A Stranger Wearing the Name of Your Wife - Chapter 11

“I need to tell Fort not to kill Maurice…”
When I ended the conversation that way, Eck shrugged his shoulders.

“I’ve already contacted him. Fort is too hot-headed.”

“That helps a lot, Eck.”

If Fort had been here, he might have cried and said, “That’s mean.” While talking, I gently freed Ingrid’s hand. I shook a tassel from a fan to catch her attention, and while she reached for it, Eck stood up. Ingrid happily brought the new tassel to her mouth.

“Oh dear.”

There was a small gemstone in the decoration—it would be dangerous if she swallowed it. When I stood up, she grabbed a strand of my hair and put it in her mouth. That was fine; I could just wash it. I didn’t use any scented oil today since I knew I might be holding her.

“They say babies put everything in their mouths, and it’s true.”

“Yes. Isn’t Rui planning to get married soon?”

“…He’s resisting.”

“Why?”

I was honestly surprised. Both of my brothers, except Fort, already had fiancées. Rui was engaged to a princess from the neighboring Kingdom of Preuss, and Eck to the daughter of Duke Leifeisen. I remember both matches seemed good.

“You’ll have to ask him for the details.”

He dodged the question and ran away. I’ll ask during a meal.
I carried Ingrid to her crib. She was still holding on to my hair. I called Anna from the next room and handed Ingrid to her. Using a doll to distract her, we gave it to her instead. The doll had no face or decorations so it was safe even if she chewed or sucked on it.

“Ahhbu…”
Drooling all over her mouth, my child bit the doll with joy. Decorations really are dangerous. I gently stroked her silver hair, which looked just like mine, and smiled into her round blue eyes.

“Be a good girl, Ingrid.”

Leaving the nursery, I moved quickly through the palace. The temple, the most powerful force, was now on my side. It happened by chance, but I also gained Duke Stuart. Next, it’s only natural to strengthen my position.

I needed to win over the nobles. Spread rumors, draw out prey, and guide public opinion. My mother was good at this sort of thing. I left the restricted area and headed for the open hall of the palace. There should be some noble sacrifices waiting there.

On the way, I told a maid to bring me a different fan. I opened the heavier one gracefully. The fan, with a different design and tassel color, was one of my favorites. Nobles who understood its meaning wouldn’t dare come near me.

I walked down the wide hallway. The knight guarding the hall entrance bowed and opened the door. I looked around slowly and opened my fan. A few people changed their expressions and looked away when they saw the camellia flower design. We’d had some clashes before.
Like searching for prey, I hid the lower half of my face behind the open fan and narrowed my eyes.

“Duchess Stuart… You have *re*turned, I see.”

A man spoke with an unpleasantly polite tone, clearly mocking me. I lifted the corner of my mouth behind the fan. Got you. A foolish prey—one who has been in contact with the Kingdom of Addison.

“Almgart… was it *Viscount* Almgart?”

I addressed Count Almgart by a lower rank on purpose. His face stiffened in annoyance as he corrected me. I responded with a relaxed smile and a nod.
Oh, it wasn’t a mistake.
Because you’re going to be demoted for your failure, aren’t you?