Chapter 61

Ainhorn is a city that, while not exactly grand, exudes a sense of solid and robust history.

As she stepped inside and looked out the window, she saw a lively and bright crowd welcoming this group with joy.

It was clear that they were beloved, being the headquarters and all. She distinctly felt this.

The carriage continued on and entered the lord's mansion. Even the royal capital residence felt like a castle, but this was truly a castle. It wasn't just a lord's mansion; it could be called a lord's castle. It was said that in times of emergency, this place served as a fortress to protect and evacuate the people. Thus, it also had the functions of a fortress.

She had to make sure not to gape open-mouthed at the sight.

When she got off the carriage with her husband's escort, a scene that felt very familiar unfolded before her.

This was... even more impressive than before.

No, yes, I knew it, of course. I knew it, but...

A row of servants lined up.

Of course, it was for the return of the lord and lady, so they were putting on a show!

Naturally, the steward of the estate was at the front.

He had been the de facto top until now, but I was worried if he could handle things well with a total outsider as the chief steward. However, if the estate steward couldn't even stand up to Ragnar, there wouldn't be any power struggles, I thought.

"I have been waiting for you, sir, madam."

A man with a mix of white and brown hair, who seemed somewhat tense. He was younger than Ragnar, but his presence made her feel that he was someone who should be protecting the historic Lindbergh ducal estate. While Rockdel gave off a sticky and strict vibe, this man had a gentle and soft appearance. Well, his face was probably just soft.

The man chosen by the previous generation couldn't just be gentle.

"Risha, let me introduce you. This is Aloys, who has been serving as the estate steward for many years in my place. He knows more about the estate than I do."

"Nice to meet you, madam. I am Aloys. This is my wife, Hermine. She is in charge of the household management of this castle, so please feel free to ask her if you have any questions."

Hermine had an atmosphere like a strict governess.

Her green hair, mixed with white, was neatly tied up without a single strand out of place. It made her a bit nervous. She felt that she needed to gain this woman's trust, which made her wonder if she could do it.

There was no hostility, but she was being observed.

She wondered if she could really trust and rely on this person.

For now, she put on her best effort to greet them.

"Nice to meet you, Aloys, Hermine."

For a moment, Hermine's stern gaze pierced through her, but she managed to maintain her smile despite the cold sweat running down her back.

She was worried if her mouth wasn't twitching.

The probing and testing continued for a while, and then Hermine nodded slightly and smiled.

For now, it seemed she had passed the test. That was a relief.

Actually, it was scary. Really.

"I have heard about you from sir. Please feel free to ask for help if you need anything."

Certainly, I will.

I have many questions myself.

After all, I still have a lot to learn about household management.

"By the way, where is that person?"

"At the royal capital residence. He is quite old, so it would be a burden to move him around too much."

As she was conversing with the estate steward and his wife, a bright voice suddenly echoed from inside.

She looked up to see a group of people.

"I didn't expect you to be back."

"Who are they?"

If it was a troublesome situation, she wished they had been informed beforehand.

This group entered the scene as if they were the lady of the castle.

The presence of their entourage only added to this impression.

Before her husband could explain, the group that had arrived was already looking at him with sparkling eyes and sizing her up.

Even if you think about it normally, it was rude, but she acted as if it was perfectly fine.

And then—

Ah, she was laughed at with a snort.

"Master Claude, we have been waiting for your return. I hear you have married. Please allow me to greet your wife."

The one who said this was a woman who seemed to be leading the group.

Her presence was overwhelming.

Her bright pink hair was elegantly styled, and she was dressed as if she were heading to a social event.

The impression she gave was that of a bully.

Yes, I will be the target of bullying here!

Such people are everywhere.

Moreover, sir...

No matter where he goes, he has followers or fans, right?

Just being handsome, he has the skill of being liked by women, which I wish would be fixed soon. It makes me tired.

If he showed his true nature, I'm sure they would run away barefoot!

To begin with, her attire didn't fit the occasion.

Why is she dressed as if she's going to a ball?

A quick glance at her husband showed that he was a bit unhappy. It was clear that he didn't want to see this person.

"That's rude, Rosalimond."

Hermine, standing in a protective position, addressed the woman called Rosalimond.

"Oh? Is it rude to come to greet you? I think it would be odd not to greet the duchess. Besides, Hermine, have you forgotten who I am? I am a member of this family. I don't want the servants to speak to me in a way that would demean Master Claude's dignity. Don't you think so, Master Claude?"

"I don't think so at all. While we are related by blood, I cannot tolerate rudeness to my wife, as it would demean the Lindbergh ducal family."

Unusually, her husband spoke up in her defense.

However, his attitude was more like he was leading the way in disliking her.

"Risha, this is my cousin Rosalimond. Rosalimond, this is my wife, Risha."

So casual, sir.

Does he think no further explanation is needed?

But, she was glared at with intense eyes.

Not at her, but at her husband.

Incidentally, the princess is a distant cousin through the legitimate line of the previous generation.

Yet, the other side seemed closer to the Lindbergh ducal family, which she found quite interesting.

She was sure she had seen her on the family tree she received before.

The daughter of the son of the previous generation's younger sister.

The younger sister had married into a territory along the southern border. Her title was a countess, but she had the influence of a marquess and ranked higher than a regular countess.

In other words, in terms of rank before marriage, she was higher than Risha.

Rosalimond was twenty-five years old.

She exuded a sense of confidence and power.

Indeed, she had excelled in her studies abroad.

As the lady of the Lindbergh ducal family, she had a more prestigious status and rights than Risha.

Perhaps she had thought she would be the next lady of the Lindbergh ducal family.

Even with the princess, she had the age advantage. The effort she put in, as seen in the reports, was evident.

When she saw this, she wondered why it was her.

But... she felt like she understood something.

"I am Rosalimond. These are my friends. Would you like to join my faction? I would like to become friends with you."

While she said she wanted to welcome her, the atmosphere was anything but.

You seem to really enjoy bullying the weak.

When she met the princess, she wondered if they would become friends due to mutual dislike or because they were similar.

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