Duke, Please Stop Because it Hurts

“I’m very glad to inform you that my group has become much more stable. I did encounter many things while opening up the salon, but I believe that there was nothing more rewarding than meeting all of you.”

As Molitia recalled the past, especially in regards to Marchioness of Nibeia, a brief pause had overwhelmed her momentarily.

Molitia had once seen her mother wearing a black dress when she was still young. It was at the obituary of Marquis of Nibeia, which was such a big incident that had shaken the empire back then.

The Marquis’ wife had to endure the sorrow for the sake of herself and her child, despite the fact that her husband had just passed early on. It was the hard work of Marchioness of Nibeia, who had raised the family all by herself after it had fallen into ruin once due to the death of Marquis of Nibeia.

Maybe that was the reason why she had always been fond of women with exceptional abilities.

“Please, enjoy yourselves in Nibeia Salon.”

The atmosphere of the salon became casual once again after the Marchioness had finished greeting them. Within that friendly ambience, Marchioness of Nibeia began approaching her.

“Duchess Linerio, how’s your seat?”

“Thanks to the Marchioness’ consideration, it feels like I’ve always been here even though it’s my very first time.”

Molitia smiled as she politely made eye contact with her.

“It seems like the cozy atmosphere of this salon particularly resembles that of the Marchioness herself.”

“It’s definitely an honor for me that you’ve taken a liking to my salon.”

The Marchioness of Nibeia responded with eyes that sparkled brightly. Those sincere eyes of hers, which could make others feel very warm. The Marchioness then patted her hand ever so lightly.

“I’ve already known that you’re quite frail. It’s not shameful at all so, do let me know if you’re not feeling well.”

“Thank you very much for your kind consideration.”

“No problem. I’ve prepared this salon for the longest time, so please, don’t you worry.”

Straight after talking to Molitia, she immediately rose from her seat. That was only because she had to go around each table, as the organizer. She then proceeded to another table, after expressing her regret at the truncated conversation with Molitia.

‘What’s this?’

She initially thought that it would be an opportunity when Marchioness of Nibeia had approached. However, Arjan couldn’t utter a single word even until she left the table.

It was all because of her sister, Molitia, who had monopolized the Marchioness completely. That made it impossible for the Marchioness of Nibeia to even spare her a single glance.

Plus, normally, she wouldn’t even make eye contact with other people. Arjan wondered if it was all because of her sister.

“Sister.”

“Huh?”

Arjan beamed, just like an angel when she met with Molitia’s eyes.

“How are you? I’ve heard from my father that you’re running out of medicine already.”

Molitia’s hand immediately stopped when she had just touched the teacup. Count Clemence was the one who especially loved Arjan. Still, it was just implausible to bring up such a trivial story right now.

“I’ve always been worried about it. I even wanted to go and see if you’re doing alright over there.”

“It was absolutely fine. Rather, it has been milder compared to when I was back in the County.”

“Really? The Duke must have been very nice to you, then. That is such a relief. I do hope that it won’t hurt all the time like before.”

“……Yeah.”

Molitia responded with a wry smile. In fact, she was definitely eager not to be sick as well.

Having said that, her wish had never been fulfilled just yet. Her head was in a daze at the bitterness she was feeling. Molitia was suddenly struck with a dizzy spell as soon as she located a teacup. Still, emptying those teacups did not satisfy her thirst at all. Molitia tried to hold back her dizziness as she reached for the teapot.

“Ouch.”

Of all things that could transpire, Arjan’s hand happened to touch the teapot while she was reaching out for sugar. Arjan immediately cowered in fear.

“Are you all right, Arjan?”

“Are you okay, Lady Clemence?”

“Yes, I’m perfectly fine. This scar of mine is still a little bit sensitive…”

Arjan smiled with all her might as she said that.

“It looks like I’ve worried my sister.”

“Oh, a scar. What happened?”

“Well, that’s… that’s… it was when I was nursing you.”

“Oh, my God.”

Arjan’s words had shattered the gentle atmosphere of the table in an instant. Then, quiet murmurs started hurling towards Molitia.

“The Count’s rumour…”

“I guess everything was true, after all.”