“Another marriage partner…?”
“Not as good as the imperial family, but I’ll find the best possible match. So don’t worry too much.”
The Duke nodded lightly and continued.
“Arrie. I wouldn’t abandon you, would I?”
His voice sounded quite affectionate. His words, that not much would change even if she wasn’t his real daughter, were almost touching.
“Yes, Father wouldn’t do that.”
As expected.
Ariella was his most valuable commodity. A commodity he had invested heavily in to receive the highest price.
Just because her value had decreased due to a series of events, he couldn’t simply discard the commodity itself. He wouldn’t let go of Ariella to recoup his investment, not until her usefulness was exhausted. That was what he meant by not much changing.
‘So I must act diligently.’
To make him want to get rid of her.
To make her a commodity that would be a loss to keep, instead.
“Let’s eat first. The food the chef prepared with such care will get cold.”
“Yes, Father.”
Ariella, still with sadness on her face, nodded respectfully.
David, having finished his preparations late, arrived at the dining room, changing the atmosphere.
“Father. I’m sorry I’m late. I overslept because I was reading and studying late into the night…”
“Tsk, come and sit.”
“Yes. Good morning, sister. Your eyes look a little dark. Are you feeling unwell?”
His face, tilting his head in question, was filled with a cheerful expression. He couldn’t have failed to hear the rumors that had spread throughout the capital. He seemed quite pleased to have found something to tease her about.
“Yes, I didn’t sleep well.”
“Oh dear, you need to get enough sleep.”
However, he wasn’t foolish enough to openly provoke her in front of his father, only managing a sly smile.
As the situation seemed resolved, the servants followed David in, naturally continuing their service.
Just as the dreadful Friday family dinner was about to resume…
“Master, excuse me for a moment.”
Suddenly, the Duke’s personal servant approached cautiously.
“What is it?”
“It’s just that… outside the door…”
“What?”
The servant hesitated, unable to find the right word.
Instead of him, the unexpected visitor poked their head through the crack in the door, announcing their presence.
“I’m Lizzy.”
An innocent face appeared between golden hair.
“May I join you for dinner?”
A dozen pairs of eyes turned toward Lizzy all at once.
The atmosphere, which had been slightly relaxed, instantly turned cold, almost freezing.
It was only natural. Just moments ago, the servants had been cursing her in their hearts, and now she had walked in on her own.
The maids, who had empathized too deeply with Ariella’s story, glared at Lizzy as if she were the world’s worst villain.
‘What’s going on? Why is the atmosphere like this?’
Lizzy, who had no idea what conversation had taken place before her arrival, felt utterly bewildered.
Just yesterday, the looks directed at her, though tinged with jealousy, had been warm; now, warmth was nowhere to be found.
Duke Bedford also seemed less than pleased with the sudden intrusion, narrowing his eyes. The hollows beneath his brows cast a shadow over his sharp gaze, creating a more menacing atmosphere.
“I apologize if I made you uncomfortable. I just heard that we have family meals every Friday morning…”
Her pretty face flushed red as she bowed her head deeply. Her thin voice was laced with a hint of tears.
At this point, one would expect some reaction, but strangely, the dining room remained silent.
“…Sit down.”
Fortunately, Duke Bedford relaxed his expression and granted permission.
Lizzy beamed and walked lightly to sit beside Ariella.
“Of course, it’s a family meal, so our sister should be here. It’s good to see you, Lizzy.”
“Thank you for welcoming me, David.”
“Just call me Demi. We’re siblings, after all.”
Unlike anyone else, David smiled and added. He was the only one at the table who genuinely welcomed Lizzy.
“David Bedford.”
“Just kidding, just kidding. Hahaha. I tend to make a lot of boring jokes.”
When the duke called him in a cold voice, David quickly changed the subject.
“Anyway, good morning, Lizzy.”
“Yes, good morning to you too, Demi.”
Lizzy narrowed her long eyes and smiled brightly. Then she subtly turned her head to gaze at Ariella.
“Good morning, Arrie.”
“…Yes, good morning.”
Ariella replied calmly. Even though she had merely returned the greeting, she could feel the surrounding servants looking at her with even more pity.
Soon, exquisite dishes were placed in front of Lizzy. With clumsy hands, she scooped some gratin and popped it into her mouth. Her round eyes widened, and she let out a gasp.
“Wow…! It’s really delicious!”
All eyes turned back to Lizzy. She awkwardly smiled, seemingly flustered, and quickly continued.
“I’m sorry, I got too excited. I’ve never had such good food before…”
A soft chuckle escaped Ariella’s lips.
