Chapter 12: The New Duke and the Hidden Mistress (Part 5)

The conversation continued. Tea time was often described as a gathering of rumors. Just by listening, one could gain insight into not only the social world but also the direction of politics. Tea times hosted by influential women were considered invaluable social gatherings.

And the tea times hosted by Abigail Prairie at Agaphel Castle were the most popular among young ladies. After all, the future Duchess would soon become the queen of Yelhen’s social circles. One young lady spoke up.

“By the way, I’ve heard that the movements of the Melkan Tribe have been unusual lately. They say the recent increase in Kraken sightings is due to their strange shamanic rituals.”

“Oh, I’ve heard about that too. Apparently, the new shaman leading the Melkan Tribe is skilled enough to recreate ancient magic. Especially summoning magic.”

“I thought magic had long since disappeared. How terrifying.”

Abigail nodded in agreement, encouraging the conversation. The young lady who had started the topic became even more enthusiastic.

“Because of that, even the King is said to be on high alert. This is just a rumor, but they say the shaman’s magic requires an enormous number of sacrifices.”

“My goodness, how horrifying…!”

“Still, with Yelhen’s advanced magic tools, we shouldn’t have any problems. Magic may have disappeared, but Yelhen is still the best when it comes to vessels that store mana.”

Abigail’s words settled the room. Her statement instantly quelled the growing anxiety. She went a step further, revealing her plans.

“Actually, I’m planning to hold my birthday banquet at a villa near the seaside this year. It’s perched on a cliff, and the view is quite charming. Walking along the misty trails feels like walking on clouds.”

The mention of the sea monsters, the Krakens, tied into her plans seamlessly. Abigail’s face remained serene, as if to show that such creatures didn’t frighten her at all.

“Oh my, a villa on a cliff? That sounds absolutely beautiful.”

Those who quickly caught on to Abigail’s intentions naturally responded accordingly. While trimming the flowers, Elizabeth simply let their conversation flow past her, as if she were just another piece of furniture.

At that moment, the entrance to the garden became noisy. Kiern, who had gone out, had returned. It seemed he had come to raise the value of the tea time.

Kiern walked elegantly and upright toward Abigail. On the way, he glanced at Elizabeth, who was crouching and picking flowers. Elizabeth avoided his gaze, intently staring at the flowers instead. Standing in front of her, Kiern asked.

“Why are you here?”

“Miss Elizabeth said she would be my maid. After all, she knows Agaphel Castle better than anyone else.”

Abigail smiled warmly and placed a friendly hand on Elizabeth’s shoulder. Abigail and Kiern exchanged a brief glance. Elizabeth, feeling the pressure on her shoulder, muttered softly.

“I offered to do it first.”

She could feel his blue eyes lingering on her, but she deliberately avoided them. Without saying another word, Kiern moved away and kissed the back of Abigail’s hand. Then, naturally, he joined the tea time, adding to the event’s prestige.

Elizabeth watched the two from a distance. Under the shade of the awning, the two looked like a perfect couple, a handsome man and a beautiful woman. She felt so insignificant, like a stain disrupting the harmony between them.

***

After the tea time ended, Abigail and Kiern headed to the study. As Abigail casually sat on the sofa, Kiern spoke.

“Explain yourself.”

Though there was no subject, Abigail immediately replied.

“You heard it yourself. Miss Elizabeth said she’d become my maid first. So technically, this isn’t a violation of our agreement.”

“Elizabeth suggested it first?”

When Kiern met her gaze, Abigail straightened her back and continued.

“Shouldn’t you be more careful? What if someone notices that your gaze is always fixed on Miss Elizabeth?”

“We clearly agreed before the engagement, didn’t we? Not to touch Elizabeth. Even without you, there are plenty of women who could take the position of Duchess.”

This implied that he could break off the engagement and replace her with another puppet at any time. Abigail smirked.

“Surely, Your Grace, you already know that I’m the most suitable woman to firmly secure this position.”

Kiern did not deny it. It would be difficult to find another woman in the Kingdom who, like Abigail Prairie, prioritized reason over emotion, ignored the existence of a mistress, and focused solely on solidifying her own position.

The role of a Duchess was just that. A woman who would shine in society and elevate her family, rather than being driven by love. And Abigail was already fulfilling that role perfectly.

“And I believe I’ve made myself clear as well. I cannot tolerate any scandals. I told you to keep it inside the castle. You were the one who broke that agreement first.”

“Oh, that.”

Kiern chuckled faintly, brushing back his hair. He had a good idea of what she was referring to.

“That was my mistake. I didn’t realize the guests hadn’t left yet. And I certainly didn’t expect someone to sneak in like a rat.”

Even if he had known the guests were still there, Kiern would have embraced Elizabeth regardless. Lately, he found it increasingly difficult to restrain his desires when it came to her.

Abigail let out a hollow laugh at his apology, which showed no sign of genuine remorse. Though she had chosen to stay by the side of a man who was subtly deranged, she couldn’t shake the constant unease.

“So, what you’re saying is that it doesn’t matter if outsiders see it, as long as it happens inside the castle? Do you think I’m joking?”

“If that’s how it sounded, I apologize.”

“This is a clear violation of our agreement. So don’t interfere with how I handle Elizabeth.”

At Abigail’s fierce rebuttal, Kiern lowered his gaze and spoke coldly.

“Even if it’s mutual fault, it won’t benefit you in any way. I’ll take the necessary measures regarding this matter. So—”

Abigail, unnerved by Kiern’s expressionless face, cut him off irritably.

“Don’t worry. I was only planning to issue a warning. After all, I know better than anyone how much you care for your mistress. I’ll send her away when the time comes, so stop rushing me.”

“You’d better.”

Kiern stood up, as if he had nothing more to say. Knowing where he was headed, Abigail let out a small laugh. She felt more than resentment—she felt tired. He was such a boring man.

“In the end, he’s just like any other man.”

She was angry, but this was the path she had chosen for herself. At least his outward appearance was excellent and flawless. Abigail decided to enjoy her situation. She would savor the misery of Elizabeth and Kiern, piece by piece, as her entertainment.

***

Elizabeth found herself zoning out more and more frequently. Whenever she was lost in thought, memories of her mother, who had abandoned her, would surface, followed by thoughts of the late Duchess who had passed away.

What a persistent connection—or rather, a fateful entanglement. Elizabeth pitied Kiern, who couldn’t let go of her, even as her own life spiraled downward. He seemed so precarious now. Not only was he trapped in a hell created by others, but he was also dragging others into that same hell.

Kiern showed no hesitation in breaking Elizabeth’s wings. And she, unaware that her wings had been clipped, had collapsed. At first, it was out of pity; later, it was out of betrayal. And so, Elizabeth came to live in hell, her entire life becoming a contradiction.

She was atoning for the sins of her mother by becoming his hidden mistress, while simultaneously committing sins against Abigail. If Kiern’s goal was to make Elizabeth Lua miserable, he had succeeded.

Elizabeth was withering away in this life. The piercing gazes of the servants within the castle constantly reminded her of her guilt.

The close aides of the late Duke had all been replaced, and there was no one left who treated Elizabeth kindly. Kiern’s aides resented her for continuing to live in the castle, and Abigail’s maids… there was no need to even mention them.

None of them wondered why Stella had left. From the beginning, no one liked her staying in the castle. Elizabeth had to force herself to smile and pretend to be fine. She knew all too well how much she was rotting inside.

And yet, the fact that she couldn’t escape this swamp only made her feel more powerless. Agaphel Castle was a cage. The door was open, but Elizabeth could not fly freely. She was merely flapping her broken wings weakly inside the massive cage Kiern had created.