I’m Not the One Who Seduced the Grand Duke – Chapter 16

Author: isuzuuy

“They really became priests, so we were willing to give up without a fuss. But who would have thought it would end up like this?”

“I know, right? And of all people, it had to be the Marquess of Zaherette……!”

At the subtle mention of the key point, the eyes of the noblewomen and young ladies gathered around the table burned with interest.

“She may be good at business, but she’s terrible when it comes to high society, isn’t she? The only thing she knows how to do is trade.”

“She probably thinks we’re nothing more than women who sit around drinking tea and gossiping, doesn’t she? She probably has no idea how much information is exchanged at gatherings like this.”

“And someone like that is going to become the Grand Duchess……. Being the Grand Duchess practically means being at the very top of high society. Of course, a title isn’t everything. Still, I absolutely cannot accept it.”

“But what would change just because we refuse to accept it? What matters is His Grace’s feelings.”

“…….”

That was true.

Right now, they were saying that this wasn’t right and that they couldn’t accept it, but once the two of them actually held their wedding, the matter would be over.

When that time came, even those who had been badmouthing them would smile and wag their tails as though they had never said such things.

It was simply the way high society worked.

“Come to think of it, Countess Oscar. You said you were acquainted with the Marquess of Zaherette, didn’t you? You were academy classmates, weren’t you?”

Sylvia smiled gently and nodded.

“Yes. That’s right.”

“Oh, if only the Marquess resembled you even half as much, I might understand.”

“Exactly. That’s probably the one hopeful part. She has a friend like Countess Oscar, who is practically the ‘model of a noblewoman.’”

“Well, who knows if the Marquess would actually bother learning from her? Unless you’re talking about her market-stall business skills.”

The noblewomen all giggled and snickered in unison.

Then one of them turned to Countess Oscar, who was still strangely quiet.

“But, Countess, did you know about this?”

“Pardon? Ah, well……”

Flustered, Sylvia covered her mouth with a handkerchief and gave an awkward smile. She lowered her eyelashes and even casually brushed her hair back.

Every single one of those graceful, ladylike movements drew the eyes of the women around her. Their gazes seemed almost full of admiration.

“No. I had no idea. So I’m a little flustered right now.”

“My goodness. She didn’t even tell her friend? Isn’t there really something going on between them?”

“Without a doubt. It’s far too suspicious. Unless she’s actually carrying a child.”

“Oh my, how scandalous.”

The noblewomen and young ladies began whispering among themselves.

Though all it produced was gossip.

It was an utterly ordinary scene at a tea party.

***

Inside the rattling carriage.

Sylvia, who had remained stiff and silent the entire time, bit her lip.

“……This is impossible. Of all people, Erna Zaherette and Bernstein.”

Even now, on her way back to the estate, her heart felt heavy. Her breathing grew increasingly ragged, and her heart pounded wildly.

‘And what? The very top of high society? Erna Zaherette…… would be above me.’

In high society of all places?

“Absolutely not.”

That, at least, she could never concede. Determination filled Sylvia’s eyes.

‘No wonder. I thought something was strange when I ran into the Grand Duke at the Marquess’s residence after going there over Gerold’s matter.’

When the article came out the next day and reports about the two of them continued to follow, Sylvia thought she was going mad.

‘What the hell is she, anyway?!’

In high society, her husband’s standing and her family’s standing were certainly important. But more important than either of those was her own ability.

And in that regard, Sylvia prided herself on having worked herself to the bone.

How much effort had she put into hiding her true nature and acting gentle and approachable, yet dignified enough that no one would dare look down on her, all so she could always be the perfect young lady and the perfect noblewoman?

As a result, she had received a marriage proposal from the wealthy Count Oscar and risen to the position of Countess.

All of it was the result of her own efforts.

But what about Erna Zaherette?

‘She isn’t completely incompetent when it comes to work, but in the end, she got this far by simply managing her parents’ wealth and title……. And now she’s trying to get her hands on the position of Grand Duchess without even having to work for it.’

It was unfair.

Erna Zaherette deserved to struggle a little more.

That was what Sylvia thought as she entered the estate.

“Ah, Sylvia. You’re back? I was waiting for you, actually.”

“What is it, dear?”

A mature-looking man appeared on the second floor and greeted her with a broad smile. It was Count Oscar.

At her husband’s welcoming, Sylvia lightly flushed and put on a delighted expression.

There were a few things that caught the eye, such as the wrinkles around his mouth and his slightly receding hairline, but his upright gaze and gentle smile gave him a distinctive intellectual charm and dignity.

And what did a difference in age matter?

Thanks to his abilities, the count’s business was doing quite well, and Sylvia enjoyed a much more comfortable life than she had back at her parents’ home.

With a gentle smile, she approached the count.

“Dear, you said you were acquainted with the Marquess of Zaherette, didn’t you?”

“Yes?”

Erna again?

Sylvia expertly relaxed the muscles twitching at the corners of her mouth.

“Ah, yes. I am.”

“Exactly how close were you?”

“We were roommates when we attended the academy together. Erna…… No, I mean, the Marquess wasn’t very good at socializing with people, so I was always there to look after her.”

“Really? Is that so?”

The corners of Count Oscar’s mouth twitched upward.

“You did well. Continue staying close to the Marquess from now on.”

“Pardon?”

“I heard from an acquaintance who works at the palace that His Majesty seems quite serious about this marriage as well. If the Marquess really marries His Grace the Grand Duke, House Zaherette will gain an enormous amount of power.”

“Of course, they’re already quite powerful as it is.”

The count grinned.

But the smile disappeared from Sylvia’s face.

“Is it…… really that significant?”

“Of course it is. The union of the Empire’s one and only Grand Ducal House and the wealthiest marquessate in Orden? Everyone will be desperate to establish some connection with them.”

“But…… Erna is just Erna.”

At Sylvia’s cautious protest, the count stared at her silently for a moment.

Soon, he seemed to sigh indifferently before running a hand through his hair.

“Come to think of it, your father used to look down on the Marquess of Zaherette in a strange way, too. I assumed it was simply because she was his daughter’s friend.”

The count’s eyes gleamed.

“The Marquess of Zaherette is an extraordinary person. At such a young age, she built her business up to this level and established herself as the head of House Zaherette, didn’t she? I don’t think that’s something that can be accomplished easily.”

“…….”

“She may be a young woman, but I think there’s a lot to learn from her. Running a business isn’t something just anyone can do……”

“High society isn’t something just anyone can handle, either.”

Sylvia, who had remained silent, finally spoke up at the continued praise of Erna.

“There are so many things you have to pay attention to, and you have to think, understand the other person’s intentions…… And information, too. Do you know how much information you can gain through social activities? Not to mention relationships with people.”

“When you’re in a position that high, people will gather around you even if you simply sit still. And as for information, you can just buy it with money.”

“…….”

“Anyway, I’m counting on you, Sylvia. There’s hardly a businessman in the capital who hasn’t sought help from Zaherette.”

That was how formidable Zaherette’s financial power was.

Powerful enough not to be overshadowed by even the mighty Grand Ducal House.

“I’m glad you’re my wife. I should benefit from my wife’s connections like everyone else. Ha ha.”

“So, I’m counting on you, all right?”

The count winked and smiled before turning away leisurely.

Completely oblivious to Sylvia’s heart, which was boiling so fiercely it was practically burning black.

‘Erna. Erna. Erna! What the hell is so great about her?!’

She tried desperately to maintain her reason somehow, but failed.

“Aaaaaaagh!”

Sylvia threw the handbag she had been carrying onto the carpet as soon as she entered her room.