Since childhood, Lizzy had coveted Ariella’s food. It had started with her secretly eating the leftovers Ariella left behind.
From the day Ariella noticed this, she had been setting aside more than half of her meals and snacks for Lizzy. After years of this, there was no dish on the table that Lizzy hadn’t tasted.
“…Eat a lot.”
“Yes, thank you!”
The duke frowned at Lizzy’s loudness during the meal but didn’t scold her. In fact, he even offered her more food. Compared to when he had looked at her like trash on the street, it was a significant improvement.
Who would have thought the effects would be so immediate?
Ariella admired her father’s swift change. Though he still didn’t seem entirely pleased, it appeared he had decided that showing Lizzy some appropriate kindness would be better for the future.
“Arrie, you should eat a lot too.”
“Wow, our sisters are getting along well! How is that possible? Just a few days ago, you slapped her. Is the spot where you hit her all healed?”
David chuckled as he mentioned the incident from a few days ago. Lizzy quickly shook her head, her pale cheeks flushing red.
“I’m fine! I’ve received worse punishments than this! Really, I’m not bothered at all, so don’t worry!”
Punishment. As far as Ariella could remember, no one had physically punished Lizzy since she entered this mansion. Everyone knew that Lizzy was the favored one of the princess, so it was only natural.
“Oh, and… you don’t need to feel too sorry about the misunderstanding from before, Arrie.”
Yes, it seemed an attack was about to come.
Ariella sat up straight and slowly fluttered her eyelashes.
The duke, who had bitten Lizzy’s bait on her behalf, asked again.
“…Misunderstanding?”
“That… you said I insulted the duke’s family and the royal family. I had no such intention, but it seems Arrie misunderstood. I understand, Arrie. It’s only natural to be angry. After all, the prince is your long-time fiancé… and he’s showing interest in someone like me. I feel bad about the incident at the ball a few days ago. I didn’t say anything to His Highness, but he seemed to overreact, and strange rumors started circulating.”
As soon as the ball incident was mentioned, the air around them turned cold once more.
Lizzy, oblivious to this, continued speaking with a serious expression.
“However, Duke. I love Bedford more than His Highness. I’m sorry to say this, but… Bedford, who raised me and fed me, is more precious to me than anything else. What I’ve longed for my whole life isn’t love, but family. I never want to do anything that my family doesn’t want. So if you command me, I will firmly tell His Highness again that I don’t want to meet him anymore. Of course, I don’t know if he will comply…”
Her sorrowful voice mentioning family was perfectly suited to evoke sympathy from those around her. She declared that she would even risk separation for her family, making it seem plausible that the rumors of her having done something wrong to Aaron were mere fabrications.
If only Ariella hadn’t made the first move.
‘What a joke.’
‘Oh my, look at that disgusting thing. We all know what she’s done!’
‘How can she lie without even getting her lips wet?’
Unfortunately for Lizzy, the public opinion in this dining room had already been shaped in Ariella’s favor.
No matter how virtuous and considerate she appeared, the maids would not withdraw their disdainful gazes. Perhaps their reactions would change over time, but at least not today.
“Oh, I’m sorry for calling you family without permission. Nothing has been revealed yet… but I’m really happy right now. This is the first time we’re eating together like this.”
Despite Lizzy’s forced words, Duke Bedford remained silent, and David stirred his soup, glancing around nervously.
‘Damn it, why is the reaction like this?’
Seeing the atmosphere flow differently than she had thought, Lizzy clenched her fist tightly under the table.
She was aware that the public’s evaluation of her was not good. She was angry that she was merely referred to as a mistress and that Aaron hadn’t been able to prevent such articles from being published.
However, there was a silver lining.
Ariella, that foolish girl, had called her by name in front of the nobles!
Though it wasn’t the direction she had wanted, now that it had come to this, Duke Bedford would have no choice but to acknowledge her, albeit reluctantly, to show that the relationship between the royal family and Bedford was solid.
Thinking this, she had come to the breakfast table joyfully, only to be met with a hostile atmosphere.
While Duke Bedford might have his reasons, why did the servants? Knowing she could truly be a princess, why were they now glaring at her after slowly distancing themselves from Ariella?
Lizzy bit the inside of her lip harshly.
After a short sigh, the duke saved her.
