Chapter 10
“Lady Endrianz.”
“Go ahead, madam.”
At her flat tone, Lady Nerian chuckled. I swallowed a scoff and smiled back.
“My husband heard a strange rumor while working at the palace—”
She used her husband as an excuse to bring up the real topic. A few of the ladies around us flinched. They must have been taught to be discreet about matters related to the Imperial Palace. So she’s revealing to everyone that her husband can’t keep his mouth shut. Unaware of that, the woman prattled on.
“They say the Duke of Endrianz has taken a mistress.”
“…I see.”
“Secrets circulate all the time in salons, but the Duke? I couldn’t believe it. After all, the story between you and the Duke is famous.”
“…….”
“Did you know such ridiculous rumors were spreading, Madam? I only asked you to attend because I was worried you might be hurt.”
Right—her father was the type who bought his title with money. Her tone was already presumptuous, her manner crass… utterly vulgar. Lady Nerian glanced at me, checking my reaction. I smiled. Was she hoping I’d panic? To bring up gossip about ‘the flower of society’ just to get a reaction—how foolish.
“I just thought… we should stop a harmful rumor before it spreads too far—”
So that’s why she called me, and gathered these women. To use them to spread whatever outcome she wanted. The ladies surrounding us stepped back. All except Lady Nerian belonged to influential families. Occasionally, yellow-envelope invitations produce someone embarrassingly foolish.
“Of course, it’s just a silly rumor… right, Madam?”
That would be you.
Lady Nerian panicked as the others retreated. I opened my fan. A laugh escaped me—seeing her tremble under their judgment was amusing. Society shows you all kinds of pathetic sights. Who does she think she is, to pick a fight with me? I closed my fan.
“It’s true.”
“…Pardon?”
“It’s not a rumor. It’s a fact, madam.”
They stared, stunned. I looked each of them in the eye, then at Lady Nerian. Her wide eyes were full of shock and curiosity.
“Lady Nerian, I’ve heard an entertaining rumor as well.”
“…And what rumor is that?”
I knew the stories about my past with Ruiyan were romanticized by the public. They admired us, envied us. I understood women who clung to the reality forced upon them—marriages decided by family and politics. They weren’t at fault. But when they aimed hostility at me, despite never putting in the effort to get what they wanted themselves? Laughable. Pure jealousy.
“It’s about an idiotic man and his family. A common tale, really—you may have heard of it.”
“Oh my, tell us.”
“A few years ago, a man working at the palace spoke carelessly and leaked sensitive information. He ended up dead. His family name was erased as though it never existed. I cannot confirm the truth, but it serves as a reminder that anything concerning the palace is classified, even if one isn’t directly tied to the Imperial family.”
“…….”
“And wasn’t the subject of that rumor you mentioned supposedly close with His Highness the Crown Prince?”
“Th-that’s…”
“For someone to speak so freely… how thoughtless.”
If the man who spoke hears this—what then? My voice was light, amused. Lady Nerian finally realized the implication, and her face turned pale. With this type, you must speak in a language they understand. Even if this spreads, few will dare challenge me now. She might even become useful later. I’ll leave her be.
“I should get going. Thank you for the invitation.”
“Ah—no, I should thank you for attending.”
Her trembling was pitiful and satisfying. I turned away. Something crashed behind me, followed by screams. All the way out of that noisy mansion, I had to fight the urge to laugh.
I remembered the time I first debuted in society as the Duchess Endrianz. The women used to whisper about El—how unlike other children, he never cried. I never forgot. I repaid them later, once I became the darling of society, but the child was already hurt by then. How thoughtless they had been, directing malice toward a child simply because they could not aim it at me.
To prevent such pettiness from ever reaching my children again, I warned society. Attending these ridiculous gatherings is nothing but preparation for my children’s future debut—though, of course, with parties this cheap, the people are just as lacking.
“So irritating.”
The words slipped out. I was no saint. Insults angered me.
[It’s common, but I just couldn’t believe the Duke would really do that.]
Couldn’t believe it?
Neither could I. But I accepted it. I couldn’t deny reality.
[They say the Duke of Endrianz has taken a mistress.]
She didn’t even know who the mistress was. Perhaps because of her connection to the Crown Prince—her status, our family’s standing. The Endric family rarely attends social functions. If Marillian appears at my side, she’ll have to. Society won’t ignore such easy prey. Though her background will protect her from cruelty, they won’t be kind. I cannot protect her—I don’t have room to help anyone else. They would hunt me too. Ruiyan stands beside her, but I…
“…….”
When have I ever had his support?
[Seven days from now will do.]
Did he say that because he wanted to see her smile?
The question sits heavy in my chest. Was he always so considerate to someone? And the moment I realized that… my heart hurt.
I shook away the thought. I want to see my children.
“…….”
It was already dark. I had wasted time on nonsense. I’ve been acting impulsively lately. I furrowed my brows. When I stepped out of the carriage, flowers scented the air, and laughter drifted from the garden. Johan was still awake. I smiled at the thought of my son.
Just around the corner is their favorite flower bed.
“Why are you still awake—”
“Oh? Mom!”
He called out brightly. Our eyes met. I nodded; he returned to his task. I froze. Already…? The words stuck in my throat. The man beside him turned around.
“…….”
Why is he awake already? It felt awkward. His pale blue eyes on me… unfamiliar. He used to feel natural—why does facing him feel so hard now? Johan called him. They smiled at each other—father and son. My head throbbed. The headaches I’d been ignoring suddenly returned. I winced.
“Mom!”
Johan called me. I lifted my head. My forced smile faltered. Johan tilted his head.
“Your hand…”
“I made this for my sister.”
“You… made it well.”
“Yeah! Dad helped me!”
…You know how to make something like that?
First time learning something new about him… in five years.
Recently, I keep discovering parts of him I never knew existed.
Realizing things I didn’t want to realize.
The headache worsened. His cool blue eyes met mine. Still indifferent.
[Will this really be enough?]
[I will marry her.]
Today is your day.
[The wedding… seven days from now.]
[It’s a once-in-a-lifetime tiara.]
Why am I remembering old things?
My vision blurred. Johan’s worried face floated before me.
“…Mom?”
My body collapsed. I closed my eyes.
