Ironically, the Duke of Bedford, who had caused her legs to be in this state, went about his daily life as if nothing had happened.
With a calm expression, he handed Ariella documents to process, as if he had never harmed his daughter’s legs, resembling a reptile that felt no emotions.
What was even more chilling was that he had forced Ariella to act as if nothing was wrong.
The duke ordered her to join him for breakfast on Friday, even though she was still struggling to move. Naturally, refusal was not permitted.
As a result, Ariella limped down the stairs to the dining room on her own, without even receiving Amira’s support. She knew very well that this was the image the duke wanted.
“…Sit down, Arrie.”
The duke, who had arrived unusually early, smiled with satisfaction at her appearance. Normally, he would have been upset if she arrived later than him, but this time, not doing so was a form of consideration.
Lizzy, who arrived shortly after, also greeted Ariella with a very pleased smile.
“Oh my, Arrie. It’s been a while. How have you been?”
Seeing her smile and ask about her well-being, it was clear that she knew very well what humiliation Ariella had faced. Or perhaps she had planned it herself.
Before Ariella met her father in the study, Lizzy had likely consulted with him first, making it seem more likely that she was the latter. It seemed she had taken revenge for ruining her debutante ball in that manner.
“Well, I’ve been fine. How about you? I heard Catalina has been spreading rumors here and there.”
There was no way she could have been fine after the spectacle at the debutante ball.
The Edinburgh social circle was abuzz with talk about Lizzy, and even people who had never met her were laughing at her. Because of that, Lizzy had reportedly refrained from going out for the past few days.
Considering that her dream had been to quickly finish her debutante ball and mingle with many nobles, this humiliation was beyond measure.
However, Lizzy responded nonchalantly, smiling as if nothing was wrong.
“That’s nothing, really. It’s a problem that time will solve anyway.”
“Right, it’s nice to see you so positive about everything.”
The words, laced with sarcasm, exchanged with pretty smiles as the two young ladies took their seats.
Thus, the breakfast of the Bedford family, excluding the trapped David, began.
In the heavy silence, only the clinking of cutlery could be heard when a cold voice broke the silence.
“Arrie, have you received any messages from Duke Ashbon?”
The first question he posed was about her relationship with Nobert.
Despite having answered him multiple times that there was no connection with Nobert during the punishment, the duke asked as if this topic was being brought up for the first time, as if he and the man were entirely different people.
‘Well, he must be curious. Whether he will pay a high price to take me away or not.’
It was heard that the engagement proposal had abruptly stopped after she danced with the duke. It seemed he was contemplating selling her off to him, even if reluctantly.
“No, not yet. But I think it might come soon.”
“Tsk, if it does, tell me right away.”
“Yes, Father.”
As she nodded obediently, she felt a sharp gaze from the side. Lizzy was glaring at her.
What she thought was nothing special, ‘Ariella’s man,’ turned out to be the famous duke, which must have stirred quite a bit of jealousy in Lizzy.
As Ariella sensed that feeling and let out a small laugh, she felt Lizzy’s arm trembling slightly beside her.
And not long after, a naive voice followed.
“Oh, Father. A letter arrived from the palace this morning.”
“From the palace?”
Lizzy, who had successfully captured the duke’s interest, nodded her head. Then she cast a glance at Ariella.
“Yes. The Empress wishes to see me. She thinks it would be good to get acquainted before the wedding.”
Was this the reason for her triumphant expression? Ariella swallowed her laughter as she sipped her gentle tea.
No matter what had happened at the debutante ball, she would marry the Crown Prince and become part of the royal family. Lizzy was openly boasting about it while mentioning the Empress, completely unaware that Ariella had no interest in that shining position.
“Of course, she would be curious about the face of the girl who will become her daughter-in-law. When did she say to meet?”
“The day after tomorrow morning. Since it’s our first meeting, I feel like I should prepare something. What do you think would be good?”
“You can handle that yourself… No, from now on, ask Lady Joffrey.”
“Yes, Father.”
Seeing Lizzy smiling brightly, Duke Bedford let out a small sigh.
Unlike Ariella, who managed everything perfectly from start to finish, Lizzy required a lot of attention in various ways.
