Chapter 97

As I looked around for help, everyone had an indescribable expression on their face.

The trio of friends looked perplexed, wondering if they should even be hearing this story. Michelle looked at me, as if asking, "What should we do?" Rosalind remained silent, as if leaving the decision to me.

Well, I am the one directly involved in this matter, and even if I sought help, no one would come to my aid.

But I really need a good idea. Mainly, I need a suggestion on how to get out of this conversation and go home quickly. Ideally, I don’t want to meet my family, so I hope they can understand that.

"Lady Countess, I have something to say. What you are doing is a mixed blessing for me. And although it’s embarrassing to admit, you are being used by my family."

"Oh, that’s not true. This is my own will."

If only that were true. It must have been easy to deceive a sheltered young lady.

I decided that even if I spoke indirectly, she wouldn’t understand, so I had to be clear.

"To be clear, I do not wish to meet anyone from the Verdigo family. I will not go into the reasons, but I hope you can understand."

I don’t think explaining my situation would make her believe me.

Someone who believes everything they hear in society wouldn’t be able to judge based on the opinions of all parties involved. It’s not a bad thing to navigate the social scene to avoid being ostracized, but I don’t want her to wave her misguided sense of justice around.

The Countess frowned at my refusal.

It seemed she hadn’t expected her proposal to be rejected. It’s a given that one should be considerate of one’s elders, regardless of status. Ideally, I would have liked to get out of this situation without offending her, but if I were to politely decline and escape, I would likely end up in the same situation again. So, it’s better to refuse here.

While it’s not common to so openly reject an elder’s proposal, in this case, using my status as a shield would solve everything.

If being considerate of one’s elders is a given, then showing deference to someone of higher status is also a social norm.

"Lady Countess, I am the Duchess of Lindbergh. I hope you can understand that I do not wish to meet them."

In situations like this, having power is a relief. While I may not have much influence in society, the prestige of the Lindbergh family is something she can’t match.

Even if my discomfort doesn’t lead to any action against her family, her husband might caution her against making an enemy of the Lindbergh family.

This incident will likely reach the Count’s ears eventually.

"You are young, Duchess. If you meet them, I’m sure you will feel a sense of kinship."

What should I do, Michelle…? This person isn’t listening, right? Michelle, say something! Did you trap a princess? I need you to handle this gracefully! This person is troublesome in a different way from Elise and the princess.

As I glared at Michelle, she reluctantly agreed to help.

"Lady Countess, the Duchess of Lindbergh does not wish to meet them. I don’t think it’s right to force her."

Michelle, who is still known as a marchioness, has some influence even though she is no longer with her family.

I thought she would back off after being told by two people of higher status, but she showed no signs of doing so.

"Marchioness Andret, it’s not proper for a young lady to interfere in adult matters."

Even though she called us adults, Michelle is actually older than I am. Is there a rule that you’re not considered an adult until you’re married?

Michelle, who didn’t expect to be called out like this, sent me a look that said, "I’m older than you."

"All of my friends are grown adults."

"Oh, being an adult means being married and having a family, taking on responsible roles. You must experience the struggles of adulthood to truly grow."

It’s hard to counter that.

Just because someone is a newly adult doesn’t mean they are a full adult. Even as an adult, it’s common to still be under your parents’ protection. Whether a newly adult person can be called an adult is a complex issue.

"And as an adult, it’s our duty to sometimes give strict advice to help others grow."

I can’t help but think that this is the result of receiving strict advice. I’m probably not the only one who thinks that.

"Accepting strict advice broadens one’s perspective. Especially as the wife of the Duke of Lindbergh, you must listen to a wide range of opinions and make judgments. You must also listen to your family and make a decision."

Part of that is true.

Or, are you saying that you became this way because you accepted strict advice? Did your broad perspective lead to an abundance of self-love…?

It might feel good to take the lead for others, but I wish you could hold back a little right now.

Well, I’ll just use my husband as a shield to get out of this.

She might approach me again later, but I decided to have my husband speak to the Count and make it clear.

"Lady Countess, I’m very sorry, but my husband does not want me to have any dealings with the Verdigo family. That’s why I don’t want to meet them. I don’t want to upset my husband. I am already a member of the Lindbergh family."

When I said I didn’t want to meet them because it would upset my husband, she put her hand to her mouth and looked at me with a pitying gaze.

"Does the Duke of Lindbergh not want to be involved with your family? That must be difficult for you…"

Huh…? Why would she think that?

"I can’t just stand by. I will speak to the Duke. I will also ask him to give you advice on your marriage from his experience. Duchess, I seem to have misunderstood. Let’s postpone the meeting with your family until another day. If it were known that you met them without the Duke’s permission, you would be in a difficult position. I’m sorry, I thought you were being heartless."

She’s completely misunderstanding the situation, but what can I do?

It sounds like she thinks my husband is a heartless person who has forcibly separated me from my family…

No, I was more than happy to marry him.

But if I say anything, it might lead to more trouble, so I decided to let her misunderstand.

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