Chapter 8.1 (Part 5)

Indeed, the military academy was a subject that inspired admiration. It was no exaggeration to call it the empire’s top educational institution, selecting only a handful of talents each year.  

It was entirely different from the academy that any noble’s child could attend. The military academy strictly evaluated personal ability before admission.  

In addition to a practical swordsmanship test, one had to pass rigorous written and oral exams in multiple subjects, including history, diplomacy, literature, mathematics, theology, and etiquette. Even commoners with outstanding abilities weren’t discriminated against based on status.  

Though Julien had abandoned his knighthood and left that prestigious place of his own accord.  

Since she couldn’t divulge his personal circumstances, Sellakia spoke indirectly.  

“Being a military academy graduate, Sir Julien’s credentials are solid. Of course, I understand what concerns you may have. The staff at Viscount Lensch’s house can vouch for our innocence.”  

Even the staff at Lensch, who had once gossiped about Sellakia and Julien, had been astounded by the meticulousness of Julien’s public lessons over time.  

Sellakia, who was young at the time, had followed Julien without realizing it, but without his thorough efforts, she wouldn’t have been able to act so righteously now.  

No one could doubt her denial any longer, given Sellakia’s eyes, which were as clear as ice. However, the atmosphere didn’t immediately turn favorable.

Unable to attack Sellakia using Erica and Julien as a pretext, someone spoke directly.  

“Even if he’s a genius, he may not have the qualities of a great teacher. Seeing your behavior, I can understand.”  

“…Pardon? My behavior?”  

“I heard you don’t pay any attention to internal affairs. The household staff is worried. How neglectful have you been?”  

Sellakia could guess who that household staff member was without even hearing the name.

No, Sellakia dismissed the first face that came to mind. She couldn’t definitively say it was Amy. It was something any of the mansion’s staff, including Marguerite, might say.  

She wondered if she could win them over by explaining the situation when she first came to the Seidon Duchy.

She thought about it briefly, but it seemed like too poor an excuse. There must be plenty of people who could perform their roles perfectly despite the cold shoulder from a new husband and the stares from the staff.  

But Sellakia couldn’t, and so she couldn’t be proud of this particular issue.  

When she fell silent, unlike before, voices pretending to be concerned chimed in.  

“Your actions are quite different from the former Duchess. She led Seidon admirably on her own.”  

“We’re worried whether you can become a reliable pillar of Seidon alongside the Duke.”  

Sellakia nodded, humbly accepting their opinions.  

“It’s not because of Sir Julien’s teaching; it’s due to my lack of ability. There’s a big difference between theory and practice. It’s understandable for you all to be concerned.”

Her attitude seemed slightly downcast. A few young ladies beside Sellakia defended her in kind voices.  

“You’re being too harsh. The Madam hasn’t even received the marriage certificate yet, so it’s natural for her to be cautious of her actions.”

“Haven’t you all heard that the Duke entrusted the ledgers to the Duchess? It’s clear evidence that the Duke trusts her, so it seems presumptuous to speak otherwise.”  

“That’s right. I heard she gave good opinions at today’s vassal meeting. My father was greatly impressed.”  

Sellakia looked at the young ladies standing to her left in bewilderment. It was quite unexpected to see those with whom she had exchanged only brief greetings at the first vassal meeting now defending her.  

“You can’t judge the Duchess’s qualifications based on just that.”  

“It’s not up to us to decide. Don’t you truly understand?”

For a moment, a confrontational dynamic formed around Sellakia. The air around them grew more tense.  

Sellakia found herself unable to do anything in the center of the discord.  

However, the confrontation didn’t last long. A young lady standing in the middle, belonging to neither side, let out a loud sigh for all to hear.  

“Honestly, even if the Madam is a bit lacking, what does it matter? I’m fine with it.”

“What?”  

“What do you mean?”  

“Isn’t it obvious? Even so, she’d be better than Lord Logue.”  

The sharp tension dissipated as if it had been a lie. The momentum of those surrounding Sellakia suddenly waned.  

The effect of ‘Aldrich’s’ name was tremendous.  

The young ladies, previously busy refuting the opposing faction’s opinions, nodded weakly like seaweed swaying in the water.  

“Oh. It’s horrifying just to imagine. A mistress of Seidon worse than Lord Logue.”

“I don’t know why the Duke suddenly changed his mind, but it’s truly fortunate he got married now. Otherwise, he would have continued as the Duke’s proxy.”  

“How can you compare the dull Aldrich to the Madam? Just look at her intelligent blue eyes and her eloquent speech.”

A common enemy brought about unity within the group. Those who had been at each other’s throats became innocent lambs in an instant.  

Conversely, a spark ignited in Sellakia’s heart, which had been calmly silent.  

How could I be compared to Aldrich!  

Her resolve to quietly hold her place was shaken enough to hurt her pride. She couldn’t resist opening her mouth.  

“I’m aware of my shortcomings. I’ll learn and improve, so I won’t cause trouble for you or Seidon.”  

It was a deceitful statement for someone planning to escape. But by the time Sellakia realized it, it was too late.  

“Oh my. Look at this. Her attitude and approach are already different from Lord Logue!”  

“You’re stating the obvious. How can you compare a person who trembled and bit their tongue, bleeding and collapsing at the vassal meeting, with the Madam?”

“And what about the wretched person who repaired with cheap materials, causing the centuries-old sturdy castle walls to collapse?”

“Moreover, the so-called Duke’s proxy couldn’t appear in public for years, leaving Seidon absent from the empire’s official venues. It’s truly frustrating.”  

As they spoke, they downed their champagne glasses or fanned themselves, as if to vent their frustration.  

Sellakia pricked up her ears at the stories she was hearing for the first time. Aldrich’s actions were more shocking than she had thought. She understood why those who had been displeased with her had suddenly changed their attitudes.  

She hadn’t expected Aldrich to be of such help. The young ladies seemed ready to proclaim that even if Sellakia did nothing but breathe, she was better than Aldrich.  

Although the atmosphere was more forgiving, it was no less uncomfortable. It was even more so because of the lie she had just told pricking her conscience.  

At that moment, Sellakia turned her head and saw Lashley.  

“Lady Lashley!”  

The timing was perfect. Sellakia cheerfully called the child and excused herself from the young ladies to leave the spot.

* * *

Lashley approached Sellakia as if she had been waiting, spreading her dress and greeting her.  

With her hair rolled up on both sides and wearing a pink dress with lots of frills, Lashley looked so adorable that it brought a smile to Sellakia’s face.  

“Are you enjoying the banquet, Lady?”  

“Yes. Thanks to your consideration.”  

Her answer was more mature than when they had talked alone in the reception room.  

As Sellakia looked at the child with admiration, Lashley hesitantly closed the distance. It seemed she had something to say quietly.

“Your dress is very beautiful. Especially the frills are quite impressive.”  

Sellakia, sensing her intention, bent down to pretend to examine the dress closely.  

Lashley covered her mouth with her hand and whispered quietly into Sellakia’s ear.

“Madame, that lady over there is the Duke’s longest-standing fiancée.”

“…Pardon?”

Sellakia was taken aback by the unexpected comment. Lashley shifted her eyes with all her might and pointed to one side.  

It was a young lady standing a little distance away, talking to someone in the shadow of a pillar. Her face was not clearly visible as she had her back turned.  

Even so, what particularly stood out was…  

“Oh? Now that I think about it, Madam, you Lady Bartol have similar hair colors.”

As Lashley said, her deep pink hair was very noticeable even from afar. It was a characteristic that hadn’t caught her attention on the first day of the vassal meeting, but for some reason, it stood out today.  

“I told you that the usual engagement period is three or four days, right? But Lady Bartol was engaged for a whopping 9 days!”

The fact that an engagement period of less than two weeks warranted the adverb ‘whopping’ was amusing.

Sellakia hesitated, unsure how to react. Just then, Lady Bartol seemed to notice their gaze and turned her head.

Once she stepped out of the shadow, her demeanor changed instantly.

Seen in the light, Lady Bartol had much lighter pink hair than Sellakia. It was a lovely color reminiscent of delicate flower petals.