DSMBL CH 23

Chapter 23

Cassius walked slowly. He already knew where Charlotte was, thanks to his swordmaster senses—far superior to those of an ordinary person. He continued at a steady pace.

Behind a large tree, Charlotte’s skirt swayed gently in the breeze. Cassius set Theo down and slowly walked around the tree.

“Ah!”

Charlotte and Cassius locked eyes. She quickly covered her mouth, trying to hold back her laughter. Theo suddenly popped out from behind the tree and grabbed Charlotte.

“Wow! I found Sister-in-law too!”

“That’s cheating, Theo!” Charlotte laughed, clearly out of breath. Her cheeks were flushed, and she was sweating, probably from running around with Theo. Strands of hair clung to her damp forehead.

“No! You’re it too, big brother!”

“If you keep this up, I won’t read you a book tonight.

Charlotte playfully scolded Theo, a bright smile lighting up from her face. Cassius watched her silently. Charlotte’s presence had started to change not only the people but also the atmosphere of the mansion.

And, undeniably, she was changing Cassius as well.

Cassius found himself captivated by Charlotte, who sparkled like a fairy. Despite her simple attire and sweat-dampened appearance, she looked more beautiful than ever. It was a strange, unexpected feeling.

Without realizing it, Cassius ran a hand over his face. A strange thirst stirred within him.

***

Two days later, Chouette Mondeman arrived with the dresses she had prepared for her.

“Wow…”

“I knew you’d love them, Duchess! As you requested, they’re simple but still designed to maintain your dignity and elegance.”

Indeed, they looked noble and refined. While Charlotte stood dazed, Chouette brought out more dresses.

“And these are for your daily comfort, Duchess.”

“This is exactly what I wanted.”

Chouette smiled warmly.

“But, His Grace the Duke said not to hold back when making dresses for the Duchess.”

Chouette tilted her head.

“I assumed you’d be hosting a banquet, Duchess. You always ordered new dresses before a ball, after all.”

Charlotte finally understood why these luxurious dresses were in her hands. Cassius must have thought she would want to buy dresses for a change of pace, as she used to.

He likely gave instructions like, ‘Don’t worry about the cost. Just make something that suits my taste.’ Or maybe, ‘Let’s see how much of my fortune you can spend.’

And the result? Were these gorgeous, expensive dresses?

“They would suit you perfectly,” Luna, who had been standing back, commented.

“Me?” Charlotte asked, feeling awkward. She had never worn such extravagant clothes before, she had always preferred sturdy, practical outfits.

At least Cassius had paid for them, she thought.

“They wouldn’t suit me…”

“Duchess,” Luna interrupted gently. She glanced around before speaking more quietly.

“I have something to tell you in private.”

Charlotte swallowed hard and asked the others to leave.

“This might be overstepping, but…”

“Go ahead, say it.”

Charlotte trusted Luna; Luna had always been careful not to overstep, unlike the false loyalty from others like the nanny. Luna genuinely cared about and wanted to protect the household.

“Well… since you haven’t been hosting any banquets, there’s been some gossip about the Isteria estate.”

“Gossip?”

“People are saying the Duchess is unwell… and worse…”

“And?”

“Some even say the Duke’s household is in decline. We need to show that the Duchy is still strong.”

“Explain further.”

Luna took a deep breath before continuing.

“Actually, the Snow Beasts have been acting strangely. The Duke said not to worry, but the northern people are quick to notice. The knights have been seen patrolling more often, and people are starting to feel uneasy.”

If the Duchess doesn’t host a banquet, it would be seen as a sign of weakness, because banquets were always symbols of the Duchy’s strength.

“I see what you mean.”

Cassius had told her she didn’t have to host banquets if she didn’t want to. Charlotte herself wasn’t fond of them. But if hosting one would help protect Isteria, she was willing to do it.

“Do you think I can handle it? As you know, I’m practically under house arrest.”

“Do you really think that?” Luna blinked slowly.

“I thought you’d realized by now—that’s no longer the case.”

“…”

“No matter what happens, you’re still the Duchess. That means, especially in the North, you can do whatever you set your mind to.”

Talking to Luna, I realized something clearly. Luna was truly loyal.

“…Tell Chouette to come in.”

“Yes, my lady.”

“I’d like to host a banquet unlike any before. For that, I’ll need some help.”
“I’ll help you,” Luna offered without hesitation.
“Thank you, Luna.”

For some reason, I felt a surge of determination. It was as if I had become someone needed here. The words I had said to the nanny were really words I had said to myself. If it weren’t for saving Theo, would there even be a reason for me to stay here? Would people need me?

I decided to give it my all. I wanted to prove my worth. And perhaps later, I could also gain recognition for my contributions to Isteria and take a hefty compensation, but that was a future thought. What mattered was what I had to do now.

Luna clasped her trembling hands tightly. She had finally resolved her doubts.

Luna decided she would no longer question Charlotte. Throughout the time she had been observing her, Charlotte had genuinely cared for Theo and behaved honorably. It was almost as if her soul had been replaced.

What particularly moved Luna was how Charlotte had stood up to the nanny.

“You did the right thing,” Luna muttered under her breath.

If Charlotte became a good Duchess, it would benefit everyone. The North would gain a kind and warm-hearted mistress, which would bring stability. Even if Cassius left to fight the Snowbeasts, no scheming rats would dare undermine the estate.

Luna placed a hand over her heart and smiled faintly.

“She looked stunning…”

Charlotte in her dress had been breathtaking. Madame Chouette’s eye for style had been spot on.

At the banquet, Luna was certain Charlotte would stand out, as she always did.

***

Three days later, the mansion was buzzing.

The news that that woman would be holding a banquet again reached the nanny’s ears.

‘She’ll never change.’ the nanny muttered bitterly.

To her, Charlotte was nothing more than a vain, greedy woman bleeding the estate dry.

With a frosty expression, she marched to Cassius’s office and knocked firmly. She had confirmed he hadn’t left the mansion that day.

‘Today will be the end for you, wretched Charlotte,’ the nanny thought grimly.

The sight of a lowly orphan, pretending to be a duchess sickened her. She gritted her teeth. It was time to show Charlotte her place—and who truly held power in this household.

“It’s me, Your Grace,” she announced.
“Come in.”

Adopting a neutral expression, the nanny entered. Cassius set his pen aside and regarded her coolly.

To the nanny, Cassius was her masterpiece. From a young age, he had been brilliant, quick to learn, and a prodigy with the sword. He had become Duke at fourteen and led the estate successfully ever since.

But Charlotte disregarded all the nanny’s efforts. She would pay for that.

“I have something to report, Your Grace. It concerns the Duchess.”

Cassius rose, walked around the desk, and leaned casually against it, arms crossed.

“What is it?” he asked.

“Your Grace… The late Duchess’s belongings have gone missing. It seems… someone has tampered with her keepsakes.”