MHYFMAMD Ch 41

The child didn’t raise his head until a long time had passed.

 

“Um… I’ll do it.”

 

His blushing face was filled with determination, unlike before.

 

“I’ll practice hard.”

 

“Young Master.”

 

“So, I’ll do well. I won’t make any mistakes.”

 

“Thank you, Young Master. For making such a big decision.”

 

Tenesia patted the child’s disheveled hair. His black, bean-like head, so soft to the touch, broke into a bright smile.

 

But things didn’t go smoothly.

 

“Where is Margrave Haberfeld?”

 

After meeting Arden, it was the first quiet holiday she had. But that quietness didn’t last long.

 

Countess Olbeira herself came to the castle.

 

Countess Olbeira. She was the eldest daughter of Haberfeld and the sister of Dietrich. And she was also someone who didn’t think highly of Grace.

 

‘She’s also the reason Dietrich became disillusioned with marriage.’

 

Thanks to her, Grace had been banned from entering the castle during her stay at Haberfeld. It had even become a famous anecdote that the Countess had openly glared at Grace during a banquet.

 

“You’ve come, Sister.”

 

“You’ve caused quite a mess while I was out.”

 

Despite Dietrich’s polite greeting, her haughty head remained unmoved.

 

“Where is Arden?”

 

The child, who had been reading a book with her, flinched and shuddered when the question was asked.

 

“Why are you looking for Arden?”

 

“That child hasn’t finished this month’s training. To become the rightful heir, he must follow the prescribed curriculum.”

 

The solemn voice echoed through the hall.

 

“How can an unskilled child be called Haberfeld’s heir?”

 

As the Countess’s voice grew louder, Arden gradually shrank back. He wasn’t hiding, but his face had turned pale. Tenesia, seeing this, stepped forward.

 

“Hello, Countess Olbeira.”

 

“Who…?”

 

“It’s nice to meet you. I am Tenesia from the Blanchette family.”

 

“Ah, that…”

 

She gave a blatant, scrutinizing glance up and down. After a brief assessment, she clicked her tongue.

 

It was obvious she was complaining about Dietrich’s taste. He had chosen families like Akelart and Blanchette, which were below the Countess’s standards.

 

Normally, Tenesia would have ignored her, but now, her priority was taking care of Arden.

 

“Countess Olbeira, if you don’t mind, may I take Arden for a while?”

 

“Why?”

 

“Because he will be attending the wedding as a flower boy. He needs to practice.”

 

“No need. Arden’s heir education is far more important than being some flower boy.”

 

“I agree that heir training is important. But this is a family event. I would appreciate your understanding.”

 

“Family, you say. Until the vow is written, technically, we aren’t family yet.”

 

Her sharp, hostile eyes drew a line. Tenesia was not considered family in her eyes, just like Grace hadn’t been.

 

“As the young lady said, until the ceremony, shouldn’t we be careful with our actions?”

 

Tenesia smiled silently at the warning.

 

“Rather than standing, why don’t we sit and have tea while we talk? I feel bad having you stand for so long after coming all the way here.”

 

Tenesia clapped her hands and gathered the maids to help with the hospitality.

 

“There’s no need. I’ll be taking Arden and leaving immediately.”

 

“It’s our first time meeting, so at least let me have some polite conversation.”

 

She ordered the tea to be made and had the Countess reluctantly led to the sitting room.

 

“By the way, I’ve ordered this tea because it is said to be best in the castle. It would be an honor to enjoy it with you, Countess.”

 

As she led the Countess into the sitting room, Tenesia turned and gazed at the two men who were just blankly watching the whole situation.

 

“Tenesia, you…”

 

“I’ll handle this.”

 

She gave them the same smile she had shown the Countess.

 

“This is also part of a hostess’s role, isn’t it?”

 

She also wanted to have a separate conversation with the Countess Olbeira.

 

“I’ll talk to her. Don’t worry. You should spend some time together with Arden.”

 

Tenesia took each of the men’s hands and made them hold each other. After observing them for a day, she could tell they hadn’t spoken much at all.

 

It made her wonder how they had been getting along until now.

 

‘They look so alike.’

 

Although Arden had the blood of Akelart, he resembled Dietrich much more than Grace. In fact, the different eye colors seemed to bind them even more strongly.

 

Despite being father and son, the two of them were stiff and distant. Tenesia nudged them gently.

 

“Now. Hurry up.”

 

“…Then I’ll leave it to you.”

 

As she watched the two of them head in the opposite direction from the sitting room, Tenesia let out a short breath.

 

She had successfully separated Arden and the Countess as planned.

 

The important part was coming next. Taking a light breath, Tenesia walked toward the sitting room.

 

When she opened the door to the sitting room, she was met with the disapproving face of Countess Olbeira.

 

“You said you’d entertain me, but you leave your guest alone and wander off?”

 

“I apologize. I just had something to discuss with Margrave.”

 

Tenesia purposely sat in a seat facing her. As the teacups were placed on the table, warm steam rose.

 

“How is the tea?”

 

“Terrible.”

 

“When I become the hostess, I’ll make sure to suggest bringing in better tea.”

 

Despite the sarcasm, Tenesia wasn’t fazed and gently handled her teacup.