Spoils of War Duchess

Chapter 52

“Of course, there are people who ignore you because of the count’s background. However, for those who urgently need connections, you are actually a very appealing prospect. After all, Count Chrysos is currently one of His Majesty the Emperor’s closest associates.”

“Then why did they look down on me until now?”

“It’s unpleasant to hear, but nobles still observe each other’s taste and judgment. One’s reputation is determined by who they associate with, so it’s only natural for them to be sensitive.”

In other words, they had avoided approaching her despite her being the highly desirable “only relative of the Emperor’s favored captain of the guard,” because they didn’t want to be seen flattering a “common girl” for the sake of connections.

It also meant that their judgment wasn’t as poor as it seemed.

‘I was a fool to immediately leave everything to Marsha just because I didn’t get the reaction I expected.’

Remembering the humiliation she had endured, Rinia felt wronged. If she had known it was this easy to mingle with nobles, she wouldn’t have spent the past three years acting so foolishly.

The fact that there wasn’t a single person around her to point out her mistakes was somewhat sad.

But not anymore.

‘It was a stroke of luck that Idel came to our house!’

Marsha was still eager to belittle Idel, but Rinia paid no attention to her words.

In fact, Idel was a “teacher” she couldn’t afford to lose.

“But Lady Rinia, does Count Chrysos dislike parties? I haven’t heard of him attending any.”

Rinia, lost in thought, snapped to attention when the host mentioned her brother.

“My brother is extremely busy. There are days when we don’t even see each other.”

“Oh, really?”

“Being the captain of the guard means that’s just how it is. He protects His Majesty the Emperor, so it’s naturally a demanding role.”

“That’s true, that’s true. Still, it must be a shame not to see your beloved brother often.”

A burst of laughter followed.

Rinia was now proficient in such conversations.

“Don’t overthink it. Girls your age are just that—girls. They don’t receive any special education just because they are daughters of noble families.”

Thanks to Idel’s advice, chatting with girls her age became much easier.

Moreover, being the “only” family member of “Count Laszlo Chrysos, the captain of the guard,” granted her higher status than most daughters of noble families.

‘Yes, let’s keep this up. I don’t need to be treated like a grand lady. As long as I’m not a burden to my brother…!’

Just as she thought that, her brother became the topic of discussion among the ladies.

“But Count Chrysos seems intimidating. Oh, I don’t mean that in a bad way! He should look intimidating as the Emperor’s knight, but he seems… hard to approach romantically.”

“That’s right. He looks so… unconventional. That’s appealing in its way, but his attire resembles that of a country noble who just arrived in the capital…”

“Lady Rinia, how about helping your brother a little? He needs to marry soon, doesn’t he? Then he can also find you a suitor.”

Although they were beating around the bush, Rinia understood immediately.

‘Wait! Now that I think about it, the problem wasn’t me; it was my brother!’

Laszlo, who wore even shabbier clothes during his mercenary days, never occurred to Rinia as someone mocked for his attire.

‘I always hated that unkempt hair and beard.’

Rinia spent the rest of her time there determined to change her brother’s appearance.

* * *

“Idel! Come with me.”

As soon as Rinia returned from the party, she grabbed Idel by the wrist and dragged her to Laszlo’s room.

Idel, startled, had no choice but to follow.

The moment they entered the room, Rinia shouted.

“Brother!”

Laszlo, who had arrived just a few minutes earlier, had tossed his jacket aside, unbuttoned his shirt a few notches, and was sitting in a chair catching his breath.

The tired look on his face, the indifferent glance he cast in their direction, and the rolled-up sleeves exposing his veiny forearms gave off an oddly decadent aura.

Feeling like she had glimpsed something too private, Idel quickly averted her eyes.

However, Rinia, his sister, seemed unfazed.

“Ugh, look at how you’re dressed.”

“Why are you picking a fight?”

Instead of answering his question, Rinia turned sharply to Idel and spoke.

“Idel! Please do something about my brother, okay?”

“Huh? Wh-what do you mean…?”

Idel, who had been dragged into this without any explanation, was confused, but Rinia quickly clarified.

“I thought I was the problem, but it turns out my brother is even worse! They say he looks like a country noble who just came to the capital! And they think he can’t date anyone!”

Laszlo was the one who responded to that.

“At least they think I look like a noble. That’s good enough.”

“Good enough? Are you serious?”

“Why should I care about that? I’m already drowning in the work I need to worry about. Stay out of it.”

Rinia, who was treated like a child throwing a tantrum, shut her mouth but then asked in a serious tone.

“Do you have no intention of helping me get married?”

“What do you mean ‘no intention’? I’m desperate to get you off my hands.”

“Oh, come on. Do you think any good marriage proposals will come my way with you looking like that? Or should I just marry a commoner? Then there’s no issue.”

When Rinia started to sound sarcastic, Laszlo frowned.

“Why would my appearance affect your marriage prospects? Think logically.”

“Idel said nobles care a lot about appearances. If someone’s taste or style doesn’t match theirs, they won’t associate with them.”

Laszlo’s gaze shifted to Idel, silently asking if that was true.

Idel didn’t want to be caught up in this conversation, but she had no choice but to answer.

“Of course, Count, you don’t need to worry about anyone’s opinions other than His Majesty’s. But if you intend to enter society… a bit of change might be helpful.”

Choosing her words made her break out in a cold sweat.

Idel was nervous that Laszlo would be offended, but he simply looked down at himself and tilted his head.

“To be honest, I don’t really know what I need to change. Isn’t this fine enough?”

To Idel’s surprise, she couldn’t believe such absurd words came out of his mouth.

When shocked enough, one might lose their rationality, and Idel, forgetting her fear, began speaking without thinking.

“You absolutely need a haircut and a shave. Skincare is necessary too. Your clothes should always fit properly, and the type of clothing should change based on the season, the person you’re meeting, the place, and the nature of the event. It’s not just the clothes, but you ignore even the most basic accessories expected of male nobles. Your shoes, too. Wearing military boots with formal wear is just… unthinkable…”

Idel, who had been pointing out every flaw without pausing for breath, met Laszlo’s eyes and suddenly came to her senses. Why does rationality only return after the damage has been done?

However, Rinia looked smug, and Laszlo appeared somewhat dazed.

‘Is he angry? He must be. Of course.’