Duke, Please Fail! - Chapter 103

Episode 103

“Nelly Pepper received a title, didn’t she?”

“Why wouldn’t she? She’s well-liked, and she has the ability, after all.”

“She did come from a noble lineage, didn’t she? It’s only natural she would receive attention.”

“She’s become a baroness, so the social barriers are gone. She might even become Lady Altwood for real.”

“We should start currying favor with her now.”

Laughter erupted from all around. Annabella Etkin sat in the place of honor, listening to the conversation.

She didn’t interject with words, but she added to the convivial atmosphere. The more jovial the mood, the darker one person’s expression became.

With an interested expression hidden behind her smile, Duchess Etkin addressed Viscountess Morgane.

“Viscountess Morgane, your expression has been rather sour for a while. Is something bothering you?”

Viscountess Morgane dropped the cookie she was holding in surprise.

She hadn’t expected Duchess Etkin to approach her with conversation, but she saw this as an opportunity now that she had the floor.

“In truth, I’m a bit worried.”

Duchess Etkin smiled into her teacup.

The other nobles immediately inquired about what was troubling Viscountess Morgane.

“That child, Nelly, had some bad habits when she was entrusted to my brother’s house. She was scolded quite a few times.”

“Really?”

“Is that true?”

All eyes turned to Viscountess Morgane. She felt a tingling joy in her chest as she raised her head.

“Yes. She was driven out for that very reason. Afterward, I occasionally heard about her, even while working…”

She paused, smiling awkwardly.

“I see. It did seem rather cold when Viscountess Morgane approached her at the tea party last time.”

“It was because she knew the secret, it seems.”

“She seemed so innocent; it’s quite surprising.”

“How can you judge a person just by their appearance?”

The murmurs and gossip grew louder.

The various negative speculations clung to the words uttered by Viscountess Morgane. As the rumors spread, Viscountess Morgane’s complexion soured a bit.

‘They say Her Highness favors Nelly. Duchess Etkin is Her Highness’s confidante, so what if she looks down on me?’

After hesitating for a moment and locking eyes, Duchess Etkin smiled.

Only then did Viscountess Morgane’s expression brighten. She erased her initial discomfort and recalled Gardner’s words.

‘If, by any chance, Nelly Pepper were to claim that Viscountess Morgane is, in fact, her mother, it would be a disaster. We need to undermine everyone’s trust in her within the aristocratic society.’

His words were correct. She had to act preemptively to ensure that nobody believed Nelly’s words. She felt no guilt toward her daughter. If she had, she wouldn’t have abandoned her so callously.

‘If only you had treated me with a little more kindness, none of this would have happened. Nelly, this is all your fault.’

She spoke assertively in the conversation.

“She’s quite skilled at lying, so I’m worried someone might fall for it.”

When Viscountess Morgane commented, many other remarks followed.

“Could the increased yield also be a result of manipulating the books?”

“Being the estate manager, it wouldn’t be difficult.”

“Perhaps she even seduced Duke Altwood.”

“That’s right. Otherwise, how could she have captured the interest of someone as cold as ice?”

However, the conversation didn’t flow in one direction only.

“Isn’t this all just baseless speculation? Why would Your Grace fall for mere lies?”

“That’s right. Duke Altwood is known for his paranoia. If Pepper were such a person, he wouldn’t have kept her by his side.”

“Oh, that’s true.”

As those who had only been listening began to speak, the momentum shifted once again.

“Where did you hear this, Viscountess Morgane? I heard you went to visit Duke Altwood and were rudely dismissed at his doorstep.”

“I did hear something about that. Perhaps you’re holding a grudge and deliberately spreading negative rumors?”

Viscountess Morgane’s face first turned pale, then flushed red. She wanted to leave right away out of embarrassment but forced herself to stay and countered with a forced smile.

“No, not at all. I received a warm reception.”

“Then it’s even more perplexing. You came without notice and were treated hospitably, yet you speak ill of them behind their backs.”

Some people sent her suspicious glances.

It was her fault for thinking that belittling people with mere gossip would bring her satisfaction. Even though it was true, she felt angry.

‘All of this is because of Nelly. If that girl hadn’t appeared before me, I wouldn’t have had to endure this treatment!’

Some people around her tried to console her, but she didn’t hear anything. Her hand, clutching her dress, trembled with anger.

* * *

I felt a hand stroking my head as I woke up. 

Smiling, I closed my eyes as my head was being gently patted in the palm of a hand.

Leonel sat on the bed, perfectly dressed. When our eyes met, he explained.

“I’m going to see Her Majesty. She said there are some matters to discuss regarding the border regions.”

“Her Majesty?” 

“Yes. Will you come with me?”

I remembered the sight of Her Majesty approaching with a sword in her hand. It made me feel uneasy.

I shook my head in disgust, and Leonel lightly kissed my forehead. 

I wrapped my arms around his neck.

“When will you be back?”

“Late in the afternoon.”

It meant that Leonel would be gone all day. I felt a sense of regret, but there was nothing I could do about it.

While he was away, I decided to find out how much money had piled up that Archduke Landers had mentioned. I might as well explore the capital too.

“Take care.”

Leonel didn’t respond, but instead, he kissed me and left the room.

After stretching, I got up from my seat.

The palace, as always, was filled with nobles wherever I went. However, unlike usual, I sensed hostile looks mixed in various places.

‘What could have happened?’

It was certain that it wasn’t a good sign. I was curious, but I had no acquaintances to ask, and even if I wanted to eavesdrop, the moment I approached, they all seemed to magically close their mouths.

‘I should ask Leonel or Adelhardt later if they know anything.’

I left the palace in a carriage. The soldiers had returned because they couldn’t stay in the palace, and Mary offered to follow, but she looked too tired, so I told her to rest.

It had been several days since I arrived in the capital, but this was my first time going into the city.

The square seemed to be three times the size of the square in the territory.

Thinking that it might be better to expand the square since Duke Altwood’s territory was also growing in population, I went to the public treasury.

And then, I was left in awe as I gazed at the amount of gold piled up in my name.

“This, it seems like there’s an issue with the paperwork.”

“No, there isn’t.”

It hadn’t been long since the business started, yet there were already tens of millions in the treasury. It was another shock, separate from when I had discovered the small mansion in a remote location on the procurement list.

“Do you want to make a withdrawal?”

Can I spend this money? It’s in my name, but… for now, let’s leave it.

I declined and left. I sat in a coffee house, trying to recall the intimidating numbers on the paper, when someone called my name.

“Baroness Pepper.”

I couldn’t get used to that title at all. I’d rather hear “Miss”!

Startled, I looked up to see a man with a disheveled smile. He was the same man who had cornered me at Archduke Landers’ tea party.

“Marquis Gardner.”

“Hahaha. To be remembered, it’s an honor.”

I had no choice but to remember. On the way back, Leonel had repeatedly warned me to be cautious around Devondus’ people.

I tried to brush it off with a laugh, but he took a seat in front of me naturally.

“I’ve been wanting to have a chat with you.”

I wondered what he could want to discuss with me. I tilted my head, and Gardner smiled warmly.

“I heard you’re having trouble with production.”

I simply nodded.

It was challenging to obtain the red fruits used in the fatigue recovery potion, known as Corbin fruits, in large quantities, so I had to control production.

“As it happens, the land I recently purchased has a Corbin tree forest.”

“I see, that’s interesting.”

Why did he come to me when he could have just gone to the business and signed the deal? 

I had learned about the business and occasionally handled the accounts, but I had no real authority.

As I tilted my head, Gardner finally brought up the real matter.

“We are planning to have an inspection before we proceed with the trade, and I was hoping Baroness Pepper could accompany us.”

What kind of scheme is this?

“I’m sorry, but I have a prior engagement that day.”

“Hahaha. You’re an interesting person. I haven’t even mentioned the date yet.”

“Oh, I see.”

Gardner’s seemingly friendly smile twisted strangely at my response.

So, what, I knew you were associated with Devondus, and you thought I’d eagerly agree to meet you?

As I contemplated a way to escape, Gardner smiled wryly and took a sip of his tea.

“Well, goodbye for now.”

As soon as I got up from my seat, Gardner extended his hand. Simultaneously, laughter erupted from the nearby table.

“Hahaha!”

That laughter was familiar.

“Adelhardt?”

“To meet here, what a coincidence.”

His tone suggested he had tailed me. I looked at him with a suspicious gaze, but he didn’t seem to care.

“A coincidence?”

“Actually, I followed you.”

Adelhardt’s straightforward admission was surprising. Wasn’t it too honest to admit this with Gardner present?

As I scrutinized his expression, our eyes met directly.

“It seems you two are quite close.”

“I’m the one doing all the chasing. I thought it would be nice if she gave up on the Altwood Duchy and joined me.”

Adelhardt smiled at Gardner.

“So, Marquis Gardner, would you mind giving us a moment? I have something to discuss with Nelly.”

Gardner stared for a moment, then bowed.

“Of course. Baroness Pepper. I’ll see you later.”

Before I could say no, Gardner was gone.

I watched him leave and then took my seat again. Adelhardt occupied the seat where Gardner had been.

I whispered, making sure not to be heard by anyone around.

“You’re pretending to have a bad relationship with Leonel. Can I keep doing this with you?”

“That’s the plan. He can’t act, so I need to genuinely annoy him.“

Adelhardt chuckled and ordered some tea.

Since there were a fair number of nobles around, I thought there would be some greetings and visits, but it was surprisingly quiet. 

Upon closer inspection, Adelhardt’s guards were sporadically surrounding us.