DD 11

Chapter 11

“Lady Endrianz.”

“Please speak, Madam.”

Lady Nerian smiles at my calm tone. I swallow a scoff and smile back.

“My husband works at the palace and recently heard a very strange rumor—”

She brings up her husband as a shield, laying groundwork for what is to come. Some of the women gathered around flinch. …They must have been taught to be careful with their words regarding the palace. Is she trying to expose how loose the baron’s wife’s lips are? Unaware of that, the woman continues chattering.

“They say Duke Endrianz has taken a mistress.”

“…Is that so.”

“Gossip at salons isn’t uncommon, but to think the Duke would do such a thing—I simply couldn’t believe it. Your love story with the Duke is famous, after all.”

“……”

“Do you know such ridiculous nonsense is spreading? I was worried you might be hurt by it, and I insisted on having you attend today’s gathering.”

Right—her father bought his title with money. That explains her tone: presumptuous and blunt. …How vulgar. Lady Nerian glances at me, checking my reaction. Is she hoping to see me flustered? How laughable—dragging the so-called ‘belle of society’ into such a childish conversation.

“I just thought, since not many know the truth yet, it’d be best to snuff out dangerous rumors early—”

So that’s why she called me, and gathered the others. To make sure the rumor spreads wide through them. The ladies surrounding us step back, leaving just me and Lady Nerian. …Except for her, they’re all women from reputable families. Occasionally, at gatherings like these—organized through vulgar invitation envelopes—an embarrassingly foolish person shows up.

“O-of course it’s just a baseless rumor, Madam.”

And that fool… is you.
Flustered by the other women withdrawing, Lady Nerian panics. Unable to hide her expression, I slowly open my fan. A laugh slips out. Watching her check others’ reactions is pathetic. I’ve been in society long enough to see it all. Who does she think she is, picking a fight with me? I close the fan in my hand.

“It’s true.”

“…Pardon?”

“It isn’t a rumor. It’s the truth.”

It will be known sooner or later. I smile at the staring faces around me, then look at Lady Nerian. Her eyes are wide—shock and curiosity all mixed together.

“Lady Nerian, I have a rumor to share as well.”

“…What kind of rumor?”

I know that stories of my past with Luiyan circulate throughout the Empire. People romanticized us, envied us. I understand women who resigned themselves to the fate given to them—marrying whoever their parents and family decided. They’re not at fault.

But when those same women display hostility toward me?
How absurd. They don’t put in even half the effort I have, yet feel entitled to jealousy.

“It’s about a foolish man and his family. A very common rumor—perhaps you’ve heard it.”

“Oh my, what rumor is that?”

“A few years ago, a man working at the palace ran his mouth about internal affairs, revealing confidential matters… and ended up dead. They say even the name of his family was erased, as if it never existed. I don’t know if it’s true, but it reminds us: anything related to the royal family must remain secret.”

“…….”

“Come to think of it, doesn’t the rumor you brought up involve someone very close to His Highness the Crown Prince?”

“Th-that’s…”

“Whoever spread it… must be incredibly foolish.”

I say lightly, amusement in my voice.
Lady Nerian’s face goes pale—finally realizing the implication. For people like her, all I need is to retaliate at their level. Even if the rumor spreads, no one will challenge me openly. I’ve made an example of her. She may be useful later… so I’ll let her be.

“Well then, I should take my leave. Thank you for having me.”

“N-no, thank you for coming.”

Watching her tremble is satisfying. I simply turn away. Something crashes behind me, followed by ladies’ screams. I suppress my laughter all the way out of the mansion.

I remember when I first entered society as the mistress of House Endrianz. The women whispered about El—not crying like other children. I never forgot. Later, when I became the flower of society, I avenged her—yet my child had already been hurt. What were those women thinking, hurting a child just because they couldn’t pick on me?

I issued a warning to society, for my children’s sake. Attending pointless gatherings like this is nothing but preparation for when my children appear in society. Even if most people here lack refinement.

“How annoying.”

The curse slips out before I realize it. I am no saint. Being insulted makes anyone angry. Her shallow words echo in my head.

[It’s a common thing, but I just couldn’t believe the Duke would do such a thing.]

Couldn’t believe it?
Neither could I.
But I understood. I couldn’t ignore it. I couldn’t fight it. My heart ached—so I accepted reality.

[They say Duke Endrianz has taken a mistress.]

She didn’t even know who it was. Perhaps because the woman is connected to the Crown Prince… or because House Endrianz rarely engages in society. If she ends up with him, Marillian will have to appear in society more often—and they would never miss such easy prey. They won’t be harsh, because of her background, but neither will they be kind. I cannot help Marillian. I don’t have room in my heart. Those vultures will hunt me as well. Marillian has Luiyan by her side. But I…

“…Right. When did I ever have his help?”

[Seven days from now will be perfect.]

Did he say that because he wanted to see her smile?
The unanswered question lingers. I didn’t know he could care for someone like that. Realizing it… hurts.

She tries to erase the unpleasant thoughts.
She misses her children.

“……”

It’s already dark. I wasted time on something useless. I’ve been acting impulsively lately. I frown. As I step out of the carriage, the scent of flowers greets me. I hear laughter near the estate. I hand my coat to the butler and head toward the garden. Johan is still awake. I smile thinking of him. The path leads to the flowerbed the children love. What amusing thing is happening—

“Not asleep yet…?”

“Oh? Mom!”

He calls, bright and clear. Our eyes meet. I nod, and he looks away, busy with his hands. I freeze. Why already…? Words won’t come out. The person beside him turns toward me.

“……”

Why… is he awake too.
His pale blue eyes meet mine—awkwardly. Not long ago, it felt natural. Why does facing him feel difficult now? Johan calls his father. They look at each other and smile. A father smiling at his child. My head throbs. The headaches that come and go worsen today. I grimace.

“Mom!”

Johan calls me. I look at him—and my fake smile freezes. He tilts his head, confused.

“Your hand…”

“I made this to give to sis.”

“It’s… well made.”

“Yeah! Dad helped me.”

…You know how to do that?
I learned something new—after five years. Lately, I keep discovering new sides of him. Realizing too much. The headache worsens. His pale blue eyes seem unfamiliar.

[Do you truly think this will work?]

[I’m going to hold a wedding with her.]

[Today… aren’t you the protagonist?]

[Seven days from now.]

[It’s a once-in-a-lifetime tiara.]

…Why am I remembering this?

My vision blurs. Johan’s shocked face appears. My body collapses. Childhood memories of Luiyan and me flicker and fade.

“…Mom?”

As she falls, Isilia closes her eyes.