Chapter 21
“How dare a mere servant…”
Even Cecilia, who held the highest status among them, had never spoken rudely to her—yet Lady Monte, a body servant and nothing more, dared to pressure her. Illina found it intolerable.
Cecilia Rain is utterly beholden to her wet nurse and that woman’s daughter, so don’t cross them.
If it weren’t for her father’s warning, Illina would’ve snapped at Lady Monte on the spot. But Count Nova’s advice had curbed her impulse. Illina took a slow breath and headed toward her room.
“Not yet.”
Now wasn’t the time. After all, Cecilia was still Eden’s one and only wife, the mistress of this townhouse, and the recipient of his attention.
Yes—attention.
Not love, just… attention. That’s what Illina had concluded after closely watching Eden and Cecilia. No matter how much Cecilia pretended in front of her, it was easy to see the truth with a bit of scrutiny.
Perhaps Cecilia truly believed she was loved.
“She’s desperate for his attention… practically aching for it.”
From what Illina had observed, Eden didn’t love Cecilia. It was always Cecilia trying to get close to him, to seek his affection. Eden rarely reached out to her first, and he seldom, if ever, slept beside her.
That’s why Cecilia must have gone so far as to invite the Marquis and Marchioness—trying to create an opportunity for a ‘date.’
“She’s pathetic, just like her father.”
How pitiful and laughable she was—boasting of a love that didn’t exist, clinging to the illusion she was cherished. Illina sneered.
Am I supposed to spend my whole life flattering Cecilia Rain?
That’s not what I meant, my dear. Everything Cecilia Rain has will one day be yours.
…
Because everything Curtis Rain owns will be mine.
When Illina had balked at the idea of becoming Cecilia’s maid and pandering to her whims, Count Nova had said those words. In truth, Illina had heard the same thing from her father all her life.
And if her father’s words were to be believed…
Even Eden—that beautiful man—would eventually become hers. Since he was so kind and compliant even to Cecilia, whom he didn’t love, he’d surely treat Illina just as tenderly.
Illina…
He’d pour his immense wealth on her without hesitation, and as his wife, she would enjoy all the riches and power in the world. A handsome husband with wealth and influence. Just imagining it made her lower stomach tremble with excitement.
Illina smiled dreamily, as if enchanted by a masterpiece, lost in the ecstasy of her fantasy.
“Where’s Abby?”
“She went out to meet Mr. Charles but hasn’t returned yet.”
Lady Monte approached with a dry towel in hand, gently patting Cecilia’s damp hair to absorb the moisture. Then she ran a thick comb through it with care.
“What about Illina?”
“She’s been in the house all day.”
Lady Monte replied in her usual indifferent tone.
“I wish she’d go out for a change.”
Monte muttered with a hint of irritation. It was obvious she was annoyed by Illina constantly lingering within her sight. Cecilia couldn’t help but let out a soft, fluffy laugh.
“There, all done.”
“Thank you, Lady Monte.”
Despite her grumbling, Lady Monte had neatly finished Cecilia’s hair.
“If His Grace isn’t coming back, I’ll make sure no other servants disturb you. Please rest well.”
Lady Monte gave her a warm smile and turned to leave. After closing the door, she hurried down the stairs, thinking Evie should be arriving soon.
But what she saw was not Abby—but Illina’s maid. Sticking close to one of Eden’s attendants, she handed him something.
“Follow me.”
Illina’s maid whispered, glancing around cautiously. Lady Monte instinctively concealed herself behind the wall. Fortunately, they didn’t notice her and turned to walk away. Keeping her distance, Lady Monte quietly trailed them.
Eventually, the servant and Illina’s maid stopped near Illina’s chamber, in a quiet, secluded area.
“What are they up to…?”
Lady Monte frowned and muttered under her breath. To her, Cecilia seemed strangely indifferent when it came to Illina, which only made Lady Monte more vigilant.
She pressed her ear against the door, listening intently—not out of fear of being caught, but out of sheer curiosity about what scheme they might be plotting. However, she couldn’t hear anything through the door.
No, it’s fine! I’ll deliver it myself!
She suddenly recalled Illina’s maid adamantly refusing Abby’s offer to post a letter at the mail station. On the way to Duke Rain’s townhouse, the post office was along the route, so Evie had simply been trying to be helpful—yet the maid had jumped in panic.
“Suspicious…”
And since she had already resolved to keep an eye on Illina, she might as well start with her correspondence.
Lady Monte’s half-lidded eyes snapped open with sharp focus. Before she could be discovered eavesdropping, she swiftly stepped away from Illina’s chamber door.
From the next day, Illina’s attire began to change.
She hadn’t exactly dressed modestly before, but now the difference was laughable. Even indoors, Illina wore formal outdoor dresses.
“Her Grace the Grand Duchess is keeping a sharp eye on things—what is she thinking?”
“Who knows?”
Especially when she kept running to Eden, dressed like that, it was impossible not to wonder.
“Is His Grace inside?”
Of course, Illina always had a plausible reason for visiting Eden. She wasn’t just decorative; she knew how to use her head.
“What brings you here?”
“I’ve come to ask something regarding the banquet.”
Illina knew exactly how it would look—openly attempting to seduce the husband of the woman she served. That’s why she put on the act of a loyal maid carrying out her lady’s orders.
“Please wait here a moment.”
With a gentle smile, Illina waited outside the study door. Soon, Eden’s attendant appeared—a familiar face to her.
“His Grace will see you.”
So the bribe had worked. Feeling pleased, Illina stepped over the threshold.
“Thank you for granting me an audience, Your Grace.”
Illina curtsied respectfully. Eden, who had been reviewing documents, briefly turned his gaze to her.
“All right.”
But his attention quickly returned to the papers. That fleeting glance left a strange ache, a yearning for more. Eden’s flaw, if any, was his indifference toward all women in the townhouse. Still, Illina thought, it wasn’t much different from how he treated Cecilia—so that was something.
“Did Cecilia send you?”
Just as Illina hesitated, unsure how to proceed, Eden broke the silence with a question.
“No, Her Grace didn’t send me…”
Illina answered carefully, watching his expression.
His Grace doesn’t say much—whether he likes or dislikes something,
Eden’s attendant had once told her. His face was always calm, unreadable.
“She’s relying on me, and I don’t want to disappoint her. So despite the embarrassment, I came to ask for your help.”
Feigning hesitation, Illina placed a paper on the table. Of course, it was all an act. She wasn’t nervous in the least.
“You said there was no rush, but I thought it best to prepare in advance.”
Illina had already memorized the major and branch houses close to the Grand Duke. She’d drafted a list of appropriate families and estimated attendee numbers, including a rough budget.
What kind of woman does His Grace favor?
She already knew. She’d paid Eden’s attendant well for that answer.
He likes intelligent women.
The attendant had chuckled, almost bitterly.
And surprisingly… he favors voluptuous women too.
That part didn’t need emphasis—Illina was confident enough. Compared to the delicate, wind-blown fragility of Cecilia, who didn’t even know how to prioritize tasks, Illina believed she was far closer to Eden’s ideal.
“You’ve learned accounting?”
Eden, who had seemed to idly glance over the paper, suddenly looked up and asked. Illina widened her eyes, feigning surprise.
“How did you know?”
“You didn’t calculate the figures one by one. That was clear.”
His gaze returned to the document, now laced with faint curiosity.
“My father taught me. In the future, I… will be a duchess—”
Illina, caught up in excitement, abruptly shut her mouth. Eden, resting his chin on one hand, glanced at her.
“It’s the duty of the entire Nova family to serve House Rain.”
Illina smoothly covered her mistake. Eden’s face showed no sign of suspicion.
“True. I’ve heard Count Nova recently recommended a candidate for duchess as well.”
At his words, Illina nodded. The rumors were too widespread to deny.
“Well, now that Cecilia and I are married, the Duke must consider his heir.”
“…”
“Cecilia is upset that someone’s already being suggested to replace her as lady of the house, but from the family’s perspective, that’s childish.”
Eden’s tone was cold, as if merely stating facts. Illina hesitated before replying.
“Cecilia… is a bit different from Miss Nova.”
“…”
“Wouldn’t you agree?”
But in the next moment, the beautiful man before her smiled faintly, as if joking—and Illina found no time for doubt.
