Chapter 19

Returning to the venue, Alan still emitted a somewhat prickly atmosphere.

It seemed that Alan realized there was no point in staying at the venue any longer, as he bid farewell to the Marquis Chiltaris and left the venue.

On the way back to the main residence of the duchy in the carriage, an awkward atmosphere lingered between us.

I couldn't believe that the Duchess would say such things to me, and I never thought Natasha could be so foolish.

"Sophia, are you alright?"

"Ah, yes, I'm fine. I'm just a bit tired."

"It's understandable. You have no plans for tomorrow, so make sure to rest well."

"Yes, thank you."

After that, we rode in the carriage, gazing out the window for a while.

Alan was doing the same, but after a while, he started talking about the social scene.

"How was today's social scene? It's been a while for you, hasn't it?"

"Yes, and it was my first time as the Duchess of Bernhard, so I was nervous. I'm a bit worried if I made any mistakes."

"From what I saw, there shouldn't have been any problems. What did you talk about with the Marquis Chiltaris?"

The Marquis Chiltaris, who came to talk about business when I was alone.

At the time, I just faked it to avoid a bad atmosphere, but now I can tell the truth.

"The Marquis Chiltaris suggested a joint venture. It was something related to clothing and jewelry."

"Is that so? Did you firmly decline?"

"Yes, of course. It was clearly suspicious, and I thought he was trying to tarnish the reputation of the Duchess."

"You did the right thing. The Marquis Chiltaris is greedy for status and money, and if you show any weakness, he'll try to take advantage. I think it's fine that you declined, but don't let your guard down."

"Yes, I understand."

So, that's how it is.

I never intended to accept it from the beginning, but it was right to be suspicious.

I need to be careful of the Marquis Chiltaris from now on.

"...There's one thing I want to ask, but it might be impolite."

"Yes? What is it?"

It's rare for Alan to preface a question like that.

When I tilted my head, Alan spoke hesitantly.

"Is it really that insulting to graduate from the magic academy in one year or to be completely unable to use magic?"

I see, that's what you were wondering.

When Alan heard that I couldn't use magic and graduated from the magic academy in one year, he didn't change his attitude at all.

I thought his unchanged attitude was kindness, but it seems he didn't understand the extent of the insult.

"I don't think the value of any noble lady can be measured by the superiority or inferiority of magic. Rather, I don't think it has anything to do with a lady's worth or charm."

"Rationally, that's true. But there are irrational people in the world, and Natasha was one of them."

"...I see, that's true. If she had any sense, she wouldn't have said such things to the Duchess."

Alan nodded in agreement.

It's a harsh thing to say about Natasha, but it can't be helped.

I've been subjected to her insulting words and actions for years.

"There are nobles who try to elevate their status by lowering the value and reputation of others."

"Yes, I don't deny that there are such people."

The Marquis Chiltaris, who approached me, is probably similar.

"Natasha probably confirmed her position as higher than mine by mocking my family's poverty and my inability to use magic."

"I see, that's what a fool would do."

"Yes..."

I was surprised that she treated me the same way as before, even though my position has changed.

I didn't plan to retaliate unless she provoked me.

But now that she has been rude, it's too late.

However, what she said is still lingering in my mind.

"I really can't understand why a poor countess like you was chosen by Duke Bernhard."

Regarding this, I can't really argue.

Because I was chosen only because I resemble Rebecca, and it was just luck.

"Sophia, what's wrong?"

"Ah... No, I was just thinking that it's inevitable to be hated by Natasha."

"Inevitable to be hated?"

"Yes. Of course, even if it's inevitable, I won't overlook being insulted."

In this regard, it's not about my feelings; I need to be strong as the Duchess of Bernhard.

But...

"It's just luck that my position has changed."

With those words, silence returned to the carriage.

Maybe I shouldn't have said that... but it's the truth.

Feeling a bit awkward, I avoided looking at Alan.

"Luck, huh. Indeed, I didn't care who I married, and the final reason I chose Sophia was because she resembled Rebecca."

"...Yes."

Yes, and to me, resembling Rebecca only means having blonde hair.

That's why I thought it was just luck...

"But I also feel fortunate to have chosen you."

"..."

I heard those words at the social party too.

At the time, the Marquis Chiltaris was there, so I thought it was just flattery for the social scene. But now, with only the two of us, Alan wouldn't be flattering me.

"Since you came to the duchy, Rebecca has grown. She started expressing her opinions to me and smiles more. It's a wonderful thing."

"That's because Rebecca worked hard, not because of me..."

"No, if you hadn't come, Rebecca might have never expressed her feelings. I also wouldn't have interacted with her as much as I do now."

Indeed, I've heard that Rebecca and Alan talk at every meal now, but they never used to.

I'm glad I'm the bridge between them.

"Besides Rebecca, I also have a good feeling about you."

"Eh..."

If I hadn't, I wouldn't be having meals with you almost every day. Before I got married, I had many opportunities to have meals with other ladies, but those times were very painful.

"Is that so?"

"Yes, I found it tedious to listen to the ladies who tried to please me."

"I see..."

As the head of the duchy, he must have received many invitations from various ladies.

It would have been difficult to turn them all down, and it must have been tough for him.

"But having meals with you is calming and pleasant. I don't feel particularly tired even after talking with you."

"That's good to hear."

Maybe it's because I'm not trying to please Alan?

Since the contract stated "you must not fall in love," I didn't need to try to please him.

Perhaps that was comfortable for Alan, who had been pursued by many ladies.

"I don't think I could have this kind of relationship with any other lady. And I remember what you said before."

"What did I say?"

"Yes, the words that we can become a family."

Alan said this with a smile.

I did say that, but I didn't think it was such a kind smile to remember.

"Do you still think so?"

"Yes, of course."

Honestly, I think we've already become a family... but I can't be sure.

I don't know what to do or how to act to become a family.

"I see, that's very reassuring. I also strongly wish to become a family with Rebecca and Sophia."

"Me too, Alan."

But I'm glad that Alan wants to become a family so much.

Does he have some special feelings towards family?

"If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have thought about becoming a family with Rebecca. So, I'm really glad you're my wife."

"Ah, thank you..."

When he says that with a kind smile, my heart races.

It's not because he's seeking me as a lover, but as a family.

I mustn't misunderstand...

But at the social party, when I said, "I might get the wrong idea that you like me," he said...

"It's not a wrong idea."

I couldn't ask about the true meaning of his words at the time, but should I ask now?

"Um, about what Alan said at the social party..."

"What I said?"

"...No, never mind."

I hesitated about what to ask and decided against it.

The only question I could think of was, "Do you like me?" which is too embarrassing to ask.

It's embarrassing and probably a misunderstanding.

"Is that so? If you have any questions, feel free to ask anytime."

"Yes, thank you."

After that, Alan and I returned to the mansion in the carriage.

My first social event as the Duchess was a success.

I still need to socialize in the future, so I need to keep working hard.