Chapter 24
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 24
There were only three official occasions when all direct descendants of the Frezier family gathered.
First: The Family Head’s birthday.
Second: The New Year’s Banquet.
Third: When the Family Head issued an emergency summons.
Thus, not every direct descendant had gathered today for this small family banquet where I was to receive the Lineage Pendant.
‘But it sure is fancy.’
As I passed through a massive marble arch, the ceiling was filled with chandeliers that poured down light like shimmering droplets.
Since this was a family banquet held after formal dinner, the large windows lining the hall were draped with thick, beautiful red damask curtains.
Perhaps because it was a small celebration meant to convey 'congratulations,' the abundance of floral decorations lifted my mood.
The scent of fresh roses mingled with the sweet aroma of fruit, making the banquet hall feel like a fairy’s meadow.
Though it was a family affair, several high-ranking vassals were also in attendance and offered me their congratulations.
I responded with a smile.
“Thank you. Thank you so much.”
It was then.
“Lady Tulia. Congratulations on receiving the Lineage Pendant.”
Luc Kelposher approached and politely extended his hand.
But in that split second, I saw it.
I saw Luc’s eyes tremble ever so slightly when he spotted Adel, who had followed me here.
‘…Ah, I’m really curious now.’
Just what on earth happened between these siblings?
I shifted my gaze slightly.
Today, as always, the golden star hovered around me.
‘Hey. You don’t plan on telling me, do you?’
Just as it had shared the behind-the-scenes story of the Grand Ducal couple, it would be fun—no, no—it would be helpful for me to understand them better if it shared the hidden story of these siblings.
I stared at the golden star until I was practically glaring, but the star didn't budge.
Honestly, it’s only ever enthusiastic when it’s handing out infuriating tips for weird quests.
I really shouldn't have expected much.
‘To be stuck with such a trashy status window.’
Perhaps I’d only be able to see Luc and Adel’s story after obtaining a Benefit, just like last time.
“Lady Tulia?”
“Ah. Yes.”
Luc called out to me.
“Shall we?”
“Please.”
I walked forward, escorted by Luc, who was wearing white gloves.
‘Moments like this really make me feel like a lady.’
Even though I wasn't walking down a debutante road, stepping along the sky-blue carpet made me feel like I was walking on clouds.
Even if the person standing at the end of the carpet wasn't a male lead with a warm smile, but the fearsome, Yaksha-like Grand Duke Asis Frezier…
“Your Grace.”
I thought it best to use a formal title at a time like this, so I addressed him that way, but something was off.
‘What was that? His expression for a moment… No? Did I see it wrong?’
If this were The Milk Bread, I would have paused the screen and scrutinized the illustration, but unfortunately, this was reality.
I couldn't immediately grasp the strange look that had flashed across the Grand Duke’s face and instead wore a puzzled expression.
“Tulia Frezier.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
‘Uh. There it is again.’
He looked as if he didn't quite like the way I was addressing him.
Since this was a semi-public setting, was "Your Grace" not enough?
‘…Should I call him "The Valiant and Great Grand Duke Asis Frezier"?’
But even Corico never called him that in The Milk Bread?
Just as I was losing my bearings.
“Father.”
The man sitting in the most prominent seat other than Grand Duke Asis Frezier—Lilius—spoke up.
“I apologize, but there is something I must say immediately.”
“Speak after the ceremony is over.”
The Grand Duke dismissed him coldly, but Lilius did not back down.
“Forgive my presumption, but I must say that today, my poor niece is not qualified to receive that necklace.”
“…?”
In an instant, the twenty or so vassals in the hall, along with twice as many knights and servants, held their breath.
The silence didn't last long. Grand Duke Asis Frezier immediately furrowed his brows and questioned him.
“What is the meaning of this?”
“I know Tulia received a high score on the direct line examination. No, it wasn't just a high score; she received a perfect mark.”
As he said this, Lilius looked at me with an expression that seemed quite proud. That made my skin crawl even more.
A man like him is always scarier than an outright villain.
To an outsider, he would look like an uncle who truly cherished me.
“However, Tulia… As you know, Brother Aster is away at the border and cannot look after her, and since her older brothers are at the Academy, she has been all alone, has she not?”
‘Ugh. Why does he keep reminding me that I’m alone?’
I know Tulia is alone.
To be honest, as Han Ina, I lived like that for a long time, so it wasn't embarrassing at all no matter how much he blathered about it in front of others.
It just put me in a bad mood.
“That is why she must have craved your attention so much that she immaturely committed such a mistake.”
“A mistake. Stop beating around the bush and report clearly, Lilius.”
At those firm words, Lilius gestured toward Tedric.
“Tedric. Come forward and tell your grandfather yourself.”
* * *
It is customary to issue a national pardon when something good happens in the country.
Tedric, who had been under a confinement order, was also released from his punishment thanks to the auspicious occasion of me receiving the Lineage Pendant.
That was why he was attending this ceremony today.
Perhaps he had some sense, as he had come dressed more neatly and inconspicuously than usual. Tedric swallowed hard and stepped forward.
“I, I greet my g-grandfather.”
‘Oh, look at this.’
Lilius and Aubrey really were something else.
They must have overheard me calling him "Grandfather" and told Tedric to do the same.
‘Well. He’s not only Tulia’s grandfather.’
Though with a voice trembling like that, I didn't think it would have much of an effect.
“T-that is…”
Tedric’s voice, shaking like a newborn goat, was no different than it had been before his confinement.
“Tedric. Sweetie. It’s alright.”
Just then, Aubrey, who was holding Tedric’s hand, whispered very softly.
Unintentionally, I was quite close to them, so I heard that warm, soothing voice.
“Now, these are words that must be said to ensure your cousin stays on the right path.”
‘So it was just warm-hearted bullshit.’
Regardless, Tedric seemed to stop trembling as much, bolstered by the support of his father on his left and his mother on his right.
“Grand… father! Tulia Frezier secretly stole my exam papers… and cheated!”
“…?”
“Cheating?”
“Lady Tulia did?”
The vassals suddenly began to stir. The gazes directed at me gradually began to turn sharp.
“Well, there’s no way she could have suddenly gotten a perfect score.”
“But there’s no way the questions Schuls Pneuma set would be the same…”
“How can an exam be fair if someone practiced after seeing the papers in advance? Of course it’s cheating.”
“Besides, isn't stealing the exam papers a serious offense?”
The voices of the vassals reached my ears.
No one was particularly taking my side.
Actually, just staying quiet and observing the situation might be their way of being on my side?
‘Tulia’s public reputation and image were at their worst just a few months ago, after all.’
In the midst of this, I was someone who knew exactly what a cornered villainess should do.
Just as I was about to step forward.
“Do you have proof?”
Unexpectedly, Grand Duke Asis Frezier’s heavy voice echoed through the hall.
“I am asking if you have proof that Tulia Frezier did such a thing.”