“How do I look to you, Vanon? Does my hair look awful?”

“No, it… it doesn’t.”

“Then you mean it looks pretty, right?”

“Yes.”

I chuckled as I watched Vanon’s eyes waver nervously.

“If you don’t like the idea of me walking around like this because it might embarrass the Keppel family, I could wear a wig. I’d have to be careful not to let it slip while dancing, but I could just avoid dancing altogether.”

“No, no, that’s not it at all. I don’t dislike it in the slightest. I just, well…”

“I’m joking.”

Vanon looked like he might cry at my joke, but then Mrs. Merloy, who rarely smiled, gave a soft smile.

“If we were the type to criticize your hairstyle, we would’ve said something about the Dowager Duchess’s new clothing designs. But as you know, her innovative designs have become common fashion trends, and your short hair will soon follow suit.”

“Mrs. Merloy, that’s only possible because it’s my mother-in-law we’re talking about…”

“Oh, nonsense. I hear plenty of things. Back when you were known for your famous red lips, everyone was following your lead, selling their hair to the point that wigs became unusually affordable.”

Two of the maids chimed in excitedly, boasting that they had bought partial wigs and styled their hair with more volume. Embarrassed, I used my hand fan to cool my flushed cheeks. Really? I hadn’t known. Vanon, now regaining his composure, cleared his throat and said:

“If I may say so, my lady, please don’t mind us. Our pride doesn’t come from your hairstyle or attire, nor from the Keppel family’s long history or vast lands. Our pride comes from serving someone who is truly worthy.”

“Vanon, I…”

If I reentered high society like this, rumors would surely follow me. They’d ask what happened during my absence that led me to cut my hair. Was I so desperate that I had to sell it? Did I sell more than just my hair? These nasty suspicions would haunt me. Surely, they must know this too, yet they’re still reassuring and comforting me. I felt tears welling up.

“Anyone who has been touched by your grace over the past three years while you managed the household would find you beautiful, no matter how you look. At least those of us in the Keppel family feel that way. Look, you already have many on your side.”

Vanon pointed to the Keppel territories on the empire’s map hanging on the wall. It was truly… vast.

“Here too.”

He also pointed to Hersh Pass in the south. Mrs. Merloy, snorting as if he missed something obvious, added:

“You must include the royal family’s domain as well. The Empress’s family and your maternal family, too. After all, they’re your relatives, so no one would dare criticize them. And don’t forget the Avery family.”

“A-Avery?”

“Have you forgotten? Princess Avery visited with the youngest prince to check on you. They’re getting married this year, all thanks to you allowing them to have the first dance together. Even if that wasn’t the case, there’s no better match for Lady Avery than Count Hershey, so her family will be keen to stay in your good graces. In fact, Lady Avery sent you the most letters while you were away.”

Wow. In shock, I gazed at the empire’s map. The butler then began listing off the families that had attended a recent gathering with Ian, as if he didn’t want to be outdone. Mrs. Merloy, in turn, listed the names of the families eager to form alliances, based on the stack of invitations piled up in the mansion. According to them, all the noble families with eligible daughters were on my side, as well as those politically aligned with the Keppel family.

“I understand what you’re both saying, but doesn’t that mean the whole empire is on my side?”

I burst out laughing.

“My lady, while you are undoubtedly an extraordinary duchess, you also seem to be the least aware of what kind of family the Keppels are, among all the people I’ve served.”

Mrs. Merloy’s tone was solemn as she added:

“If the Keppel family wished, they could open the next dynasty.”

I swallowed hard. What she said could easily be seen as treason, yet everyone here laughed as if it were the most natural thing. I awkwardly joined in and said:

“Please, Mrs. Merloy, don’t say things like that. It’s scary to think someone might overhear.”

“My lady, while we respect and admire your kindness, we don’t expect you to be gracious to everyone. Now might be a good time to observe the social scene and figure out who to keep at a distance.”

“Keep at a distance for what?”

Mrs. Merloy gave a chilling smile in response instead of answering, but the maids eagerly chimed in.

“Well, if you don’t feel like doing anything, then just do nothing! If anyone says something ridiculous, don’t respond, don’t send them invitations—just act like they don’t exist.”

“But wouldn’t that hurt my reputation…?”

“The Dowager Duchess already does that.”

But that’s because Mother is the most noble woman in the empire, aside from the royal family. She barely participates in society, but when she does make an appearance, most people are too intimidated to approach her. Now that I think about it, Mother often didn’t respond when certain people tried to talk to her.

“You mean I should do the same?”

“Why not?”

“But I…”

Can I really do that? I’m just a fraud. I’ll be divorced soon anyway.

“We’d still be proud of you, even if you weren’t a kind and gentle duchess. We’d admire you if you were cold and intimidating too.”

“That’s right. As long as you treat us well, that’s all that matters.”

“Honestly, we’d prefer it if you were the kind of duchess who’s cold to everyone but warm only to us.”

What is that supposed to mean? A cold duchess, but still kind to her servants? Is that what they’re saying…? While I stood there, baffled, Mrs. Merloy shot a terrifying look at the maids and said sternly:

“Janet, Sarah. Just because I’m staying quiet doesn’t mean you can say anything to the lady.”

The maids flinched and shrunk their necks. Vanon laughed gently and said:

“But they’re not wrong. Even if my lady merely withholds a few invitations from those she dislikes, the entire social scene will shift.”

That… could be true. One of the reasons I’ve been dismissed in high society is because I haven’t hosted any parties.

I knew Ian wouldn’t appreciate it if I hosted a party without him as my partner. Besides, holding a large-scale party during the social season requires a massive amount of money.

At the beginning of my marriage, I hosted a few parties, pushed into it by the persistence of other noblewomen, but as soon as I became a duchess, rumors spread that I was a country bumpkin indulging in extravagance. So, I had to reduce the number of events. And after the talk of divorce began, I hadn’t held any parties at all.

“In fact, word has already spread through the merchants that you’ve been purchasing food and decorations, which has sparked rumors that you’re planning a party. Many are curious about who will be invited, but I’ve kept things strictly under wraps. Once you attend the New Year’s Ball, people will flock to find out who the lucky few invited to your secret party are. Hahaha!”

Vanon laughed heartily, as if the thought alone delighted him, then cleared his throat with a cough. His usually impenetrable poker face seemed to have melted away with the earlier tears. And even if their words were exaggerated just to lift my spirits, I couldn’t help but feel deeply grateful. With so many people rooting for me, I had to find some courage too.

***

“Jane’s back?”

“Yes, she’s just arrived at the mansion… My lady! You shouldn’t run!”

“I’m not running, Vanon, don’t worry.”

Smiling, I hurried down the stairs, feeling lighter at the thought of seeing Jane again after so long. Reaching the lobby in no time, I saw her standing by the door and called out cheerfully:

“Jane!”

I moved to embrace her, but Jane…

“My lady.”

…bowed deeply to me, bending her knee. Awkwardly, I dropped my arms and studied her face. She didn’t look well. The journey must have been exhausting. I smiled and asked:

“How did you arrive so quickly? Ian said it would take at least a month. Not that I’m complaining, of course—I’m thrilled you’re back.”

“His Grace sent a wizard, which allowed me to arrive sooner than expected.”

“I see. You must be tired. Let’s get your things unpacked…”

I reached out to take her bag—not to carry it myself, but to hand it off to a nearby servant. However, Jane shifted her body, causing me to miss it. She stood up straight, turned fully toward me, and spoke politely:

“My lady, I’d like to wash and change before offering you a proper greeting. Where should I go?”

“Oh… well, come to the study when you’re ready.”

“Understood.”

Was it my imagination? Jane… seemed different. Her steps were still as neat and composed as ever as she carried her bag toward her quarters, a familiar sight. I shook off the strange feeling. But when we met again, I couldn’t deny it anymore.

“Why didn’t you rest a bit longer? Why come back so soon?”

“It’s my duty.”

Jane wore a polite and kind smile, but there was a distance to it. I felt like I was meeting her for the first time all over again, unsure of how to talk to her.

“Have you resumed work? Should I help organize the documents?”

“Oh, would you? It’s been taking me twice as long without you. Without Jane, I…”

“Should I sort them by estate, or would you prefer I arrange them chronologically?”

I blinked quietly, unsure of what to say.

“My lady?”

When I didn’t respond, Jane smiled awkwardly and said:

“Forgive me. Did you say something? I didn’t catch it.”

“No, no, it’s nothing.”

But it wasn’t nothing. She’s mad at me, isn’t she?

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