Chapter 96

"Since I have a bit of a close relationship with the House of Berdig, I had the opportunity to speak with Miss Agnes. She is truly in a difficult situation, and if things continue like this, she will end up in an unwanted marriage."

It seems she is truly a kind person.

I think to myself, how does she manage in the social world with such a personality? But I suppose she must have been raised as a genuine young lady, never having experienced hardship, and naturally believing that it is her duty to protect those below her.

It seems that the people who support her are the ones who bear the most burden.

Honestly, compared to the princess, the countess might be even worse. With the princess, I could deal with her more easily because I could clearly sense her malice.

But the countess is different. She has no malice, only pure kindness. It’s a bothersome kindness, but people like her are often taken advantage of by those who approach with ill intentions.

And it seems that those around her have been protecting her from realizing this.

If she has always gotten her way without ever being hurt, it’s understandable that she would think she is in the right.

But since she is a person of good conscience, I didn’t think she would speak to me directly.

In other words, this proves that she sees me, the duchess, as someone beneath her.

What would happen if I responded with a straightforward answer? Would it become a hassle? Would her husband, the count, end up having to say something to my husband...?

As I was thinking about how to handle this complicated situation, Miss Rosalimondo interjected, looking displeased.

"Countess, what you said to Lady Reisha sounds like you are scolding someone below you. It’s one thing if you are close family, but it’s inappropriate for someone who is not blood-related to interfere in matters of another territory."

Miss Rosalimondo... You are from another territory too, yet you have been interfering in the affairs of the House of Lindbergh, haven’t you? Oh, you think it’s fine because you are family?

Michelle also noticed something odd about Miss Rosalimondo’s argument, but she knew it was better not to intervene and was observing the situation, covering her mouth.

If Miss Rosalimondo hadn’t said anything, Michelle or someone from her faction might have responded. No, the more aggressive Michelle faction might not have stayed silent.

If that happened, things would get out of hand. Ah, I have a bad feeling about this!

"Well, you! Who is being rude here? Interrupting a conversation with the duchess is quite impolite..."

"Oh, I will return those words. I don’t like people who don’t know proper manners. Of course, Lady Reisha must think the same."

Yes... Are you involving me now? I’ve already been involved... I mean, I’m the one being talked about.

"Duchess of Lindbergh, I believe you should reconsider your association with such a young lady. Interrupting a conversation between people of higher status is a breach of etiquette."

Miss Rosalimondo, who believes she is in the right, is clashing with the countess. The countess, who is clearly offended, has probably never been so openly criticized before.

Personally, I think Miss Rosalimondo, keep it up! But it’s better to maintain the host’s face for the future.

After all, she is a senior figure who has lived in the social world for many years.

Even if she doesn’t outright insult, a little criticism can spread in the social world, which is the world of the nobility.

If possible, I don’t want to associate with the countess, but to smooth things over, I should make some concessions.

Of course, I don’t intend to give in completely.

"Countess, I apologize for my friend’s rudeness. She has a straightforward personality and dislikes wrongdoings."

That’s right, she’s not wrong. Miss Rosalimondo is a straightforward person who lives freely according to her own likes.

"Are you saying I am wrong?"

"In this case, I have no choice but to say so. Why should I be criticized based on one-sided opinions? Why don’t you consider the possibility that someone from my family is lying? Is it because you have a close relationship with them? In a court, such a judgment would not be made. Both sides’ claims would be heard before a decision is made."

It’s difficult to correct a rigid sense of justice.

This is why I don’t like social gatherings. I wish they would at least hear both sides.

If they still criticize after hearing both sides, that’s fine. It just means our views don’t align.

"But Duchess, your family is in trouble because you have been draining the House of Berdig’s assets. Don’t you feel guilty about that? Is it because you are now married, so it doesn’t matter?"

Even with a bright smile, the criticism doesn’t stop. She hides her bad mood with a smile, but it shows for a moment.

So, why do you only believe one side? Well, if you’ve lived your life like this, it’s understandable.

You must have been raised in a cocoon. I’m not envious.

"Actually, that’s none of your business. This is my advice, but it’s better not to interfere in other people’s affairs."

I don’t think outside interference will lead to a good outcome.

She said she has a close relationship with the House of Berdig, but I didn’t know about it.

"I am only concerned for Miss Agnes. It’s unacceptable for a young lady to be forced into an unwanted marriage. My friends all think the same."

Then, why don’t you direct that sense of justice downward?

In the lower nobility, it’s common for people to be sold into marriage.

"Miss Agnes is also suffering because she is disliked by her half-sister. As a half-sister, you might have some thoughts on this, and there are things that can’t be helped. But if you don’t take the initiative, she, being the daughter of a mistress, will feel isolated."

I was the one who felt isolated.

Anyone can see that the half-sister is the one who is favored by the father, right?

"Anyway, Duchess, I think it would be good to have a conversation with your family. There might be misunderstandings on both sides. In fact, when the duke responded to the invitation to today’s tea party, I invited your family as well, so that you could talk. Since you wanted a private conversation, they are waiting in one of the rooms in the mansion."

"Huh?"

Wait, hold on? Just hold on? Isn’t that a bit too proactive?

Sometimes, being sheltered can make you too bold. Does the count know his wife is doing this...?

By the way, today is Pocky Day.

It’s now called Pocky & Pretz Day, but I’m completely a Pocky person.

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