Chapter 16

"Claude-sama!"

A person who called out his name affectionately appeared with a few maids in tow.

I thought she was outside just a moment ago, how could she be so fast?

Where did her frail appearance go?

"I came to greet you since you weren't here yet."

Her voice was ingratiating, but I was sure her insides were boiling.

"Ah, I'm sorry, but I'll visit another time. I have some important business to attend to."

Please stop using me so obviously.

"Oh, Claude-sama... You've taken a liking to such a lowly maid? You shouldn't seek fleeting pleasure from a woman with no education. You are the head of the Lindbergh Duke family, after all."

"Elise."

"Yes, what is it?"

She responded happily when called by her name, but when she secretly glanced at Claude-sama, she looked displeased.

"It seems you've become quite conceited."

"Claude-sama?"

"I've told you before, don't call me by my name. It gives others the wrong impression. Especially since I'm already married. I only want my wife, family, and close friends to call me by my name. If you understand, call me with the proper honorifics from now on."

Since you called me an uneducated woman just now, I'm sure you understand what I'm saying, Elise. You're not a stupid woman, are you?

Well, you can clearly say what you don't like. I wish you had solved this without pushing it on me from the beginning.

"Also, why do I have to listen to your opinion about who I spend time with and who I associate with? Elise, you're just a guest here. If Mrs. Miriam is a servant, you should be treated as the child of a servant. Don't you think it's wrong to act however you want just because you're frail?"

Her cold tone made me shiver, even though she wasn't talking about me.

"Why are you suddenly saying such things? You've always been kind to me! Besides, I've been treated like a daughter by Claude-sama's father!"

"My father probably just felt guilty. I thought you were pitiful when you were a child too. Your mother had a relationship with my father like a prostitute. Even if I said it had nothing to do with you, I'm sure it was hard for you... but I was completely wrong."

Claude-sama, you really say it.

I wish you had been clear from the beginning about keeping your place.

If you had, I could have had a better life.

"Is it that woman? Is she the one bewitching Claude-sama?"

Her voice, which had been cute, suddenly changed.

Claude-sama slowly kissed my head, as if to show her, acting as if he really loved me.

I felt goosebumps all over my body.

I could feel her intense gaze on my back.

"Yes, I didn't know either. That such a beloved existence could exist... You can indulge in your fantasies and dreams, but shouldn't you start looking at reality and get married soon?"

You really say it... to a young lady who is generally considered to be past her prime.

She's quite beautiful, but considering her age, there are hardly any suitable men for her.

"Claude-sama! I don't know what that lowly woman said to you, but the head of the Lindbergh Duke family doesn't need to listen to her. Don't do childish things like getting involved with such a woman and causing me trouble. I will always be by your side to comfort you."

What?

I almost let out a sound.

What is that?

Hmm?

Claude-sama said he didn't touch her on the first day, but maybe he did a little taste test?

Well, she is quite beautiful.

From what I saw, she's a bit slim, but her figure looks nice.

Living in a separate house and receiving special treatment, it's a bit suspicious to think about it.

But if that's the case, it's really bad taste!

Even though she talks from a superior position, I think Claude-sama tolerates it, so isn't it pointless to get conceited?

"Besides, even if you say cold things like I should get married, I understand. I've been by Claude-sama's side since I was a child. You must really want me to stay by your side, right? But since we're not children anymore, you're saying this for my sake. You're wishing for my happiness, even if it hurts you, right?"

Um...

Is there some secret code between the two of you that I don't know about?

Indeed, I don't know much about Claude-sama, but from our brief conversations, I can tell he's a realist who prioritizes benefits.

He's the type who will do anything to get what he wants, but I wonder if he ever acts on emotions.

"But please rest assured. I will never leave your side. I know that your marriage is a political one to avoid marrying the princess. In reality, I will protect this duke family. This tea party is for that purpose. Since the lady of the house isn't doing it, I'm doing it to boost the duke family."

Um... thank you?

I thought anyone who wants to do it should, but even I think this is a bit too much.

But if Claude-sama approves, it's fine, I guess.

My wish is for a decadent life.

It's a bit different now, but I'm fulfilled, so that's good.

If she can handle the social scene, I'm grateful, but I can't help but wonder if it's right for someone unrelated to the Lindbergh Duke family to use its name to host a tea party.

I heard a sigh from above.

Ah, good.

It's not that I have a strange sense, but that she is the one who is strange.

"Therefore, it is my duty to dispose of women who are not suitable for Claude-sama. I cannot overlook those who harm the Lindbergh Duke family. I'm sure you understand, Claude-sama."

The enemy of my enemy is my friend— who said that?

On the contrary, I know it's much better to ally with the enemy.

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