“Well, the Ember and Buildrander families have shared ties for generations. Since my sister will be assisting you, it’s only fitting that I offer my help as well.”
Before Beatrice could reply, Florianne cut in, her voice sharp. “That’s a decision that can be considered later, isn’t it? Brother, could we speak for a moment?”
Her smile remained, but a shadow darkened her expression—one that only her sibling could read. It was the unmistakable look that said, ‘What on earth are you trying to pull?’
Gallet returned her smile, pretending not to notice the implicit threat, and stood. “My sister seems to be overly concerned about me.”
“Well, considering you’re meeting Lady Beatrice for the first time, that concern is justified. Lady Beatrice, would you excuse us for a moment?”
Sensing the tension between the siblings, Beatrice rose gracefully from her seat. “While you two speak, could a maid perhaps show me around the estate?”
In most cases, the host of the household would guide their guest personally. However, Beatrice’s suggestion was a polite way of excusing herself to give them privacy. Florianne, understanding her intent, nodded and called for Emily.
“Oh, but Emily is your personal maid, Lady Florianne,” Beatrice interjected. “It would be better to assign someone else.”
A lady’s personal maid was akin to her right hand, and Beatrice’s comment came across as thoughtful and considerate. Yet, she had another reason for her refusal, one she didn’t express aloud. As expected, Gallet seized the opportunity.
“Then I’ll send my maid,” he said smoothly. Florianne’s expression darkened as she turned her gaze on him, but Gallet paid no mind. “Emily, fetch Lily.”
“Yes, my lord,” Emily replied, her tone curt as she left the room.
Beatrice’s memory conjured an image of Lily. It had been a long time since she’d seen her at such a young age. Lily had entered the Buildrander household as a servant and was assigned to Gallet. Though still young and tasked with menial chores like cleaning, her intelligence and sharp instincts would soon catch Gallet’s eye.
Though Lily’s hatred was primarily directed at Count Heliette Buildrander, Gallet, as his enabler, was also a target of her disdain. For years, Lily endured under their rule, biding her time until she could exact her revenge and escape.
While Beatrice admired Lily’s resilience and determination in achieving her goal, she had no intention of following the same slow, laborious path. Beatrice preferred a method that was faster, simpler, and more direct.
Emily returned, accompanied by Lily, who curtsied respectfully. “You called for me, my lord?”
“Lily, please guide Lady Beatrice around the estate,” Gallet instructed.
“Yes, I will serve her to the best of my ability,” Lily replied, her voice steady.
Beatrice rose and followed Lily out of the room, leaving Florianne and Gallet behind. The moment the door closed, Florianne turned on her brother with a glare.
“What are you playing at?”
“Playing? I’m not sure what you mean,” Gallet replied, feigning innocence.
“I told you not to come near us. And now, here you are, pulling stunts like this.”
“What’s wrong with introducing myself to a guest from the Ember family? It’s only polite.”
“Polite? You barged in uninvited and had the audacity to propose yourself as her debutante partner. Don’t tell me that was out of courtesy.”
“It’s not unusual. Debutantes often rely on connections to find a suitable partner.”
Florianne scoffed. “As if you were thinking about connections. You’re testing her, aren’t you?”
“And why not? Is that so unacceptable?”
Their words came quickly, tension crackling between them. While Florianne’s expression twisted with anger, Gallet maintained his calm demeanor, a smile tugging at his lips. This unbothered attitude was what she despised most about him.
With his good looks and a family name that wasn’t entirely unimpressive, Gallet charmed women who could be useful to him, only to discard them once they’d served their purpose. He did it so deftly that few ever realized they’d been used.
While he wouldn’t dare pull such tricks with the youngest daughter of the Ember family, his intentions were clear. He aimed to worm his way into Beatrice’s favor and secure a marriage that would elevate his position. Today’s actions were merely the first step in a calculated plan.
Florianne clenched her fists. “The youngest daughter of the Ember family is cherished by her household. You’re out of your depth, Gallet.”
“Cherished? Even better,” he said, his smile widening. “If she were truly neglected, I wouldn’t have bothered.”
“Have you lost your mind?” Florianne snapped.
“Why should I? You’re already being considered as a potential match for Duke Calrex. If you have no intention of pursuing that, why shouldn’t I connect myself to their family instead?”
His blue eyes curved with a smile that others might find charming, but to Florianne, it was more revolting than a crawling centipede.
Beatrice might be inexperienced in dealing with people, but she wasn’t ignorant. Florianne recalled her reaction when Gallet entered the room—calm and composed, but visibly uncomfortable. Beatrice hadn’t even realized his behavior was rude.
Florianne’s anger simmered as she thought about her brother’s predatory tendencies. Gallet could be dangerously persuasive. With his attractive looks and knack for tailoring himself to meet others’ expectations, he had the ability to charm even someone as sheltered as Beatrice.
“Do you think I’ll let this slide?”
“And what will you do about it?”
“Don’t think you can get away with targeting her. Or anyone else, for that matter. You’ve already ruined enough lives.”
“And you’d expose me? To what end? What I do isn’t illegal.”
Florianne fell silent, her lips pressed tightly together. Gallet was right. In the Empire, the murder or abuse of commoners by nobles wasn’t considered a crime. While large-scale atrocities could lead to consequences under certain circumstances, smaller, localized acts went unpunished.
Grinding her teeth, Florianne glared at her brother. He had long since become their father’s enabler, selecting “suitable” commoners for their father’s horrific whims under the guise of offering them jobs. Those who refused to comply often met a grim end.
“When will you stop this disgusting behavior?” she hissed.
“You’re too emotional, Florianne. Why waste your energy on commoners?”
“This isn’t about whether they’re commoners or not.”
Florianne’s rage boiled over, but Gallet met her outburst with the indulgent sigh of an older sibling dealing with a naive child.
“One day, you’ll understand,” he said dismissively.
“That day will never come.”
Without another word, Gallet left the room, leaving Florianne seething. To him, she was still too young to grasp the importance of maintaining the family’s image. At nineteen, she should have matured by now, he thought with a click of his tongue.
Gallet didn’t enjoy what he did, or so he told himself. It was a necessary evil to protect the family’s honor and keep their father’s dirty habits from becoming public knowledge. His rationale? Someone had to do it.
But to Florianne, he was as much a monster as their father—if not worse.
* * *
Beatrice walked through the corridor with Lily, her soft footsteps echoing faintly against the polished floors.
Lily was an exceptional servant. She moved efficiently, covering only the most essential areas while ensuring her guest was shown all the estate’s finest features. Her ability to present the mansion’s best sides with minimal effort reflected her experience.
Beatrice, seated earlier by a window overlooking the garden fountain, had asked to see the library. Though the fountain was dry for the winter, the intricate sculptures decorating it still drew some admiration, albeit not enough to hold her attention for long.
At her request, Lily bowed slightly and resumed her guiding duties. To reach the library, they needed to traverse a long corridor lined with large windows. Despite the season, the garden outside was well-maintained, its neatly pruned trees standing resilient against the cold. The crisp sound of wind slicing through the needles of conifers filled the air faintly.
Beatrice suddenly came to a halt. The sound of her footsteps stopping was enough to alert Lily, who immediately turned to face her.
The guest she had been assigned to guide today was no ordinary visitor. A lady of noble birth from the Ember family, a guest of the Countess—someone far beyond her station. Lily knew her involvement was temporary, a result of Gallet’s whim. Once today was over, their paths would never cross again.
Yet, something about this woman stirred an inexplicable unease within her.
The young lady seemed detached, almost indifferent, as she inspected the estate. Whenever Lily explained something about the mansion, Beatrice would nod in acknowledgment, but never did she show further curiosity or engagement.
Lily had encountered many nobles while working for the Buildrander family, but none carried themselves quite like Beatrice. She thought momentarily of Calrex Ember, whose demeanor was similarly unapproachable. Perhaps this was something shared by their bloodline. But no—Calrex’s disinterest came from a place of cold arrogance, while Beatrice’s indifference seemed rooted in something far deeper, something unplaceable.
As Lily studied Beatrice, wondering if her guest was displeased with anything, she noticed no irritation or discomfort on her face. Beatrice stood still, her gaze fixed on something outside the window.
Following her line of sight, Lily spotted a small spiderweb tangled in the corner of the large window frame. The web itself wasn’t so unsightly, but the tiny dead insects caught in its sticky threads made it unpleasant to look at. It must have gone unnoticed due to its inconspicuous location.
“Please forgive the unsightliness. I’ll have it cleaned immediately,” Lily said.
“Leave it as it is,” Beatrice replied calmly.
“…Pardon?”
“Doesn’t it suit the setting?”
Beatrice turned to face Lily, her golden eyes catching the light in a way that made her appear both serene and unnerving. Lily blinked, unable to decipher the comment.
“A spider weaving its web to trap and devour weaker insects—that’s the way of nature. The strong consuming the weak, leaving behind such traces.”
“…”
“We mustn’t forget such reminders. Leave it there.”
Lily kept silent, uncertain how to respond. Her reason for working in the Buildrander household was singular: revenge. Her family had been victims of the Count’s cruelty for no reason other than their weakness as commoners. This woman’s words stirred a quiet rebellion within her heart, but she was too cautious to let her emotions show.
Beatrice continued, her tone unwavering. “In nature, the weak perish—it’s inevitable. No one can be blamed for it.”
At this, Lily lifted her gaze to meet Beatrice’s. She tried to suppress her emotions, but the conflict brewing within her was as clear as a storm on the horizon.
Beatrice’s smile shifted. Gone was the gentle imitation of Florianne’s cheerful expression. In its place was something sharp and unsettling, like the grin of a serpent. Her crimson lips curled upward in a way that sent a chill down Lily’s spine.
“But humans aren’t bound by nature’s rules alone. Laws and morals exist to ensure we don’t live like insects. It’s what separates us.”
Lily understood immediately whom Beatrice was referring to.
“Unfortunately, this estate is infested with insects,” Beatrice continued.
Why is she telling me this? Lily thought. Suspicion flickered in her green eyes.
“To deal with insects, you must use their rules,” Beatrice said with a faint air of finality, her fingers brushing the cold glass of the window without purpose. It was clear she expected nothing from Lily, offering this statement as though it were mere advice.
“When the opportunity comes, don’t let it slip by.”
Beatrice’s words hung in the air as she began walking again, leaving Lily momentarily frozen in place. Regaining her composure, Lily quickly followed. They walked the rest of the way to the library in silence.
Beatrice knew Lily would grasp her meaning when the time came. She didn’t bother to explain further because she trusted that Lily’s intelligence and instincts would guide her.
In the library, Beatrice feigned interest in the collection, sparing only fleeting glances at the books before returning to the drawing room. Meanwhile, Lily’s mind swirled with thoughts.
She couldn’t decipher exactly what the Ember family’s young lady knew or expected from her, but one thing was certain: Beatrice harbored no affection for Count Buildrander. If anything, she seemed utterly indifferent toward him.
Lily recalled the emptiness in Beatrice’s golden eyes—eyes that shone brilliantly in the sunlight yet reflected nothing of substance. Those weren’t the eyes of someone driven by vengeance or desire. They were the eyes of someone reviewing a predetermined course of action, devoid of any personal stake.
Lily had never encountered such a person before. If Beatrice had shown ambition or longing, she could have predicted her moves. But with someone like her, she had no idea what might happen next.
As Lily walked quietly down the corridor after escorting Beatrice, she passed another maid with brown hair. Without stopping, Lily whispered, “My room at eleven.”
The maid gave a subtle nod before continuing on her way. Lily knew she needed to discuss today’s events with others who shared her purpose. Whether this encounter with Beatrice presented an opportunity or a threat, they couldn’t afford to let it slip by unnoticed.
* * *
Beatrice and Florianne sat in the drawing room in silence. During their brief separation, fatigue had etched itself into Florianne’s expression. Noticing this, Beatrice broke the silence.
“I think it’s time for me to take my leave.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. You came all this way…” Florianne said, her voice tinged with guilt.
“It’s alright. We’ll be seeing each other often from now on anyway,” Beatrice replied smoothly, her tone neutral but direct.
Florianne nodded. There was much to prepare for Beatrice’s debutante ball, which meant their interactions would only increase. Yet, Florianne couldn’t ignore her growing unease. Now that her insufferable brother Gallet had openly shown interest in Beatrice, the thought of her visiting the Buildrander estate more often only meant more opportunities for him to meddle.
Even tonight, Florianne had planned to invite Beatrice for dinner, but the thought of Gallet barging in uninvited made her abandon the idea. It was frustrating—she genuinely liked Beatrice.
“Let’s have dinner together next time,” Florianne said, smiling faintly.
“That sounds wonderful. Shall I write to confirm the next time?”
“Of course.”
Both women stood. Beatrice prepared to leave, and Florianne rose to escort her to the front gate. Florianne sent a maid ahead to ready the carriage, allowing them to walk slowly through the estate’s halls. The silence between them was unremarkable to Beatrice, who was well accustomed to quiet. Florianne, however, wrestled with a storm of thoughts.
Florianne debated whether she should warn Beatrice about her brother. If the naive young lady fell for Gallet’s schemes, Florianne would feel guilt-stricken and might even resort to physically dragging her away.
As they neared the mansion’s front entrance, Florianne finally spoke, her voice careful. “Lady Beatrice?”
“Yes?”
“This might sound strange, but…”
Beatrice’s golden eyes shimmered like sunlight in the open air, yet darkened to a predatory yellow in the shadows of the estate. Florianne swallowed briefly before continuing.
“Be wary of Gallet Buildrander—my brother.”
“I will.”
“…Pardon?”
Florianne had expected some hesitation or curiosity, but Beatrice responded with complete indifference, as if Gallet were of no consequence. While she already suspected Beatrice held no romantic interest in her brother, this nonchalant reaction still caught her off guard.
“Don’t you want to know why?” Florianne asked, her tone uncertain.
“You wouldn’t have said it without a reason,” Beatrice replied simply.
“Well, that’s true, but…” Florianne hesitated.
“You did say I should trust no one but you, didn’t you?”
Florianne blinked as the memory of her earlier advice resurfaced. Yes, she had told Beatrice not to share her vulnerabilities with anyone else. For a moment, the implications of her own words left her unsettled.
“But we only just met today.”
“If you were someone capable of deceiving me, you wouldn’t have warned me in the first place. Besides,” Beatrice said as they reached the carriage, “you have a lovely smile. That’s enough reason to trust you, don’t you think?”
Beatrice climbed into the carriage with her knight’s assistance. Before Florianne could respond or even bid her farewell, the door shut, and the carriage began to roll away.
Florianne stood frozen for a moment, blinking. “What…?”
Unbeknownst to her, Beatrice’s comment had been an offhanded thought about how well she had mimicked Florianne’s smile. But there was no way Florianne could have known this.
Inside the carriage, Beatrice glanced at Laura, who sat across from her. Laura had been instructed not to follow her into the Buildrander estate and to spend her time elsewhere instead. Yet, here she was, waiting in the carriage like a loyal hound.
Beatrice had left Laura behind for a reason—her brief but meaningful interaction with Lily. As a maid loyal to the Duchess, Laura was certain to report Beatrice’s every move. Though the exchange with Lily might have been incomprehensible to her, Beatrice saw no harm in being cautious.
“Next time, we’ll go in together,” Beatrice said.
“Of course, my lady. Were they kind to you at the Count’s estate?”
“Yes, Lady Florianne was especially considerate.”
“She has an excellent reputation,” Laura noted approvingly.
“Her brother, on the other hand, offered to be my debutante partner. I haven’t given him an answer yet.”
“Lord Gallet?” Laura’s brow furrowed slightly, an expression Beatrice didn’t miss.
Just as the Count’s infamous reputation was whispered among servants, so too were Gallet’s vile tendencies. Although he took care to keep his misdeeds hidden, the Ember family was well aware of them. Laura, being close to the Duchess, likely knew as well.
Wisely, Laura refrained from commenting further. But Beatrice knew this information would inevitably reach the Duchess. While the Ember family disapproved of the Buildranders’ actions, they didn’t see them as damning enough to sever ties entirely. Still, with Beatrice now involved, this might change.
The carriage arrived at the Ember estate. Beatrice immediately retreated to her chambers, leaving Laura to delegate her care to other maids. Laura, however, made her way directly to the Duchess’s office.
When Laura announced her presence, Agatha paused her work and beckoned her inside. “Did the young lady behave herself at the Count’s estate?”
“She instructed me to wait in the carriage, so I wasn’t with her. However, she seemed quite excited to meet someone her own age,” Laura said. “She did mention that she plans to take me inside next time.”
“Hmm. Florianne is well-mannered. I doubt there’s much to worry about,” Agatha mused. “Anything else?”
After a brief hesitation, Laura continued, “Lord Gallet Buildrander asked to be her debutante partner.”
“Gallet Buildrander?” Agatha frowned, her thoughts turning to the Buildrander family.
The Buildranders had long been trusted vassals and close allies of the Ember family. Their lands were fertile, their taxes fair, and their exports—fruits and flowers—highly sought after among the nobility. Both the current Count Heliette and his heir, Gallet, were capable stewards of their domain, far from incompetent.
But…
“Did she accept?” Agatha asked.
“No. She hasn’t given him an answer yet.”
The Duchess’s frown deepened. While a political marriage with the Buildranders would not be a poor match, Gallet’s involvement in his father’s sordid hobbies made her uneasy. Such a match for Beatrice, who had already endured so much misfortune, was difficult to stomach.
“Did she seem to like him?”
“Not particularly,” Laura replied.
“Good. Subtly steer her away from accepting.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
After dismissing Laura, Agatha returned to her desk, her mind already racing through alternatives. The Ember family had no shortage of allied noble houses with eligible heirs.
Agatha tapped her fingers thoughtfully against the table. “The Lisart Marquisate, the Bertram County, and…”
“Marques Duchy,” she murmured aloud.
The Duke of Marques was close in age to Calrex and shared a fencing master with him. While their families weren’t particularly close, the connection was cordial. An invitation to explore the possibility couldn’t hurt.
“Bring me stationery,” Agatha ordered, deciding to send a letter. She couldn’t help but wonder if the prideful and popular Duke of Marques would respond to her summons.
“Let’s see if the bait is tempting enough,” she said with a sly smile.
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