"I hope you make your decision carefully, Marquis."
The old voice, ancient even, came from behind me. Even I got startled at that since I was so focused on the people hoarding us from the front that I didn't realise his presence.
I turned to greet my "Grandfather", the elder of the family. Of course, I was beaten to it by the marquis.
"Elder, this is not the place to talk about these matters. Let me mourn my son in peace," The lord said sternly, glaring at his father. The elder glared back a gaze just as ferocious.
I, on the other hand, decided to step back quietly from the family drama and escape to investigate.
Alas, that was not to be.
"Where do you think you are going Elynora Crescente?" Both hissed at me with displeasure on their faces and hearing my full name made me stop in my tracks.
"I merely didn't want to disturb the conversation that you two were having. Also, greetings grandfather. Long time no see?" I asked casually, and it elicited the exact reaction I hoped for as the elder's left eye twitched and my father sighed.
"We would have met if you ever came out of your room, you brat," he seethed. I simply gave a smile in return. The marquis shook his head at the both of us tiredly.
"Have you both forgotten that this is a funeral to mourn your grandson and brother? Have some decorum or at least a bit of decency," He then turned to look at the other council members who stood silently watching the three of us interact.
"That goes to all of you too." The members flinched and dispersed at this. The look on their faces gave me the idea that this was not over yet.
Soon the elder and marquis went off about their ways to talk about something that I didn't even attempt to overhear. I had already set up my informants after all and they'd get the job done well.
I gave an imperceptible nod to one of the informants, so that they knew to report to me as soon as I was alone.
I decided to head back to the mansion alone. That's where the council was to be convened so it wouldn't be bad to have an early start. I got into the carriage without those two noticing and relaxed as I loosened my corset a bit as soon as I got in.
It was quite exhausting frankly. I told the coachman to take me home and took a small nap on the way back. I was jolted awake when the carriage stopped. I got up in mild annoyance and stepped down before Baron could come get me. Even he gave me a sour look today but I didn't mind it. The gathering was to start at 4pm.
To my surprise, people had already gathered by the time I got into the mansion and were split in groups. I took my time observing who was who. The Duke was surprisingly there as well, but this time a knight seemed to accompany him.
Other than him, there were several counts and a few wealthy barons and marquises. Even a few of the merchant heads who traded with our family were present, and of course, my dearest family members, particularly one of them who was glaring at me like he had absolutely nothing to do with his worthless presence here.
Theodore Crescente seemed to have already formed an idea that his position as heir might not be that solid. Looking at his seething face made me want to snatch the position of heir from right under his nose.
I had to remind myself that, in case an opportunity arose to pass on this burden to that shithead, I should do it and not let my impulsive thoughts win.
The herald finally noticed my presence and stuttered out, announcing my arrival to those who were present.
"Y-Young Lady Elynora of the Crescente Marquisate is entering," The herald yelled.
The whole room's attention suddenly turned to me, as if they hadn't noticed my few minutes of lounging in the shadows watching them. I definitely had to applaud Theodore for noticing my presence first.
They went back to their own businesses as if iywas of no significance just as soon, which I considered to be very good.
I went to take my place at the table that was at the center, which was designated for the family hosting the gathering. It was also where most of my cousins were standing around, and sneering at me for whatever reason. I decided provoke them since, well, I was bored and they didn't bother to greet me.
"Greetings cousins, might I enquire what I did to have the pleasure of having you all wait to greet me at the table meant for the main family,?
They flinched at those words. It was a sour spot for them after all, and as much as I didn't like these classes and segregation, I had no reason to be nice to them when they weren't either. They all took a step back as Theodore waved his hand. It seemed like he was the leader of this wasteful pack.
"Guess you finally decided to come out of your hole of a room Elynora, it's great to see you back," He said with a bright smile, which would've been believable if not for the hateful look in his eyes.
"Yeah, unfortunately, I now have to take up my responsibilities again, and I don't think I gave you the permission to address me by my first name, Young Master Theodore," I said lazily. His smile disappeared in an instant.
Well well well, guess he didn't know to hide his temper all that much just like the reports said. I was feeling bored and my source of entertainment fell right into my lap.
Why would I deny it?