Chapter 81

Raoul held a banquet that day.

"How can we let this joyous moment pass without a blessing! Provide all the guests with ample food and drink!"

Thanks to this, the servants, including butler Donovan and governess Miranda, worked themselves to the bone to secure the manpower and supplies. Yet, everyone had a face overflowing with happiness.

Finally, a true lady who could bring them joy had appeared.

I stood slightly back from the place of honor where the direct blood relatives sat.

The seats at both ends of the table were for the Duke and Duchess, and the children were supposed to be seated appropriately, but today was different.

The Duke and Duchess did not want to be separated from Livi, so they sat together affectionately in the middle.

Giuseppe also had a rosy-cheeked, excited look as he sat beside Livi.

It was a warm and harmonious family.

Of course, I was excluded.

Lord Williams, who had noticed me quietly dining away from the picture-perfect family, seemed to be regaining his confidence.

He came over to me and started a conversation.

"Miss Thérèse. You must be very happy that your sister has returned, right?"

This time, he addressed me as Miss Thérèse, not as the squire lady.

He seemed to want to say that the squire lady was not Thérèse but Livi.

It was easy to guess why Lord Williams kept provoking me.

If he could provoke the thorn in his side, Thérèse, to act out on this good day, Raoul would never let it go.

He probably wanted to sideline Thérèse to make Livi the only lady.

It wasn't out of love for his beloved niece.

Could he really love and care for a niece he had just met today?

'He wants to push Livi as the successor to benefit as the closest relative.'

The baron's actions were helpful, but he was ultimately a card to be discarded.

From Thérèse's perspective, he was clearly an enemy.

I easily agreed with Lord Williams's words.

"Yes, that's right."

He blinked, trying to recall what he had asked.

"Excuse me? No, what I meant was, your sister has returned—"

"I am, very, happy."

"Ah..."

Lord Williams seemed flustered by the unexpected turn of events and continued to stammer.

I curled one corner of my mouth.

"However, my lord, it seems you want me to be unhappy about Livi's return?"

"Y-Yes?"

"Ah, perhaps you are unhappy with Livi? That's why you were trying to get my agreement."

Thump.

I leaned forward slightly and continued.

"Oh, if you had said that earlier, I would have helped you. Where, shall I cause a commotion right now?"

"No, no! It's a misunderstanding, Lady. I didn't mean that!"

The baron, fearing that I would cause a commotion and blame it on him, tried to dissuade me, sweating profusely.

I looked at him with an expression that asked why he had started the conversation in the first place.

"...Cough, cough! It seems the weather has turned warm today. I will go to the balcony."

Lord Williams tried to slip away again.

I nodded, sipping my champagne.

"Yes, do that. From the looks of your red face, you should cool off for at least an hour."

Just a moment ago, I had been standing outside, bundled up in a coat, and felt as if I was freezing.

It was much colder now in the evening, and everyone was indoors without their coats.

If he went out like this, he would freeze to death.

"Penny."

I called a nearby maid.

"Lord Williams says he's too hot and wants to go to the balcony. Please guide him. If he stays too long, he might catch a cold, so remind him in an hour."

The young maid named Penny looked back and forth between me and Lord Williams, looking bewildered.

Before Lord Williams could change his story, I spoke first.

"Exactly one hour. You must not disturb Lord Williams before then. Oh, and he won't need a coat because he's too hot. Do you understand?"

"...Yes, I understand."

I turned my gaze from Penny to Lord Williams and smiled.

"Then have a good time alone on the balcony."

"..."

Lord Williams, pale, was led to the balcony by Penny.

Ding!

[The seat 'CiderPass' has donated 100 coins.]

[Model Cider Shop]

I covered my lips with my glass and muttered.

"Why to this extent."