To become a noble of higher rank, such as a Count or above, one must undergo a succession ceremony approved by the king.
However, lower-ranked nobility like Barons didn’t need such formalities. The title automatically passed to the eldest son, or in the absence of a son, to the daughter, or the nearest relative.
One could refuse the title if they didn’t wish to inherit it.
But no noble would be foolish enough to do so.
“She brought a child with her? Then the Lady isn’t the daughter of the previous Duchess?”
“That’s the tricky part,” said the Duchess, fanning herself.
“For example, if the Lady is the daughter of Baroness Hilton and His Grace, then she could become the new Duchess.”
“Ha. His Grace took another woman besides the late Duchess?”
The Duke sighed, remembering the Lysianthus Duke six years ago.
Considering his extreme devotion to his wife, this was surprising.
Of course, he had been widowed, and since Bonita was his only child, there wouldn’t be a succession dispute. It was just unexpected.
“Then it would be wise to establish a connection with Miss Hilton too.”
“…Actually, I’m not too keen on that.”
“Is there a particular reason?”
Sensing discomfort in her tone, the Duke asked. The Duchess covered her mouth with the fan and murmured.
“Miss Hilton was once a maid to the late Duchess Elodie. It doesn’t sit well with me.”
“Umm…”
The Duke emitted a troubled groan.
His wife had been close to the late Duchess, Elodie Lysianthus.
Even if rationally there was no issue, the idea of a woman who had been a friend’s maid taking her place was unsettling.
“Don’t worry. I won’t openly antagonize her.”
“I wasn’t concerned about your demeanor,” the Duke quickly clarified.
He trusted his wife as a political partner, even though their marriage was one of political alliance.
“Anyway, we still don’t know His Grace’s intentions, right? If it’s uncomfortable for you, Duchess, just maintain a superficial acquaintance with Baron Hilton.”
“…Yes, that’s what we should do.”
The Duchess folded the letter, her gaze drifting towards the garden outside the balcony.
“Anyway, since the Lady is visiting our Duke’s residence, we must prepare wholeheartedly.”
The Duchess stood up, unable to imagine what the young Lady looked like.
“I’ll go!”
“Pardon?”
Hearing about Bonita’s participation in the social event, Catherine declared assertively.
“Luke, with your dark and towering presence, you’ll only frighten the children. They’ll cry for sure. It’s a hundred times better if I go. Hmm.”
“Dark and towering?”
Luke grumbled.
But he couldn’t really deny it.
…Because being dark and towering was a fact.
However, he wasn’t without a comeback.
“As far as scaring children goes, Mother, you’re not far behind. Our Bonita is just too kind, but who can endure Mother’s temper?”
“Kuh.”
Catherine couldn’t retort to Luke’s calm words.
Not just children, but even grown ladies and noblewomen would subtly avoid Catherine upon seeing her.
Amidst their standoff, Aria intervened with a bright smile.
“Then it’s best if I go!”
“You also look fierce…!”
Catherine, about to argue, seemed at a loss for words upon seeing Aria’s beaming face.
It was inevitable.
Although Aria’s appearance was certainly flashy and delicate, her aura transformed when she smiled.
And children tend to like beautiful people.
While she might be frightening when angry, her smiling face was just the kind of beauty that children would adore.
Bonita, clinging close to her, seemed to prove that point.
Then, Bonita timidly spoke up.
“I, I’d be happy to go anywhere with Aria!”
Ultimately, Catherine conceded.
The Male lead Always Seduces Her with His Beauty (Matriarchy)
Xin Jiao Zhou is the leader of the world’s premier sect. She has just experienced betrayal from all sides, was poisoned in an assassination attempt, and faced death squad attacks while the poison was taking effect. After finally clearing out the scum from her sect, she was drugged again while trying to detoxify.
After waking up from a night of unconsciousness, she gained a “beautiful and kind-hearted” husband.
Xin Jiao Zhou: “???”
He fell ill.
She came to see him, bringing breakfast.
As she put down the breakfast and was about to leave, his hand slipped while holding the spoon. “Clank!”
She turned around upon hearing the noise.
He looked up at her, his eyebrows drooping: “My hand… has no strength.”
“Shall I… feed you?” she asked tentatively.
He opened his mouth cheerfully: “Ah—”
Thinking she was drowning, he jumped in without hesitation to save her, but nearly drowned himself. In the end, it was she who swam over to rescue him, giving him air underwater.
After emerging from the water, his ear tips turned red. He lightly brushed his cheek, tucking his sideburns behind his ear, revealing delicate, pink-tinged ear tips. He lowered his gaze, too embarrassed to look at her.
Xin Jiao Zhou: He’s truly beautiful, kind-hearted, and adorable.
A certain someone when disciplining subordinates behind the scenes: “If they don’t obey, just kill them.”
What’s that? She might already have someone she cares about in her heart? A certain someone: Find out who it is, kill them, and then there won’t be anyone.
What? She met a man by the riverside? What? That man even hurt her? A certain someone: Whichever hand hurt her, chop off his entire arm.
Love at first sight without realizing it, gradually falling in love, slowly getting closer…
Family and national grudges, schemes and desires, good and evil, crime and punishment, she and he face the future together, seeking justice with passion!
A naturally dark female lead who could accidentally destroy the world but is actually an honest person VS a weak, pitiful, and helpless but skilled fighter, beautiful white-cut black male lead
My heart is not of stone, how steadfast is your love? — Tao Yuanming “Imitating the Ancients (No. 3)”
— Reading Guide —
Cold female lead & dramatic black lotus with hidden yandere traits male lead
