Chapter 10

Reflecting back, it was an incident from seven days ago.

It was when I was introduced to the servants of the Lindvold Duke's household.

"This is Rockdel Farve, the head butler who oversees the entire Lindvold Duke's household. He comes from a branch of our family and has a long history as a butler."

"I am Rockdel Farve. It is a pleasure to meet you."

He bowed at a precise angle, and it reminded me of the butler from the earl's household. He was also a very meticulous person, strict yet kind. I could sense the same atmosphere from this butler named Rockdel.

"It is a pleasure to meet you as well."

I also bowed, feigning humility. The head butler of the Lindvold Duke's household has far more influence over the household than I do as a new wife. It would be unwise to make an enemy of him.

"And this is Lady Miriam. She is the wife of my father's former subordinate and a viscountess. Her husband died in an accident about fifteen years ago, and due to financial difficulties, my father brought her here to manage the household. This was around the same time my mother passed away."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, ma'am."

"......I look forward to working with you from today onwards."

I could sense a sharp, almost hostile aura, which I had felt since yesterday.

I glanced up at the head of the Lindvold Duke's household, whom I had just married and who is now my husband. He raised the corners of his mouth in a meaningful way and immediately turned his gaze to the two of us.

"Her daughter also lives here. She is frail, so we have provided her with a room in a separate building, where Lady Miriam also resides."

"Yes, Lord Andre has been very kind to us. He treats my daughter as if she were his own, and she has become very close to Lord Claude as well."

Lord Andre refers to my husband's father.

They seem to have a very familiar relationship.

I see, I see?

Moreover, there is a daughter who is very close to my husband.

This is quite a dangerous relationship, isn't it?

I could remain humble and avoid trouble, but if I stay silent after being spoken to like this, I might be underestimated, which could cause problems in the future.

Or should I just listen and let it go?

The way I respond will determine my future.

Option one: Play it safe and show that I am not an enemy.

Option two: Hint that if she wants to be a mistress, she can go ahead.

Option three: Provoke her.

Option one: I am already seen as an enemy, so this won't be effective. I might even be underestimated and dismissed.

Option two: If I say this, I might be seen as foolish. At least, I would.

Option three: This would make her a complete enemy.

In the end, none of these options seem to lead to a good outcome, so I feel like any of them would be fine.

Besides, I am the Duchess, so if things get too bad, I can always fire her, right?

I married to enjoy a life of decadence with three meals a day and naps, and I have already told my husband and received his permission.

If I give in to harassment, my peaceful life could be ruined.

If this were a dispute over household management, I would gladly step down.

Let the person who wants to do it take over; that's for sure.

But this is not that kind of situation.

This is a full-fledged battle for female dominance.

Oh, what a hassle!

Why is this household like this? Moreover, why is a financially struggling viscount's daughter targeting my husband?

Is she so confident in herself, or is it her mother's doing?

However, there was a time when a princess was supposed to marry into this family.

Isn't that a bit too ambitious?

Or is she really that close to my husband?

Well, at least I have decided on my approach.

"I see. Then, I would like to meet her. Please have her come to greet me when she is feeling well. There's no rush."

I essentially told her to send her daughter to greet me. I don't want to assert dominance, but I need to make it clear who is in charge.

After all, despite appearances, I am the new bride and duchess, and I have a higher status than Lady Miriam's daughter in the eyes of the public.

Even before I married, I was an earl's daughter, so I was already of higher status.

Although she is a viscountess, it seems she has not received a very good education. Her face clearly showed her disdain at my words.

My husband, finding this amusing, added fuel to the fire.

"That's true. She isn't always unwell. It is only natural for her to greet the new lady of the house when she is feeling well. By the way, she doesn't have a maid. I'll leave the arrangements to you, Lady Miriam. —Lisha, let's give her a tour of the house."

I followed my husband, who was smiling mischievously, without resistance.

Or rather, I couldn't resist.

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