While Philip and Sophia waited at the dining table, the Duke and Duchess of Wiscombe were leaving the study. The Duchess, linking her arm with the Duke’s, said, “Can we really trust the Empress?”

“Even if we can’t, there’s no avoiding this situation. Prince Robert has no chance of becoming the crown prince. The Cressida family fully supports Prince Frederick, and even though they’re pushing Robert aside, the Emperor just turns a blind eye. Robert has neither the power nor the ability to overturn this situation.”

“That’s why the Empress is dragging our Wiscombe family into this.”

The Duke gently patted the Duchess’s hand and said, “The Empress has no choice but to pick between Cressida and Wiscombe. Think about Prince Frederick’s personality. Do you think he could tolerate the ruthlessly sharp Gareth family?”

“But Frederick isn’t the type to rebel against the Empress or Count Cressida. If they told him to marry Lady Gareth, he’d do it.”

“He may not rebel, but he’s bound to cause trouble. When I met him, he still seemed like a child, true to his Cressida nature.”

When the Duchess stopped walking and silently looked at him, the Duke smiled and said, “I’m not suggesting we let him play with Isabelle. I’m saying that Prince Frederick’s childish nature will clash with the Gareth family’s pride and arrogance. Do you really think they’ll handle Frederick’s behavior with patience?”

“Hm… You’re right, that does make sense.”

The Duke and Duchess resumed walking. The Duke then asked, “And what about your niece? Is she suitable?”

“She understands her situation well, so there won’t be any issues. She doesn’t have high hopes for the debutante, either. It seems that just getting through the event is what matters most to her. She’s exactly like her father—both in looks and personality. That dull Baron of Ariel.”

“Then that’s fortunate. It’s not easy to find a lady without complications like this. Since she’s your relative, we haven’t been too impolite, and our reasoning is sound. You’ve done well.”

“You flatter me. It’s all for Isabelle, after all.”

“Indeed. All of this is for our children.”

A servant who saw the Duke and Duchess walking towards the dining room quickly knocked softly on Isabelle’s door.

A maid opened the door slightly. When the servant nodded, the maid returned the gesture and closed the door.

The maid approached Isabelle, who was seated on the sofa, and respectfully informed her, “The Duke and Duchess are on their way to the dining room.”

Isabelle rose and stood with her arms outstretched. The maid adjusted the folds of Isabelle’s dress and stepped back. Only then did Isabelle leave the room, walking with grace and elegance in every step.

As the Duke and Duchess entered the dining room, Isabelle followed shortly after. Philip remarked, “You’re always the last to arrive, Isabelle! We have guests today. You should’ve hurried. It’s embarrassing to show up after Mother.”

Isabelle sat down, pretending she hadn’t heard a word. Philip turned to the Duchess and said, “Don’t you think it’s wrong to let her behave like this? It’s not just us here.”

The Duchess addressed Isabelle sternly, “Isabelle! You need to respond to Philip. Even among family, you must observe proper manners. Acting like you didn’t hear is unacceptable.”

Isabelle glanced at Philip and said, “I’ve been preoccupied today, brother. Please be generous and forgive me. Acting so petty doesn’t suit your reputation as a kind brother among the young ladies.”

Her insincere apology caused both the Duchess and Philip to frown. Sophia, meanwhile, was so stunned by Isabelle’s presence that she didn’t even realize she had been completely ignored.

* * *

Isabelle was stunning. While her beauty was certainly striking enough to inspire artists, what surprised Sophia the most was how much Isabelle resembled her mother.

As Sophia gazed at her in awe, Philip said, “Cousin! Remember that inner beauty is more important than outer appearance. My sister may have a beautiful exterior, but no one would ever say the same about her character. At least we’re fortunate we can’t see through her.”

Isabelle, noticing Sophia staring at her, coldly said, “Didn’t you learn that it’s rude to stare? Mother, you should correct our cousin’s manners as well.”

Sophia immediately regretted thinking of her own mother upon hearing Isabelle’s chilly voice.

‘She only resembles her in appearance. I’m sorry, Mother.’

Sophia respectfully said, “I’ve been rude. Please forgive me.”

Without a word, Isabelle merely nodded. Sophia then greeted the Duke, who responded with a nod as well.

‘Like father, like daughter.’

As food began to be served, conversation ceased, and everyone ate in silence.

Sophia, trying to avoid making any noise, ate as carefully as possible. The thought of having to endure such quiet dinners every day filled her with dread.

Everyone finished their meal at roughly the same time, as was customary among the nobility. At the Wiscombe family table, they all finished with a precision that was almost intimidating. Not wanting to stand out, Sophia quickly put down her spoon as well.

When the Duke stood up, everyone followed suit and left the dining room. Sophia was relieved that she was finally free.

The hour she spent dining had tired her out far more than the hours of shopping earlier that day.

The Duke excused himself for some unknown business and headed to the study, while Isabelle claimed fatigue and retired to her room.

‘They really are alike.’

The Duchess turned to Sophia and said, “Dinner might have been uncomfortable for you tonight. From tomorrow, I’ll have your meals brought to your room. There’s no need for you to feel uneasy, is there? You’re not used to this yet.”

Though the Duchess’s tone was warm, it was clearly a polite dismissal. Sophia smiled genuinely and replied, “Thank you for your consideration, Duchess. I think that would be much more comfortable.”

Seeing Sophia’s honest delight, Philip chuckled. Though he knew the Duchess’s intentions weren’t as kind as they appeared, he couldn’t help but admire Sophia’s ability to feel pleased anyway.

After excusing herself, Sophia returned to her room, leaving Philip and the Duchess in the drawing room where they typically spent time after dinner. The room was cozy, illuminated by the glow of the fireplace, but their expressions were anything but warm.

Philip, staring at the fire, said, “Our cousin is strong. She’s certainly not lacking in awareness. I’m sure she’s figured out that we’re deliberately keeping her from mingling with our relatives. It would be hard not to notice, given the number of people coming and going every day.”

The Duchess, sipping her tea, responded, “It’s commendable that she’s not trying to stick to us. That’s always been the way with the Ariels, hasn’t it?”

“I remember. Alex Ariel was just as stiff. He rejected all our invitations and ended up marrying into a wealthy merchant family. He could’ve married someone much more influential if he had used his head properly. I suppose the Ariels are poor because of their own stubbornness.”

“That may be. But why do you keep picking fights with Isabelle? Even if she’s at fault, it’s better to talk to her about it when you’re alone later…”