The Black-haired Noblewoman, Who Disguised Herself, Seems To Have Been Doted On While Serving As The Caretaker For The Duke Who Dislikes Women - Episode 57
“Someone like that is working at the Harrington Duke’s residence……”
One of the ladies’ present murmured softly. This prompted a few others to start speaking.
“For what purpose have you come to the residence of such a noble person…?”
“Isn’t it to get closer to the Duke…?”
“No way… What a terrifying child.”
Everyone’s gaze was as if they were looking at a criminal or the filth on the street. But no matter what anyone thought, I didn’t want to be misunderstood by my master.
Amidst the hostility from a large crowd of strangers, I mustered my courage and said in a trembling voice.
“I-I have never stolen anything from the Everly estate or bullied Padma-san… not even once…! And, as for… S-Steve-sama… that was…”
“At this point, stop with the lies already! Michelle!”
Then, Countess Everly raised her voice and interrupted me. Fixing me with a sharp gaze, she continued with a resentful tone.
“You always lie. And yet, you intend to say that we are the ones lying? Huh? Then why are you, of all people, deceiving His Grace the Duke of Harrington about your identity? Pretending to be an orphan from another territory, winning the benevolence of the kind-hearted Duke, and cleverly getting into this mansion, isn’t that right? Isn’t that so, Lady Deena?”
The Marquis Bracey, who was asked for her consent, lifted the corners of her lips slightly and quietly opened her mouth.
“Exactly so. If there were nothing to hide, there would be no need to deceive Lord Lloyd. Are you listening, everyone? That Miss Michelle Flandre, it seems, was wandering alone in the western forest of this duchy. And, coincidentally, at the very moment Lord Lloyd happened to pass by on horseback, she jumped out in front of him without realizing it, causing him to fall and injure himself.”
Well, no way…! To go that far…? Voices like that are rising up from all around.
“And for some reason, she apparently collapsed right at that moment and was brought to this mansion, where she bravely offered to work as a maid here. She said it was to repay her debt of gratitude. Such strange coincidences do happen, don’t they?”
The murmurs in the salon grew louder. Everyone furrowed their brows, covered their mouths with their fans, and began to whisper to those nearby. Exposed to looks as if they were seeing something filthy, my heart felt like it was going to break. Even so, I desperately tried to argue back.
Even if I’m kicked out of here right away, even if I’m handed over to the officials.
Even if everyone despises and hates me.
Because I wanted only my husband to know the truth.
Because I wanted you to understand that not everything was a lie.
I gazed at my husband and wove my words.
“My lord… I did indeed keep it a secret from you that I was raised by parents of noble birth. I was afraid that if I spoke honestly about my background, I would be sent back to the Count Everly’s household… The only way I could think of to avoid revealing that I was in the Count Everly’s household was to disguise my identity. But that…,”
“Well…! What a child you are! You didn’t want to be sent back to the Count Everly’s house, you say!? You speak as if we were treating you horribly, Michelle.”
“That’s right! It’s just too much! Both Father and Mother spoiled you so much despite your bad behavior! And now, at this point, you’re trying to play the victim to gain the Duke of Harrington’s sympathy? You’re as cunning as ever, Michelle!”
Interrupting my words, Countess Everly and Padma accuse me. My chest aches and my words falter, but I open my mouth again.
“I did not pretend to be a commoner to ingratiate myself with you, milord. I did not injure you on purpose, I assure you…! Milord, I… I only wanted to repay you for your kindness. If you would allow me to stay here, I would do everything in my power to be of service to you…”
“Please don’t lend her your ear, Lord Lloyd. I can tell. Those types of girls are skilled at ensnaring men. Crying like that is just one of their usual tricks. Please ignore her.”
The Marquis Bracey’s daughter stared at me and said that in a resolute voice. My chest felt tight. My body trembled uncontrollably.
I couldn’t help but feel miserable.
It was at that moment.
My husband stood up silently and walked towards me.
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