Chapter 69

“So, I hear you’re becoming the lady of Wiltsbrook Castle?”

It was the last night to enjoy the dazzling capital before departing for the north.

Of course, I’d be traveling back and forth between the capital and the north, but knowing that we’d be leaving for Wiltsbrook Castle tomorrow made this evening feel especially significant.

Reverent Hall, where the nobility gathered for social events, was packed to the brim with people.

I sat on a plush velvet chair, holding a glass of whiskey in one hand, politely responding to the attention from all sides.

“Well, things just turned out that way. I’m actually looking forward to pioneering a new territory.”

I tried my best to appear calm and collected.

The noblewomen here were well aware that the Emperor was sending my husband and me to what felt like certain death, throwing us into a perilous situation in the north.

Yet no one dared to say anything explicitly.

After all, criticizing the Emperor’s decision could be seen as treasonous.

“Indeed. It’s a duty that every noble must face at least once.”

“How wonderful it must be to be the lord of a border castle.”

The noblewomen sitting across from me smiled stiffly.

The hottest topic of conversation at tonight’s gathering was the departure of the former Duke and Duchess of Brent to the north, so naturally, people were gathered around me.

The men, including Alec, were in a separate space upstairs, reserved for them.

One of the noblewomen chimed in.

“Though many die on the way to Wiltsbrook Castle, it is such an ancient and historic fortress. I’m envious, Louise.”

Ha, would you like to take my place?

I covered my mouth with my fingertips, smiling lightly before replying.

I could see how much effort everyone was putting into being polite, which made the situation almost heartbreaking.

“I’ve already seen some old drawings of the castle. It’s so magnificent that it’s hard to tell what’s part of the fortress and what’s part of the mountain.”

“And with all that snow, the landscape must be breathtaking.”

“I’ll be sure to invite you all sometime.”

“That would be such an honor.”

“Thank you so much,Lady Louise, just for saying that.”

The noblewomen smiled serenely, without making a sound.

At least, the atmosphere wasn’t one of mockery or sarcasm.

I could sense that these women were genuinely friendly toward me.

Could it be because of the conversation about the fan we had in the tearoom not long ago?

I felt that if I could successfully subdue the northern region on this trip—or even just return alive—I would finally win the favor of these noblewomen completely.

And despite everyone’s concerns, our family, including the servants, would safely settle in Wiltsbrook Castle.

Alec, who had just returned from visiting the castle alone, was living proof of that.

He said the road leading to Wiltsbrook Castle was fairly decent and that, for a fortress that had been abandoned for centuries, the interior wasn’t too deteriorated.

Though his words were surprising, there was no reason not to believe him.

After all, Alec wouldn’t lie.

But then why had people who visited Wiltsbrook Castle in the past never returned?

Were they driven to flee because they were sick of the tyrant’s unreasonable orders?

Or had they taken a wrong turn or tripped by accident?

I had many questions, but for now, I just put on a polite smile.

At that moment, a sharp, unfriendly voice pierced the air from somewhere nearby.

“Are you saying we’ll never see Louise again if she goes to that castle?”

All the noblewomen’s gazes turned in that direction.

Scarlett, Rose, and the rest of Julia’s main entourage were approaching.

“It’s ridiculous. How could you and your husband possibly manage that treacherous northern region?”

“…”

The atmosphere turned icy, as if cold water had been thrown over us.

It seemed that my revealing the invitation to the masquerade to Julia had greatly offended them.

I settled deeper into the sofa, observing them.

“Are you questioning His Majesty’s judgment, Scarlett?”

“How could I dare question His Majesty’s judgment? I’m merely trying to understand his intentions.”

Scarlett shot me a sharp smile.

I had already heard that she and Rose had been slapped by Julia.

It would have been better if they’d just swallowed their pride and acted friendly toward me instead of clinging to Julia.

This sort of power play was nothing new.

If I backed down now, I’d never gain the upper hand in our relationship.

“You talk as if His Majesty is determined to send our family to ruin.”

“Of course. You’ve fallen out of His Majesty’s favor to the point where he stripped you of your title. So, Louise, there’s no way you’ll return alive.”

“How thoughtful of you, Scarlett, to be so concerned for my safety.”

“…”

At my calm smile, Scarlett and the other noblewomen faltered slightly.

Did they think I’d break down in tears?

I nonchalantly touched my nose with my fingertips.

“If I die on the way to Wiltsbrook Castle… I wonder who His Majesty will send as lord next.”

“…”

The tension in the room grew even thicker.

Everything I said was an undeniable fact.

If I failed, the emperor would send other nobles in my place.

Scarlett might have cursed me to die, but any sensible noblewoman would be hoping I’d successfully rule Wiltsbrook Castle.

With a faint smile still on my face, I rose from the sofa.

Julia was still nowhere to be seen—perhaps she was still recovering.

With my handbag in hand, I turned to the noblewomen.

“I think I’ll step out to the lounge for a bit to clear my head. Enjoy the rest of your time.”

“Yes, you do that, Louise.”

I gave a slight nod of my head and left the room.

No doubt everyone here thought I wouldn’t make it back alive.

After all, the place I was headed to wasn’t anywhere ordinary—it was the perilous Wiltsbrook Castle in the north.

They were so convinced of my impending death that Scarlett and Rose’s group refused to abandon Julia.

At this rate, I wouldn’t be able to wrest control of the social circle from her.

‘By the way, I wonder if Alec is getting along with the other men.’

As I pondered this and made my way to another exit, a servant approached me.

“Madam, someone asked me to deliver this note to you.”

I looked down and saw a neatly folded piece of paper resting on the silver tray the servant held.

I picked it up and unfolded it as I asked, “Who gave you this?”

“I’m not sure. I received it from another servant.”

Listening to the servant’s response, I read the contents of the note.

[Can we talk for a moment? Come to the Bergamot Room.]

It seemed Julia had something to discuss with me.

Even though I considered myself a regular at social gatherings, I thought I wouldn’t be attending one for a while. It seemed Julia was drinking strong liquor alone in the lounge.

Would we be more honest with each other if we had some time alone?

With that thought, I said to the servant, “Thank you for delivering the message. Could you invite the other ladies in about 20 minutes? I think it’ll be quite an interesting gathering.”

“Understood, madam.”

“Much appreciated.”

I smiled faintly at the servant and soon arrived at the most luxurious lounge, the Bergamot Room.

As I opened the door and looked around, I saw Julia sitting alone on an elegant sofa, legs crossed.

That’s when I finally entered the room. Julia glanced at me before letting out a laugh and standing up.

She had clearly been drinking quite a bit, as her steps toward me were unsteady.

“Hello, Louise? I’m so happy to see you—should I give your cheek a high-five?”

*Smack!*

“…”

Before I even fully registered her words, a flash of light filled my vision.

One side of my face quickly grew numb and burned with pain.

Gritting my teeth, I lifted my head with a smile. Julia was smiling too.

Her expression was raw, a mix of desperation and madness, which oddly made me feel a bit pleased.

It was strangely satisfying to see the n*ked emotions of a woman who had hit rock bottom.

“Yes, a handshake is too dull for us, isn’t it?”

*Smack!*

This time, Julia’s head whipped to the side.

The sting in my hand was just as sharp as the one in her cheek.

Julia, with her hair falling over her face, glanced up at me as if amused, a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.

Her cheek was already turning a deep shade of red.

“I was about to fall asleep, but thanks for sobering me up. Care for a drink?”

“By all means.”

I shrugged and approached the sofa.

This feeling of having nothing left to lose was strangely liberating.

Just as much as Julia wanted to destroy me, I wanted to ruin her.

TL NOTE: More advanced chapter of this story is already up to the site. Visit dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and stories