Chapter 07
After provoking Alicia and returning to her room, the afternoon had already passed. She had clearly told Catherine to come every morning, yet the girl still hadn’t shown up.
Was she always this disobedient? How did I ever think she was an angel? Diana grimaced. She must have been utterly blinded by love.
With a bitter expression, she called for a maid. One of the attendants standing in the hallway hurried in.
“You there.”
“Yes, Your Grace!”
“Bring Catherine to me.”
The maid, startled by Diana’s authoritative tone, rushed off to fetch Catherine.
“Young Lady, Her Grace the Grand Duchess has summoned you.”
“What?”
Catherine’s face twisted the moment she heard “Grand Duchess.”
Of course, she remembered Diana’s ridiculous request from yesterday—Come attend to me every morning.
Who asked you to give me your sight? No one forced you. You handed it over willingly.
And it wasn’t even damaged in the first place.
A sneer curled Catherine’s lips. The memory of Diana’s dramatic, self-sacrificing expression was almost enough to make her burst out laughing.
That stupid, stupid face!
“Young Lady…?”
The maid fidgeted as Catherine remained motionless.
“Ugh, fine. Why the rush?”
Catherine clicked her tongue and stood, smoothing her dress. Well, her mother had told her to endure for now. She’d just keep playing the role of the sweet, devoted daughter.
That foolish woman would keep falling for it, showering her with love like always.
Suppressing her mockery, Catherine headed to Diana’s room.
At the door, she cleared her throat, preparing the sweet, canary-like voice Diana adored.
“Mother, I’m here.”
“Come in.”
When Catherine entered, she saw Diana seated at a table piled high with books.
What’s with all the books? You can’t even see.
Pouting, Catherine took a seat.
“Mother.”
“You’re late.”
“Huh?”
Diana had never openly scolded her before. Even when she did wrong, Diana had always gently corrected her.
Did I mishear?
But Diana smiled and repeated, her tone lightly chastising.
“Didn’t you hear me? I said you’re late.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I… forgot.”
Catherine stared in disbelief but quickly switched to her usual coquettish tone.
She’ll melt at my cuteness any second now. She loves me more than her own life.
But she was wrong.
Diana’s voice turned even colder.
“Punctuality is a basic courtesy for a lady, Catherine.”
Catherine’s violet eyes flickered.
Has she gone mad from losing her sight? Her nails scraped the table.
“I understand, Mother.”
“See that you’re on time from now on.”
As the reprimands continued, Catherine bit her lip—then suddenly had an idea.
She sniffled dramatically.
Not a single tear, of course. But she can’t see anyway.
“Sniff… I’m sorry. I was up late reading last night…”
Now she’s faking tears?
Diana nearly laughed. She should join the theater. What talent.
But she remained still.
Catherine peeked at Diana’s face, but the blindfold made it impossible to read her expression.
Then Diana sighed.
The sigh sounded almost like a rebuke—”Are you really throwing a tantrum at fifteen?”
Catherine coughed awkwardly.
Diana pushed the stack of books toward her.
“Here.”
“…Why so many?”
“I can’t read anymore. You’ll help me, won’t you?”
“Me?”
Catherine’s eyes darted over the thick volumes. It would take an entire day to get through them.
“Many maids can’t read, and I love your voice. Surely you can do this much for me?”
“…Y-Yes.”
Forcing a smile, Catherine picked up the thickest book Diana pointed to.
Magic theory.
Her head spun. But she couldn’t admit it was too difficult—her pride wouldn’t allow it.
She began reading in a soft, measured tone.
Diana lounged back, listening as if enjoying a symphony.
An hour passed.
Catherine glanced at Diana. She hadn’t moved.
Did she fall asleep?
She stopped reading.
“Keep going.”
“…You weren’t sleeping?”
“I was listening, Catherine.”
Catherine’s face twisted into a pout. Her throat was starting to ache.
“…Mother.”
I can’t do this anymore.
She slammed the book shut.
“My throat hurts.”
“What?”
“I’ve been reading for an hour.”
Diana didn’t respond. She knew Catherine well—the girl had zero patience.
Right on schedule.
Suppressing a smirk, Diana let the silence stretch before speaking.
“Catherine.”
Her icy tone made Catherine flinch.
“…Yes, Mother?”
“You’re fifteen now. I think I’ve spoiled you too much.”
“…What?”
Catherine couldn’t comprehend what was happening. Since when did this doting woman speak to her like this?
Diana continued like a storm.
“I didn’t want to say this, but enough is enough. Whether you were reading or not, you were late. And then you had the audacity to cry about it.”
Catherine’s face paled.
“Worse, you complain after just an hour of reading to your own mother.”
“M-Mother!”
“You need discipline.”
“D-Discipline?!”
Discipline?! Catherine had never been punished before.
Diana slid a parchment across the table—a schedule.
“As I recall, Prince Soiré of the Duke of Everbark is visiting tomorrow.”
“Yes. That’s right.”
Soiré was Catherine’s secret crush—and the man she was unofficially betrothed to.
Thanks to Diana’s arrangements.
“Cancel it.”
“What?! What are you saying?!”
Catherine shrieked before clapping a hand over her mouth.
Tomorrow was important. She had only ever admired Soiré from afar at noble gatherings.
Diana, noticing her longing, had personally arranged this meeting through her friendship with the Duchess of Everbark.
But that was before Diana lost her sight.
Now that she knew Catherine’s affection was fake, she had no reason to indulge her.
This engagement must be destroyed.
Diana sighed regretfully.
“How can I introduce a prince to a lady who can’t even keep a simple promise to her mother? We’ll postpone. Maybe once you’ve learned punctuality.”
“But…!”
If I’d known this would happen, I would’ve come on time!
Genuine tears spilled over. She had been so excited for this meeting.
The Grand Duke had no connections to the Everbarks. Alicia was powerless.
The only one who could make me a real duchess is Diana.
“If you behave…”
Having wielded the whip, Diana now dangled a carrot.
“…I’ll reschedule.”
“R-Really?”
Catherine wiped her tears. This time, they were real—but she didn’t want Diana to see and scold her again.
“If you listen to me, I’ll arrange another meeting with the prince.”
“You promise?”
Catherine’s voice trembled with hope. Diana smiled gently, just like before she lost her sight.
“Of course. For my beloved daughter, Catherine.”
“I’ll never be late again!”
“Good.”
Diana watched Catherine’s delighted expression with amusement.
The girl’s eyes sparkled, thinking the opportunity wasn’t completely lost.
Clueless.
She had no idea what dark thoughts swirled in Diana’s mind.
