Chapter 4

"Welcome back, Master Hubert. Your room is ready."

"Ah. Then, please show her the way."

When Opal finished climbing the stairs, a man who seemed to be a butler called out to Hubert. There was no trace of any celebratory sentiment for the newlyweds. The faces of the servants lined up to welcome the master and mistress were all cold, as if they were sizing up Opal. Opal felt a surge of anger but managed to suppress it. It wouldn't be good to make a bad first impression. She decided to note in her mind to call the head maid later and give her a reprimand.

The butler-like man bowed to Opal and greeted her.

"Welcome, madam. I am the butler of this mansion, Romit. If you need anything, please let me or this—Beth know. Beth is your personal maid."

At Romit's words, a young woman who was standing at the front of the line stepped forward and bowed. However, Opal did not miss the rebellious expression on her face. Opal felt a growing resentment towards Hubert for how the servants were treating her. Hubert, however, quickly entered the mansion.

"Then, I will show you to your room, madam. You must be tired, so we will have dinner brought to your room. Please rest assured."

"Is that so? I'm fine, though."

"It is a gesture of Mrs. Northam."

"…I see."

It seemed even the butler still considered the lady of the house to be Mrs. Northam. If the first night of their marriage was to be spent in her room with dinner brought to her, and this was considered a "gesture," then something was seriously wrong with Mrs. Northam. Not wanting to cause a scene in her new home, Opal silently followed Romit.

Mansions, regardless of their size, are usually built similarly. Opal, having climbed the grand staircase, immediately found what would be her master bedroom. However, Romit passed by the room. Opal thought she might have been mistaken, but soon they reached the end of the corridor. Romit opened a door there. Opal, feeling puzzled but urged to enter, realized the room was clearly a guest room.

"Romit, is this really my room?"

"Yes, it is."

"But this is a guest room. Could it be that the master bedroom hasn't been redecorated yet?"

"No. This room, while the farthest from the stairs, is well-equipped with a bathroom and a closet. The view from the window is also excellent, and you won't be bothered by any noisy disturbances. Mrs. Northam chose this room for you."

"…That 'gesture' is very kind, but I am the Duchess. Shouldn't I be using the master bedroom? Please move my belongings immediately."

"That is not possible."

"Why not?"

"The master bedroom—Hubert's adjacent room—is being used by Stella."

"Wh…?"

Opal knew she was sounding arrogant, but she couldn't let herself be underestimated here. She scolded herself and commanded Romit. She hadn't expected to be denied the use of the master bedroom and to be confined to a room at the end of the corridor. The shocking revelation left her speechless. She could feel the blood draining from her face. Determined not to collapse, she pinched her left hand with her right and forced herself to speak.

"Is Stella your husband's mistress?"

The words slipped out before she could think, but it seemed there was no other explanation. However, Romit's face also drained of color when he heard her words.

"Absolutely not… How could you… I will take my leave now."

Romit, with a look of disbelief, cast a disdainful glance at Opal and left the room. Opal glanced at Beth, who was preparing her clothes as if nothing had happened. Beth didn't say anything, but it was clear she was angry about the conversation.

It seemed there was an angel in this mansion. And because a snake that might defile the angel had entered, everyone was hostile towards the snake. Opal, who had given up on marriage during her second season, didn't care about her reputation. But now, her reputation was turning against her.

(But didn't I save this family? Why do I have to be mocked by the servants on my first day?)

The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. The anger she had suppressed flared up again. The snake in this mansion was not her. It must be the person running the household—Mrs. Northam, who was inciting everyone. She probably felt threatened by Opal's presence.

"What nonsense."

As Opal changed from her wedding dress into a simpler one, she muttered to herself. Beth, who should have heard her, said nothing. Opal resolved to file for divorce when she turned twenty. Given the current situation, it was unlikely she would have children anyway. Just as she made this decision, she heard the sound of heavy footsteps approaching. In this mansion, only Hubert was allowed to make such a noise. The door opened without a knock, and there stood Hubert.

"Master—"

She had just finished changing, but if he had interrupted her, she would have told him to knock. However, seeing the furious expression on Hubert's face, she was speechless.

"!"

"What a filthy woman! Calling Stella… Stella a mistress!"

Opal's right arm was gripped tightly, and she almost cried out in pain but bit her lip to hold back. After venting his anger, Hubert abruptly let go of her as if she were unclean.

"I will not allow you to meet Stella. Understand? If you want to leave your room, you must go through Beth. It would be disastrous if it happened by chance. Of course, I won't stop you from going out. However, even if you become pregnant, I will not acknowledge the child. I will take the matter to the palace's legal officials, so be prepared for that."

With that, Hubert seemed satisfied and glared at Opal before leaving. Opal, with her throbbing arm hanging limply, watched him go. Beth, who had remained silent throughout, continued to stand quietly in the corner of the room.