DDSWTB 14

Chapter 14

As the sun was setting, Chrono arrived.

“Milady, there is a message from the Duke.”

What now. What is it this time? Did something I said earlier cause trouble? I didn’t mean to bother my older sister.

“Today, he requests that everyone gather in the dining room to take dinner together.”

“That’s one of those things we have to go to, isn’t it?”

“Yes.”

Chrono must know I don’t want to go. He doesn’t blame me or anything, but he looks really awkward about it.

“Thanks for telling me. I’ll head over later.”

“No, then I shall take my leave.”

When Chrono finished speaking, he left my room.

Being summoned to dinner — that hasn’t happened since Mother lived at the mansion.

While Mother was here she used to join us regularly for dinner as a way to keep up relations, but recently that hasn’t happened at all.

Maybe Tiana just doesn’t know. As far as I know, we haven’t shared a meal together.

Maybe it’s about my sister’s necklace. Or is it a punishment for some trouble I supposedly caused? If that’s the case, I didn’t do anything — perhaps the head maid has been fed lies.

No, I’m probably overthinking it.

While I was lost in thought, Lily spoke to me.

“Milady, that’s wonderful. You’ve been invited to dinner for the first time in ages. You’ll be able to see the brothers too.”

She’s being snide. She knows my relationship with my brothers isn’t close.

The old Tiana would have been happy to see them, but I’m different now.

Lily’s in a strangely good mood today.

Does she still think I haven’t noticed the necklace? Surely this dinner is about the necklace. She must think I’m involved somehow.

It’s a precious thing Mother gave to Sister, so I’d like to return it at once, but—sorry, Sister, please wait a little.

I will make you pay.