It was a bright morning, and I was already dressed neatly after my bath. I couldn't help but feel uncomfortable when several maidservants offered to assist me with bathing. Sure, I understood it was their job, and in this world, such things were commonplace. However, coming from a world where independence was a virtue, I outright refused their help. I could bathe myself, thank you very much.
Although I declined their assistance for bathing, I allowed the maids to help me put on my gown. It wasn't something one could easily manage alone, and I wasn't about to spend an eternity struggling with it.
Thanks to the long preparation required for a duchess, I ended up being late for breakfast with Cedric. By the time I entered the dining room, he was already gone. The maids informed me he had finished eating a few minutes earlier. This annoyed me, as I had carefully prepared topics to discuss with him today.
So, I ate alone, accompanied by some maids and, of course, Zoya, who was always trailing behind me wherever I went. After breakfast, I headed to the knights' training grounds, as there was someone I wanted to meet.
When I arrived, the field was filled with knights practicing their swordsmanship. My gaze immediately fell on a man with brown hair standing at the edge of the field, observing the knights.
That man was Hugo Belmont, the second male lead of this story.
In the novel, Hugo often watches Cathleen from afar. He was the type who became awkward around women he liked. Hugo is also a significant character in the story. When Cathleen was imprisoned for an alleged assassination attempt on the prince, Hugo tried to help her escape. Although their attempt ultimately failed, resulting in both of them facing a bloody execution, his actions left a mark on the story.
That's why I wanted to establish a good relationship with Hugo. It might sound cold, but I couldn't predict what the future held for me. I didn't know if my fate would align with Cathleen's or diverge, so I needed to leverage everyone who might help save my life.
However, to be honest, I didn't understand why Hugo liked Cathleen in the first place. My memory of the novel's plot was hazy. I only remembered the broad strokes of the story, so I couldn't recall whether Hugo had already fallen for Cathleen at this point.
"Duchess Cathleen, what brings you to this place?" Hugo approached me, bowed, and kissed the back of my hand. I knew it was a customary greeting in this world, but it still made my heart race.
"I was just taking a look around. Am I intruding?"
With a sweet smile, Hugo replied, "The Duchess may do whatever pleases you."
That smile truly melted my heart.
"My Lady, the sun here is quite harsh. We should return before your skin begins to redden," Zoya's voice interrupted from behind me. I had forgotten she was standing there all along.
"Just a moment, Zoya. I want to observe the place a bit more. As the Duchess of this estate, I must ensure everyone feels comfortable here," I said confidently, though the truth was I simply wanted to spend more time with the second male lead.
"Very well." Zoya's face looked dejected, likely from the heat. She seemed eager to leave this place quickly.
***
After strolling around and observing the knights' training grounds to my heart's content, I decided to return to my room for a relaxing break, lying down while scheming a way to get rid of Zoya from this house. I couldn't simply fire her outright, as that would damage my reputation. Therefore, I needed to act carefully and strategically.
On my way back to my room, I encountered Cedric at the end of the hallway. He was accompanied by Dion, his ever-loyal assistant and right-hand man.
"Where are you headed?" I asked, blocking his path. Behind me, Zoya was busy tidying her appearance.
"I have business at the palace with the king," Cedric replied.
"May I come along?" As soon as the words left my mouth, an awkward silence blanketed the hallway.
Dion's expression was one of disbelief, Cedric looked confused, and Zoya softly called out my name in a low tone, as though trying to dissuade me. But I didn't care. I wasn't going to let this opportunity to speak with Cedric slip away.
"I don't think that's possible. I need to leave immediately," Cedric said, stepping past me with quick strides. "You'd need time to prepare if you want to visit the palace."
I chased after him and once again stood in his way, this time stretching out my arms to block him. "No, I'm ready now. I don't need to change clothes or put on makeup." I took his left hand in mine. "Come on, let's go!"
After giving it some thought, I realized that if I wanted my future in this world to be secure, I needed to abandon my pride and take the initiative in approaching Cedric. No room for shyness—this was about survival.
Behind me, Zoya clutched her clothes tightly. Her eyes reflected barely contained anger.
"Zoya, you don't need to come along," I said firmly.
"But, my lady, I—"
"There's no need. Just take a rest," I interrupted, leaving Zoya standing there in shock at my sudden behavior.
And so, I walked with Cedric, still holding his hand. The maids watched the scene unfold, their expressions amusing to witness. Even Dion seemed to be struggling to process what had just happened, hesitating multiple times as though wanting to say something but ultimately remaining silent.
As we approached the door, I noticed Ellie carrying a flower pot. "Wait a moment, there's something I need to discuss with Ellie," I said to Cedric, patting his shoulder. "Wait here for a bit, won't you, my husband?" I could see Cedric's ears turn red as his movements became noticeably awkward. Even Dion stood agape at his master's reaction.
I jogged over to Ellie and whispered something to her. She listened attentively, nodding at my words. She truly had become my trusted right hand in this household. After our brief conversation, I returned to Cedric, who had been standing motionless, waiting for me. My husband truly was obedient.
"Let's go," I said, taking Cedric's hand again and walking with him toward the carriage.
This time, however, it was Cedric who held my hand in return. I could see his ears turning an even deeper shade of red. His silence and his willingness to accept my advances suggested that I had a significant opportunity here, one I couldn't afford to waste. I knew that Zoya must be burning with jealousy as she watched my behavior with Cedric. It brought me great satisfaction to see her seething internally.
I just hoped that when I returned from the palace, the house wouldn't be reduced to ashes from the raging fire of Zoya's jealousy.