Chapter 113 - Don't You Have Shame?
Chapter 113 – Don’t You Have Shame?
Days in Belcoot passed by in a blur and it was already a week since I started learning how to manage the grand duchy from Ivo. I must admit, I enjoyed learning from that man. But I enjoyed it, even more, when Hugo stayed with me and helped me every night.
Hugo had been patient with me since I was working hard until late at night. He would usually accompany me and enlighten me every time I had questions. Although every morning, Ivo would grumble and complain that Hugo was blaming him for working me to the bone.
Overall, I was getting used to this life in Belcoot now. Every day was different, although it sounded they were; spending a few hours discussing the matters of the estate with Ivo, discovering new things, spending a leisure tea time, pretending I don't notice Adelia's constant glare, and then spending the night with Hugo. Although Hugo had become busier these days.
"My lady, would you like to put on a piece of jewelry that His Grace brought you? He would be delighted to see you wearing his gifts." My personal maid, Sasha, inquired after braiding my hair before I resume my work for the rest of the day. I hummed, looking up at her through the mirror.
Sasha had been assisting me ever since I came in here. She was young, but several years older than I was. Her personality was very likable, so we've grown close. Even so, I asked the other maids to take turns and assist Sasha so they wouldn't think I only favored her. So far, everyone was pleased by taking turns in servicing me along with Sasha and Adelia.
"Adelia, can you get my jewelry box?" my eyes shifted to Adelia standing not far away from me. Although she was constantly with me, we rarely talked. For now, she was simply doing the bare minimum. Having access to the jewelry Hugo was gifting me every day was something I could only entrust to my lady-in-waiting.
Adelia glanced at me, still bearing that hidden glare in her eyes. "Yes, Your Grace." Her voice was still cold and distant before she headed to the other room connected to my room to get the jewelry box.
As she walked away, Sasha let out a deep sigh. I glanced at her, only to see her look at me apologetically.
"My lady, forgive me if I am being rude but, are you sure you're alright having Adelia as your lady-in-waiting?" she inquired, eyes full of worry. Sasha had been with us from the start, so she was aware of how Lady Adelia had been acting. The latter doesn't cause me trouble, but she would usually make faces and click her tongue every time I speak or when I ordered her to do something trivial.
"Sasha."
"I'm sorry, my lady. I'm just concerned." With a frown plastered on her face, she let out a sigh. "I'm not saying Lady Adelia is a terrible person, but I don't like her either. When the Grand Duke left the grand duchy years ago, Lady Adelia always says His Grace will come back for her. She's quite sure and arrogant because of that."
She paused and discreetly looked around, leaning closer to me, just in case. "All this time, Lady Adelia believes she will be the grand duchess and acted as one before Alpha Hugo returned. So, His Grace's engagement with you is surely a fatal blow to her."
"Sasha is right, my lady. Lady Adelia is an arrogant lady. Even though the Baron and Lady Emily and their other children are very kind." The other maid in the room backed up and muttered carefully. "Not many likes Lady Adelia because of her haughty and entitled attitude. If she became the grand duchess, I am certain a lot would be worried about this duchy and His Grace."
"Sasha. Maricel." I smiled wearily as I turned around in my seat to face Sasha and the other maid that was assisting me today. "We all know Adelia is still young. Be more understanding. I'm certain once she matures more, she will be mindful of her action."
"My lady, you are so kind." Sasha let out another sigh and Maricel as well.
"I'm not." I chuckled, turning around to look at myself in the mirror. "It's just that everyone that was important to Hugo is also important to me. We are all still learning to blend into this vast world. At one point, we all make mistakes, misjudge people, and make reckless decisions. If we don't try to be more understanding, who would? It wouldn't hurt to be kind, even if the world is an unforgiving place."
I raised my eyes and smiled at the two of them. Although today was the second time Maricel assisted me, she was more outspoken than the other servants. She was also close to Sasha, so she didn't hesitate to warn me about Adelia. They didn't talk anymore when Adelia returned. But I noticed that Adelia's mood seemed to have worsened after fetching the jewelry box.
'Let's pretend I didn't notice.' I told myself, watching Adelia approach the table to put down the jewelry box. But instead of putting it down, she raised her head. Her eyes were sharper and glinting. Veins from beneath the back of her hand protruded in fury, her grip causing cracks on the surface of the jewelry box.
"Why do I have to do all these things?" Adelia inquired out of nowhere, causing my brows to elevate. "If you want to put jewelry, why don't you get it yourself? Why do I have to put up with your facade and indulge in your whims?"
"Lady Adelia!" this time, Sasha also raised her voice until it shook. "Who do you think you're talking to? How can you spew such remarks to Her Grace?!"
"Her Grace? You aren't married to Alpha Hugo, and yet you are already acting as if you're his wife just because you spend the night together. Don't you have shame?" Adelia scorned, as she didn't even bother hiding the contempt in her eyes. "You want this jewelry so bad? Here, take it."
My eyes dilated when Adelia raised the jewelry box, throwing it in my direction.
PANG!