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chapter 18
“Pleased to meet you. I am the Countess of Carpenter, the one hosting today’s social gathering.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Uriella Baroata.”
Uriella had a mountain of tasks waiting for her, yet she still attended the gathering. She needed to clearly demonstrate that she and the Duke of Baroata were a loving couple.
“The Duchess mentioned this is your first time attending a social gathering, correct?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Don’t worry too much. We’ve all been eagerly waiting for the day we could finally speak with the Duchess of Baroata.”
“How kind of you.”
Uriella replied with a bright smile, though her gratitude was nothing more than words.
“Then, this way please.”
When the Countess of Carpenter led Uriella into the glass garden, those who had been conversing there immediately rose from their seats.
“Everyone, the Duchess of Baroata has joined us.”
“Oh my, what a pleasure.”
“Duchess, please, sit here.”
They welcomed her with warm smiles, but Uriella knew well enough that not one of them was genuinely happy to see her.
They’re the same people who used to sneer at me behind my back.
She remembered clearly how all of them, before her regression, had whispered about her as the Blue Hydrangea.
“Thank you.”
Thanks to her status as the Duke’s wife, Uriella was given the highest seat of honor.
“How did you come to meet the Duke, Duchess?”
“Yes, I was curious about that as well.”
At the ladies’ questions, Uriella flashed a gentle smile. Her beauty left them staring blankly for a moment.
“I worry the story is too ordinary and might spoil the mood.”
“Nonsense. Everyone in society has been dying to hear it. If it’s not too bold of us, please tell us a little.”
That, at least, wasn’t a lie.
After his broken engagement with Erica Medina, the Duke of Baroata had kept women at a distance. His sudden marriage became the hottest topic across the Empire.
“I met Ray by chance.”
The ladies leaned forward eagerly.
“I had gone out for a short walk when I got caught up in a little incident. Since I had gone alone without anything to prove my identity, I was in a difficult situation. That was when Ray helped me.”
“Oh my, was it love at first sight then?”
Uriella shook her head slightly.
“No, it wasn’t love at first sight.”
“Then?”
“I ended up pestering him a little, saying I wanted to repay the favor. Ray said he expected nothing, that he was just doing what anyone should, but I insisted. So we met a few more times.”
“In that case, perhaps it was the Duke who fell for you at first sight.”
“Indeed. The Duke isn’t known for being especially kind to everyone.”
Uriella gave them a shy smile—perfectly embodying a woman in love.
“Do you really think so? If that’s true, I’d be very happy.”
“Of course.”
Uriella had flawlessly presented the exact image they wanted to see.
“And what happened after that?”
“After meeting often, we naturally came to know each other better. We grew closer. Then, during that time, my father passed away suddenly. Ray told me then—let’s be each other’s family.”
The ladies nodded as they listened.
“So that’s how it was. Thank you for sharing the story.”
“It’s nothing special.”
“Even so. Oh, by the way, is it true that the Viscountess Taylor is starting a business?”
Having satisfied their curiosity, their attention quickly shifted elsewhere. Normally, another noble might have felt slighted, but Uriella didn’t mind. In fact, she felt relieved they were no longer prying.
I wish this would end soon. I have so much work waiting.
She still needed to speak further with Viscount Vitale about the gossip paper and also wanted to personally check on Soren’s condition, but this event was keeping her away.
“Riel.”
At the familiar voice, Uriella reflexively looked up.
“Ray? What brings you here? And… those flowers?”
The Duke of Baroata stood holding a bouquet. Uriella was genuinely startled—she had never expected him to come fetch her himself.
Why would he come in person? In my previous life, he only sent a gift.
Indeed, before her regression, he had sent letters and a special vintage wine, unique to the Baroata duchy, to everyone at the gathering.
“Isn’t today essentially your debut into society?”
With that, the Duke handed her the flowers.
“Thank you.”
“I’ve also delivered gifts for everyone here. Forgive me, but may I take Riel with me now?”
“Oh, of course. The gathering was nearly finished anyway. Please, go ahead.”
Since the Duke himself had come to take his wife, no one could object.
“Duchess, today was truly delightful.”
“No, I enjoyed myself as well. Thank you for inviting me.”
Uriella carefully rose and took the Duke’s hand. The sight of the affectionate couple made smiles spread across the ladies’ faces.
“Who knew the Duke could be so tender?”
“Indeed. And to think he even prepared gifts for us. Those rumors must have been false after all.”
“Rumors? What rumors?”
“That he only married his wife because he couldn’t forget Lady Erica Medina. Haven’t you heard it?”
A few ladies shook their heads, hearing this for the first time.
“My, you really are behind on the news. Well, it doesn’t matter—clearly it was a baseless rumor. They say there are a few similarities between Lady Medina and the Duchess, beyond their silver hair, which is why the gossip spread.”
“Oh, I see.”
“But after today, it’s clear that’s not the case. We’d better make sure such nonsense doesn’t spread again. It’s time to choose our allegiances wisely.”
The others nodded in agreement.
Winning the favor of the Duchess of Baroata meant earning the favor of the Duke as well. That was no small advantage.
So each of them began weighing whether siding with Erica Medina or Uriella Baroata would bring greater benefit.
“Today… I never expected you to come in person.”
“Victor said it would be best if I did. That it would be advantageous.”
“I see.”
Uriella gave that answer, but inwardly she was filled with questions.
Why did Ray come himself? What has changed?
“Oh, and thank you for the flowers. They’re beautiful.”
Uriella smiled warmly at the bouquet.
“As long as you like them, I’m glad.”
After that, neither spoke further. They sat in uneasy silence, each looking elsewhere.
“We’ve arrived.”
At the coachman’s call, Uriella and the Duke stepped down from the carriage together.
“I have work to attend to, so I’ll go ahead.”
Only moments ago at tea, they had looked like newlyweds deeply in love. But once they entered the ducal estate, they reverted to being nothing more than a couple in a contract marriage.
The stark contrast left Uriella with a bitter taste.
“My lady, Young Master Vitale has come to see you.”
“Young Master Vitale?”
“Yes, he said he carries Viscount Vitale’s message.”
“Show him in at once.”
“Yes, my lady.”
Following Madel’s lead, Uriella went to the drawing room.
I was about to send a letter today anyway, but he’s come ahead of time himself.
Madel lightly knocked and opened the door.
“Ah, Duchess of Baroata. My apologies for the sudden visit. I was too impatient to wait, so I came straight here.”
Upon spotting her, Geno immediately stood and offered an apology.
“No need. I’m only grateful you’ve brought the news I was waiting for. Please, sit. Madel, could you prepare refreshments?”
“At once.”
Uriella sat opposite Geno.
“First, please read this.”
Geno handed her a letter.
“Thank you.”
Uriella began reading it right away, and soon a satisfied smile spread across her face.
Perfect. Now the gossip paper can be published.
Viscount Vitale had accepted her proposal, bringing her one step closer to her goal.
“I’m glad I could bring you good news.”
“Yes, indeed. But… is the last line true?”
Please take my unworthy son as your aide.
Though he is inexperienced in practical matters, he is wise and will be of help.
This is the condition I meant to mention before.
“Yes, it’s true. That’s why I came in person.”
