Giselle’s eyes widened. “As expected, Your Grace, you’re truly kind!”
Watching her happy smile, he felt a strange sensation.
“You’re truly the best employer ever!”
His heart leapt like a live fish, then settled down, and whenever he looked at Giselle’s face again, he felt a curious tingling in his fingertips. This feeling probably needs to be studied too, but to put it simply—It seemed to be ‘joy’ caused by the release of serotonin and dopamine. It was probably because, for the first time in his life, someone saw him not as an object of fear, but as a helpful person. That fact itself was encouraging.
He emphasized once more, “Yes, I want to help you.”
“If you really want to help me, then let’s go on a date tomorrow! How about having a cup of coffee together?”
* * *
Though Duke Kalinos remained blissfully unaware of this fact, he wasn’t the only soul spending a restless night tossing about his bedsheets.
Thanks to Kima’s ledger, Count Florette had some extra free time and spent it learning more about Giselle.
Unbelievable, those despicable b*stards! The situation was grave enough to make him consider hiring an assassin.
As he read through all the records, he came across an account of several ladies throwing foods with strong smells, like onions and garlic, at Giselle, and at that point he couldn’t help but tear up.
I must capture every one of those scoundrels and drag them before Giselle for judgment.
Despite having adopted her with the express purpose of protecting her in place of her deceased father, he had failed to prevent these horrible incidents from occurring. Giselle could have resented him. But instead of blaming him, she chose to stay by his side.
As the <Report on Giselle Florette’s Activities> left on his bedside slowly soaked with tears, he made up his mind.
“Mariposa Florette.”
“Yes, Brother?”
He glared at Mariposa, who was still grounded, and murmured quietly, “You knew all about what happened to Giselle, didn’t you?”
“I’ve thought a lot while being grounded. Giselle is pitiful, sure, but honestly, none of it is my fault, right?”
“What?”
“She only got what she deserved! Why are you blaming me? I suffered a lot too, after my divorce and coming back to the family! I’m your sister, aren’t I? Why don’t you ever believe me?”
“You—”
“Really, you’ve always been like this since I was little. You’ve never believed anything I say. I didn’t know either. I didn’t know Giselle was living like that.”
Seeing the count’s face grow stiffer by the second, Mariposa kept scheming. I’ve already matched my story, so I can get out of this. Besides, she still had a secret weapon.
“Even if you weren’t directly involved, as the elder of this family, you bear responsibility for failing to guide her properly.”
“Right, exactly. That’s why I’ve done so many good things as the family’s eldest.”
“What do you mean?”
Mariposa quickly raised her hand. In her hand, a golden invitation flashed. On the envelope, a sealing wax with a black hawk crest was affixed. With an excited expression, she waved the invitation. “It’s an invitation from the Kalinos family.”
“How do the Kalinos know you?”
“I’ve been conducting business, naturally. I must have caught his discerning eye.”
To be precise, Duke Kalinos had reserved the private room at the coffee house she owned. He had even requested a private meeting with Mariposa.
The more high-ranking nobles use my coffee house, the more my influence will grow. Having Duke Kalinos as my first guest, everything is proceeding exactly according to plan. Her subtle promotions within high society had paid off.
She covered her mouth and smiled in satisfaction. “Embezzlement? Ridiculous. I was just interested in various businesses for the family’s sake. I’ve built connections with other noble families, too. Are you really going to break ties with me over a foolish little orphan girl picked up off the streets?”
Count Florette’s eyes did not waver. “Don’t use those kinds of words to describe Giselle.”
“…Ha, sorry. Anyway, please lift my probation tomorrow. I need to go see Duke Kalinos for our family’s sake!”
Even as the family head, Count Florette had no real justification to refuse a meeting with a high noble like Duke Kalinos. Rubbing his forehead, he murmured, “Mariposa Florette, I intend to learn more about you. Remember this. Even if you’re my sister, I’ll show no mercy.” Count Florette possessed considerably more intelligence than his sister had ever given him credit for.
Not only the bullying against Giselle, but also the existence of the coffee house she’d tried to hide, would likely be revealed soon. Everything was about to come crashing down, but Mariposa still had one hope left. If I can secure an alliance with the Kalinos family, brother wouldn’t be able to cast me aside so easily. She’d also be able to take revenge on Giselle, who had caused her brother to look at her with such contempt.
I shall bring you to your knees somehow, Giselle. You’ll regret ever making me your enemy, foolish girl.
* * *
The next morning, Mariposa headed for the second floor of the coffee house. She had to make the most of this opportunity to connect with a high-ranking noble through her business. From the earliest hours of dawn, she had driven the chef and waitresses to prepare an array of the most exquisite delicacies imaginable.
I need to use this chance to treat the duke as well as possible.
Duke Kalinos sat in the most luxurious private room. With his usual cold, intimidating demeanor, he looked like a killer, making Mariposa’s legs tremble. She recalled all the bizarre rumors about him, but forced herself to step forward, despite her shaking legs. At least for now, he seemed like a lifeline who could save her from her current predicament.
“Duke Kalinos, I’ve heard you rarely appear at social events, so I can’t believe you’ve come all this way…!”
“Why? Is there some difficulty with that?” he inquired with characteristic directness.
“Certainly not! You expressed a desire to meet with me personally, so naturally I hastened to accommodate your wishes.” Even though she sat directly across from him at the table, Mariposa kept her head bowed, unable to meet his eyes.
He looked down at her bowed head and said, “I wanted to introduce you to my fiancée.” Unlike typical social circles, he was rather blunt—but it was still an overwhelming announcement.
Mariposa snapped her head up “Oh my! So, there’s a lady who’s to become the duchess? Congratulations! And to think you’d share this news with me first, it’s an honor for our family!” She exhaled with sharp satisfaction, her thoughts racing triumphantly.
Did you truly believe this Mariposa Florette would crumble beneath the weight of more probation? Being humiliated by that wretched Giselle was merely a necessary sacrifice in service of a far grander design!
Duke Kalinos allowed his lips to curve in what might charitably be called a smile, though there was something rather unsettling about the expression. It resembled a subtle smirk more than anything else, but Mariposa dismissed the notion as impossible under the circumstances.
“Open the door.”
“Y-Yes!”
At the duke’s command, the door slowly opened, and Mariposa’s expectant gaze was fixed on the entrance. But there was no one at the doorway. Confused, she looked out over the terrace to the street beyond.
“Ah! Is that lady with the white parasol on the first floor your future duchess?”
“Yes.”
The lady wore a parasol and a hat adorned with a pure white veil, so her face was difficult to make out. Even if I can’t see her clearly, she’s going to be the Duchess of Kalinos. I must absolutely establish connection with her. If she became the new mistress of the Kalinos house, it would surely cause a sensation throughout the empire.
Mariposa sniffed in pride and flattered loudly. “Oh my, what a beautiful lady she must be. She must be noble, elegant, and dignified, I’m sure!”
Click, clack—the sound of footsteps coming up to the second floor echoed. The backlighting made it hard to see clearly, but the approaching figure’s walk was graceful.
There’s something oddly familiar about her…
Wavy silver hair, a classically styled dress of soft material. At that moment— The backlight disappeared, and at last, the woman’s face was revealed.
“I’ve always been kind of—”
“…Gi-Giselle.”
“Noble and dignified, yes, I am.”
