Unreasonable Request
Mother’s brilliant counterattack was over, and the ball was coming to an end.
I was exhausted on the first day, but Henry’s expression didn’t change, which was amazing.
“Are you okay, Lady Marie?”
“I’m sorry, Lady Oriana… I’m not good at these kinds of places.”
“It can’t be helped.”
I have to get used to it from now on.
No, I can’t afford to take things leisurely.
“My daughter-in-law is the same.”
“Eh?”
“Eliana likes music and dancing, but she’s not good at places where there’s only social etiquette. And her body is weak.”
Now that I think about it, I heard that the young Duchess had a weak body and couldn’t go out to social events much.
“The change of seasons is making one worried. Is she eating well?”
“Recently, she has no appetite, and I’m worried if she can give birth safely.”
Even with my healthy body, giving birth was hard.
“If only she could eat something that suits her taste.”
I couldn’t eat anything because of morning sickness and my stomach swelled up, meaning I couldn’t even move properly.
“I guess they are similar after all.”
“Eh…”
“You are so much like Lord Diaz.”
Looking at me, Lady Oriana smiled wryly.
“Lady Marie, excuse me for being rude, but I have a request.”
“Eh… Lady Oriana?”
“Wha… Lady Oriana!”
I panicked when Lady Oriana bowed her head in a public place.
“Would you please come visit the Duke’s house?”
“Yes?”
“I would like you to meet Eliana.”
The Duke’s house…
Surely not.
“Since childhood, her body has been weak, and she has been depressed since the recent incident.”
I remember she was plotted to be assassinated.
And it was a maid who her husband trusted.
“Please, Lady Marie. You have experience in childbirth… I cannot trust nobles of the Royal Capital.”
“No, I am…”
“Those ‘noble’ ladies who act for their own selfish interests cannot open that child’s heart. And that is also because of that stupid son of mine.”
Mentioning the Duke here?
Is it okay in such a public place?
“Just how much pain did Eliana suffer because of that idiot?”
“You really love Lady Eliana, don’t you, Lady Oriana?”
“Eh…”
Huh?
Why is she surprised?
“Am I wrong?”
Did I say something rude?
But her eyes were really worried about Eriana, so I thought so.
“No, you are not wrong. As I thought, I really want to ask you of this favor, Lady Marie. Eliana will surely open her heart to you. No, no one else will do.”
“However…”
“Lady Oriana, please forgive my rudeness. My wife is…”
Henry tried to refuse for me instead.
“Oh my, that’s wonderful.”
“Mom…”
“Why don’t you accept, Marie?”
Mother, why do you have such a happy expression!
“Everything is experience, Marie.”
“Bu- but…”
“It’s okay if you just become a conversation partner. Just once… please.”
“It would be rude to refuse. Right?”
“… Yes.”
I couldn’t refuse in this situation.
I had no choice but to accept, but I didn’t know that this exchange would lead to further misunderstandings.