Come and Cry at My Funeral - Chapter 19
Invalid marriage
It wasn’t surprising that there were no ladies from noble families willing to serve as Freesia’s lady-in-waiting. This sentiment was shared among the other maids as well. The thought that someone as lowly or even lower than a shepherdess was actually a noblewoman?
‘Since they all dislike serving me, they must have sent the lowest in their ranks.’
Thus, the lowest-ranking maid was Thea. Throughout the three years in the Duke’s domain, many minor issues arose from this relationship. It was evident from her behavior, barging in without permission.
〈Thea, the room is still dirty. It needs to be cleaned again.〉
〈Oh, come on, it’s not noticeable. I clean the other rooms just the same.〉
〈Last time during the tea party, you did the same, leaving dust in the corners, and the guests…〉
〈Then give your instructions directly to the other maids!〉
The other maids, having served Elder Madam Electra for so long, treated Freesia’s orders carelessly, knowing they could afford such arrogance.
Freesia narrowed her eyes.
‘What should I do…?’
It hadn’t been long since the marriage. Should she let it go today?
But the number shining on the back of the button had changed.
339.
Another precious day had disappeared.
And the loss of a day meant living an even more intense life daily.
A life where no time was wasted, where every mistake was corrected immediately.
Freesia looked up at the woman barely managing to keep her composure.
“Thea.”
“Yes, Madam.”
“Go out again, close the door, and wait there.”
“…Pardon?”
Thea’s eyes widened involuntarily.
Freesia hid her trembling with tension and forced a reply.
At that moment, she was grateful for Electra’s harsh beatings.
Thanks to them, over three years, she had scraped away the ‘inherent demeanor’ ingrained in her body.
Included in that was a speech pattern of real nobility – smooth, unconcerned with the convenience of those below her.
“I never gave you permission to come in.”
“…….”
“So, go out again and wait until I call you.”
Thea’s face turned as red as her hair in an instant.
Freesia considered adding ‘I know you’re uncomfortable because of my background,’ but decided against it.
Even that was a waste of time.
Justifying herself wouldn’t change their minds.
Thea gritted her teeth, but she knew it.
She had barged in as if kicking down the door, thinking, ‘What would a shepherdess know about proper etiquette?’
“…Yes, Madam.”
As Thea left in a huff, Freesia reaffirmed her goal.
‘To become a useful wife to Izar before I die.’
To be worth at least as much as a hunting dog, to evoke even a moment’s sorrow from him at her death.
How could she achieve that?
Throughout her tension, she pondered intensely.
‘The best way is surely from receiving the pardon of the imperial family.’
Erasing the old stains that constantly hampered the Duke’s family would be most helpful.
About two decades ago.
The rebels, based on secrets divulged by the previous Duchess of Arcturus, brutally murdered the Crown Prince and his consort, and the Second Imperial Prince.
Thus, the current heir to the throne was Riegel Betelgeuse, the imperial grandson.
Twenty-four-year-old Riegel, unlike the old Emperor, was said to have a mild, scholarly disposition.
If only he’d succeed the throne soon, the Arcturus family would naturally have succeeded in its reconstruction.
‘…If only he could survive this year.’
But Riegel Betelgeuse would die this year.
And the Emperor, having lost his last direct descendant, grows to hate Izar and the Arcturus family even more in reaction.
It was a vicious cycle indeed.
‘I’ll put an end to it.’
But first, Freesia needed to create a circle of people around her who would listen to her. She had to use both the carrot and the stick.
‘Izar is holding back from directing his anger towards me, but still—he doesn’t trust me at all.’
So, Freesia let Thea wait outside a bit longer before letting her in. Thea’s attitude had improved somewhat, but the back of her hand, brushing the hair, revealed tense veins.
Ignoring her discomfort, Freesia asked, “Where did the Duke go today?”
“He went to the temple,” Thea responded.
“Hmm… I see.”
In the capital, there was a temple of Adamant, the god who bestowed magic upon the empire. It was a bustling place, filled with people seeking blessings before embarking on their journeys.
‘I would have seen him off if I hadn’t been so exhausted.’
Freesia set aside her regret and glanced at Thea.
“And who put me to bed yesterday?”
“The head butler called us to do it.”
“…I see.”
Freesia felt a bit awkward. Despite trying not to get her hopes up, her heart refused to listen.
And by now, the entire castle must know that they hadn’t consummated the marriage.
At that moment, Thea took a ribbon out of the jewelry box. It was one of the bridal gifts from the Antares family.
Freesia smiled faintly.
‘Time for the carrot after the stick.’
It was just like dealing with a stubborn sheep. Scold it when it misbehaves, and reward it when it complies.
“Thea.”
“Yes… Madam.”
“You can have that ribbon.”
“Me?”
Thea paused, holding the light pink silk ribbon in mid-air. Such a luxurious item was something a servant would save for years to buy.
“Why… why would you do that?”
“It doesn’t suit me.”
Freesia smiled self-deprecatingly. At twenty, her skin still bore the signs of working in the sun, making such a bright color unsuitable.
‘Duchess Antares must have known that.’
