousin on my grandmother-in-law’s side of the family.

And yet, it’s quite interesting that her color is closer to that of the Dukes of Lindbeld.

As I recall, she’s on the list of relatives I received before.

She’s the child of a younger sister’s son.

The younger sister got married to someone in a territory along the southern border. His title is Frontier Count.

He’s a count, but he has as much influence as a marquis, and in terms of rank, he’s higher than just any count.

In short, in terms of rank before my marriage, she is above me.

This cousin is 25 years old.

She’s a woman who feels confident and powerful.

It’s also true that she has studied abroad and achieved excellent results

Despite being the Duchess of Lindbeld, I think she has a more respectable status and rights than I do.

She probably thought that she would be the next Duchess of the Lindbeld family.

There was Her Royal Highness, though, but she sure had the advantage in terms of age. I could tell from the report that she was also making efforts to achieve this.

When she saw me, she wondered why it became me.

But then… I thought I understood something.

“I’m Rosaliemond. These are my friends. If I may, would you like to join my faction? I’d love to get to know you.”

She’s so welcoming, but my impression of it isn’t like that at all.

You seem to love … bullying the weak, do you?

I was very curious to know, if she’d met Her Royal Highness, would they get along with each other like friends do or hate each other?