Chapter 89

"Raising a son is utterly useless, as they say!" Cardinal de Mare scolded his son in anger.

"Do you even know what you're saying right now?"

In response to his father's reprimand, Ipolito wore a smile.

"Ah, Father, you know Mother has always been a bit like that."

Ipolito's smile was not one of intentional defiance; it was the confident smile of a beloved child who knew that no matter what he said, his father would never ultimately hate him. Ariadne inwardly shook her head.

'So it has come to this.'

Ipolito, undeterred by his father's displeasure, tried to persuade Cardinal de Mare.

"Mother has no ill intentions. She just gets carried away with family matters because she's so affectionate. You know what she's like, don't you?"

Indeed, there was not a shred of malice in Lucrezia. She did not bear any grudge against her husband or intend to cause him trouble. She was simply shortsighted and did not consider the consequences of black magic being found in the Cardinal's house.

"Isabella was also affected by absurd rumors. Mother must have been out of her mind at the time. She has a naive side, which makes her endearing, doesn't it?"

At the mention of Isabella, the Cardinal sighed. His eldest daughter had been confined to her room for almost three months. It was time to release her. Despite the damage to her reputation, she was still the most beautiful woman in San Carlo. Even if she could no longer aim for the position of princess, she could still secure a decent marriage before she passed the age of marriage.

The age of a maiden was the most decisive factor in the quality of a marriage. If he did not intend to send Isabella to a convent permanently, Cardinal de Mare needed to reintroduce her to society soon.

"Indeed, Isabella has been reflecting for a long time..."

As the household manager, Ariadne knew very well that Isabella's attitude during her confinement was extremely poor. Complaints about her behavior were heard from all corners. However, she was not foolish enough to bring up evidence of Isabella's lack of repentance at this moment. The Cardinal's decision to release Isabella was not based on her repentance but on the need to reintroduce her to society.

In any case, it was better to pretend to be good. Pretending to be good was not Isabella's exclusive domain.

"Father, I was just worried about how Mother would survive the harsh winter at the Bergamo farm, which has poor facilities."

Cardinal de Mare looked at Ariadne with a slightly surprised expression. Ariadne continued with the most benevolent expression she could muster.

"I know from experience that Bergamo is further north. Northern winters are severe, and the rural buildings are not well-insulated, making them very cold. I'm worried about Mother's health."

Ariadne paused thoughtfully, then looked at Cardinal de Mare with a slight smile, hoping her eyes would sparkle with a mix of brilliance and pitifulness.

"Besides, Isabella hasn't seen Ipolito since he returned. Family members should greet each other. It would be a good idea to gather everyone for Father's birthday to share our feelings."

Cardinal de Mare looked at Ariadne as if seeing her for the first time. Ariadne smiled brightly at her father. Ipolito, with a raised eyebrow, looked at Ariadne with a questioning expression. Ariadne gave him a benevolent smile in return.

"Brother, you haven't visited Sister since you returned, have you?"

"Uh, uh. I can't meet Isabella without Father's permission."

"Of course. Father's word is more important than sibling bonds."

The content was strangely mocking, but his expression and tone were serious, as if agreeing with everything his brother said. Ipolito was unsure. In fact, it was mocking. Ariadne inwardly clicked her tongue, thinking how ridiculous it was that Ipolito, who had defied his father's orders to meet Lucrezia as soon as his allowance was cut, was now making such a statement. Cardinal de Mare and Lucrezia had indeed raised their children poorly.

"I'll prepare Father's birthday dinner. Since it's a family gathering, we'll have a cozy meal in the small dining room."

"Don't forget the roasted quail. Father likes it well-done."

Ariadne, thinking of punching Ipolito, replied sweetly.

"Of course."

Cardinal de Mare cleared his throat.

"Hmm. Ariadne, I'm glad you're taking care of this."

Ariadne smiled prettily at Cardinal de Mare. You owe me one, don't forget.

* * *

Lucrezia cautiously entered the grand entrance of the de Mare mansion. This was originally her domain, but it now felt unfamiliar.

"Madam, you have arrived."

At the entrance, Ariadne stood like a commander, surrounded by servants. She was dressed in a luxurious indoor dress made of silk and greeted Lucrezia, who had just stepped out of the carriage and was wearing a slightly worn fur cloak, with a respectful bow.

"Was your journey smooth?"

Ariadne's attendant, dressed in the uniform of a housekeeper, stood beside her. Giada, Lucrezia's confidante, was nowhere to be seen. It was clear that the bastard had replaced her people in her absence. The gold signet ring on Ariadne's finger gleamed.

'That wretched girl...!'

Lucrezia had always hated Ariadne. Ariadne was a bastard who proved that Cardinal de Mare's love for Lucrezia was not perfect. Moreover, she had taken away things that should have been given to her precious Isabella. Now, she added arrogance to her list of faults. Seeing Ariadne act as if she were the mistress of the house at the entrance filled Lucrezia with rage, regardless of the reason.

"Hmph!"

Lucrezia almost let out a loud snort but bit her lip, knowing she could not afford to give her husband any reason to be displeased.

"Where is my son?"

After composing herself, the first person Lucrezia inquired about was Ipolito. She scanned the surroundings, looking for her eldest son. After all, it was thanks to her sturdy son that she could return to this mansion.

"Mother!"

On cue, Ipolito, dressed elegantly, descended from the second floor to greet Lucrezia.

"Ipolito!"

Mother and son embraced, enjoying their reunion. Lucrezia held her son tightly, patting his back a few times before finally letting go. However, something caught her eye. Maretta stood right behind Ipolito.

"Why is she here?"

Ariadne inwardly smiled.

'You fell for it.'

Ipolito, unaware of the situation, answered casually.

"She's my personal maid. She's diligent, smart, and does a great job."

A slight crack appeared on Maretta's face. Even Maretta did not expect Ipolito to introduce her as his girlfriend or future mistress and daughter-in-law on their first meeting. However, she did not expect him to introduce her so bluntly as a "hardworking maid."

Lucrezia, on the other hand, was furious that her son had praised a maid. Clearly, there was a romantic tension between them, and for her son to praise this girl in front of her was a sign of disrespect.

Lucrezia heard Ipolito's praise as a declaration: "No matter what you think, Mother, I will value this girl."

Unaware that he had instantly displeased both women and created an unbridgeable gap, Ipolito extended his hand to Lucrezia.

"Mother, let's go to the family dining room. The dinner is ready."

He acted as if he had prepared the dinner himself and led the family to the small dining room, as if he were the master. Ariadne, inwardly chuckling, quickened her pace to overtake the group. She glanced at Ipolito and took the lead.

The proper place for the 'mistress' to lead the 'guests' to the dining room was at the front. Ipolito flinched, but as a 'son,' he was supposed to follow the mistress. Only the head of the household could lead ahead of the mistress.

'These annoying people.'

In the family dining room, another villain had arrived. Isabella, who had been confined to her room for three months, was finally allowed to venture outside.

Isabella was dressed in a simple white indoor dress, looking even paler from the lack of sunlight. Dark circles under her eyes and a melancholic demeanor made her appear even more innocent and beautiful. Ariadne clicked her tongue.

'She doesn't even wither in confinement.'

Isabella glanced at Ariadne, then immediately lowered her eyes and bowed. Confinement had not diminished her beauty, but it had somewhat tamed her temper. However, her attitude changed dramatically when she thought she had an ally.

As Ipolito and Lucrezia entered, Isabella, who had been sitting with her head bowed, stood up and cried out.

"Mother!"

"Oh! My precious!"

Lucrezia and Isabella had an emotional reunion. It had been nearly 100 days since they last saw each other.

"Mother! Mother!"

Isabella, usually a skilled speaker, could only repeat "Mother." She sobbed in her mother's arms, and Lucrezia, forgetting her own plight, hugged her emaciated daughter and wept with her. It was a touching scene, except for the fact that the participants were Lucrezia and Isabella.

Ariadne was not the only one who felt uncomfortable.

"Ahem!"

Cardinal de Mare, entering the family dining room late, cleared his throat.

'Anyone would think I'm the villain.'

Cardinal de Mare was not pleased with the current situation. He was merely a father who had rightfully disciplined his mistress for using evil black magic and his scandalous daughter who had tarnished the family's honor. However, seeing the mother and daughter sobbing as if their portraits had been destroyed made him seem like the villain.

Ipolito quickly lightened the mood with a smile.

"Mother, why are you crying as if you've been separated from the world? Isabella, stand up. It's Father's birthday, let's enjoy a good meal and cheer up. Come on."

After that, everyone in the family dining room acted as if they were a normal family reunited after a long time. The conversation revolved around health and recent daily life. However, Lucrezia and Cardinal de Mare carefully avoided any topics that could be interpreted as romantic or personal, focusing instead on the well-being of their children.

"Ipolito, how was your studies?"

"Yes, Father."

Ipolito almost dropped his knife due to the sweat on his palms but hid his nervousness, calmly cutting the quail's leg.

"A bachelor's degree in military science? I'm very proud that my son has earned a degree from the prestigious University of Padua."

"Of course, who's my father?"

Ipolito stuffed the quail's leg into his mouth and smiled naturally at his father. Lucrezia, looking proud, smiled sweetly at her son.

In the suffocating atmosphere, Cardinal de Mare asked again.

"When will your degree arrive home?"

- Gulping!

Ipolito swallowed the unchewed meat in one gulp.