“Episode 20”
When Diana collapsed and lay on the bed, it was almost disappointing. So Hestia, looking at Diana who was quietly observing her, chuckled lightly.
“Why? You look displeased. I mentioned it to give you some choice, you know. But then again, you’ve always been greedy. Treating my son like he’s yours…”
“I understand, Mother.”
“…What?”
“I’ll do as you say. Losing the child, and maybe I won’t be able to have a child again, so I think it’s best to do so.”
There was no need to talk about the divorce scheduled for a year later.
‘Anyway, he’ll need another woman by his side after I’m gone.’
Observing her response without opposition, Hestia, instead, stiffened her face.
“Are you really okay?”
“Yes. Should I have opposed it?”
“…No. I’m glad you say that.”
Hestia forced a smile and nodded slowly.
‘What’s on her mind?’
Diana could never understand what thoughts lurked in that small head of hers. Sometimes she acted like Rixio’s position was solely hers, but today she seemed indifferent.
At that moment, Diana spoke again.
“But do we really need to look far?”
“What do you mean? Are you trying to change your words now?”
“No, Hedeia. There’s that woman. Is there anyone as suitable for the position of the duchess dowager as she, Rixio’s governess?”
Instantly, Hestia’s eyebrows tightened. Anger filled her eyes as if she had said something she shouldn’t have.
“Don’t mention that name… again in front of me.”
“Why?”
“…You probably don’t know, but… that girl doesn’t suit the duchess dowager.”
Is it because her family is so humble? Or is there another reason? There were many things she wondered about, but now she had no energy left.
‘I don’t actually want to know.’
Whether she was from a humble or a good family, or whether there were past incidents, it no longer concerned her.
“Is that so? If you don’t like her, Mother, then please choose from the suitable noble ladies.”
“But as the duchess dowager, it should be you who chooses.”
“If you wish, I’ll do so. Hmm. I’m not sure, but it seems Rixio likes silver hair and golden eyes.”
Diana spoke as if she were casually discussing alternatives that resembled that woman, without much emotional change. This only infuriated Hestia more.
“Truly bizarre, Diana. You seem like a different person.”
“Do I?”
“What have you given up on so suddenly? Besides that, there doesn’t seem to be any reason for the sudden change.”
“I haven’t given up, Mother. I’m just doing this to survive. So please do as you please.”
Whenever Hestia saw Diana, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. It was like stepping on a wriggling worm, enjoyable to see her flinch every time she inflicted a wound. Hestia even felt a sense of disappointment when Diana didn’t show her usual flustered reaction to each of her remarks.
“Have you decided to change your attitude this time? Do you think everyone will pay attention to you if you act like this?”
“No, Mother. I just hope nobody pays attention to me.”
Just live carelessly and disappear from here without a care. That was all Diana wished for. But the more Diana expressed such thoughts, the more Hestia’s expression hardened.
“You’re probably lying.”
“….”
She probably won’t understand the meaning of the words as they are. If she’s going to think and speak as she pleases, why did she even bother calling herself here?
‘Even though I know what answer you want, I don’t want to move entirely according to your wishes.’
“Just accept things as they are. It’s not a lie.”
“Are you contradicting me?”
“Mother, I know you don’t care for me. But don’t worry. I have no intention of opposing your decisions or causing trouble.”
“That’s good enough.”
“Yes. If I ever cause trouble, you can use it as an excuse to drive me away.”
“I don’t think that’ll happen.”
“That’s just to prove that I don’t have any intentions. Please do as you please, Mother. I really don’t mind.”
Seeing Diana continue to insist that everything was fine, Hestia felt an overwhelming sense of defeat.
‘How irritating… How irritating!’
Unconsciously, Hestia clenched her fist tightly enough to turn white. Sensing the change, Diana smiled ever so slightly.
“Then, Mother. May I leave?”
“….”
“Or should I sit quietly here?”
“No, go.”
“Yes, Mother. Thank you for inviting me to tea time.”
With that, she turned away, appearing indifferent as if she held no lingering attachments to the world. Hestia felt her anger rising at this unemotional display.
‘This is not right. She shouldn’t react like this.’
“Find out why that girl has changed like this.”
“But, Lady Hestia. We’ve thoroughly investigated Miss Diana.”
“Thoroughly? But no one mentioned her current state. And when did she start answering me back?”
Now it was Ellen, who was stuck to Hestia’s side instead of Diana, who quickly covered her mouth with a pale face.
“I apologize.”
“So bring back any information, even from the darkest sources. I don’t care if people die or get injured, I just want the information!”
Finally, Ellen, after making a grim expression, quickly ran off along the path where Diana had disappeared.
