Duchess in the Attic: Volume 2 E-Book

Mori

• Herausgeber: J-Novel Heart
• Kategorie: Fantasy und Science-Fiction
• Serie: Duchess in the Attic
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 266

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

Opal moves to the Taisei Kingdom with her beloved and childhood friend, Claude. While her new husband had made a name for himself in Taisei, they both know their new home doesn’t take kindly to foreigners. Behind the shimmery glamour of aristocracy lies nasty gossip and misogyny; they view Opal as a wanton woman! But Opal is nothing if not stubborn, and she won’t let these bullies have their way with her! She’s got a keen mind and a sharp tongue, and she’s not afraid to fight back.

All the while, trouble looms: a letter from the king has Opal finding her beloved...in bed with another woman?! It can’t be! He isn’t the type to commit such a horrible act! Opal hasn’t married an adulterer... Or has she?!

Leseprobe

Table of Contents

Cover

Characters

0. The Duchess in the Attic

1. The Engagement Period

2. The Royal Palace

3. A Friend

4. The Audience

5. The King

6. The Ball

7. A Lady

8. A Gentleman

9. Resolve

10. The Wedding

11. Newly Wedded

12. Reunion

13. Consulting

14. Returning Home

15. Circumstances

16. Reconnaissance

17. Charity

18. Old Friends

19. Denounced

20. Mother and Son

21. Arrest

22. Explanations

23. The Newspaper

24. The Viscount

25. The Newspaper Company

26. The Reporter

27. A Love Story

28. A Scolding

29. A Visitor

30. Advertisement

31. Information

32. A Send-Off

33. A Letter

34. Departure

Extra Story: A Picnic

Afterword

Color Illustrations

About J-Novel Club

Copyright

Landmarks

Table of Contents

Color Images

0. The Duchess in the Attic

It’d been eight years since Duke Hubert McLeod had shouted, “Leave at once! Out! Get out! I’ll divorce you! Leave this house right now!” Opal Holloway had been a lot more stubborn and set in her ways back then. She had been infuriated with how she had been treated at his manor and refused to get along with him. In fact, she had gone behind his back to steal away all his assets.

Opal, a debutante at sixteen, had been attacked by a man who was after her wealth. Her reputation had suffered a fatal blow. But instead of hiding herself away in shame, she proudly attended banquets and dinner parties during the social season. Before she knew it, rumors of her lasciviousness had spread far and wide. Her father, Earl Holloway, had had enough of Opal’s stubbornness and forced her to marry a debt-ridden Hubert in exchange for a handsome dowry. That decision had kicked off a series of unfortunate mistakes.

The prideful Hubert and the stubborn Opal were highly incompatible; what’s more, the duke had been sheltering a sickly Miss Stella. The servants and Hubert had thus treated Opal as a woman who meant the fragile angel harm.

If I were in that situation now, I’m sure I could handle myself better,Opal thought. She let out a small sigh as she thought about her past. In a show of frustration, she’d defiantly holed herself up in the manor’s attic. Even she could only give a forced smile at her childish antics. But she regretted nothing. It was precisely because she’d taken that course of action back then that her first love had been requited. Perhaps she would’ve delayed in restoring the McLeod Duchy if she hadn’t been so forceful.

“Opal, can I ask what’s on your mind?” Claude inquired.

“You just did,” Opal replied with a smile.

Claude grinned back. As her childhood friend, he was always on her side. When Hubert had almost failed in his redevelopment of Manthest, it was Claude who’d secretly lent his aid and support, thus helping Opal by extension.

“I just thought that this was a lovely room,” Opal said.

“This is an attic,” Claude replied.

“Yes, a very lovely attic.”

Opal and Claude had toured the manor where they would live together, and their final stop was the attic. When they’d stepped inside the deserted room, memories of her troubled past came rushing back to Opal.

“You see, in my first marriage, I was so frustrated by everything that I cooped myself up in the attic,” Opal divulged.

“Did you really?” Claude asked.

“That’s right. So if we ever fight, you can bet that I’ll retreat right back to this attic again.”

Claude cackled, long and loud, and when he calmed down, he narrowed his eyes in thought, a glimmer of nostalgia visible.

“When we were kids, you always climbed up that large tree when you were angry,” he said, and chuckled.

“Oh? You make it sound like I haven’t matured one bit.”

“Who can say?”

Opal glared at Claude’s teasing before she started laughing along with him. This man was her first love, and the two were set to marry soon. Before all this had happened, Opal had been satisfied with only rebuilding Duke McLeod’s wealth, and was determined to divorce Hubert so that she could spend the rest of her life alone.

But the only true thing she’d learned so far in life was that it was unpredictable. As the two of them made their way out of the attic, Opal looked forward to the future that awaited her.

1. The Engagement Period

Three days had passed since Opal came to Claude’s manor, her new home in the Taisei Kingdom’s royal capital. She and Claude’s family had settled down, allowing her to finally enjoy a spot of afternoon tea with her beloved. Their wedding would occur within a couple of days, so the happy couple were allowed to spend some alone time together within the manor. Opal would never get tired of talking with Claude, but for some reason, she’d fallen silent.

“Opal,” Claude called out quietly.

“Yes? What is it?” Opal replied.

She set her cup down on the table—whenever Claude had something important to say, he said it in a particularly quiet way.

“I know I had you accept my proposal and then dragged you out here, so what I’m about to say may sound unfair,” Claude started awkwardly.

“Will I perhaps meet former lovers and mistresses of yours at future social functions?” Opal asked.

“What? No! That won’t ever happen, I assure you.”

“Then what other problem is there?”

Opal smiled calmly, but on the inside, she was quite relieved. Though she’d been married herself until about a year ago, she wasn’t keen on meeting any of Claude’s past lovers. As long as that wouldn’t happen, she was fine with anything else coming her way—barring, of course, Claude canceling their marriage. That way led only to despair.

“Well, to be frank... Wait, why did you think they’d be former lovers and mistresses?” Claude asked. “What if I still had someone?”

“If you did, I’m confident that you wouldn’t have proposed to me,” Opal replied. “I’m not worried about you having an affair either.”

“I’m happy to have your trust.”

“Of course. And in your case, a mistress or an affair wouldn’t be so casual. If it were to ever occur, I know you’ll be sure to tell me that you found someone else.”

“You’re smiling while you talk, so I’m not sure whether to feel happy or sad.”

“Oh? I’ve kept mum on how I really feel because I don’t wish to burden you with it, but to tell you the truth, I would’ve been incredibly distressed if something like that were to happen. So I must continue to do my best in hopes that you won’t abandon me. But perhaps it’s not very cute of me to be so obstinate.”

Opal had thought that her mental fortitude was one of her strengths, but there were times when she admired the fragility that other women typically possessed. She sighed, and grumbled to herself for a bit before she noticed that Claude was staring at her in shock.

“Have I said anything odd?” Opal asked.

“Er, I just didn’t think that you thought of yourself like that,” Claude replied. “I would’ve never imagined that you saw yourself as not cute.”

“Huh? People don’t usually see themselves as cute, do they?”

“I think they do. Women especially tend to think that about themselves.”

“I’m sure it’s the same for men, then. But those people are conceited and far from normal standards.”

“Stern as always, I see.”

Opal’s instinctually cold reply had her regret all over again that she just couldn’t act more adorably. But this was all because Claude had mentioned hanging around with quite a few women. Indeed, she knew very little about her beloved ever since he went off to boarding school. They hadn’t met for an entire eight years afterward—in all that time, Claude had been doing God-knows-what in who-knows-where the whole time. Opal had realized that she’d only heard rumors.

“Then did something happen? Have you been forced to cancel our wedding?” Opal inquired.

“No, nothing like that!” Claude replied. “Even if something like that were to happen, I’ll still marry you. I’m tired of being dragged into troublesome affairs!”

“Well, that’s a relief. Then what’s going on?”

Hearing Claude’s firm decision of marriage might have warranted a word of gratitude from Opal, but she was too embarrassed to do so. She hadn’t cared much about keeping appearances up, but now she wanted Claude to find her adorable; Opal was trying to get used to this new side of herself. But as she looked at Claude, she started to wonder if he hadn’t perhaps picked up on her new struggle, which made her frustrated and stubborn, creating a vicious cycle.

“It’s about me, actually,” Claude confessed. “I’m not...well, accepted within the social circles of the Taisei Kingdom.”

“What a coincidence. I’m treated the same back in Socille.”

“That’s no laughing matter.”

“But you’re smiling.”

Claude’s confession was so trivial to Opal that she felt the strength leave her body. Her honest reply made Claude smile, as if he had only shared a complaint or two instead of the major concern that weighed on his mind.

“Can you blame me?” Claude replied. “You’re the one making me laugh. You’re you, no matter what, Opal.”

“Of course I am,” Opal replied. “In any case, it is a touch odd for a marquis and soon-to-become duke to be snubbed by society. If memory serves, three generations ago, Earl Roussel married the daughter of Duke Bocceli. Since you have blood ties to the family, it shouldn’t be odd for you to receive the duchy of House Bocceli.”

“It’s true that House Roussel is of noble origin and has blood relations to House Bocceli. But there are some who mock me for my birth; in their eyes, I’m just a foreigner. They’re polite to my face, of course, but they insult me behind my back.”

“Truly, a coincidence. People always talk about me behind my back as well.”

As Opal gave another similarly refreshing response, Claude burst out laughing. She glared at him half-heartedly before cracking a smile as well. Only when the two finally calmed down and got their laughs out did Claude happily speak once more.

“I knew it. You’re the only one for me, Opal.”

“Wh-What are you... Flattery will get you nowhere,” Opal replied.

“But you’ll marry me, won’t you?”

“Of course. We promised, didn’t we?”

“Even though you might struggle to socialize with the nobility here?”

“I won’t. You’ve got nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, you’re a hero, aren’t you? You should hold your head up high and act proud.”

“Thanks, Opal.”

His gentle smile and warm words of gratitude made Claude appear so handsome in Opal’s eyes, and she once again looked away.

“This kingdom is on the cutting edge of technology with a very advanced railway system,” Opal said swiftly, trying to hide her embarrassment. “It’s surprising to see them still be old-fashioned in some ways.”

“The traditionalists are higher-ranked nobles,” Claude replied. “They don’t like to see commoners with more innovative ideas amassing wealth. The civil war from eight years ago, after all, was sparked by those opposed to His Majesty’s vision of creating a better life for all. The opposition was headed by Duke Bocceli, with the rest of the conservative faction enacting their plot. More liberal, reform-minded individuals like myself have been given posts, but there are a number of moderates just waiting for an opportunity to strike. In truth, many moderates are actually quite conservative. I’m only called a hero to win the favor of the general population. It’s easier for people to unite under a highly visible symbol of justice, don’t you think?”

“It sounds to me like you’re being used. Are you all right with that?”

“I was, but if you don’t like it, Opal, I don’t mind shutting myself in. I can just dedicate myself to managing the land.”

Claude spoke in jest, but Opal could tell that he was serious. He might have had no intention of abandoning the public, but he clearly had zero interest in the power struggle occurring in the palace. But if Claude wanted to create his ideal world, he needed power. He knew that best, and yet, he still chose to put Opal first and respect her opinion. And so she wanted to repay that kindness in turn.

“Claude, the one thing that I hate the most in this world is running away,” she said. “A strategic retreat is acceptable, but fleeing without even giving a fight is far from what I want. So I’ll fight alongside you.”

He fell silent. Opal thought that her lines were a bit cheesy, but she wanted to be honest with him. Yet all she received was silence in return. Opal sheepishly called his name, snapping him back to his senses.

“Claude?”

“Huh? U-Uh, sorry about that. You were just so cool that you took my breath away,” Claude stammered.

“Are you teasing me?”

“Nope. But I’m a little—no, I’m really relieved.”

Claude sighed, his body loosening into a genuine state of relaxation. Opal was worried that she was dragging his reputation down—she’d been divorced once, after all. But he was only concerned for her well-being, and nothing else. Opal had thought that she had steeled herself to do whatever it took for her beloved, but she flinched when she heard Claude’s next words.

“If that’s all settled, then I’m sorry, Opal, but could you join my fight starting tomorrow?” he asked.

“Tomorrow?” Opal repeated.

“I’m planning on visiting the palace tomorrow to announce that we’ll be married. Could you come and meet His Majesty with me?”

“T-Tomorrow? The king?! Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

“Because if I’d told you, you would’ve come with me without a second thought. And I didn’t want you to feel forced into coming along. His Majesty isn’t the type to nitpick and won’t feel bothered even if you refuse to appear in public. If you so desire, you don’t have to do any of this troublesome socializing.”

Claude had always prioritized Opal. She certainly found socializing troublesome and hated all of it, but for the sake of her beloved, she could work as hard as needed. But once again, she didn’t want these feelings to shackle Claude in place, and made sure to compose her face into a serene mask.

“I’ll take that as a challenge,” she said firmly. “When I marry you, I’ll turn all the trouble of socializing into something fun. Just you wait. Soon enough, I’ll even rule the social circles of Taisei, and everyone will dance in the palm of my hand.”

Claude looked shocked for a moment, but he quickly smiled at Opal’s usual stubborn antics. “I’d expect no less from you. You’re as reliable as ever.”

And so, Opal’s new battle was about to begin.

2. The Royal Palace

The following day, Opal and Claude left Marquis Roussel’s manor and headed for the royal palace. It didn’t take long. Opal was aware that they were close to the palace, but she was most shocked that the carriage hadn’t stopped once until they reached their destination. That alone spoke volumes about Claude’s influence within the palace.

“This might be too late for me to ask, but what position exactly do you hold within the royal palace?” Opal inquired.

“Yeah, I didn’t tell you, did I?” Claude replied. “I’m a secretary.”

“Don’t tell me that you’re the secretary-general of the king...”

“Well, I did try to file a letter of resignation since I was leaving His Majesty’s side, but I think it was put on hold. I’m guessing that I’ll just be resuming my post.”

“Are the nobles of this kingdom all fools? You’re telling me that they won’t accept the secretary-general?”

“They’re very friendly on the surface. Some are even trying to curry favor with me. But behind closed doors, they’re content to yap away and spread their rumors. So, Opal, even if you get criticized for not knowing all the customs of this kingdom, I ask that you just ignore them. It’s just another way for them to try to get rid of foreigners.”

“Hmm, if that’s the case, leave it to me.”

Opal proudly puffed out her chest, causing Claude to laugh. His smile instilled her with courage. Out of all the fragile women—no, women that may look fragile, Claude chose me,she thought. Her strong-minded nature hadn’t changed since she was a child, and Claude knew that very well. Despite it all, he proposed to her. She just needed to trust him. The moment she thought so, she felt her anxiety dissipate.

“Then I’ll ask one more thing before we’re off to battle,” Opal said. “Who do you not want as your enemy?”

“Oh, that’s an easy question,” Claude answered. “That’ll be you, Opal. And only you.”

“Claude, I’m serious.”

“As am I.”

Opal glared at Claude’s tease, but he kept a smile on his face. In the end, she couldn’t help but crack a smile and continued her serious questioning.

“But you don’t want to go against His Majesty, do you?” she asked.

“Quite the opposite,” Claude replied. “His Majesty doesn’t want to go against me.”

“What a bold assertion. If anyone heard you, you’d be punished for your insolence.”

“Oh, I’d imagine His Majesty would laugh it off and agree with me completely.”

As Claude remained smiling, Opal just gave him a look before giving a huge sigh. He kept joking to skirt around the issue, but there was clearly something up his sleeve. For the past eight years, Opal had thought that she had gone through her fair share of growing pains, but it seemed Claude had gone through even more. He was hiding it, but he surely had to fight for his life while he was here. That only made Opal anxious once more.

Was this marriage truly the correct move? No doubt there was a woman in this kingdom who hailed from a better household and could support Claude better than she. Opal gasped, realizing that her confidence from moments ago had faded. This was no time to be weak; if Claude needed some kind of support or backing, she would be right there for him. Opal might have been a newcomer to this kingdom, but she had knowledge, experience, and wealth on her side. No longer was she the girl who shut herself in the attic while bemoaning her situation. Her emotions were a bit of a mess right now because she was about to meet the king—a normal reaction for anyone.

“Claude,” Opal said.

“Yeah? You okay?” he asked.

“I’m nervous, but I’m fine. But I fear that you might come to regret choosing me as your wife.”

“I won’t.”

“Then I’ll make you regret it. I’ll make you grumble about marrying such an obstinate, strong-minded woman.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

Claude let out a jovial laugh, commanding the attention of those around him. They already stood out enough as it was, but now, everyone was boring holes into the new couple. Opal had been in the countryside for a while, but she was used to being stared at and paid them no heed. And Claude also seemed undaunted as he proudly walked at the head of their group. Behind them walked Nadja, Opal’s lady-in-waiting, who glanced around the unusual scenery curiously.

“Thank you for coming along, Nadja,” Opal said.

“I should be the one thanking you, my lady!” Nadja exclaimed. “You brought me to such a lovely place!”

Nadja was as fearless as always. Opal smiled at her before facing forward once more. For the past few years, the maid had used Earl Holloway’s connections to become a lady-in-waiting in training at a certain marquis’s house. Nadja wanted to become an excellent servant for Opal, who had no ally in House McLeod, and resolved to stay by the former duchess’s side. When Opal had heard about this news from Marcia, Earl Holloway’s maid, the noblewoman was moved to tears and had requested for Nadja to tag along for the wedding ceremony. Opal might only have enemies in this kingdom, but she had two powerful allies right beside her. She regained her confidence and smiled at the people who were gazing at her like she was some kind of tourist attraction.

“Opal, don’t act so charming in public,” Claude said. “I’ll get jealous.”

“Oh, don’t you trust me?” Opal inquired.

“It’s not a problem on your end. It’s on me. I trust you, but even I can’t prevent other men from falling for you. And I can’t allow you to live in the hearts of other men.”

“I feel the same. I think I’ll grow jealous simply from knowing that you’ve once grasped the hearts of other women.”

“Personally, I’m jealous of the both of you!” Nadja chimed in, quickly putting a stop to the lovebirds’ banter.

It was generally quite rude for a servant to interrupt them, but neither Opal nor Claude seemed to mind and instead started to laugh. All the while, the trio had reached their destination. Claude stopped in front of the door, gave a knock, and proceeded to open the door without waiting for an answer.

“I’m sure His Majesty has been notified of our arrival,” he said. “We’ll be called in a short while, so let’s relax here in the meantime.”

He glanced around the room before gesturing for Opal to head inside first. She was quickly followed by Nadja, who cautiously stepped inside, and Claude closed the door behind him. He rang a bell, and a lady dressed in the maid uniform of the royal palace immediately appeared. He asked her to prepare them some tea in a gentle tone that made it sound more like a request than an order. Opal was ecstatic to hear it; no matter his rank or title, Claude would always be Claude.

“Is something wrong?” Claude asked in befuddlement.

“Nothing at all,” Opal said, unable to suppress an endearing smile.

“You sure?”

She had no idea if she could properly vocalize this warm, fuzzy feeling that welled up in her heart, and decided to keep her thoughts to herself. Claude decided to let the topic go. Just then, there was another knock on the door, and at Claude’s response, the man on the other side of the door called back. The marquis opened the door for his friend, ushering him inside.

“Opal, I know this is a bit sudden, but I’d like to introduce you to my friend,” Claude said. “His name is Eric Bapot, a baron of House Pradeaux. Eric, this is my fiancée and soon-to-be wife, Opal. I think I’ve mentioned her quite a few times to you, so there might be no need for an introduction.”

“You sure have,” Eric replied. “So much so that I’ve grown tired of hearing it all.”

Opal stood up to greet the gentleman. Eric seemed to be awfully friendly with Claude, but she intuited that the baron exhibited some hostility toward her.

“It’s nice to meet you, Baron Pradeaux. I’m Opal Holloway.”

“Oh? Are you no longer a McLeod?” Eric asked.

“Eric!” Claude said sharply.

“I’m kidding, I’m kidding. The pleasure is all mine, Lady Holloway. Claude has attracted many young and beautiful ladies, but now that I’ve met you, I finally understand why he chose you. You’re stunning.”

“Why, thank you,” Opal replied.

Her intuition was spot-on. Eric was snarky and thorny. Claude noticed this immediately, but he was silenced by a firm smile from Opal. She in no way wanted to solely rely on her fiancé’s protection, always on the defense from others. And Claude had sensed Opal’s unbreakable spirit as he sighed with resignation.

3. A Friend

“If you don’t mind, please call me Eric.”

“Oh, I must decline, Baron Pradeaux. You may continue to call me a Holloway, but I’d imagine that you’ll soon refer to me as Lady Roussel.”

“Is that so...”

Opal had made her intentions clear. She had no plans on getting along with Eric, nor did she want him to get between herself and Claude.

The marquis, who’d been silent, suddenly burst out laughing. “Eric, no matter what thoughts you may have, I’m going to marry Opal, and she won’t care what you think about her. If you want to remain my friend, you should either welcome her warmly or say nothing at all.” Claude was laughing, but he made it clear that he would always be sticking by his future wife’s side.

“You’ve got it all wrong, Claude,” Eric replied. He knew his friend very well and chose to back off. “But I apologize for causing the misunderstanding. Please pardon my insolence, Lady Holloway.”

“I don’t mind. I’m not at all bothered by it,” Opal said, maintaining a smile.

Eric swiftly turned back to his friend. “I forgot something very important. Claude, Lord Barba is calling for you.”

“Sorry, but I can’t leave this room right now,” Claude replied.

“His Majesty’s morning plans were delayed, and he just returned to the royal palace. I doubt you’d be called for anytime soon. I suggest you visit Sir Barba while you’ve got the time. His Majesty claimed that the ball in two days’ time will be hosted to celebrate your engagement. Perhaps you need to confirm some details.”

“He’s making a huge fuss again...”

Claude couldn’t hide his annoyance at Eric’s words and gave a huge sigh. Sir Barba was the earl who was the leader of the House of Lords within the kingdom, and should be one of Claude’s allies.

“I’ll be fine,” Opal said. “Why don’t you go to him, Claude? I’ll be here enjoying my cup of tea.”

“But,” Claude started reluctantly.

“Don’t worry,” Eric assured him. “I’ll be her conversational partner in the meanwhile.”

That was exactly what Claude had feared—he looked at Opal, worried. She suppressed a chuckle, but he’d seen right through her, and he looked clearly troubled while letting out his third sigh of the day.

“Good grief. I don’t feel assured at all,” Claude muttered.

“You worry too much,” Opal replied with a gentle, caring smile.

Claude wasn’t fooled. He sighed once more and turned to his friend. “Eric, I think of you as a good friend, so I’m trusting you to spend time with my precious Opal. I’m counting on you.”

“You’ve got nothing to worry about,” Eric replied. “Lady Holloway has her attendant, so I won’t do anything shameless.”

He winked at Nadja, who stood in the corner of the room. She looked unusually embarrassed as she gazed at the floor. Her training at the house of a marquis had done her well, it seemed.

“Stop fooling around, Eric,” Claude scolded his friend before he turned to Opal as though he could hold her back with his gaze alone. “All right, I’ll be back soon, Opal.”

“Good luck. I’ll be waiting here peacefully,” Opal replied.

“Right.”

Claude nodded and narrowed his eyes with suspicion at Opal’s obedient response before he left. The maid soon entered the room with some tea, and she seemed shocked by Eric’s presence.

“We’ll pour the tea ourselves,” Opal said. “That will be all, thank you.”

“Very well. Please excuse me,” the maid said. She bowed her head, unable to hide her slight disappointment.

She left the room with a forlorn glance at Eric, the implication crystal clear. It seemed this baron was rather popular with the ladies.

“Are you married, Baron Pradeaux?” Opal inquired.

Eric paused before he answered. “I’m single. Be it a wife or a lover, I have some requirements of my own. Chastity, for example.”

“Oh my.”

Opal had only posed her question out of genuine curiosity, but it seemed Eric didn’t take the query too kindly. His response was prickly, but she smiled and said nothing more. It seemed the old rumors of Opal’s “lascivious” nature were still floating about the Taisei Kingdom. She was used to these nasty remarks, but not Nadja. The maid placed Eric’s teacup on the table with a violent thump, but the fact that she kept her mouth shut was growth in and of itself.

“Thank you, Nadja. I’ll be fine,” Opal said.

“Yeah, thanks,” Eric mumbled offhandedly. He was more taken aback by the fact that Opal had thanked her servant.

Nadja understood the meaning underlying Opal’s words and bowed before she retreated back to the corner of the room. Opal took a sip of her tea and returned it onto her saucer before she spoke to Eric once more.

“Perhaps it might be rude to ask this, but when did you meet Claude?” Opal inquired.

“About four years ago,” Eric replied. “Claude was a friend of my older brother, Tuli, but I became close to him when I returned from studying abroad.”

“Ah, you’re Viscount Amadi’s younger brother, then.”

“You know of my brother?”

“Just his name. I’ve heard about him quite a bit from Claude.”

Eric frowned. Opal had tacitly implied that she’d heard of the viscount, but not the baron. In truth, Opal had been familiar with Eric’s name whenever Tuli was mentioned, but she wasn’t feeling kind enough to divulge this information and suggest any kind of an olive branch.

“Then you’ll be turning twenty-six soon, won’t you?” Opal asked.

“That’s right. And what of it?” Eric replied.

“Oh, nothing at all.”

Opal smiled again, but Eric looked at her dubiously. The look hardly fazed Opal, who gracefully brought her teacup back to her lips. Eric was the same age as Hubert when she had initially married him. If Eric had been told that he was adorable when compared to the duke, he would surely be angry. That made the situation only more humorous, and Opal took another sip of her tea in hopes of hiding her smile.

Way back when, Claude had stated that he wanted a younger brother. With him being the third son, his older siblings had worked him to the bone, and he always said that in turn he would strive to be kind to anyone younger than him. Opal remembered at the time feeling disappointed that she wasn’t a boy, her hopes dashed that a younger sister couldn’t fill this gap.

“Are you really going to marry Claude?” Eric asked.

“Pardon?” Opal asked. She had been lost in her memories and hadn’t heard his question.

He glared at her. “Claude is a splendid man, worthy of respect and admiration. There are plenty of other women who are more suitable for him, and I simply can’t understand why he chose you.”

“Indeed, Claude is a splendid man.”

“Then why do you choose not to retreat? If you truly love Claude, why not do whatever you can for him?”

Opal had also once thought that a younger woman with more influence and backing was better suited for Claude. However, aside from her age and her marriage history, she was also an excellent candidate herself. She might not have a strong base in Taisei, but back in Socille, she was a powerful force, and was incredibly wealthy. Opal wasn’t sure if Eric had failed to see the facts or refused to see them, but his words were nothing more than an emotional plea. Naturally, being in a new country, Opal had worries of her own, but what Eric said annoyed her.

“You’re quite naive, aren’t you?” she said.

“Me?! How so?” Eric demanded. “You’re the one who’s naive! No one will welcome you in this kingdom! Don’t think you can act as you please like you did in your home nation!”