The Monstrous Grand Duke’s Fake Lady

When Amanda and Vivian had finally entered, a party—that couldn’t really be called a party—was already being held there. Unlike the nobles who enjoyed dancing gracefully, they were having loud conversations while playing with their own sloppy beats. Nevertheless, it was just a party that had been organized for them to enjoy as they pleased.

Delicious foods were lavishly prepared as well. It seemed like the people who had been in charge of the kitchen were trying to show off their own skills. The table was filled with mouth-watering kinds of food that it was just unbelievable to just call them as leftovers.

“I heard that the Young Lady had recently begun dating? The rumor was pretty loud.”

Soon after they had enough food on their plates, they straight away went to a boisterous place—just in time for a new story to begin.

“Don’t even ask about it. Just because of that, the Mistress has become really worried.”

“Why? I heard that she was the one who had fallen at first sight with the Duke? Doesn’t it mean that he is just perfect to be a groom?”

“I guess they just can’t help but to worry after all, since they have been raising their daughter with all of their hearts. Plus, there’s the difference in their ages and not to mention, the fact that this will be the Duke’s remarriage. That’s why they can’t easily accept the Duke’s apparent and passionate courtship.”

“Huh? Is it that bad?”

“It is. I heard that the dowry was not a mere joke at all. If this was about my daughter, I would have sent her away much earlier.”

The others straight away burst into laughter at the maid’s bold words.

“How could we possibly know the thoughts of someone who has a high status like that? Maybe, they are just like that because they don’t need to struggle with money—unlike us over here.”

“Come to think of it, hasn’t your—the Count’s—house become a hot issue nowadays as well?”

Her words had immediately made a swarm of peering gazes towards both Amanda and Vivian. The many pairs of eyes of the others that were aimed at the new ones were definitely filled with greed for rumors.

“With that—monstrous Grand Duke!”

“I heard that they’re getting along unexpectedly well?”

“Haha….. we don’t really know. What would a mere servant—like us—know such a thing.”

“Oh my, is that so? Here I was—getting my hopes up too high. Still, I wonder if the rumor is true.”

When Amanda showed her curiosity towards the word ‘rumor’, the maid instantly let out a furtive smile.

“What do you mean—rumor?”

“The monstrous Grand Duke has finally shown his sincerity for the first time ever.”

“I wonder how it feels like to be loved by a monster.”

“Shhh! What would you do if the Grand Duke’s maids were to hear you?”

“I heard that they don’t really come to a place like this—quite similar to their master?”

Vivian didn’t know how to properly respond to their conversation. In the past, she would have definitely been ecstatic to talk with them. But somehow, she wasn’t able to pull that off right now.

“Amanda, I’m going out for a moment.”

“Uh? Where’re you going? Wait a minute, Vivian!”

Vivian quickly left without even listening to Amanda.

Only after she had finally escaped from that excitement-filled place, did she feel like she could breathe again. The cool air of the night gently caressed over Vivian’s cheek.

Vivian began to walk a little further towards a secluded place as the turbulent noises could still be heard. The shade of pillars appeared to be clearly drawn out by the radiant moonlight.

Vivian began to flutter repeatedly—in and out of there—just like she was dancing. The fact that no one could see her had made her movements become much more daring.

“Who goes there?”

But it lasted only for a brief second. A voice had made Vivian stiffened, which eventually halted her steps as well.

It was a voice that had a familiar ring to her ears. Vivian then turned her body slowly, wearing such an unbelievable expression on her face.

Knox was right there—standing upright.

“I asked, who’s there?”

A sharp tone of voice had pierced through the night air. Vivian, who was hiding under the shade of pillars, tried to conceal herself even further, but to no avail, she was instantly discovered.

“If you don’t disclose your identity right now, I will straight away end your life.”

“…pardon me. I was just passing by.”

Eventually, Vivian had no choice but to reveal herself.