Clink.

The teaspoon in the cup struck the porcelain lightly.

Elliope stopped the hand that had been stirring the tea.

‘Ally, huh.’

For some reason, the word was completely unfamiliar to her.

Ally. An ally, of all things.

‘Me and this woman.’

As if to confirm that she had heard correctly, Elliope lifted her head slightly.

Charlotte, in turn, revealed another deep smile – one that was both seductive and breathtakingly beautiful.

“You look as if you’re wondering whether I’m joking.”

“…No, I’m not.”

Elliope responded slowly, and Charlotte let out a soft laugh.

“But I sincerely believe that Your Highness is my ally.”

“Is that so?”

“Before you arrived here, all the immorality was placed on my shoulders.”

Charlotte again wore a coy expression.

“I was the depraved, hopeless harlot of Elsen.”

“…….”

For a moment, Elliope didn’t know how to react, so she decided to remain silent.

Meanwhile, Charlotte, who had been openly scanning her from head to toe, suddenly smiled and waved her hand dismissively.

“Ah! Don’t take this the wrong way. I didn’t mean to imply that you were a shameless woman… not in that sense.”

“But your expression says otherwise.”

Instead of correcting her, Elliope simply nodded. She hadn’t come here to argue with Charlotte.

“Everyone smiles at me to my face, but behind my back they keep accusing me of stealing another woman’s husband. As if I were some kind of infamous seductress.”

“…….”

“To be honest, his wife lost her charm a long time ago. Their relationship was already strained. It was only natural for him to look elsewhere.”

“I see.”

“We were brought together by love.”

Charlotte sighed exaggeratedly before continuing.

“I found it so unbearable that I showered him with gifts just to make a point. And look at this.”

As Elliope followed Charlotte’s gesture, her eyes swept the entire drawing room.

It was only then that she noticed how the space was filled with luxurious gifts—items that Charlotte frequently handed out to others.

“Now, wherever I go, people secretly expect my gifts. And when I don’t show up, their disappointment is obvious”.

“…….”

“People are all the same, aren’t they?”

While Elliope chose her words carefully, Charlotte smiled.

“Did you know you’re the first person to visit me without expecting anything in return?”

For a brief moment, Elliope almost let out a sneer, but held it back and swallowed it with her tea.

He wondered how the woman would react if she knew he had his own agenda. Maybe she wouldn’t react at all.

“I didn’t know that.”

“Everyone only comes to me when they need something. They don’t even treat me like a married woman.”

Even though she said that, there didn’t seem to be any real bitterness in her tone.

Elliope noticed that Charlotte seemed to enjoy the status of being married, but not fully. Perhaps that was why she didn’t correct anyone who called her ‘Miss Marte’ instead of ‘Madam Marte’. 

‘That’s right, it was like that before.’

It was the same when she was at the duke’s estate. Charlotte was treated almost like a duchess, but on formal or important occasions she wasn’t burdened with the responsibilities of a real duchess. Instead, she was given pleasures and indulgences in place of these duties. This was the privilege Theodor valued most in his mistresses.

‘I should stop thinking about the past.’

Slowly, Elliope traced the edge of her cup. There were moments when she felt fine, but then tension would suddenly build, and even when things seemed calm, there were times when she felt so uneasy that she feared she might make a mistake.

The familiar scent of rose perfume, which rose painfully in her head, took her back to a terrible past. The days that were no longer present, but not completely gone from her heart, lingered, layered and blended in the scent.

Elliope unknowingly swallowed once. Charlotte pouted her lips again.

“Everyone really is so materialistic. In that sense, I like His Highness.”
“Me?”
“You’re honest.”

“……”

“With such a calm and gentle face, I never thought you’d do something like this based on honest desires. You’re even braver than me. I’d like to learn from you.” A high, chuckling voice followed. 

“Even the person you defeated was Viscount Kallian.” 

Charlotte lifted the corners of her mouth slightly. 

“Have I offended you? I’m sorry.” 

“No.”

Elliope replied honestly. On the other hand, she felt a strange sensation from Charlotte’s tone, which carried a hint of childishness, as if she was genuinely envious. 

‘Could this person possibly be after Kallian? Was that why she had always tried to involve Kallian in her debauchery in her past life?’

‘Was it the way she hugged the puppy so tightly?’ 

Her neck tightened slightly. For some reason, she didn’t like it. 

“You shouldn’t let this go.”

“……”
“This dog is yours.”
Kallian’s words resurfaced in her mind.
‘…He’s my……
Elliope unconsciously clenched her fist and took a deep breath.

Charlotte continued to chatter nonchalantly.
“Who knows? Those people could be talking bad about me behind my back, just like the Viscountess.”

“You mean someone like Lady Mileina?”

“I speak honestly as someone with experience.”

“Hmm.”
“I think I could be more helpful than those fake people.” 

Elliope paused, lowering the cup she was holding. Charlotte gave another charming, seductive smile. 

“Really? I can help Her Highness in many ways.” 

“In many ways, you say?” 

“Yes. I can even help with things that are a little too… uncomfortable to discuss.”

As she said this, Charlotte twirled the ends of her hair with her finger.

“Well… for example, if you feel that the viscount’s affection is waning and you might need a little something to help.”

“……”

“Or… if a bold and arrogant maid is trying to get at the viscount, I could provide some poison to feed her.”

Several thoughts flashed through Elliope’s mind. She hesitated for a moment before speaking. Charlotte lifted her chin slightly and continued. 

“I’m only joking. The poison is real though.” 

“It’s amazing that such a thing exists.” 

“Don’t even get me started. A few drops can do wonders. It’s a useful item for women like us – fallen women.”

Charlotte, having said that, suddenly clapped her hands lightly. 

“Oh, yes. Since we’re already accomplices in shocking and immoral acts, I’ve been meaning to ask Her Highness something.” 

“What is it?” 

“If it’s not too forward… would it be all right if I called you ‘Sister’?” 

The moment Elliope heard those words, another unrelenting déjà vu hit her mind. It was one of those memories she couldn’t seem to shake, like dough burning and sticking to an oven.

“I’ve been thinking, Your Grace, the Duchess.” 

“Miss Marte.” 

“You see, we share the same husband, don’t we?” 

“……” 

“So do you think it would be all right if I called you ‘Sister’? What do you think?” 

She couldn’t even remember how she’d answered back then. 

‘I probably didn’t give a proper answer and just ran away.’

There was no strength left to be angry and she didn’t know what to do. It was as if the laughter and insults of the mistresses who had followed her were still ringing in her ears. 

Elliope smiled brightly as she looked at Charlotte with eager eyes. 

“This is not possible.” 

Charlotte froze for a moment at the words. Seeing her expression, Elliope’s smile widened. 

“Don’t you like it?” 

“Don’t misunderstand. As a member of the royal family, there can be no misunderstandings about bloodlines.”

“……”
“But I share the same desire to be close to you, Miss Marte.” 

“Really?” 

“Even though this is a strange place, I think it would be wonderful if you, Miss Marte, could help me.” 

“Of course!” 

Charlotte smiled and took Elliope’s hand firmly. Elliope looked at her silently before speaking. 

“While we’re on the topic, Miss Marte…” 

“Yes. What’s going on? Has Viscount Kallian begun to show interest elsewhere?”

Elliope put her remaining free hand over Charlotte’s, which still held hers tightly. 

“I’m going to the Duke’s estate now. For… something shocking and immoral.” 

“Oh dear!” 

“But honestly… I don’t feel comfortable going without someone I can rely on.” 

Elliope gave the softest, kindest smile she could muster. It was one of the few things she excelled at when she was the Duchess. 

“That’s why I was hoping you, Miss Marte, could accompany me to the Duke’s estate.” 

“Me?” 

Charlotte’s eyes widened and she stared at Elliope. Elliope smiled gently again. 

“Yes. I trust you, Miss Marte.”

Normally Charlotte would have had to go to the Duke’s estate on her own. The fact that she was staying at Elsen became a problem. 

She would be on her way to the Duke’s estate, meet Theodor and become one of his favourite mistresses. Eventually she would take his life.

“Kallian said I was born to hate Theodor.” 

Judging by Dylan’s attitude, there seemed to be a reason why she had to defeat him. She also had a long-standing debt to Theodor to repay. 

If she repaid that debt, Kallian would be pleased and she would also settle the debt in her heart.

And if by chance… Charlotte has feelings for Kallian. 

As soon as she sees Theodor, she’ll give up Kallian for sure.

After all, he was the one who was really her lover. Even if it was only a suspicion, she didn’t want to believe that Charlotte had feelings for Kallian. All the more reason to bring her to the Duke’s estate. 

‘They just had to meet.’ 

Theodor had fallen in love with Charlotte with astonishing speed. It was as if it was his mission to compare Elliope and Charlotte in every way, and to pour his love into Charlotte as if she were meant for him.

The next moment, Charlotte smiled. It was as if the scent of roses in the air had become even stronger.

“I want to ask you something, Your Highness.”

“What is it?”

Charlotte fluttered her eyelashes and made a shy face.

“Is Viscount Kallian going with you?”