HRNGDS 79

~Chapter 79~

Ivelina was living somewhat peacefully at the Duke of Fuat’s estate.

Yes, maybe this is better. If I had stayed in the Duke of Rikeion’s house, it would have been far worse.

Although Kassen looked at her with contempt, the servants, mindful of the Duke and Duchess, had no choice but to treat her kindly.

The Duke and Duchess of Fuat are as kind as can be, and Jerian is too ill to move. The only person here whose presence is annoying is the Grand Madam of the Duke’s house—but she can’t do anything now since she’s stuck by Jerian’s side, who’s on his last days. So what can she do?

Ivelina ground her teeth.

Just thinking about the Duke’s Grand Madam irritated her.

The Grand Madam of the Duke of Fuat’s house—Leila Fuat—had always been fond of Delphina.

When she heard that Kassen had cheated with Ivelina and broken off his engagement with Delphina, she had despised Ivelina ever since.

When the Duke and Duchess decided to accept Ivelina, Leila had been furious.

“You’re accepting someone who betrayed our family? She’s someone who will stab us in the back one day.”

That wasn’t all—Leila had also stopped Ivelina from living in luxury like she had in the Duke of Rikeion’s house.

“Don’t expect the life you had at the Duke of Rikeion’s house here.”

As if it wasn’t enough that my grandfather took everything from me.

Ivelina had to leave behind all the jewels and dresses she had bought.

Alphonso hadn’t allowed her to take them.

It felt terribly unfair to Ivelina.

Grandfather and Lady Leila are both treating me like this because of Delphina.

Delphina had bewitched their hearts. The cold treatment she received now was all because of her.

Even after leaving the Duke of Rikeion’s house, Ivelina felt as if Delphina was still tormenting her. She sneered.

What can Lady Leila even do? She can’t leave her dying grandson’s side.

Leila treasured Jerian deeply. If she ever found out about the things Kassen had done, she would never forgive him.

Because of Leila, Kassen would never dare betray her.

They had both seen the worst sides of each other. If the truth came out about what Kassen had done to claim the position of heir, the gentle Duke and Duchess might hesitate, but Leila would never forgive him.

If Kassen ever showed any sign of abandoning her, Ivelina planned to reveal everything immediately.

I’m not going down alone.

But as long as Kassen didn’t betray her, he was her lifeline.

If he stayed loyal, Ivelina would help him completely.

Just then, her personal maid appeared with a letter.

“Lady Ivelina, a letter has arrived from Lord Dianko.”

With an annoyed expression, Ivelina took it.

[Ivelina, send me money quickly. This place is insane. The only people here stink of sweat and treat me horribly…]

Before she even finished reading, Ivelina crumpled the letter.

Yes, I’m better off than him.

And Dianko was still better off than his parents, who had been stripped of the ducal title. They were working so hard they couldn’t even write to her.

At least Ivelina was living as the Duke’s fiancée, still enjoying the life of a noble. She couldn’t live lavishly, but she was treated with the respect of her status.

Suddenly, a thought made her shiver. How had it come to this—that she had to settle for this much?

Even so, she hadn’t lost all hope. If Jerian died, Leila would probably leave the Duke of Fuat’s estate.

She’s only here for Jerian’s care anyway.

If Leila disappeared, it would be Ivelina’s world.

I am Kassen’s fiancée. I will become Ivelina Fuat.

As long as Kassen didn’t fall, that was certain. Ivelina smiled faintly.

Dianko’s letter had been enough to put her in a good mood.

I just have to stay quiet until I marry Kassen.

Her good mood might have lasted longer if the maid hadn’t brought more news.

“Ah, Lady Delphina of the Rikeion family is visiting. Will you not go to see her?”

“Delphina is here?”

“Yes, we were informed yesterday…”

Ivelina’s face twisted. She instantly realized Kassen hadn’t told her on purpose.

“Where is Kassen right now?”

“He went to greet the guests from the Rikeion family.”

She understood the situation immediately.

Kassen, overflowing with lingering feelings for Delphina, wanted to see her without Ivelina there.

There was no way Ivelina would let that happen. Kassen was all she had left now.

She had ended up in the same situation she had once mocked Delphina for.

But I’m different. Delphina, you lost Kassen, but I won’t.

Ivelina quickly stood up.

“If Delphina is here, I can’t miss this. Take me to her.”

Kassen stared blankly at Delphina standing in front of him. The Duke and Duchess of Fuat were away due to a summons from the Imperial Palace.

At the Duke’s estate now were only Leila, Jerian, Kassen, and Ivelina.

But Leila was by Jerian’s side, unable to greet Delphina. And Kassen had never told Ivelina about her visit.

He wanted to see Delphina alone. There was much he wanted to say.

He needed to apologize for misunderstanding her and tell her clearly that he didn’t love Ivelina.

I didn’t expect Elcayan to come too. He must have come all the way here just to get in my way.

Kassen’s expression darkened.

It wasn’t as if Elcayan had no right to come. The Rikeion family had said they would send people, not that Delphina would come alone.

And now, Elcayan looked so handsome that Kassen didn’t dare compare himself.

Kassen tried to ignore him and looked at Delphina instead.

“Delphina, I heard you came to see Ivelina and Jerian.”

“Well, yes. You and Ivelina will probably be married soon, so I came to see how she’s doing—as family.”

Delphina shrugged. She used Ivelina as an excuse in case Kassen tried to block her visit to the Duke’s estate.

He always hated it when I mentioned Jerian.

Kassen had deep inferiority toward Jerian. Lately, he had been especially obsessive about Delphina, so if she had said she came to see Jerian, he might have interfered.

“Where is Ivelina?”

“She’s settling into the house. Her situation has changed, so I’m sure she’s troubled.”

“…”

“She’s been clashing a lot with Grandmother. You know my grandmother liked you very much. I guess she’s not fond of Ivelina.”

Delphina pressed her lips together at the mention of Leila.

With her bold personality, Leila had been strangely fond of Delphina.

“Grandmother wants to see you again… Well, Jerian too. I hope you visit our family more often, Delphina.”

Kassen spoke as if he was someone who valued family.

“You could even stay for a while. You know my parents, grandmother, and Jerian like you. Jerian’s health is very poor—if you stay by his side, who knows… he might get better.”