Chapter 100

"Worst case! She was talking about being invited by the Countess, but how unlucky can I be to run into her just as I’m leaving!"

While lamenting her bad luck, she felt grateful that her husband was covering for her. It was her husband who had noticed first and hidden her from her sister.

In situations like these, her husband’s large build served as a very reliable shield.

"Claude-sama, to think I would meet you here. It must be that God is guiding me."

Her sister called out to her husband by his first name in a familiar tone, her voice clinging to him like a vine. She must be looking up at him with teary eyes. I know my sister’s tactics all too well, but let me tell you—

That won’t work on my husband, you know? After ignoring him so much when he came to propose to me, it’s actually quite impressive that she’s still not giving up. Moreover, despite my husband’s chilling response that made me shudder, she’s still clinging to him. Her heart must be made of steel. I’m impressed.

If Michelle were here, she’d probably think the same thing.

"Miss Verdigo, could you please not come any closer?"

"Why are you being so formal? We are family now, so we should be more considerate of each other—"

"Claude-sama, who is this?"

Rosamonde cut in with a cheerful tone, and though I couldn’t see my sister’s face, I could imagine it all too well. And I knew my imagination wouldn’t be wrong.

Ah, this is what it means to live with family for so long, I sighed.

"Who is this, Claude-sama?"

Her voice was sharp and pointed. Where did the cloying tone go?

"She’s a cousin. The head of the southern territory. What of it?"

"Oh? A relative? I would love to be introduced. After all, my sister suddenly announced her marriage, and we never had the chance to deepen our ties as relatives. She’s really thoughtless, you know. I’m sure Claude-sama must be troubled by this as well?"

No, no, no, you might not know this, but it was your husband who proposed the sudden marriage, and I just went along with it. I did agree to the wedding date, though.

But even if I had considered it, it wouldn’t have made a difference. After all, your husband, who didn’t even invite his family, is the one who didn’t consider them. Do you realize you’re criticizing your husband?

There’s a lot I want to point out, but I remain silent. Meanwhile, Rosamonde was handling the situation.

"Oh, I don’t need an introduction. Even if we are relatives, we are still strangers. I prefer to choose my own company."

Rosamonde was being direct, not just hinting, that she didn’t want to be close to her.

Now, how will my sister react?

She was clearly rejected, but Rosamonde is a blood relative and a cousin. I doubt she would use foul language.

I hope she doesn’t. After all, my husband is here.

Moreover, my sister would likely seek help from a man, pretending to cry and acting innocent. She might give up, considering how rudely she’s been treated by my husband. But that’s just a small hope.

Indeed, my sister is still my sister.

"Why do you say such things? I am a member of the Duke’s family. To exclude a new member of the Duke’s family just because they are a blood relative would be very bad for the Duke’s family, don’t you think, Claude-sama?"

Ah, she’s calling herself a member of the Duke’s family.

Generally, being a member of a noble family means being a blood relative. So, if I have a child with my husband and that child inherits the Lindvold Duke’s family, the Verdigo family could be considered part of the Lindvold family. But at this stage, it’s not something that can be said definitively.

Usually, it’s fine to say it because eventually, a child will be born and the blood connection will make them a member. But for my husband, it’s only a nuisance that my family is spreading such claims.

They’re not a good family, and I think he doesn’t want to acknowledge them as family. In fact, even if they try to get close as relatives, I think he would cut ties with the Verdigo family unless I intervene. The bad reputation of their territory is already spreading, and the Lindvold family wouldn’t want to be involved.

I don’t want to be involved with the Verdigo family either.

"Well, I’m surprised. When did such an unconventional woman become a member of the Lindvold family? Could it be that you have a child with Reisha-sama?"

"That’s impossible."

We haven’t shared a bed, so how could that happen? Rosamonde must know this!

But my sister reacted to the idea that my husband couldn’t have a child with me.

"Oh! So you haven’t shared a bed with Reisha? But I understand. With her appearance, even Claude-sama... right?"

She said it with a hidden meaning.

Yes, why do I feel a bit bothered when someone else points this out? I never cared about my appearance when my sister commented on it, but now I feel uneasy.

"I think Reisha-sama is much more beautiful than you."

Thank you for the compliment, Rosamonde.

But this is getting out of hand, and I want her to stop responding to my sister.

"Claude-sama, what do you think?"

And why are you turning to my husband, Rosamonde? Stop it, I’m curious about how he’ll answer, but it’s going to be awkward no matter what he says!

I can’t do anything to stop this dangerous conversation and can only listen.

If my husband had smiled mischievously, I could have taken it as a joke, but he answered Rosamonde very seriously.

"She’s beautiful. She fits my preferences. But it’s not just her appearance; I like her personality too. I enjoy our banter, and I find her endearing when she’s doing what she loves. I like her face when she’s angry, and I find her so lovable when she’s smiling that I want to hold her."

"Oh, Reisha-sama is truly loved."

No, no! I’m not blushing! It’s probably just his usual mischief. I know it!

While panicking inside, I tried to deny his words, but they kept echoing in my mind.

This is so embarrassing, even if it’s a joke! I don’t usually feel this way with my husband’s usual tone!

What face am I going to show my husband later?

I felt like pulling my hair out and could only look down.