Chapter 9
Chapter 9
2. Suspicion Is Bound to Arise
“I didn’t think we’d ever come back!”
Lydia said. She was originally from the capital. Kashika was too. The difference was that Kashika had at least grown up in the part of the city where noble estates were clustered, while Lydia had grown up in the slums.
“Wow, it looks even more dazzling than I remembered.”
“This is the district where the noble families’ estates are.”
Kashika spoke as she looked out the carriage window. She used to want to live in a place like this. There was even a time she believed she could. But Kashika had always been practical, and she quickly came to terms with the reality of her situation.
And now, more than ten years later, she had finally come here.
As someone’s lover. His mistress.
She couldn’t tell who really benefited more from this arrangement. On the surface, it looked like a gain for Kashika, but in truth, Noah had gotten exactly what he wanted. In some ways, it didn’t make sense. A man like Noah could easily have his pick of noblewomen from any family he wanted. Having a mistress without being married would only become a weakness for him.
Someone who wouldn’t be judged for having a mistress after marriage—what was he trying to gain by tarnishing his image like this?
* * *
The vestibule was still as splendid as ever. As with most mansions in the capital, even if the rooms were small, nobles preferred the staircase and corridors—spaces where they welcomed guests and socialites—to be grand. At least, that was how the Ramfley mansion had been.
But the Lambroiche estate was extravagant not only in the vestibule, but throughout the entire mansion. Kashika, led into the drawing room, gave a brief glance at the decor, which was quite different from what she remembered, then turned her eyes away.
In the drawing room were the Lady of the house and two maids standing beside her.
“Marchioness of Ramfley.”
“Lady Lambroiche.”
“It’s been nearly ten years, hasn’t it? You haven’t changed a bit. It’s so good to see you.”
At Lady Lambroiche’s words, Kashika offered a smile. But in truth, the lady herself hadn’t changed at all. Her voluminous golden hair, her flushed cheeks carefully done up with makeup. Their pale skin—untouched by sunlight—might be similar, but the vibrance was not. Kashika knew well how plain she must look by comparison.
It wasn’t just a matter of appearance.
Most noble ladies were like that. Especially those from high-ranking, wealthy families. They grew up too delicately to harbor resentment, jealousy, or spite. Those women were different from someone like Kashika, who had grown up in a harsh environment, barely getting by, without the privileges of high nobility.
“The butler will show you where you’ll be staying. Once everything is ready, I’ll let you know, so please have a seat for now.”
At the lady’s words, Kashika sat down. Lydia had already left with the butler to settle into their quarters.
She remembered the Lambroiche estate, but perhaps time had dulled her memories. The ceilings and furniture were far more luxurious than she had expected. The walls were overlaid with embroidered silk patterns. Compared to the Ramfley mansion, where peeling wallpaper and broken light fixtures left everything dim, this was beyond comparison.
“Have you been well?”
“Yes, have you?”
“Oh, I’ve been fine.”
“I know this is a late thing to say, but my uncle, Count Elpertz, was indebted to your family.”
“Not at all. We were the ones left feeling apologetic about how things ended.”
At the lady’s reply, Kashika gave a polite smile. If the Elpertz family had retained their power, things wouldn’t have come to that—nor would they have ended so completely.
Apologetic. Regretful.
To think those were the only words to say when a family had fallen. But it wasn’t as though the Lambroiches were responsible for it. They had, in fact, provided help—both when she was part of Elpertz and after it had collapsed.
“And about our Noah…”
“It’s a temporary alliance. We’ve decided to draft a contract, and I heard the lawyer is a collateral relative.”
“Ah. Yes, he does carry the Lambroiche name.”
The lady gave a sheepish smile. She seemed to have an inkling of the situation. Naturally—this situation was disadvantageous to Kashika in many ways.
“Kashika, are you really alright with this?”
But there was no other choice.
“To have half the debt forgiven for something like this—I can manage.”
“You’ve never shown your face in high society before.”
It wasn’t that she’d just been absent—she had never appeared at all. Unlike other families, the Elpertz had no older noblewoman to escort her or teach her the ropes. Kashika had never once had a debut.
“Yes, so I imagine people will assume I’m completely ignorant in that area. Please guide me well.”
She was anxious. Her only knowledge of high society came from rumors and newspapers. It wasn’t as though she feared becoming a wallflower or thought her life was ruined if her name didn’t appear in society columns. High society had always been a mystery to her.
What she feared more was entering a world she didn’t understand. If she was going to act like she belonged, she had to study the woman sitting across from her. At the very least, she could imitate the elegance.
“Come to think of it, has your other son gotten married?”
“Cayden? No, not yet. He’s only engaged.”
“Shouldn’t Noah be engaged, too?”
“That’s true… but he has his own thoughts about it.”
“His own thoughts? What, is he some kind of firm bachelor?”
“It’s not that.”
Lady Lambroiche looked troubled. She raised a hand to her face as if embarrassed, and soon began fanning herself as though she couldn’t bear the heat rising in her cheeks. Kashika stared at her, confused, and the lady finally spoke in a small voice.
“…He said he wants to marry someone he loves.”
“Oh my.”
Kashika widened her eyes in surprise. She’d already thought something was off, but now she was certain—of all the nobles she knew, Noah Lambroiche was definitely the strangest. Marry for love?
“My, that must be a great concern. Where could he have picked up such a barbaric—”
“Exactly.”
“Surely he’s not reading those romantic novels, is he? Lately, the ones I’ve seen have nobles defying arranged marriages to wed commoners out of love, can you believe it?”
“There are novels like that?”
“Yes, they’re utterly shameless and defy all logic. Even marriage between nobles in love is surprising enough—let alone with a commoner. But I’ll admit, they’re quite thrilling.”
“Certainly sounds sensational. To marry someone you love… That’s something most wouldn’t dare even dream of.”
“But you can rest easy now. I’ll take it upon myself to arrange a suitable match—”
Kashika suddenly trailed off. She remembered. Wasn’t Noah trying to use her to chase his dream?
“…Or at least, I want to try.”
She’d decide after seeing the contract.
It felt contradictory to say such things when she’d come here to be a contractual mistress, someone who might block any marriage.
“Once he steps into society, Noah might change.”
“If that were going to happen, it already would have. You know as well as I do—Noah’s always been a bit odd. Unlike Cayden, discipline never worked on him.”
Even when she tried, he was always too clever—he’d talk circles around you until you were the one being persuaded. There were times she wanted to throw all dignity aside and discipline him like a servant, but Lady Lambroiche could never bring herself to do such a thing.
“But he’s older now. He’ll play his part.”
“…Please guide him well, my lady.”
“I don’t know how much help I’ll be, but I’ll try. If I find a suitable family, I’ll give you a heads-up. I’ll arrange for them to be alone together.”
When Kashika expressed her sincere desire to help, Lady Lambroiche made a strange face. It was hard to tell if she was relieved or worried. Could it be… does she know who Noah’s in love with?
Just as Kashika was about to ask, there was a knock on the door and the butler entered.
“Lady Ramfley.”
Both women turned their eyes toward the butler.
“Your room is ready.”
