MHOW 20

Chapter 20

“Lady Duchess of Havinent has arrived.”
The servants announced her entrance, and when Herina walked in, the two ladies sitting around the room rose.
Herina, in turn, showed proper manners and took her seat.

“I apologize for being late. I knew this wasn’t a formal occasion, but I still committed a slight discourtesy. It’s modest, but I thought it might suit you ladies, so I prepared it. I hope you’ll kindly forgive my mistake today.”

Herina brought out two small boxes.
The two women, though pretending otherwise, couldn’t hide their delight as they opened them. Inside were teardrop-shaped brooches encrusted with jewels.

“Oh my, the craftsmanship… Did you perhaps get this from Raphatte? Only there do they make such delicate and extravagant pieces. I heard it takes months to even get a commission there.”

Herina smiled slightly and nodded, prompting the two ladies to openly display their excitement.
It’s a little expensive, but they’ll be my eyes and ears from now on, so this price is worth it.

Being late today was all part of the plan to deliver the gifts naturally.
The gathering was a small one hosted by Lady Marilynn, the Countess of Osdel, attended only by Herina, Marilynn, and Lady Elisa, the Marchioness of Irelia.

Small, yes, but by no means insignificant.

Herina sipped her tea, alternating her gaze between the two.
Both were considered queens of high society, having mastered countless social gatherings. They had wide connections and ample information.
Their lighthearted nature was a drawback, but to Herina, it was an opportunity. With a little guidance, they would bring her valuable information on their own.

“I didn’t expect Lady Havinent to accept the invitation. You hadn’t shown up to gatherings like this before.”

You didn’t even invite me before because I didn’t fit in with you!

Even back when she was engaged to Ares, people had dismissed her due to her background. But as soon as the wedding was announced, invitations came pouring in, addressed to the “beloved Duchess.”
Of course, that wasn’t an issue. Herina had only accepted invitations from those who seemed most useful to her.

She couldn’t show her true feelings, though, so she smiled politely and nodded.

“I’m honored to be invited. Honestly, I wanted to get closer to you, too—both of you.”

Marilynn and Elisa exchanged surprised glances.

“Is there anyone we wouldn’t want to be close to? In society, no one has as much influence as you two. I’ve heard you’re also knowledgeable in music and art. Your conversations are always cultured. I hoped that by being friends, I could learn a bit from your insight.”

Thanks to Herina saying exactly what they wanted to hear, Marilynn and Elisa’s smiles widened.

“Oh, our estate has a gallery that’s worth seeing. It may not meet your refined taste, but please feel free to visit. If there’s a painting you desire, I’ll gift it to you.”

“Oh, you don’t have to go that far! That’s far too extravagant.”

Marilynn’s eyes widened as she waved her hands.
Though Herina pretended to be modest, the paintings in the Havinent gallery were all masterpieces—things anyone would want to see in person if given the chance.

“I want to give it. As a token of our friendship. Ah, I… we are friends now, right? Can I say that we’re close now?”

Herina opened her eyes wide to look innocent, and Marilynn and Elisa took her hands.

“Of course, Lady Havinent—no! Call me Marilynn. I’m thrilled that someone as precious as you would be my friend.”

“Just call me Elisa. What’s the use of formalities when we’re friends? If anyone speaks ill of you, I’ll go and insult them twice as much on your behalf.”

Herina simply smiled quietly, pretending to be touched.

For several hours, the three noblewomen repeated phrases like “our friendship is eternal,” until Herina left first, ending the party.

“That’s different from what I’d heard. She’s really charming. But wasn’t she quiet before Obelia fell? Even at her social debut, she seemed shy and left quietly.”

Marilynn asked, and Elisa nodded absentmindedly while examining her new brooch.

“She was young then, I suppose. Back then, she didn’t know she’d become Duchess of Havinent and endured criticism in society, holding onto her pride. If only I’d known she was this kind and pretty, I wouldn’t have judged her.”

Marilynn tilted her head in curiosity, then smiled at the brooch.

“Well, that doesn’t matter now. What matters is that the Duchess of Havinent is on our side. We should show our best, too. After all, she gave us this much effort—we should show she’s our ally.”

Just as Herina wasn’t being sincere, neither were Marilynn and Elisa.
But the key wasn’t sincerity—it was that they were now strong allies. And solid ones at that.

Herina had suppressed her temper and forced smiles throughout, so by the time she arrived at the mansion, her face trembled from muscle strain.

“Hold on. Compared to the wealth and glory soon to be in my hands, this is nothing. But… with this skill, shouldn’t I have been in politics rather than just a civil servant?”

As she admired her own acting, a carriage sent by Ares passed through the main gate.
She fixed her appearance and waited for the servants to open the door, but when it swung open, a hand appeared—belonging to an unexpected figure.

“Ares? Why are you here?”

She asked in surprise. Ares smiled slightly and lifted his hand again.

“Will you just stand there? My hand is getting a little embarrassed.”

Herina placed her hand on his, and he gently supported her weight as they got out of the carriage.

“What’s happening? Did something happen? No, we haven’t done anything yet. Or did a complaint come in? Should I see it immediately?”

Herina asked anxiously, bombarding him with questions, but Ares shook his head with a smile.

“No, nothing like that. I was just working diligently at the mansion and thought I’d come out as you arrived. If a couple is close, they’d greet each other sometimes. Then you’d have a light chat, maybe a walk before dinner, and spend some time together.”

Walking side by side with her hand on his arm, Herina stopped.

“Why? Are you tired? Shall we go inside?”

She shook her head. It wasn’t an answer to his question—it was a denial of her own feelings.

We’re not a real couple. We don’t genuinely get along. I’m not your type, and you’re not my real husband.

Muttering while watching Ares’ concerned face, he straightened up, looking relieved.

“You may not be my type, and I’m not the husband you knew, but we are a real couple. And I’d say we’re quite a good one at that.”