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Chapter 5
“Have you forgotten the name of the baron?”
The cold voice pierced his ears, and Gilbert flinched reflexively.
You are not a Verdi, Calliope was saying.
Her presence was so overwhelming that Gilbert couldn’t even open his mouth for a moment.
“I’ll assign you to the annex. I’ll also provide servants, so you won’t lack anything during your stay. And—”
Calliope paused and took a breath.
She had been trained to never lose her composure under any circumstance, but this wasn’t easy.
Her late parents were her greatest emotional weakness.
“Don’t ever again let me see you coveting what belonged to my brother. It’s disgraceful.”
With those cold words, Calliope turned her back on Gilbert. Harold followed close behind.
The tension broke like a popped bubble, and the light seemed to return to the room.
Gilbert, who had been silenced by Calliope’s aura, belatedly shouted.
“You—you treat me like this and expect me to stay quiet? Just wait and see!”
His shrill voice echoed behind her, but Calliope didn’t look back.
Her chin held high and her posture perfectly straight, she walked with not a single hint of hesitation.
Harold, however, glanced at her with concern.
“Are you alright, young countess?”
“No. I’m a mess.”
Calliope clenched her teeth.
“But sulking won’t change anything, will it? It’s better to use that time solving the problem.”
I won’t lose anything. From beginning to end, I’ll protect what’s mine—no matter what it takes.
Having collected herself, Calliope gave a clear command.
“Summon Lady Agnes.”
Her battle was just beginning.
In truth, Calliope had to brace herself a little before calling for Agnes.
It wasn’t because she doubted the ability of the Verdi family’s exclusive attorney—far from it. Agnes was competent and loyal.
But there was one very minor problem.
Calliope eyed the woman with a sharp blue bob and angular glasses with some unease.
Usually, Agnes’s dark navy eyes sparkled with intellect and precision, but today, they were half-lidded and distant, like someone lost in a trance.
“Agnes Milton.”
When Calliope addressed her, Agnes quickly straightened her expression—as if nothing were wrong.
“It’s been a while, Young Countess.”
Of course, Calliope wasn’t fooled.
“A while”? I saw you just three days ago at the Academy.
She had come under the excuse of delivering Calliope’s graduation gown. But really, why was the family’s legal advisor playing delivery girl?
“Congratulations once again on graduating top of your class. Although, of course, it was only natural.”
“Thank you.”
Calliope answered, uneased by the sudden sparkle in Agnes’s eyes.
Sure enough, like a dam breaking, Agnes’s frenzied praise came pouring out.
“Honestly, who else but you could take that place? Even a blind fool could recognize your greatness and accomplishments—”
“I called you here today to make a proposal.”
Calliope swiftly cut her off.
Even if she had saved Agnes once, this obsessive worship was still hard to stomach.
She’s like a cultist, Calliope thought, shaking her head.
Agnes finally snapped out of her daze and laughed awkwardly.
“A proposal, you say?”
“I’m going to become the Count of Verdi.”
“No one would doubt your future, my lady.”
“And to lead the family, I’ll need a capable aide.”
“Of course.”
“So I’m recruiting one now.”
Agnes blinked. Realizing the implication, her eyes widened.
“Y-you don’t mean…!”
She looked at Calliope, hoping she wasn’t misunderstanding.
Calliope met her gaze and nodded slightly.
“Let me explain the treatment you’ll receive if you become my aide—”
“You don’t need to say anything! I’ll do it no matter what! Please, I beg you, let me!”
Being the legal advisor to a noble family was already an honor. But being Calliope Verdi’s aide? That was something far greater.
The young countess personally chose me.
To walk beside the one she idolized—the person so perfect she seemed unattainable—it was a dream come true.
I’ve finally become one of Calliope Verdi’s people.
Agnes trembled with ecstasy.
“…”
Calliope stared at Agnes’ glittering eyes with a slightly uncomfortable expression.
“Once you make a decision, there’s no going back. So think carefully.”
That’s what I should be telling you, Agnes thought.
For her, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. She dropped to one knee and pledged her loyalty.
“I will devote myself to you, Young Countess.”
“Let’s not exaggerate. Just work as much as you’re paid for.”
Even that slightly sarcastic remark sounded noble coming from Calliope. Agnes smiled brightly, certain she’d never regret this choice.
“If that’s your wish, I’ll gladly comply.”
After hearing the full story from Calliope, Agnes’s face twisted oddly.
“If I may speak bluntly—does Lord Verdi intend to destroy the Verdi family?”
The sarcasm in her honest joke was met with nods from both Harold and Sylvia.
Everyone agreed: Calliope was the rightful successor to the Verdi family. Gilbert Roman was clearly unfit in comparison.
Sylvia twirled a lock of her fluffy pink hair around her finger and chimed in.
“To be honest, I suspected someone had used dark magic on the Count.”
“Silvia, be careful what you say.”
Calliope gently scolded her, though truthfully, they had all thought the same thing.
“He probably pushed the marriage for the sake of a ‘stable succession.’ That way, he had an excuse.”
Calliope’s voice, objectively analyzing the situation, was ice-cold.
Understandably so. Even though she had come to terms with Archibald’s decision rationally, it didn’t make her feel any better about it.
“So Baron Roman is in the annex now?”
“He came rushing in with his whole family, like he was waiting for it.”
Sylvia quickly added, “I heard from the annex servants that the baroness even came down with a cold from stressing all night over moving in quickly—afraid the Count might change his mind.”
“They’re really something else.”
Calliope clicked her tongue lightly.
“Harold, you’ll be busy for a while. There will be a lot to manage.”
“Don’t worry, Young Countess.”
“Treat them with basic respect, but ignore any unreasonable demands. Especially if my aunt asks for money in the name of maintaining appearances. Just reject her outright.”
“I understand.”
“I have to put up with them for a year, and already my head hurts.”
Calliope rubbed her temples, and Agnes spoke up.
“It might not take that long. All you need to do is find a husband and get married to officially inherit the family, correct?”
“The requirements are a bit more complicated than that.”
Archibald Verdi was not an easy man.
He had clearly anticipated that Calliope might try to get through with a marriage in name only.
Calliope snapped her fingers, and Sylvia promptly handed Agnes a document.
“These are the requirements the Count specified for my future husband.”
Agnes adjusted her glasses and accepted the paper.
The Requirements for Calliope Verdi’s Husband:
Agnes’s sharp eyes began reading the list.
