Chapter 1
916words
The cold early spring wind brushed across my cheeks, stirring the tassels of the carriage curtains.
After accompanying the widowed Queen Dowager on a pilgrimage to the holy land for half a year, we were finally returning today.
Outside the grand gate, the King, Queen, and the young nobility of the empire were already lined up waiting.
I was the only noble lady accompanying the royal party; at this moment, countless gazes penetrated through the carriage curtains, falling upon me.
As the carriage steadied, I disembarked first, then turned to assist the widowed Queen Dowager.
She grasped my hand, her grip steady and firm.
"My dear child, you've endured much hardship these past six months."
In front of everyone, the widowed Queen Dowager placed a ruby ring on my finger, her voice not loud, yet clear enough for everyone in the front row to hear.
"Filwin's loyalty and contribution will forever be remembered by the empire."
The King immediately stepped forward, a perfectly measured smile on his face.
"To honor the achievements of Duchess Celeste, I hereby bestow upon you the title of 'Court Countess.' May you continue to serve the royal family."
I curtseyed and accepted this honor.
In the crowd, I didn't see my husband. The only person who came was my lady-in-waiting—Sia.
A sense of foreboding spread from the depths of my heart.
In the carriage back to the duke's mansion, Sia seemed hesitant to speak.
I stroked the warm ruby ring, my voice calm.
"Tell me what happened at the mansion."
Sia's eyes immediately reddened.
"My lady… During the half year of your absence, the Duke brought Lady Selina into the mansion."
Her voice grew increasingly quiet, with a slight tremor.
"The master allowed her… allowed her to take charge of the duke's mansion."
The carriage suddenly stopped in front of the duke's mansion.
I didn't move, just quietly gazed at Sia.
"The mistress of the duke's mansion is me."
Stepping down from the carriage, I pushed on that familiar carved door knocker. The oak door slid open, and the noisy banquet hall came into view.
My husband, Hector, was hosting a banquet for his mistress.
That woman Selina was standing beside Hector, smiling charmingly.
Around her neck, she wore a dazzling necklace.
It was a relic left by my mother, a symbol of the mistress of Celeste's ducal mansion.
She saw me, and far from showing any panic, she instead raised her hand, deliberately caressing that necklace, undisguised provocation in her eyes.
The murmurs of the guests surged like a tide.
Sympathy, mockery, schadenfreude.
I walked through the crowd, straight to Hector.
"You'd better give me an explanation."
The guests' conversations instantly quieted down, countless ears perked up, waiting for a good show.
Hector finally tore his gaze from Selina and fixed it on my face, though filled with impatience.
Hector snorted with derision, as if he had heard some ridiculous joke. "Explanation?"
"While you were away, someone had to manage the Duke's estate, didn't they?"
He spread his hands, his tone light and casual, as if discussing something as trivial as the weather.
"Selina did a great job, it's as simple as that."
My gaze moved past him, pinning that woman like daggers.
"Take that thing off your neck."
Selina's smile froze on her face. She instinctively protected the necklace, a flash of panic crossing her eyes, which quickly transformed into a pitifully wronged expression.
"Sister… why are you being so harsh as soon as you return?"
Her voice trembled, her eyes reddening as she looked toward Hector for help.
"The Duke placed this on me himself. He said… this necklace suits me best."
The last three words, she pronounced light and seductive, like a snake flicking its tongue.
Several suppressed gasps rose in the hall, as noble ladies covered their mouths with fans, their eyes filled with excitement at the prospect of drama.
I smiled. "Is that so?"
The next second—SLAP! A crisp sound of palm striking flesh exploded in the banquet hall.
Clear finger marks quickly appeared on Selina's skin, a glaring red.
The entire venue fell silent.
I slowly withdrew my hand, my fingertips gently rubbing against my palm, as if savoring the sensation of that moment.
"This slap is to teach you to keep your mouth shut."
"Ah—!" Selina let out a piercing scream, genuine fear finally appearing in her eyes.
I stepped forward again, grabbed her well-maintained golden hair, forcing her to tilt her head back.
I sneered at her miserable state, then deliberately reached for the necklace around her neck.
Click That glittering necklace lay in the palm of my hand, cold and heavy.
The ballroom that was boisterous just moments ago was now as silent as death.
Hector's face turned purple with rage as he finally erupted.
"Filwin!"
He lunged forward in a flash, gripping my wrist so tightly that he nearly crushed my bones.
"Have you lost your fucking mind! In front of all these people!" I remained motionless, allowing him to restrain me, only slowly lifting my eyelids.
The next second—Crack.
He abruptly released his grip, his expression changing dramatically.
My wrist bone remained intact, but a deep, long gash appeared on his palm, blood dripping through his fingers.
"Get away." I stared into his furious eyes, each word like an ice pick piercing the ears of everyone present.
The entire room was dead silent, even breathing could be heard clearly.
