# 76 - 76
He knew from the moment they met that the young woman was Tulia Fraser.
As the saying goes, high-ranking members of the imperial family had to memorize the genealogies of all the prominent nobles.
Even as the Emperor curses Ferdinand and calls him a monster, he will never be satisfied unless he is brutally perfect.
Therefore, he was fully aware that the simple-dressed young woman belonged to an exceptional lineage.
However, for someone of his stature, the handkerchief she gave him was a threadbare piece of cloth that even a commoner could use.
Ferdinand glanced at the neatly folded napkin on his desk.
These days the story has changed again, as rumors have spread among the upper class that the youngest daughter of that royal family has monopolized the favor of the Grand Duke Asses Fraser.
“I somehow thought this would be the case.”
With her good looks that perfectly suited her name, and her unexpected interest that was puzzling enough to confuse people.
"Hmm? Your Highness? What did you say?"
“I didn't say anything.”
“Don’t I have ears?”
“I was talking to myself, sir.”
Ferdinand easily buried such trivial feelings.
Schulz-Schmidt was somewhat similar to Ferdinand in nature. He didn't ask more than that.
“However, whatever the case may be, suddenly being asked to write a marriage proposal like this is a bit strange...”
Schultz-Schmidt's ability to read people was exceptionally superior to others, and matched his intelligence and insight.
Although Empress Karme was wary in front of Schulz-Schmidt, he had already realized the Empress's true nature.
“What won't I do to protect my position?”
“She speaks words full of desire in a sacred atmosphere.”
“My mother told me not to go to heaven if I would lose this position. And I also do not intend to lose it even if I die.”
Ferdinand, smiling wryly, went to his office to write a formal marriage proposal to Lady Sophia Fraser.
Shortly thereafter, a large number of servants arrived, sent by the Empress to help write the marriage proposal.
Even in the midst of this, the handkerchief would occasionally catch his eye.
The young woman's eyes were light green, like blossoming buds.
Moreover, she was said to have had the Grand Duke's full favor.
Besides, there were various other rumors about her being a troublemaker and the like, but originally the rumors couldn't even open their mouths to practical honor and wealth – that was the natural order of this vast high society.
Naturally, as soon as she makes her first appearance, the features of high society will change. Who will this young woman propose to?
One thing was certain – he hoped she wouldn't end up under Empress Karme's rule.
It was a passing breeze that passed briefly like a gentle wind.
* * *
Aubrey paced around the room anxiously.
“So when will Sofia arrive? Why is there no news about that baby!”
The old maid answered her sharp question hurriedly.
“The young woman sent a message saying that she was delayed due to business at the academy, but would arrive in time for Christmas.”
added the maid hastily, fearing she might upset Opray's mood.
“The young lady will come soon, ma'am.”
“Sofia needs to come as quickly as possible. As quickly as possible.”
O'Pray's appearance was not at all befitting a gentlewoman.
Her skin was as pale as a corpse, and her hair, which was always elegantly styled with all sorts of jeweled accessories, was disheveled.
But now she no longer has the time or desire to slowly check her appearance in the mirror.
“I will leave Tedric Fraser's punishment entirely to you, Tullia.”
Those lightning bolt-like words from Assis, Grand Duke Fraser.
Tulia's face showed signs of extreme astonishment when she heard those words.
But she knew.
What confidence that fox-like girl had when she accepted it so easily!
She could clearly see in the future how cruel she was to torture Tedrick!
“That cunning and evil girl said that she would announce Tedrick’s punishment on the morning of Father’s Birthday.”
As soon as she obtained the inner power from the Aces of Grand Duke Fraser, that creature, Tulia Fraser, began to use her sword as if she had been waiting for it.
“Since punishing one of Fraser’s direct descendants is a matter of great importance, I will decide and inform you that morning when all family members and relatives gather.”
The little girl was not afraid at all, and immediately set the time and date as she looked at it with a smile.
It was a very evil smile.
That's how it seemed, at least to Opry's eyes.
Viscount Lilius and Aubrey could not sleep properly, as they were impatiently awaiting the Grand Duke's birthday.
“What an evil girl! She will definitely slaughter Tedric with something unbelievable.”
Viscount Lilius was somewhat better off, but Aubray had been having nightmares lately and waking up screaming.
Since she wasn't able to eat properly, she couldn't be in a good mood. Beating servants became a daily occurrence.
The older maids, observing Opray's mood, hurriedly smiled and said.
“Madam, think about it. You always said that Miss Tulia doesn’t know her limits and acts rudely.”
“Yes, I did that...”
"Where will her true nature go? Miss Tulia only got lucky for a moment. In the end, as always, won't she commit heinous acts that cross the limits?"
“That is correct, Madam. Will His Highness the Grand Duke continue to overlook this?”
“Yes, you're right.”
Aubrey nodded slowly.
“No matter what, Tedric is my father’s descendant. My father won’t be that cruel. He has quite a few elders with whom he has built relationships... Everything will be fine.”
To reassure herself, O'Pray took several deep breaths.
"Of course, ma'am! Everything will go according to your wishes again."
In keeping with Opray's agitated state, the older maids opened their mouths actively.
They did not forget to bring her favorite light sweets and aromatic tea.
“What a wicked girl, she will definitely impose such a harsh punishment that he will be rejected instead.”
"Ma'am, here you go. Try these. They're scones with lots of fruit pieces."
Just then, as if her heart had softened a little, Opry smiled bitterly and said.
“Yes. No matter how smart that girl pretends to be, I know very well from observing her for more than ten years that she is ultimately stupid...”
* * *
Christmas party day.
“Am I the ultimate genius?”
No one laughed at my words.
Of course.
Behind me were none other than Adil, the personal physician, and the butler's assistant.
I looked carefully around the grand banquet hall from a high place.
Evergreen trees symbolizing longevity, stone foliage representing glory, and even huge embroidered textiles wishing health.
Since a dance party would also be held here, I deliberately did not choose the grand banquet hall with marble floors.
Instead, the oak-floored grand banquet hall opened, and the floor that the servants had polished and waxed was so elegant and exquisite that it looked like black velvet.
The place was decorated with fresh flowers abundantly but not blatantly.
All the glass on the walls has been cleaned to perfection without a speck of dust, so when it is lit, it will emit beautiful light from multiple angles.
The five-step platform that Grandpa was climbing was only decorated with small-sized items, but instead the entire platform was covered with a blue Arabella carpet embroidered with silver threads, creating a luxurious atmosphere.
Considering my grandfather's tastes, the banquet hall, which was equipped with the utmost luxury and cleanliness, was excellent even in my eyes.
Anyone would give it a passing grade in terms of build quality.
“Miss, your meticulous attention to detail is truly remarkable. You made the grand banquet hall look so magnificent at first sight.”
Adel looked a little surprised.
I can understand why.
“Even ladies who have recently married and become noble ladies find it difficult to prepare for parties.”
I did it all in 2000, I did it all.
Decorating a banquet hall this large to perfectly suit its purpose took great skill.
Of course, if it was the usual Tullia?
She would have drowned naturally.
She would have chosen curtain colors that were either too bright or too dark, which would have completely spoiled the atmosphere.
There was one reason why I was able to display such skillful ability from the beginning.
Skill statistics.
It's really useful in all kinds of ways.
Thanks to this, I was able to prepare the entire Christmas feast without any help from adults.
“Perfect timing, I can see them there.”
Thanks to the good timing, she spotted Aubrey and the senior maids who had come to inspect the grand banquet hall first.
Aubrey looked around the grand banquet hall with an expression of disbelief.
I could see her grinding her teeth from here.
“She must have been expecting me to decorate it so badly.”
Maybe she thought I would sneak by asking for help.
But what helps me is my skill level, you know?
Whoosh!
O'Pray turned around with a face of frustration.
I saw the older maids hurriedly following her.
Only then did I smile, feeling a happier mood.
“The credit goes to Adel who helped me well. Thank you.”
“Never, miss.”
Adel smiled shyly and warmly.
then.
“I worked hard to help too. Honestly, I worked 24 hours a day. Miss.”
The butler next to me - Granny - interjected in a robot-like voice.
“Ah, right. Thank you, Assistant Butler.”
Then the personal doctor also cleared his throat lightly.
“Uhm. I was the one who pushed Miss’s wheelchair for 20 hours straight.”
"…Thank you very much."
No, just tell me to bend over. Why?
But both of them were wearing obvious proud expressions, which made it confusing.
Well, that's not the big deal now.
"fair?"
“Yes, Miss Tulia.”
“Can you send people to inform the Fraser direct line members to gather in the family meeting room?”
“Understood, miss. What time should I set?”
She smiled confidently.
“Ten minutes from now.”
Adel looked at her watch and asked.
“What if the Grand Duke or Viscountess say they won’t come?”
That was a realistic concern.
but.
“Tell them it's a meeting to discuss Tedric's punishment. One party won't be able to resist attending out of curiosity, and the other will come wanting to grab me by the throat.”
The butler's assistant and the personal doctor exchanged glances.
“No one can afford not to come, right?”
Adel smiled slightly.
“Yes, miss, I will do as you command.”
After saying that I would leave it to her, I opened my mouth, my eyes brimming with fighting spirit.
“Okay, personal doctor.”
“Yes, miss.”
“Straight forward!”
"Yes!"
Since I have been entrusted with the authority to manage internal affairs.
Should I use this power correctly?
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