Chapter 44
Chapter 4. Duchess Richmond Awakens
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Around that time, Flora was passing near the flower garden with the glass conservatory, accompanied by two of the Marchioness's maids. The servants at the garden's entrance stopped what they were doing and bowed respectfully to her. Then, they waited for Flora to pass by, remaining in that position.
It was an extravagant reception she could never have imagined when she was just a young lady.
In addition to receiving Richmond's Treasure from the Marchioness, the rumors about the Duke's lover had spread, and it was now generally accepted among the servants that Flora Lewin would become the next Duchess. The fact that the Marchioness had assigned two maids to her also played a part.
Flora felt as if the world had turned upside down. In fact, it was as good as the world turning upside down.
This morning, she was, for the first time, tired of her lovely dresses. So, she chose the most authoritative-looking red dress she owned. She also styled her hair like the Marchioness and wore a large gemstone ring on her finger.
The woman in the mirror looked beautiful and authoritative.
Flora Richmond. She looked exactly like the name.
Flora was passing by the bowing servants with her shoulders straightened when she heard cheerful laughter as she passed a large garden tree. Following the sound, she saw young ladies and gentlemen, each dressed to the nines, gathered and talking.
A faint sneer appeared and disappeared on Flora's lips.
Once, she too had laughed and competed in that group. Back then, she thought the competition within that group was the whole world. This is why experience is important, and the world is visible as much as one knows.
That group was a kind of byproduct. A byproduct that could not enter the Blue Eagle Hall where the Grand Council was held, in other words, could not even get close to power.
Flora clicked her tongue softly and turned her gaze toward the direction she was headed.
"Flora!"
The moment she heard the clear voice, Flora's expression turned cold in an instant. She felt like a burst of laughter would escape, but she pressed her lips tightly, thinking of the eyes watching. Then, as if nothing had happened, she smiled and turned to face the person running toward her.
Flora quickly scanned the woman's attire.
Wearing a chiffon dress to look as lovely as possible, and wearing the family's treasure earrings to look as wealthy as possible... The problem was that the treasure was a centuries-old piece, so it was only tacky and did not seem to have much value.
"Flora!"
No matter how she looked at it, she was not fit to be the Duke's friend.
"I was just about to look for you! Since you can't go to the hall anyway. Are you busy? Everyone's gathered..."
"Young Lady."
The woman, who was excitedly rattling on, trailed off at the formal title that came from Flora's mouth.
Flora smiled and took a step closer to her, then whispered softly in her ear.
"I don't have time to chat with you right now, Young Lady."
