Chapter 5
1137words
That butler—promoted by Hector and blindly loyal to Selina—has been dispatched to our most remote estate.
Selina has been confined, with the house arrest order enforced by my most trusted guard. Not even a fly could get past him.
Everything seems to have returned to how it once was.
Hector has reverted to being that silent husband, and Selina has temporarily vanished from my life.
The calm is deceptive—like the eerie silence before a storm.
Three days later, the Celeste manor was adorned with festive decorations. Arthur's twelfth birthday celebration proceeded as planned.
In the morning, just as I finished breakfast, the first gift arrived.
From the Queen Dowager herself.
A figurine carved from white jade.
Butler Raven held it with trembling hands, even his breathing grew shallow.
I reached out, my fingertips gently tracing the smooth back of the jade beast.
The creature—a mythical beast of good fortune from ancient lore.
With this gift, the Queen Dowager was announcing to the world her favor toward my Arthur.
"Keep it safe," I instructed calmly, already understanding the implications.
Soon after, gifts from noble families poured in like a tide.
Golden saddles, jeweled swords, exotic silks.
Each item was priceless, representing the allegiance of the family behind it.
"It seems our Arthur is quite popular," I remarked to the butler, with just the right touch of satisfaction in my voice.
The guests were about to arrive.
Yet it was then that Hector burst in.
He had changed into splendid formal attire, looking quite presentable, but the anxiety in his eyes burned like wildfire consuming his insides.
"My lady," he approached me, his tone stiff, "Selina also wishes to celebrate Arthur's birthday. Today is a joyous occasion—perhaps we could allow her to join us."
I blinked in feigned surprise.
"Is Lady Selina under self-imposed confinement?"
"I certainly never issued such an order."
Hector froze completely. He had likely prepared a thousand arguments, but never expected me to respond this way.
He thought I would make a scene, put on airs.
But I didn't.
I even offered a gentle smile.
"In that case, please send someone to invite Lady Selina to attend."
"Today is Arthur's birthday. For a family, what matters most is being happy together."
The bewilderment hadn't yet left his face when the maid departed with her instructions.
Hector's face finally managed to produce a hint of a smile.
He thought this was my concession.
The banquet began, glasses clinked, and nobles raised their cups to my Arthur.
"Lady Celeste truly excels at raising her son."
"Young Master Arthur is so exceptional; he will surely become the pillar of the family." These words went in one ear and out the other. They weren't praising my son, but the jade figurine sent by the Queen Dowager.
Just then, Selina arrived fashionably late.
She wore a plain white gown, her hair simply pinned up, her face bare of makeup.
This damsel-in-distress appearance precisely targeted men's heartstrings.
The gentlemen present followed her with subtle glances.
Selina walked to the center of the hall, like a startled fawn, nervously curtseying to me. This pitiful act triggered whispers among many guests.
The noblewomen exchanged knowing glances.
Hector quickly walked to Selina's side, his hand gently stroking her arm in a comforting gesture.
An elderly duchess spoke with a cheerful smile.
"The Duchess is truly virtuous, so tolerant and magnanimous. No wonder the Celeste family prospers so." These words were both praise and barb.
I laughed coldly inside while my expression grew even warmer.
"You flatter me."
Halfway through the banquet, the butler hurried over and whispered something in my ear.
My hand holding the wine glass paused briefly, then resumed as normal.
I stood up and surveyed the room.
"Ladies and gentlemen, an honored guest has arrived." The doors slowly opened.
An elderly man in simple clerical robes entered.
The noisy banquet hall instantly fell silent.
Everyone rose to their feet, respectfully bowing their heads.
"Your Eminence!" Even Hector shed his arrogant demeanor, standing ramrod straight with a tense expression.
In this era, above royal power stood divine authority.
The Archbishop's gaze swept across everyone, finally resting on me.
"Duchess, I've heard of your generous contributions to the Church's charitable works. I've come personally to express my gratitude." He approached me, his voice gentle yet carrying undeniable authority.
"To serve God is my honor," I said, personally pouring his tea. "I only regret I cannot do justice to His grace."
"You're too modest." The Archbishop accepted the teacup, his gaze falling on Arthur.
"This must be young Master Arthur?" Arthur immediately stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
"Greetings, Your Eminence." The Archbishop kindly patted Arthur's head.
"Good child, may God bless you."
Having said this, he turned back to me.
"By the way, during my prayers last night, I believe I received a divine revelation." My heart skipped a beat, though my expression remained unchanged.
"Please enlighten me."
"The revelation told me that the Celeste family bloodline should maintain its pure inheritance." The Archbishop's voice wasn't loud, yet it reached everyone's ears clearly.
With one sentence, Arthur's right of succession was stamped with divine approval.
Everyone present was shrewd enough to instantly understand his meaning.
"Thank God for His grace." I immediately stood up, devoutly making the sign of the cross over my chest.
The Archbishop nodded with satisfaction and rose to leave.
Before departing, he paused and spoke to Arthur, or perhaps to me.
"Your firstborn, Arthur, is a pure child. God favors him." After seeing the Archbishop off, the banquet continued.
But the atmosphere had completely changed.
The nobles' gazes toward me now held a measure of reverence.
"Duchess, today has truly been eye-opening," a marquis approached with his wine glass. "Even the Archbishop himself vouches for you—a testament to your virtue."
I responded with a faint smile.
My gaze swept across the corner.
Hector and Selina sat together, like two abandoned statues.
They finally understood what the Archbishop's warning truly meant.
The banquet ended, and all guests were seen off.
I summoned Raven.
"Prepare some fine pastries. Tomorrow, the Duke and I will visit the palace to express our gratitude." Hector, standing not far away, stiffened at these words and looked at me warily.
As if I hadn't noticed his guardedness, I added warmly.
"Selina should join us too."
"The Chief Lady-in-Waiting is your cousin. You two haven't seen each other for a long time—it would be a good opportunity to meet."
On Selina's pale face appeared a hint of surprise, mixed with deep caution.
Her bright eyes looked helplessly toward Hector, seeking his protection.
Hector stared at me intently, as if trying to determine the truth in my words.
After a long moment, he squeezed a single word through gritted teeth.
"Fine."
