My Dear Husband, Let's Keep It Business-Like! ~Countess Anastasia, Raised in The Downtown, Won't Give Up Her Way~ - Episode 13

Following behind Sebastian, who opened the door for me, I entered the reception room and saw Christina sitting on the sofa across from me.

The expression on their face, with wide-open eyes staring at me, clearly shows a mix of surprise and something akin to hatred.

I must have let my true self slip out in surprise.

Christina, who is usually exceptionally good at maintaining her facade, glared at me resentfully even though Sebastian and Michelle were present.

“It’s been a while, Lady Fairfanville. I was surprised by your sudden visit today. What brings you here?”

Here, I deliberately greet Christina with a smile, exuding confidence.

Startled back to reality, Christina put on her usual charming smile for appearances and said.

“Sorry for the sudden visit, sister. I just had to see you. Don’t call me the Fairfanville Duchess or anything formal like that. Even if you get married, you’ll always be my sister, right?”

I am always impressed by how well she can cover things up, but this must be what a genuine noble lady is like.

“I sent you letters many times, you know? I even invited you to tea parties, but you turned them all down…”

Christina spoke with her shoulders slumped as if you could hear the sound effect “shobon.”

If you only look at this part, it completely creates the image of “a younger sister who adores her older sister and a cold step-sister.”

“I’m sorry, but I’m not used to high society yet, so my husband is worried about me. Since I can’t just meet with specific people, I’m politely declining everyone’s invitations.”

I will put on my own “perfect wife” mode and respond.

By the way, this is a true story, and I have politely declined all the tea party invitations I received by writing a courteous letter of refusal.

……Michelle.

At first glance, it may seem like a pleasant conversation, but it’s not an exaggeration to say that a gripping battle is unfolding at this table right now.

It’s a mutual probing of each other’s intentions.

“Oh my! Lord Eugene is taking such good care of your sister. That’s wonderful. You see, Lord Eugene had to make some sacrifices for the sake of the ducal family, right? I was worried about his feelings.”

Yeah, yeah,

“Your husband must have been quite displeased to have me as his wife, right? Are you okay? (smirking)”

I understand, that’s how it is.

Well, to be honest, he looked pretty dissatisfied! Especially on the first night!!

“My husband has been very kind to me.”

“But, you know, you’re newlyweds, and yet you go out every day? I’m worried…”

“Hehe, my husband is a very busy man. But even though he’s so busy, he always has dinner with me, right? That’s enough for me.”

Yeah, I didn’t lie.

Christina’s mouth is twitching a bit. If I shake her a little more, the cat she has on her head might run away.

“See, your complexion has improved, hasn’t it? Before you got married, there were so many worries and the busyness of wedding preparations… But now, everyone in the count’s family is treating me so well, and I’m really happy every day, you know?”

Christina’s face twitched. This girl really hates my happy stories.

“It’s a bit embarrassing to say, but I’ve gained a little weight (I lost so much weight during the two years I spent at the duke’s house!). The reason I’m so happy now is thanks to Christina, who brought me and my husband together. Thank you.”

Saying that with a big smile, Christina slammed her hand on the desk and stood up.

“……Sister, actually, I came today because I wanted to discuss something about the house.”

“Could you please clear the area?”

Damn it. Did I go too far?

I never thought I would be asked to clear the room face-to-face.

“Well, what kind of consultation do you need from someone like me? Since only trustworthy people are here, if it’s something you can talk about with me, I don’t think there’s any problem with it being overheard, right?”

Indirectly, I urge Christina to talk to me here if there’s anything she can share.

“It’s a very personal matter… Moreover, it involves the internal affairs of the ducal family, so I can’t discuss it in public… just a bit…”

“Well, but I’m already a member of the count’s family. I can’t just listen to stories that delve into the affairs of the duke’s family.”

“That’s… even though you’re my sister… that’s terrible.”

Christina, with tears welling up in her eyes. Whenever she does this, I always end up being the bad guy without question.

It seems like Sebastian and Michelle are also at a loss about what to do, so there’s no helping it.

“……Understood. Sebastian, Michelle, please step back for a moment.”

“Understood.”

And so, the two quickly bowed their heads and left the reception room. As they were leaving, Sebastian looked back at me with a worried expression, but… I couldn’t involve the count’s servants in the duke’s family’s troubles.

Well, finally, it’s just the two of us, Christina. I wonder if this is okay?