“That foolish girl is just a reckless mistake made by trusting a man. The truth will soon be revealed, so don’t waste your thoughts on her and keep your distance. Getting involved will bring you no good.”
Ariella clenched her fists tightly, bowing her head without anyone noticing. Perhaps considering this a response, the duke continued speaking.
“By the way, there’s a party at the Count Lambert’s tomorrow, right? The Crown Prince has decided to go as your partner.”
“…I don’t plan to go this time. Given the circumstances, it just doesn’t seem right.”
A party with Aaron. Just the thought of it made her feel sick.
Ariella shuddered and raised her head again.
And she discovered that fierce face that had once commanded her to lift her skirt in front of young Ariella.
“…You won’t go?”
The Duke of Bedford’s eyebrows twitched violently. A sharp pressure emanated from the man who had once made a name for himself as a knight.
“Are you saying that knowing Count Lambert has made a significant investment in Bedford’s wine business?”
His piercing gaze seemed ready to devour her, then he turned to the left corner of the study.
An object that did not match the elegant decor of the study sat on the antique table. It was a birch switch.
Ariella lowered her head again and bit her lower lip tightly.
Even now, after living for over twenty years, her situation had not changed much from the days when she trembled in fear of being beaten.
The only thing that had changed was her heart.
Ariella no longer longed for her father’s embrace. She no longer wished to avoid being expelled from Bedford.
“I was reckless, Father. I will attend the party as planned.”
After bowing her head in apology, the duke’s demeanor softened.
“Good. Go without any more fuss. I’ve made sure that no word of that girl has leaked out.”
“Yes, Father.”
“Moreover, since the Crown Prince is in that state, you must participate even more. His interest in Lizzy is merely a fleeting whim. Men often have such moments.”
Ariella’s mouth was tightly shut. She felt she should say something, but she couldn’t bring herself to respond positively.
Fortunately, the duke did not point this out and moved on.
“The more so, a woman must act wisely. You can’t show your jealousy in a disgraceful manner, nor can you just sit idly by. Tsk, if your mother were alive, I wouldn’t have to explain this to you myself…”
The difficult-to-listen nonsense continued.
Ariella gathered her patience and acted like a well-behaved daughter.
Her calm gaze slowly traced the duke’s neck, as if waiting for the moment it would come.
***
Time passed quickly, and soon the start time of the party approached.
To think she had to attend as Aaron’s partner after witnessing such a scene a few days ago. It was not just unpleasant; it was revolting.
Ariella recalled her father’s instructions and steadied her heart.
“The more so, a woman must act wisely.”
Act wisely. Yes, that was true.
Aaron was Lizzy’s most important backing, and he surely had information she was unaware of. Therefore, to wisely obtain what she desired, she had to endure the disgust she had always felt and test him.
Thus, she set aside her own feelings and prepared to attend the party.
Before long, Aaron arrived at the Duke’s residence to escort her.
“The Crown Prince has arrived, Miss.”
“Alright, I’ll be down shortly.”
Amira, the maid who had taken over for Lizzy, draped a shawl over her shoulders. It felt softer and nicer than the usual one she wore.
Glancing at the mirror, she saw her beautifully dressed self reflected back. She had simply worn what the maid recommended, yet today she seemed to have put in a little more effort.
‘What has changed… Is it the maid who chose the clothes?’
Lizzy didn’t seem to have much of a sense of fashion. Ariella also had no interest in dressing up, so she had always worn whatever was given to her.
Yet, could it be that the clothes Lizzy had been wearing lately suited her very well? Was that just a delusion?
Sighing softly, Ariella headed to the reception room. There was no point in thinking further; it would only give her a headache.
She wanted to meet the face she had to confront quickly, finish it, and return.
But to her surprise, the reception room she arrived at was empty.
From the sight of Aaron’s outer garment draped over the sofa, it seemed he had arrived, but where had he disappeared to?
‘No way.’
Ariella frowned and slowly turned her head. The door leading to the corridor was wide open.
And not far away, she heard a familiar voice. Ariella slowly walked toward the sound.
Somehow, this situation felt oddly familiar.
“Thank you, Your Highness. The flowers are really, really beautiful!”
