Chapter40
Lily watched Shai’s back as she walked away.
The Duchess had certainly changed. It was almost as if she were a different person.
Lily, being a knight stationed at the ducal household, had occasionally witnessed Shai losing her temper or reacting sharply toward others, though not frequently.
It was not easy to feel any affection for someone who always spoke harshly.
Lily had stepped in earlier in front of the children because even the village kids were talking about the Duchess in such a way—it was a sign that the ducal family’s reputation was suffering.
Despite that, Lily felt a trace of sympathy for Shai.
One day, by chance, she had seen the Duchess sitting alone by the fountain, wearing thin clothes, crying quietly.
Shai seemed to have pushed everyone away. She sat there with a forlorn expression, tears falling silently. Even though the fountain splashed noisily, she had muffled her sobs with a handkerchief as if to prevent any sound from escaping.
Lily guessed that the Duchess might also be mentally sensitive, or perhaps struggling internally.
Lily had a younger sister who suffered from pathological hysteria. On days when her sister’s mood plummeted, she would lash out at those around her with sharp words and reckless behavior. When she felt slightly better, she would regret it and cry helplessly.
Remembering that, Lily felt compassion for Shai.
“Perhaps she has a story I don’t know. Just because someone seems to have everything doesn’t mean their heart is free from suffering.”
Lily’s sister had been prettier, more talented, and, as the youngest, had been showered with parental affection. Compared to her own reserved and strict nature, focused only on the sword, her sister seemed infinitely more lovable.
Yet once her heart was troubled, she had collapsed uncontrollably.
That was why Lily could imagine the Duchess might have experienced something similar.
But now, seeing her handle things so wisely…
Clearly, it was better to win hearts by showing kindness than by silencing people through coercion. If people personally witnessed good deeds and spread favorable impressions, it would be far more effective at dispelling negative rumors.
“By losing her memories, perhaps she has shaken off all the burdens that once made her cry… so her true nature is finally showing.”
Lily wished that one day her own sister could smile so brightly again. Seeing the Duchess hand out cookie bags to children with a radiant smile, Lily felt a glimmer of hope, imagining her sister in a slightly better state.
Bianca inspected the estate.
The Humphries’ house was not grand but had a charming, historic atmosphere. Bianca loved her home and her family.
Even if she could forget the personal humiliation she suffered when selecting maids, she couldn’t be certain she could endure an affront against her family.
Despite having woken up early to inspect every corner meticulously, she still couldn’t shake her anxiety.
“Today’s the day. The day the Duchess is coming.”
She had left that morning, so she would probably arrive late in the afternoon.
Yet the sun was already setting, painting the sky in sunset hues. Bianca could not hide her unsettled feelings as she gazed at the red-tinted sky.
“I hope nothing happened on the way. She might pick a fight over trivial matters, but I hope she doesn’t reprimand us for something completely unrelated.”
The Duchess’s notorious reputation made Bianca worry first and foremost about such possibilities. Just then, a maid who had gone to the village rushed in, calling for Bianca.
“Miss! Miss!”
“Why are you in such a panic?”
“I saw something incredible at the square. The Duchess… she—”
The maid, out of breath from running, gasped as she spoke. Bianca felt an urge to hurry her along but realized she needed to listen patiently.
Finally catching her breath, the maid spoke.
“The Duchess handed out cookies to all the children in Horn Village! She was incredibly beautiful and kind!”
“What?”
Bianca asked in astonishment.
‘She suddenly gave cookies to the children? And not only beautiful, but kind?’
Bianca wanted to know the full story, but at that moment, she heard the announcement she had been waiting for.
“Her Grace, the Duchess, has arrived!”
At that shout, the Duchess’s carriage, accompanied by knights, appeared at the estate entrance. Bianca had no time to ask the maid further and began preparing to receive the Duchess, who had arrived later than expected.
The Humphries—the Count and Countess, Bianca, and the youngest, Lucinda—stood at the estate entrance. The eldest daughter, Isolda, had already married into another family.
Lucinda, ten years old, was warned repeatedly that the Duchess could be very strict, so she must be careful with her behavior.
The youngest, with her curly red hair and round face, seemed more curious about the Duchess’s beauty than anything else, which made Bianca uneasy.
Fortunately, Lucinda was shy and rarely approached strangers, which was a relief.
Lucinda only exchanged greetings and agreed to stay near her room or the garden during the Duchess’s visit.
The carriage door opened, revealing the Duchess.
Her face was fair and radiant, cheeks slightly flushed. Under elegantly arched eyebrows were long lashes and crystal-clear eyes that drew one in.
Her nose was well-defined, lips perfectly shaped, harmonizing with her features to give both a bright and innocent impression.
Her long limbs, straight posture, and graceful movements exuded supreme elegance.
Seeing the Humphries greeting her, Shai smiled softly. Her harmlessness combined with her elegance left even Bianca momentarily deceived by her gentle and noble aura.
‘What an extraordinary woman. Her beauty captivates people. No wonder the Duke can’t stay composed.’
As Bianca marveled, Shai smiled subtly and addressed the Count and Countess.
“Thank you for graciously allowing this sudden visit.”
Her voice remained the same, but the harsh, condescending tone was gone, replaced with gentle and polite words, which made Bianca tense.
‘She’s far more unpredictable than before. I need to stay sharp.’
The Humphries bowed in unison.
“I am Jonathan Humphry. It is a great honor to host you, Your Grace.”
“I am Charlotte Humphry. We are truly pleased by your visit.”
Bianca also greeted her formally.
“It has been a long time, Your Grace. We are grateful for your kind visit to our home.”
“It’s been a while, Miss Bianca Humphry.”
Shai’s gaze on Bianca was inscrutable.
‘Is she planning to behave well now and then create chaos when fewer people are watching? She’s even more cunning than before.’
As Bianca pondered this, Shai’s attention shifted to Lucinda.
“Such a young and lovely lady… are you Miss Lucinda Humphry?”
Shai’s eyes softened in a manner that made Lucinda blush and respond.
“I am Lucinda Humphry. I am truly delighted by your visit, such a beautiful lady…”
Though her voice gradually softened, she maintained clarity and composure. Bianca silently exhaled in relief—she could not bear it if anyone harmed this gentle, innocent child.
“It’s late for dinner; everyone must be hungry. Shall we move to the dining room?”
Charlotte suggested this to Shai, who simply nodded gracefully. Even that small gesture exuded dignity, and Bianca still struggled with the contrast from before.
Everyone moved to the dining room. Shai dined with the Humphries and Bianca, while Lucinda, too young to sit with the adults, ate with her governess in her room.
Most of the knights were titled, but to avoid awkwardness, they were guided to a separate dining area.
The table was laden with carefully prepared dishes, including a large fish that caught the eye.
“We have prepared a variety of dishes, hoping they suit your tastes,” Jonathan said. Although he owned the estate, Shai, as the highest-ranking guest, sat at the place of honor.
