As soon as Adriana and Astell arrived in the main mansion. They were escorted to an isolated area. Adriana frowned from the foul smell coming from the white box. Astell covered his mouth with his hand. While those present ran away from the site.
The foul smell coming from the white box was rotten flesh. Those who have experienced killing someone won't be bothered by the smell. While those who don't would feel uncomfortable.
No one dared to open the box except for Adriana. She took the initiative to open it, and when she saw it, everyone expected Adriana to scream or faint. But that did not happen to her.
Adriana stared at the present and smiled. It angered her so much that she had to control herself. This wasn't a present but a warning from Issac. And Adriana was sure Raven was somewhere watching her.
Adriana looked around her surroundings, only seeing tall trees and birds. But something caught her eyes. A little girl with white hair and red eyes sitting on the tree while intensely staring at Adriana.
The little girl smiled at her and disappeared when Adriana blinked her eyes. It wasn't a coincidence. Now that Issac knows his gift has been delivered successfully. He will be moving on to his next plan.
"This…" Astell got closer to Adriana as he looks what was in the box.
"A hand of a human," continued Adriana, who summoned Yashiro, scaring the servants. Seeing their expression, Adriana sighed, "Don't worry. He' a bad demon."
Yashiro turned into his human form, opened his mouth, and gobbled the hand down. He licked his lips and saw trembling humans. He smirked and thought it would be funny to play with them.
But then, before he could, Adriana snapped her finger, which forced him to disappear.
"Tch, at least let me have fun. I haven't seen humans in a while," Yashiro told Adriana, who ignored him.
"This is better than leaving it here," Adriana told Astell, who nodded. "And don't worry about the evidence. It's safe."
If this continues to go on. Issac will end up hurting Astell's family. Of course, Adriana doesn't want that to happen.
Felix looked at his stopwatch, then said, "Breakfast is about to be served. Will you have your breakfast here?"
"Yes, both father and mother wish to meet Adriana."
The funny thing about this marriage is that Adriana has not met his parents yet. Even if they were present during the wedding, Adriana had not formally presented herself to them. There was a reason why.
The wedding preparations were all rushed, which did not give Adriana time to meet the grand duke and duchess. And it didn't feel right for Adriana to meet them unannounced.
At the same time, Adriana felt they did not want to meet her just yet. Which makes sense since she was a Belladonna. But they are all just assumptions. The Skydanes aren't people like that. To add, it was their son's decision.
"Adriana," Astell gently called her and asked for her hand. Adriana stared at his hand for a few seconds, then held it. This made her wonder if his actions were all an act.
Since they had to act like lovers who are madly in love. Adriana had no choice but to accept his hand. She gave him a smile, and they made their way into the mansion.
When they arrived at the dining hall, the grand duke and duchess were already seated, waiting for the two of them.
"I apologize for being late. We had to handle some matters," apologized Astell as he pulled out a chair for Adriana.
"It's alight. I heard about it," spoke the grand duke, who looked at Adriana. "So you are Adriana?"
Adriana bowed her head and smiled, "It's an honor to meet you, Your Grace. I apologize for not meeting you sooner."
"No need to apologize. My son had explained to me about it," comforted the grand duke, which Adriana had not expected. She thought he would treat her fiercely, but it was the exact opposite.
It was as if the grand duke was treating her like his own daughter. Adriana felt weird about it since she had never received a father's love. Even if she did. It wouldn't be this warm.
On the other hand, Adriana felt a pair of eyes glaring at her. Yet when she looked to see who they belonged, it was the grand duchess. As expected, a woman's sixth sense is never wrong.
"Dianna? What's wrong? You've been quiet the whole time?" Asked the grand duke, who reached for her hand.
"I was stunned by her beauty," answered the grand duchess, who scoffed.
"I should be saying this to you," Adriana shook her head. "The grand duchess hasn't aged at all."
A woman, especially a mother, may dislike their in-law. But the easiest way to wash that down is to shower them with compliments. But of course, it should be heartfelt and not lies.
The grand duchess doesn't seem to look flattered. Which made her speculations right. The grand duchess isn't someone who is easily swooned with compliments. But as humans, they have a weakness.
For the grand duchess, her most precious treasure is her family. That is her weakness.
"Before entering the mansion. I saw tons of paintings of the family, and they were painted with love and care. I assume the grand duchess painted those?" Inquired Adriana, who caught the grand duchess off guards.
"Yes, you are right."
"I wished I learned how to paint. I was forbidden to do such things," Adriana forced a smile on her face but frowned after. The grand duchess saw her expression, which made her heart drop. "I'm lucky to have fallen in love with Astell. To tell the truth. He was the one who taught me of the word family."
Adriana gazed into his eyes, and he acted along. Astell fixed her hair which made her giggle. Adriana then looked at the grand duchess.
"If not for Astell. I might not have changed at all," Adriana lowered her head, and her lips trembled.
"Oh, Adriana. We're a family now," said the grand duchess, who stood up and walked to Adriana's side. "Call me mother."
"I-is it alright?" Stuttered Adriana, and the grand duchess nodded her head as she held Adriana's hand.
"You're part of the Skydane family now."
"Thank you, mother."
Would it be a lie to say Adriana was half-acting? Something deep in her heart made the grand duchess like Madam Elphina. The same gentle tone in their speech and actions. It made Adriana feel guilty having to lie in front of this person.
But it has to be done for now.