If You Conquer Me - Chapter 14
The maid nodded and continued in a cold voice.
“Well, after all, Lady Leticia saved the Grand Duke’s life.”
“…That’s…”
“He owes you his life, so it makes sense.”
Her brown eyes, devoid of warmth, glanced at Ophelia.
The rumor Hugo had spread went something like this: The knights had failed to control the gladiator slaves, and the slaves had started a riot. As the nobles and knights were being slain by the gladiators, Ophelia, who had been pretending to be dead, had killed a slave about to attack the Grand Duke.
In turn, Hugo, grateful for Ophelia saving his life, had fallen in love with her at first sight…
“Who would believe that?”
The story was so absurd that Ophelia couldn’t help but ask in disbelief. But… surprisingly, it seemed people were buying it. It seemed the gifts he had sent, the care he had shown her while staying at the mansion, had worked in her favor.
“You must be very happy, Lady Leticia.”
The voice that followed made Ophelia stop in her tracks. She had sensed the sharpness hidden behind those indifferent words. Well, she understood. It must have looked shameless to be enjoying the favors of the invader.
It can’t be helped.
After all, Ophelia had accepted the offer to become his mistress. She gave a wry smile.
At least… it’s a relief that Grand Duke Morgana doesn’t treat the citizens harshly.
Aside from the invasion, Morgana’s army had caused little harm to the people of the kingdom, objectively speaking.
The Grand Duke led his army and reached the border between the kingdom and the Empire within two weeks, then pressed on and conquered the royal capital in just another week.
Considering how small Ascanior was, such speed was no small feat. And because of that speed, the damage inflicted on ordinary people was kept to a minimum.
Also, I’ve never heard of any rumors about his army clashing with the citizens.
Even though Ophelia had been holed up at the Count Cornelli’s mansion, the servants had the freedom to come and go. Moreover, the servants harbored strong resentment toward Morgana and, by extension, Yerhalt.
So, the fact that no rumors had reached her meant that, in reality, nothing of the sort had happened.
He must be managing his forces pretty strictly.
It was probably less out of consideration for the Ascanior citizens and more because it was simply a hassle for him if there were problems in the territories he had conquered.
Ah.
Ophelia blinked for a moment. Lost in thought, she realized that she had already arrived at the parlor. The maid who opened the door bowed politely.
“Well, I hope you enjoy your time.”
Ophelia faintly smiled as she heard the voice tinged with unhidden hostility. It was a look she would need to get used to.
* * *
Rubies, sapphires, diamonds, pearls, opals… The view was overwhelmed by the countless, exquisitely crafted jewels. Ophelia swallowed hard.
Goodness.
She had lived a life so far removed from the grandeur that came with the title of ‘princess,’ and that distance seemed even greater now. Perhaps that’s why, standing among these jewels, Ophelia felt a sense of unease.
“How about this one, Lady Leticia?”
The jeweler held up a magnificent necklace made by weaving sapphires and diamonds together.
“It would go perfectly with Lady Leticia’s blue eyes!”
“It’s… fine.”
Ophelia desperately forced a smile.
“If rumors spread that the Grand Duke has a lavish mistress, it could cause trouble.”
At that, the jeweler’s eyes lit up with excitement as he looked at Ophelia.
“My word, Lady Leticia, you really love the Grand Duke, don’t you?”
“….”
Ophelia suppressed the urge to immediately deny it. At the same time, the jeweler shook his head firmly.
“But there’s no need to worry about that.”
“Pardon?”
“The Grand Duke specifically insisted. He said it doesn’t matter what the cost is, and he wants you to be made the most glamorous woman in all of Ascanior territories.”
