Perhaps he was just a good person who couldn’t pass by someone in trouble. Or maybe he secretly harbored feelings for her.
However, Ariella was not bright and innocent enough to come to such conclusions. Kindness and love were things that only those who had consistently received them could naturally perceive.
Thus, she continued to doubt Nobert’s intentions.
“Miss, your master has arrived this morning.”
The servant’s voice broke her reverie.
It seemed her father had returned quickly after hearing shocking news during his inspection of the territory.
“Did you call for me?”
“Yes. Since it’s Friday, he wishes to have breakfast together.”
Friday. The day she hated the most.
The family of the Duke of Bedford had breakfast together every Friday morning. This was a tradition that had been passed down since ancient times.
“How dare you do such a thing in my house!”
Suddenly, she heard her father’s shout from the depths of her memory.
The day he had prayed in front of the Shupai was also a Friday morning. So it was only natural that Ariella had come to hate Fridays.
“Alright, I’ll go.”
However, today, the path to the dining room felt very welcoming. She was eager to confirm her father’s reaction as soon as possible.
Her steps quickened with anticipation, and she soon reached the dining room.
The Duke of Bedford had not yet arrived. Damien was also nowhere to be seen.
That was a relief. The duke would become furious if she arrived later than him, even if she had come on time.
As soon as Ariella sat down, the duke opened the dining room door and entered. It was impeccable timing.
“Father, you’re here.”
“…Sit down.”
Ariella stood up to greet him, then confirmed that he had taken his seat before sitting down again.
Soon, the maids brought out a lavish spread on the table.
“Speak, Ariella.”
Before all the food was served, the duke got straight to the point.
“Explain one by one why such rumors have spread. Use your own words.”
A chilling gaze swept over Ariella, as if to devour her. It was so severe that even the maids serving the food seemed more tense.
‘If even a sliver of it is my fault, I won’t let it go.’
Ariella easily deduced her father’s thoughts.
She had already thought through what she would say. Fortunately, there were many maids in the dining room to relay the message, and there was no Lizzy to unnecessarily contradict her. It was the perfect environment to speak.
“I’m sorry to disappoint you, Father.”
“Save the apologies. Explain.”
“A few days ago, to mend my relationship with Aaron, I suggested we go to the ball together. Aaron agreed, and I tried to act wisely, as you advised. But for some reason, despite attending as his partner, Aaron completely ignored me the entire night. He ignored me even when I tried to speak to him affectionately, and roughly pushed me away when I tried to take his hand. It was truly… humiliating.”
Her father wasn’t the type to empathize with feelings like humiliation. Nevertheless, she mentioned it, mindful of the ears of others.
From what Ariella had observed, the young maids working at the Duke’s mansion were enthralled by stories of men, especially stories of bad boys and the hateful women who seduced them. They raged and grew heated as if it were their own business.
The maid currently carrying food to the table was also a talkative child. While pretending to look elsewhere, she was undoubtedly listening to the conversation.
“But later, I found out that the reason Aaron acted that way was because he had a promise with Lizzy. Before the ball, Lizzy told Aaron not to talk to me or dance with me. Seeing him follow that so obediently… it seems Aaron’s feelings for Lizzy are much stronger than I thought.”
Duke Bedford’s eyebrows furrowed sharply, and a glint flashed in his violet eyes.
He seemed deeply displeased with Lizzy’s machinations, yet simultaneously seemed troubled.
Ariella was satisfied with his reaction and added a slight lie.
“To mention Lizzy’s name in a gathering of so many nobles… it must have been quite something.”
“The Crown Prince mentioned Lizzy? Not you?”
“Yes… Could Aaron have said that? That I mentioned her?”
“Yes. He used your mistake as an excuse, making a fuss about quickly finding a tutor so Lizzy could make her debutante appearance this season! That arrogant boy…”
“Goodness, how could he lie like that! Father, you know my character well. When have I ever spoken rashly?”
The Duke recalled the image his daughter had always presented.
Ariella was generally a quiet and obedient daughter. Also, inheriting her father’s intelligence, she possessed the wisdom to only speak what was necessary.
In contrast, the Crown Prince flitted from one party to another, chattering endlessly.
