Chapter 53

The room to which they were led was spacious, with more chairs than there were people.

Though the number of furnishings was few, their quality was good, and the simple interior design had a calming effect. It was a place to relax and stretch out one's legs, away from the work at the main residence. This was what a vacation home should be.

However, this elegance was nothing but unpleasant to the current Mary. Moreover, Lord Flora, the lord of the manor, had welcomed them as 'unexpected guests' with a gentle smile and polite greetings.

What a kind reception, she thought, noting the grace that emanated from his every word and action, without a hint of pretension. He even addressed the maids and servants, and had set up a place for the coachmen to rest, not just a room for the guests.

He must be around the same age as Mary's grandfather. At an age when he should have long retired, he had lost his son and daughter-in-law at a young age, leaving him with only one granddaughter, a forgotten heir.

That was why he continued to serve, and his dignified presence, despite his age and the use of a cane, was evident.

If it weren't for this situation, Mary might have felt respect for him.

"So, what is it you wish to discuss?"

When Flora asked what the matter was, Mary inwardly sneered at the pretense.

But it wasn't the time to let her hostility show. Suppressing her anger, she smiled gracefully and replied,

"I have come to speak with you about the territory you manage. A friend of mine lives there, but it seems they are not leading a very good life."

Anna and Eleane were in another room, and she didn't want to use words like 'poor.'

That's why she was vague, but Flora seemed to understand, frowning deeply. The wrinkles on his already lined face deepened with disapproval.

"Mary-sama's friend is in such a place?"

"Yes, is there something wrong with that?"

"Well, to be frank, I think it would be best to avoid associating with them. The people from that area are different from you, Mary-sama."

"Different? In what way?"

"By birth. Everything is different between them and us; the difference is clear from the moment of birth."

Mary's eyebrows twitched at Flora's blunt statement.

Though his tone was calm, his words were a clear insult to Anna and Eleane. She was glad she had sent them to another room.

Ignoring Mary's thoughts, Flora continued,

"Birth is everything. Grace and nobility are qualities one acquires by being born into the right family. One can only lead a good life and have decent clothing, food, and shelter if they are born into a good family."

"That seems like an extreme ideology. Is that why you turn a blind eye to the wealth gap in your territory?"

"Turn a blind eye? Certainly not. I manage it properly. The haves and have-nots should be clearly separated, and that relationship should be maintained."

"Proper management results in that situation, does it? Then what about my friend who is struggling to make a living? Are they destined to live like that forever?"

"Birth is everything, so it can't be helped."

Flora smiled calmly, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Mary inwardly called it a ridiculous notion...

"It's a ridiculous notion."

...and said it out loud.

"Oh!" She covered her mouth, realizing she had spoken her thoughts aloud. She had intended to keep it to herself, but the words had slipped out.

She was glad Anna wasn't there. If she had been, she would have gleefully remembered and used those words. She would have no face to show Eleane.

"Mary-sama, what do you mean by a ridiculous notion?"

Flora's question was genuinely puzzled.

He truly believed that 'birth is everything,' and that was why he was baffled by the idea that it was ridiculous.

He looked at Mary straight in the eye, his deep-set eyes, surrounded by wrinkles, conveying a strong will that was undiminished by age. It was a chilling sight.

"I have seen the territory since I was a child. Those born into wealthy families grow up wealthy and build wealthy households. The opposite is also true. One's life is determined from the moment of birth."

"That's not true."

"No, it is a fact. As someone from the Albert family, Mary-sama should understand. And your husband, while not a noble, is from a respectable family."

Flora's gaze shifted to Adi.

But he was right; Adi, while not a noble, came from a respectable family. As a servant, his lineage of serving the Albert family for generations set him apart from others. It wouldn't be strange for him to own a vacation home.

This was something Anna and the others couldn't share. Adi was a distinguished member of the wealthy class.

Mary was about to say something in response to Flora's comment...

"Is it right to say that Anna being separated from her parents is just because of her birth...?"

The low, growling voice made her look to her side.

Adi was staring straight at Flora, his eyes sharp, the rust color like burning flames.

His right hand, placed on the table, was clenched into a fist, and his left hand was pressing down on it. The way his slender, flexible fingers were digging into his skin suggested he was using considerable force.

"Anna... I heard a woman was making a fuss about a child who had gone missing. Was that her?"

"Her father never returned from working away, and she came looking for him. A small child, all alone..."

"I see, so that's why you caused trouble."

"Trouble?"

"Such is the way of the lower class... They are born into bad circumstances and have no choice but to rely on others. I apologize for the inconvenience."

Flora bowed sincerely, as if apologizing for the disturbances in his territory.

His attitude was devoid of malice.

Indeed, he probably had no malice. He truly believed that 'birth is everything,' and because of that belief, he was apologizing for Anna's actions on her behalf. From his perspective, as a lord, it was only natural to do so, all because of 'birth.'

It would have been better if he had some malice.

But to Adi, Flora's attitude only fueled his anger, and he couldn't hold back any longer, slamming his chair and standing up. Mary quickly grabbed his clenched fist.

"Adi, calm down!"

"I can't accept this...!"

She tried to calm Adi, but a low, growling voice interrupted, "Birth, is it?"

It was Alicia.

She was staring straight at Flora.

Her purple eyes, her golden hair that swayed gently, were proof of her royal lineage.

"You believe that birth is everything?"

"Yes, I'm sure Princess Alicia understands."

"There's no way I could understand such a notion. If this is how you treat people as a lord, I have my own thoughts as a princess!"

Alicia's outburst, fueled by uncontrolled emotion, left everyone speechless.

The anger and authority in her voice were almost palpable. If her royal status were added to that, no one would dare to interrupt.

The silence was broken by...

"Don't lose your composure as a princess so quickly!"

...Mary's strong words and the sound of a light slap.

The sudden change in atmosphere made the room fall silent.

In the silence, Mary pulled Alicia to her feet, laughing delicately, "Excuse us for a moment," and led her out into the hallway.

Once in the empty corridor, she closed the door behind them.

Alicia, coming to her senses, called out pitifully, "Mary-sama!"

"What kind of thoughts as a princess are those? Don't go off on your own!"

"But I can't accept it!"

"Even so, don't unleash your full power right from the start."

Mary scolded Alicia and slapped her forehead again.

Alicia's words were different from those of other nobles. She was a princess of a country. If she were to claim a foreign territory based on her authority, it would immediately become an international issue.

When Mary pointed this out, Alicia only replied pitifully, "But..."

She couldn't bear to see Flora talk about Anna so calmly. If he had been a corrupt lord, Alicia might have remained calm, but his matter-of-fact, unwavering belief in his ideology only fueled her emotions.

"Remember, you are a princess. You need to remain composed."

"But I can't accept it."

"I understand, but you can't act on it. If you want to be a princess, act like one."

"Act, you say?"

"Yes. Who do you think will bow to you?"

Mary said firmly.

Alicia hesitated, then looked away, deep in thought. Her purple eyes gradually brightened as she began to understand Mary's point.

"You're so slow," Mary scolded.

Alicia looked at Mary with hopeful eyes, but Mary remained aloof. "You're so country," she said, pointing out that the current Alicia was the usual 'country girl.'

"I need a backing. If you want to be just a country girl, go home."

"Yes, that's right. ...So, Mary-sama, no, Mary Albert."

Alicia called out to Mary again, her voice light and clear, yet dignified.

When Mary turned to her, Alicia took a deep breath and spoke slowly.

"In the name of my country's authority, resolve this situation."

Alicia's cool words echoed in the silent corridor.

Mary smiled slyly and curtsied elegantly.

"As you wish, Princess Alicia."

Her response was not just Mary's, but Mary Albert's.

Since Alicia had given the order as a princess, Mary had to respond as a noble's daughter. At the same time, Mary's actions would be 'by royal command.'

Their exchange would appear impressive to onlookers. Two women, a princess and a noble's daughter, had joined forces based on their beliefs.

...However,

"Also, after this, I command you to have a tent sleepover with me!"

"That's not what I expected to hear! No way!"

They immediately reverted to their usual banter.

Mary slapped Alicia's forehead, and she pouted, pressing her hand to her forehead. The solemn atmosphere vanished in an instant.

Mary shrugged and glanced at Alicia.

"Remember to act like a princess. I'll be back."

"Yes!"

"...If you do well, I might join you for a tea party in a tent. But set it up in the palace garden."

Mary whispered and reached for the door handle, ready to return to the room.