Chapter 6

At those words, Kersian fell silent and looked at Heila as if probing her.

The way she looked at him was no longer absent-minded as usual, nor was she chattering noisily.

The reason she was acting so strangely today was likely because of what had happened on the wedding day.

He had clearly explained himself and soothed her, and just as expected, Heila seemed to have quickly accepted it and adjusted.

Yet somehow, it felt as though there were thorns hidden in her words.

“Of course. But you’re dressed rather simply today. I didn’t know this kind of attire suited you so well.”

“I’m just staying at home, so there’s no reason to dress extravagantly.”

At her indifferent reply, Kersian narrowed his eyes.

She had always tried so hard to please him, blushing and smiling shyly at even the smallest compliment.

Today, Heila wore a calm, sky-blue dress.

Without any flashy accessories or makeup, she looked composed and mature, giving off a pure and elegant impression, along with an unfamiliar aura she had never shown before.

But hearing her words now, even that appearance grated on him.

“There’s no need to wait, since I don’t know when I’ll return.”

“Alright. Have a safe trip.”

With that exchange, Heila took a brief walk through the garden.

Staying in her room would only make her feel more restless.

It was spring, so it wasn’t very cold, and the fresh green leaves and colorful flowers were pleasing to the eyes.

The spring sunlight was warm, the breeze was cool, and the scenery of the garden looked like a painting.

Experiencing all of this again stirred something new within her.

In the past, she had been naive, believing that life here would be similar to the imperial palace.

She had even thought she would live comfortably under Kersian’s gentle protection.

But he had not protected her, and the people around her had been eager to find her faults.

She had even endured the sorrow of losing several precious people here, and as time went on, she had shrunk more and more, eventually shutting herself away from society and living quietly at home.

Even knowing that doing so would only make her a laughingstock, she could do nothing but avoid it out of fear.

Kersian never scolded her, but he did find her pathetic.

His kindness faded with time, and eventually, he no longer even acknowledged her.

In the past, she had thought it only natural that Kersian would be disappointed in her, since she showed such pitiful behavior.

But now, she no longer thought that way.

Only now did she regret why she had lived her life suppressing herself like that.

That morning, she had requested to meet Uriel face to face.

Her mind was still in turmoil, but she had no intention of letting things slide like before.

She would set everything right, one by one.

As she was about to head back inside the residence, she saw someone approaching.

It was Count Bettia.

He looked younger than she remembered.

Right… he was here too.

The man before her had greatly aided the rebellion and had also been involved in her father’s death.

As she recalled everything he had done in her past life, it felt as though her vision was turning red.

She held onto her reason, clenching her fist so tightly that her nails dug into her palm and drew blood.

Seeing her, Count Bettia gave a slight nod in greeting.

As he turned to pass by, Heila called out to him.

“Count.”

“Yes, Your Highness. Do you have some business with me?”

Even in her previous life, the members of the Bettia family had addressed her not as the duchess, but as “Your Highness.”

It was as if they refused to acknowledge her as part of the ducal house.

Though it was a familiar form of address, it had once pained her to feel unrecognized—but now, it oddly felt more comfortable to hear.

“That’s what I should be asking. There’s an unfamiliar guest in my home, yet I’ve neither received a greeting nor heard the reason for their visit.”

At those words, Count Bettia raised his brows.

Narrowing his eyes, he looked at Heila.

His probing gaze and cold expression were enough to intimidate anyone.

But she met his eyes calmly and asked,

“So why have you come?”

“I have matters regarding the territory that I need to report to His Grace.”

“I hear that the daughter of Count Bettia is currently at the residence. Then why did you come separately?”

“Is that so?”

“Does that mean you didn’t know?”

Count Bettia’s eyes narrowed.

Even though she was already aware that Uriel was at the residence, Heila remained calm.

It was strange—she had once been so fragile that merely seeing Uriel at the wedding had caused her to collapse, yet now she seemed completely unfazed.

“I had my suspicions. Uriel has been close with His Grace like a sibling since childhood, so it’s not strange for her to be here.”

“I thought perhaps she had come quietly because she was mindful of others’ eyes, but it seems that was my mistake. In that case, there’s no need to trouble ourselves with keeping things quiet.”

At her mocking tone, Count Bettia’s brow furrowed.

Heila paid no mind and smiled.

“It seems you’re not concerned that your daughter’s reputation might be tarnished, even though an unmarried lady is staying at another man’s house. Is that how children are raised in your household?”

A nobleman’s mistress might be treated with courtesy in public, but behind closed doors, she would be the subject of scorn.

However, most mistresses were of relatively low status, so such judgments did not affect them greatly.

Unlike them, Uriel was the legitimate daughter of a prominent house.

If word spread that she had spent the night at the ducal residence, her reputation would fall to the ground, and it would become difficult for her to find a suitable marriage.

Her family would also become a subject of ridicule.

“Your words are rather excessive.”

Count Bettia said, his expression stiff.

From what he had heard, the princess had been soft and naive, and seeing her in person, she had seemed nothing but weak.

Yet now, she looked like autumn itself—sharp and filled with a poisonous edge.

Her harsh words were unfitting for her age, and her attitude was utterly unrestrained.

A newlywed bride speaking so openly about another woman being involved with her husband—most women would feel ashamed and avoid such matters, but perhaps because she was still young, she spoke without any sense of shame.

“Is what I said excessive? Or is it the behavior of your daughter?”

“If it’s about that day, His Grace already explained—”

“I had something to say to the young lady anyway, which is why I had her called. This works out well. Stop by for a moment and have a conversation before you go.”

Heila cut off Count Bettia and walked ahead.

He watched her retreating figure, then had no choice but to follow.

***

Uriel was reclining comfortably on the sofa, drinking tea.

Her relaxed demeanor made her look like the mistress of the house.

“When exactly is the princess planning to come after summoning someone?”

“If you wait, she will come.”

Marlin replied stiffly.

At that, Uriel glared at her.

The newly appointed head maid held the status of a marchioness.

Even so, Uriel saw herself as no different from the lady of the ducal house, and thus expected to be treated with proper respect.

“I heard you followed the princess here, but it seems you haven’t yet adapted to this place. I’m no different from a member of the ducal family, but if you behave this way even toward outsiders, people might start talking.”

Uriel’s smile was arrogant, and her tone carried a clear sense of condescension.

Marlin responded coldly.

“I mistakenly addressed her as ‘Your Highness’ yesterday and was scolded by His Grace. He said that from now on, she is not to be called ‘Your Highness,’ but ‘Her Grace.’”

She made it clear that the mistress of the residence was Heila.

Though displeased, Uriel could not refute it and set her teacup down with a sharp clack.

“If she’s going to be any later, I’ll return to my room and rest. Come call me again when she arrives.”

Just as she was about to stand, Heila entered.

Unlike Uriel, who was dressed in extravagant attire, Heila wore something relatively simple.

Her calm, sky-blue tunic dress was paired with a necklace and bracelet that were not overly ornate.

In contrast, Uriel wore a richly colored dress adorned with elaborate embroidery.

The design revealed her chest and shoulders while tightly cinching her waist, emphasizing her full bust and slender figure, giving her a highly alluring appearance.

One was glamorous, the other refined.

Compared to Heila’s modest demeanor, Uriel’s seductive presence appeared somewhat gaudy and frivolous.

And Heila seemed to draw more attention now than she had on the day of the wedding.

Having only recently risen from her sickbed, her face was still pale and devoid of color.

She wore neither a foolish smile of happiness nor an expression of flustered surprise—instead, her cold and composed demeanor revealed an elegance and nobility befitting her status.

Unlike the wedding day, she gave off an entirely different presence, and the smooth fabric of her dress shimmered with every movement, as if a golden glow surrounded her.

Judging by appearance alone, Uriel was more feminine and beautiful, but when the two stood together, despite Heila being younger, she looked like the rightful wife, while Uriel resembled a concubine.

It was said that when Heila had been in the capital, Kersian had showered her with all kinds of gifts to win her heart.

From accessories like hats, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, to dresses—even a greenhouse.

Perhaps the top-grade aquamarine necklace and bracelet she wore now were also his gifts.

Uriel looked at Heila with eyes reddened by jealousy.

At that moment, another person entered behind her.

Upon spotting Count Bettia, Uriel’s eyes widened.

“I heard you arrived around last evening, yet I’m only seeing you now.”

Heila said as she took her seat.