Chapter 24

24

It was not difficult to notice that Adeline Albinis had feelings for Theodor. She often visited the Valentinus Castle to meet Theodor, and each time, she would act affectionately towards him right in front of me, as if to show off. Despite knowing that it was quite childish, the fact that she did it on purpose clearly indicated that Adeline Albinis was inwardly burning with frustration. After all, Theodor seemed to have no interest in her whatsoever. To him, she was just a childhood friend, a mere acquaintance. Theodor's attitude towards Adeline was rather indifferent, and he even seemed a bit annoyed by her.

Even as a third party in their relationship, I could tell, so Adeline couldn't have been unaware. That's why she was quite persistent. This visit was no exception.

'I wonder what expression she'll have after I confirm the truth of the rumors.'

While the claim that our marital relationship has improved is somewhat misleading, it is true that Theodor's attitude towards me has become gentler since he lost his memory. However, Adeline wouldn't know that Theodor has lost his memory; she would only see the change in his behavior.

I felt a bit pleased. I knew that Adeline Albinis often wore a mask of kindness and affection, and people who do so usually have a twisted side beneath the mask. I was secretly looking forward to seeing that twisted side today.

"Charlotte, bring me the opal necklace."

"Ah, the one the Duke gave you last time?"

"Yes."

By acting this way, I admit I'm not the most pleasant person. But after putting up with Adeline's overstepping for so long, I felt this was justified.

"Here it is, my lady. Would you like me to redo your hair?"

"Thank you. Please do."

Fortunately, I was wearing a green dress, which complemented the blue opal necklace well. Charlotte braided my hair neatly, and after putting on the necklace without any other jewelry, I slipped into silver shoes.

It's been a while since I've dressed up, and it's ironic that I'm doing it to mock someone. But then again, I usually don't feel the need to dress up for myself, so it's understandable.

I walked out into the corridor with Charlotte. As we headed towards the reception room on the first floor, Charlotte came closer and asked in a low voice that only I could hear.

"Um, my lady... Should I go to the Knight Commander? I can tell him that you want to see him..."

I stopped in my tracks and looked at Charlotte intently. After a moment, I replied.

"...You're really clever, Charlotte."

Charlotte blushed, scratching her cheek. It seemed she had already figured out that I wanted to review military records and was offering to approach the Knight Commander on my behalf, knowing that I was uncomfortable doing so myself.

...I was truly grateful and impressed. I smiled faintly at Charlotte and said,

"Thank you very much. Could you go and tell the Knight Commander right away? And come back to the reception room after you're done."

"Yes, my lady! I'll do that!"

Since Lady Seymour was out, there was no need to worry about her prying eyes. Lady Seymour, who was always keen on monitoring everything I did in this house, was not around. I needed to take the initiative while she was away. Even if the news eventually reached her ears, it would be too late.

After entrusting the task to Charlotte, I went to the reception room. The servant waiting outside the door announced my arrival and opened the door for me.

As I stepped inside, the usual strong floral scent hit me. It was the fragrance of Adeline's favorite perfume. While it was a pleasant scent, it could be divisive. I resisted the urge to pinch my nose and smiled. Adeline, who was sitting on the sofa, saw me and beamed, standing up.

"Lily! It's been quite a while! I'm so glad to see you."

"Hello, Lady Albinis."

"Oh, don't be so formal. Call me Adeline."

She was as charming as ever. Despite the knives she was surely sharpening in her heart, her smile was convincing. No wonder she reigned as the queen of the social scene.

Adeline's gaze lingered on my neck, specifically on the blue opal necklace. After a moment, she naturally averted her eyes and smiled.

"I came to see how you've been. I heard that Lady Seymour and Theo are out, and I'm eager to meet them as well."

'She's pretending not to notice the opal necklace.'

"Things are much the same as usual. I'll keep you company until they arrive."

We sat across from each other, and a maid brought us tea. The rosy tea had a unique scent I hadn't encountered before. I tilted my head and took a sip, realizing it was a new type of tea.

Adeline was watching my reaction closely. She seemed to have something to say. Sure enough, as soon as she put down her teacup and lifted her head, she smiled and spoke.

"It's from the Eastern Continent. Do you like it? I brought it as a gift today."

"Yes, it's very nice. Thank you for the gift."

"Oh, it's nothing. Theo prefers tea to wine, so I thought I'd bring some. I'm eager to hear his opinion too. I hope he likes it."

I nodded with a gentle smile. Indeed, Adeline was skilled at getting under people's skin.

A woman who subtly flaunts her closeness to a man in front of his wife. If someone had a hard time controlling their anger, they might have lashed out. But that would make them seem unreasonable. Adeline, on the other hand, would likely respond with a teary-eyed, "Did I do something wrong? I'm sorry," which would cleverly make the other person seem petty and mean.

At first, I would feel a surge of anger whenever Adeline acted this way, but after completely giving up, I no longer cared. Now, I even felt a bit sorry for her. It's not easy to be so consistently fixated on someone.

"Trade with the Eastern Continent seems to be thriving."

Instead of giving her the satisfaction of the bait, I smoothly changed the subject. Adeline smiled sweetly and replied.

"Thanks to the Delacroix family's trading company. They recently established the shortest trade route to the Eastern Continent."

"Really? That's impressive."

The Delacroix family, a ducal house with immense wealth, controlled the trade networks not only in the Kingdom of Francis but across the entire continent of Europa.

Their territory, Dornac, was located at the southernmost tip of the continent, with a mild climate and fertile land, making it ideal for agriculture. It was also a strategic trade hub connecting the Southern and Eastern Continents. Most importantly, the southern part of the continent rarely experienced "rifts."

As a result, the Delacroix family didn't need to invest heavily in military power, unlike other noble families.

For some reason, there was a rumor that the head of the Delacroix family had weak elemental power, but the truth was unknown.

Still, the Delacroix territory was very peaceful, except for the occasional invasions by some countries in the Southern and Eastern Continents, which were hostile to the Kingdom of Francis.

In this world, it was a widely accepted truth that personal combat was better than dealing with the monsters that poured out of the rifts, which could occur anywhere and at any time.

For this reason, the Delacroix territory of Dornac was always a coveted prize. My father, Duke Everett, was no exception.

I was certain that if the Valentinus family secretly formed an alliance, the Delacroix would be their first target. Both the Valentinus, already targeted by Everett, and the Delacroix, who could be targeted at any time, were in a similar predicament.

The Albinis family, Adeline's family, was a different story. Regardless of Adeline's personal feelings.

The Albinis family, which had traditionally focused on magic and practiced mana over elemental power, avoided getting involved in complex political affairs. They were neutral, or more negatively, gray.

There was a saying that the hottest place in hell was reserved for those who maintained neutrality during moral crises. The Albinis might one day pay the price for their chosen gray path.

'But the royal family, the Lanciers, is a bigger problem than the Albinis...'

King Roderick, the current ruler, was so engrossed in debauchery that he neglected state affairs, falling under the control of Duke Everett. If Duke Cassef Everett was the root of all evil, King Roderick was his willing accomplice.

After Queen Elemel killed all ten of the king's mistresses, King Roderick began to indulge in high-class courtesans, whom he would summon to the palace, conduct state affairs, and then dismiss. Naturally, Duke Everett was the supplier of these courtesans. It was a laughable situation.

"Speaking of the Delacroix, I met Rosanne Delacroix at the Cowen family's garden party a few days ago. Have you met her, Lily?"

"Yes, once or twice."

We had only exchanged brief greetings. Rosanne, the Delacroix duchess, was too energetic for my taste. Being around her was tiring...

"By the way, His Highness the Crown Prince also attended that party."

"Ah, I see."

I had a rough idea of what she was leading up to. I hid my annoyance and played along.

"His Highness mentioned that he plans to hold a hunting banquet soon, and the Duke and Duchess of Valentinus will attend together. Is that true?"

Indeed. Her question was clearly a subtle probe to see if Theodor and I had really reconciled and if there was another reason for our joint attendance.

I looked at Adeline, who was trying so hard, with a hint of pity and replied.

"As His Highness said, the hunting banquet will—"

At that moment.

Knock knock.

A familiar voice called from outside the door, sounding a bit anxious.

"My lady, it's Jenna. I have something urgent to tell you."

I glanced at Adeline and asked towards the door.

"What is it?"

The reply came quickly.

"You should hurry to Avery's Hall. Lady Seymour returned about ten minutes ago, and Charlotte is... being questioned by her."

"..."

I was taken aback by the unexpected news. I excused myself to Adeline and quickly stood up.