Chapter 18

“Of course, we’re the first guests personally invited by the Grand Duke, aren’t we?”

“Of course.”

The countess was pleased with the count’s reply. After all, she would be the very first person invited by none other than Grand Duke Leandro, a war hero.

‘No one else has received an invitation to the Grand Duke’s estate!’

Not even royalty had set foot in the Grand Duke Leandro’s estate yet.

And now, she would be the first to go.

Feeling proud, the countess lifted her chin, then listened as the count continued speaking.

“There’s something I need you to do when we get there.”

“What is it?”

“I want you to check out someone.”

The count chuckled, taking sips of alcohol.

“Our dear nephew wants to get engaged, so we need to evaluate whether the woman is suitable, don’t you think? Right?”

She understood immediately.

Countess Preston smiled.

“You’re right. Women can see through other women best, don’t they? I’ll go and check what kind of woman she is, dear.”

She would evaluate her, scrutinize her, and judge her thoroughly.

‘Then I’ll drive her out.’

She intended to make her so miserable that she’d leave the Grand Duke’s house on her own.

“Hehe, I suppose I should prepare a gift for the Grand Duke’s fiancée. I can’t show up empty-handed on my first visit, now can I?”

There was a hint of delight in Countess Preston’s voice.

She would give her the most useless, worthless thing she had.

To make her realize her place.

“Just trust me, darling. Have I ever allowed someone useless to stick around?”

“Never!”

The count chuckled again. Yes, his wife was an expert in driving people out.

Even when their foolish son fell in love and brought home some lowly baron’s daughter, she had skillfully chased her out.

He still remembered the way that clueless girl left in tears—it felt so satisfying.

And their rebellious son? He had become completely obedient since.

‘The Grand Duke will be the same.’

Once things were set in motion, even that foolish nephew would come to his senses and realize whose side he should be on.

“Come now, let’s have a drink.”

The count picked up a crystal glass, poured some alcohol, and handed it to his wife.

“We are the future of Grand Duke Leandro’s household.”

“That’s right, darling.”

The countess nodded.

“We should be the ones to decide both the Grand Duke’s fiancée and adopted son. That’s what it means to be a proper adult.”

Clink!

Their glasses rang together. The two laughed brightly as they emptied their drinks.

…Up until that point, all was going according to plan.

“So, you’ve come all the way here to personally teach me etiquette?”

Diani couldn’t hide her confusion as she looked at the woman smiling brightly before her.

“That’s truly delightful. And such a kind gesture!”

Her husband had called Ermia Tekins a fool.

He told her not to believe the public opinions branding her a villainess or a depraved criminal.

He repeatedly said she couldn’t even hold on to what she already had.

She believed her husband.

So when she confidently walked into the room to meet Ermia Tekins, the belief peaked.

Because she knew it instinctively.

Ah.

She’s someone I can easily control.

I can press down on her, bully her, and grind her down until she’s on the brink of death.

“You came ahead of time to teach me proper manners, which means… you’re acknowledging me as the lady of Grand Duke Leandro’s house already, aren’t you?”

That’s what she thought.

But—

“But Countess Preston.”

Why…

“When a guest knocks first on the Grand Duke’s door…”

Why does this feel… so terrifying?

“Where exactly did you learn such etiquette?”

Ermia smiled sweetly.

“Hehe.”

Countess Preston fluttered her fan, covering half her face as she spoke.

“Oh dear, I must have been rude because I was just so eager to see you. Forgive me, won’t you?”

She winked playfully, as if asking for understanding, and continued.

“To tell the truth, I was simply dying to meet you, Miss Tekins.”

Then she tapped the small pouch hanging from her waist with her finger.

“I even brought a little gift just for you.”

For me?

Ermia eyed Countess Preston with suspicion.

‘There’s no reason she’d want to meet me.’

Birds of a feather flock together, after all.

Countess Preston was just like her husband.

She took pleasure in belittling and stepping on those she saw as beneath her.

She even bragged openly that her greatest skill was grinding people down until they broke.

‘And now she says she was eager to see me?’

Ah, it was starting to make sense.

“For me?” Ermia asked innocently, tilting her head with wide eyes. “Why, is something the matter?”

“Why else, Miss Tekins? We’re going to be family now!”

Perhaps mistaking Ermia’s change in expression as a sign she was warming up, Countess Preston began to look more relaxed.

“That’s why I, as a family elder, have something very important to tell you.”

“Ah…”

Ermia hesitated as if she were thinking it over.

“But I’m sure His Grace the Grand Duke and Count Preston are waiting downstairs…”

“It’s alright!”

Before she could finish, the countess pushed her inside.

Ermia’s body swayed dangerously.

“I’ve already spoken to them. Come, let’s go inside.”

The countess barged in uninvited, glanced around the room, and mumbled to herself.

“My goodness, they gave you such a nice room? Completely lost their minds, haven’t they?”

Tsk.

Clicking her tongue, the countess plopped herself down on the best sofa—without even waiting to be offered a seat.

Then she gestured with her finger.

“Miss Tekins, be a dear and bring us some tea.”

Though she called it a request, her tone made it a command.

Ermia chuckled quietly and walked over to the bed, gently laying down the sleeping Beroa.

There was something to take care of before dealing with that woman.

“Beroa, sleep for just a bit.”

Big sister’s going to take care of that woman real quick, okay?

“Mmm…”

Whether Beroa understood or it was just a sleepy murmur, she responded softly and turned to lie on her side.

‘So cute.’

You really give me strength, little one.

Stroking Beroa’s hair once, Ermia pulled the service cord near the bed.

“Did you call?”

Before long, a maid knocked at the door.

“Please prepare some tea and light refreshments. We’re entertaining a very special guest, so be mindful. Oh, and…”

Ermia deliberately glanced at Countess Preston, then leaned down to whisper in a lowered voice—like it was some important secret.

“Make it delicious, okay?”

“Pardon?”

The maid looked startled but quickly bowed.

“Yes, miss. I’ll prepare it carefully.”

Ermia even waved her hand as the maid left. Then she sat across from the countess.

“So, why exactly did you want to meet me?”

“Oh, it’s nothing much.”

Countess Preston waved her hand and smiled.

“I just wanted to let you know that I’m on your side, Miss Tekins.”

Now she really wasn’t making sense. Wasn’t she here to teach her manners?

Ermia stayed silent, and the woman continued.

“The truth is, my husband and the rest of the family aren’t very fond of you, Miss Tekins.”

“Excuse me.”

Perfect timing—there was a knock.

A maid entered, pushing a trolley with two teacups, a teapot, and some light snacks.

“If you need anything else, just pull the cord.”

Once the maid left, Countess Preston took a sip and wrinkled her nose.

“This tea tastes strange. Don’t tell me you picked it, Miss Tekins?”

She laughed at her own words like they were hilarious.

Then continued.

“Honestly, who would welcome someone like you? A criminal guilty of fraud, murder, and all kinds of depravity.”