"Do you all know that the late Duchess was involved in adultery?"
"What? Really?"
"Yes, rumors say she was often spotted with a man."
"Oh my!"
"She was always so dignified and elegant…"
Another whispered, but clearly struggling with her words, "Do you think Miss Celestira isn't His Grace's biological child?"
"Maybe… she doesn't look at all like His Grace nor like the Duchess."
"The only thing similar is the eye color."
"Yes! Yes! Maybe that's just a coincidence."
"Look at Miss Alicia—she is so kind and benevolent, and looks just like His Grace."
"But the poisoning—"
"It was Melly!"
Celestira clenched her fists, blood boiling. How dare they! Not only did they doubt my bloodline, but they also accused my mother of adultery.
Everyone in high society knows that the Duchess never stepped out of the mansion after her marriage—how could they be so shameless?
Wait a second… isn't that voice… Anna?
Snickers echoed through the halls.
It's really her! One of Alicia's personal maids. She must be trying to shift the blame for the poisoning onto Melly to protect her master's reputation.
I really want to storm out there and slap her, but that won't help at all.
Celestira took a deep breath and walked toward the maids, her voice curious yet terrifying:
"My, my… what am I hearing?"
"Y-your Ladyship…" they all bowed nervously.
"So, what were all of you discussing?" Celestira tilted her head and asked.
"N-nothing, Your Ladyship," one maid said, trembling.
"Really nothing? I could hear your snickering from even the farthest part of the hall. I am curious what you were discussing."
Silence. They said nothing, heads bowed and palms sweaty.
"Did I mention this isn't a request, but an order?"
One maid broke down, falling to her knees. "I am so sorry, Your Ladyship! Anna suddenly approached us and claimed that the late Duchess committed adultery and that Your Ladyship isn't His Grace's real daughter!"
The other maids also fell to their knees, agreeing. "Yes, Your Ladyship! It was indeed like that!"
Anna panicked. "H-hey, what are you all doing?"
Celestira gazed at them. Useless… but at least they cornered Anna.
Then her gaze shifted to Anna. Now, what will you do? Will you fall to your knees and beg for forgiveness—from the same person you just slandered—or will you face me head-on?
Anna took a step back, only to find a wall behind her. Choose, Anna. Because no
matter what you choose… I will always win.
To be continued...