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NMBTD 20

NMBTD

Chapter 20

Every vacation, Caleb would return to the estate and talk about Creighton.

His stories about the First Prince were full of praise—about his brilliant intellect, noble character, and refined demeanor. It was close to worship.

“It’s probably best not to make an enemy of the First Prince. Caleb might become a helpful bridge.”

Alessia studied Glena’s expression.

To think she’d suggest inviting Caleb. What was her real intention? But no clear reason came to mind.

“Could it really just be because he’s Prince Creighton’s classmate?”

Glena and Creighton were famously devoted to each other—everyone in the empire knew it.

Creighton never glanced at another woman, and Glena was willing to do anything to please him.

Inviting Caleb might simply be another way of doing that.

“But if only Caleb is invited, who knows what Patricia will do.”

After organizing her thoughts, Alessia lowered her head slightly.

“Thank you for the suggestion. But asking a lord to abandon his estate during a crisis to attend a party is quite unreasonable. Caleb understands this, too.”

“Is that so?”

Glena widened her eyes and blinked slowly. After a pause, she smiled and tapped her fingers together.

“Then how about this? We’re holding a ball next month for Creighton’s birthday. It should be fine to invite him then, right? The rainy season will be over by then.”

Alessia looked at her intently. The hostility Glena showed earlier had vanished.

She simply seemed eager to expand the guest list.

“Then maybe I should ask Caleb more about the First Prince at the ball.”

Alessia needed as much information about Creighton as possible. Caleb might be able to give her the insight she needed.

“That should be fine by then.”

“Then I’ll send an invitation to House Ambrose.”

Glena smiled contentedly, clearly pleased Alessia had agreed.

She gracefully sat down on the sofa and gestured for Alessia to do the same.

“Please sit, Lady Ambrose.”

Alessia asked Sara to bring refreshments and then took her seat. With Sara gone, the two were left alone in the drawing room.

Alessia quietly watched Glena, who in turn was examining the dress Alessia wore.

When Glena noticed the deep green dress matching Alessia’s eye color, she raised an eyebrow.

“You have a decent eye.”

“Thank you.”

“This dress… Prince Franz prepared it for you, didn’t he?”

“Yes.”

Alessia answered briefly and said nothing more, lowering her gaze as if to say: I’m not interested in talking to you.

Though not overtly rude, her attitude was enough to leave the other person feeling awkward.

Glena looked startled by the sudden silence. She considered criticizing Alessia’s demeanor but instead chose to speak again.

“Lady Ambrose…”

“Pardon me. The tea is ready.”

Before Glena could finish, Sara returned with Isolde, serving the tea and refreshments.

Both women silently watched the delicate tea set and treats being arranged on the table.

“You may go.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

As soon as the table was set, Glena dismissed Sara like she owned the palace.

It was a deliberate show of dominance—disregarding Alessia, the future mistress of the Second Prince’s palace.

But Alessia was unfazed.

Wherever Glena went, she believed she was the main character. Even as a guest, she acted like the host.

“Do the Second Prince’s maids not even know how to serve tea properly?”

Glena frowned after just one sip of the tea. Alessia took a sip as well.

The gentle scent of Darjeeling teased her nose, and the rich flavor spread through her mouth.

“It’s quite good… Is she just looking for something to criticize?”

Alessia sighed inwardly, then politely set her cup down and replied,

“My apologies. I’ll ensure they receive further training.”

“They probably take after their mistress. I doubt more training will help.”

Glena raised one brow and sneered.

She was getting ready to address the real reason she had come. Alessia hoped she’d hurry and leave.

“You’re right. I still have a lot to learn.”

“Humility is good. But in your case, it’s all you’ve got.”

Glena pushed her teacup aside and added:

“Caleps and the countryside are quite different, after all. And you’ll suddenly be royalty. It’ll be hard on you.”

Her words carried a vague malice.

Alessia looked up and met Glena’s eyes. Glena smiled prettily and continued.

“I do worry if you’ll adjust to palace life. The etiquette here is rather strict.”

“I’ve been studying hard.”

“But there are limits to what one can do alone, right?”

Before Alessia could respond, Glena continued quickly.

“That’s why I’ve decided—I’ll personally teach you. I’ll devote my own time to give you etiquette lessons.”

So that’s what this is.

Alessia’s eyes sparkled.

Ever since their subtle power struggle in front of the Empress, Glena must have been looking for a way to push her down. And this was her answer.

“She plans to teach me the wrong etiquette to humiliate me, no doubt.”

Alessia gazed at her with a cool stare.

She already knew Glena thought of her as a backwater country girl.

But that was mild compared to what she endured from Patricia.

“That doesn’t mean I’ll just sit and take it.”

Feigning ignorance, Alessia responded with a soft smile.

“I could never impose on Your Highness’s precious time.”

Still smiling, she added,

“Actually, Her Majesty the Empress offered to appoint an etiquette tutor for me anytime. I was hesitant, but if even Your Highness thinks I need help, then perhaps I should ask after all.”

“The Empress?”

Glena’s face visibly fell at the mention of the Empress.

Alessia smiled triumphantly inside as she watched Glena’s expression change.

She had been right—Glena intended to set her up for failure at the banquet.

“I’ll make sure I don’t disgrace the royal family. Thank you for your concern.”

Glena bit her lip. She glared at her teacup, visibly frustrated.

“Is there anything else I should be careful about?”

Alessia’s innocent tone only made it worse.

Glena’s eyes flashed with rage, her jaw tight.

“It seems Her Majesty cherishes you greatly. She even gave you the diamond necklace and now wants to assign you a tutor.”

How talented you must be, Lady Ambrose.

Alessia let the sarcasm wash over her. It didn’t matter what Glena said.

To push Franz aside, she needed the First Prince.

But that didn’t mean she needed the First Princess Consort.

“As long as she doesn’t get in the way, that’s enough.”

She gave Glena a cool glance.

A proud, headstrong young noblewoman—used to getting everything she wanted.

She probably didn’t even know the meaning of desperation.

“I envy that kind of life, sure—but that’s all.”

Alessia had no intention of being rattled by court politics.

She wouldn’t fight every battle Glena picked.

There were far more important things waiting for her.

She just wanted Glena to leave already.

“I wish she’d go.”

Glena, unaware of Alessia’s thoughts, clicked her tongue when their eyes met.

“Her Majesty is fair. She won’t take sides.”

“I see.”

Alessia replied indifferently and turned her head.

Glena glared and hissed,

“Learn from your etiquette tutor how to properly speak to your superiors. That seems most urgent.”

With that, Glena suddenly stood up.

Brushing past Alessia, she coldly added,

“I understand now what kind of person you are. I’ll make sure you understand what kind of person I am too.”

Look forward to it.

“Please take care, Your Highness.”

Alessia bowed politely, as if she hadn’t heard the warning. Glena, fuming, turned sharply and left.

 

Alessia didn’t straighten her back until she was certain Glena’s hostility had completely exited the room.

At Novelish Universe, we deeply respect the hard work of original authors and publishers. Our platform exists to share stories with global readers, and we are open and ready to partner with rights holders to ensure creators are supported and fairly recognized. All of our translations are done by professional translators at the request of our readers, and the majority of revenue goes directly to supporting these translators for their dedication and commitment to quality.
A Night More Brutal Than Death

A Night More Brutal Than Death

죽음보다 지독한 밤
Score 9.4
Status: Ongoing Type: Author: , Artist: , Released: 2022 Native Language: Korean
Summary An impatient woman. A woman shameless enough to sneak into a man’s bedroom. A disgrace to the imperial family. These were the words used to describe Alaisia, wife of the perfect and beautiful Second Prince, Franz. Even while enduring her husband’s coldness and affairs, Alaisia loved him— But Franz killed her. Just before her death, Alaisia cursed him… and woke up in the past. In her new life, everything is the same—except for Franz. “I’m not worried about you. I’m worried about myself. If I lose you, I’ll go insane.” Did the curse go wrong? She tried to live as if she didn’t exist—just as Franz had wanted in her previous life— But now, he keeps clinging to her.   “There’s no other woman but you for me. So don’t even think about hoping otherwise.”

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