“It’s a very magnificent and luxurious place, isn’t it?”

“As long as I can get out of this carriage, I don’t care.”

Fortunately, Serena’s wish was soon granted.

As Anna said, the luxurious mansion was their destination, and a group of people had come out to the entrance to greet Serena after hearing Peter’s message.

“Welcome.”

As the stifling carriage door opened, Serena hurriedly got out. In contrast, the greeting of Lady Shroud was very calm.

“It’s an honor to receive the Duke’s daughter of the Astel family. I am Miranda, Lady Shroud.”

Miranda gracefully curtsied, lifting the layers of her dress. Then, everyone standing behind her also curtsied.

“Greetings to the Duke’s daughter of the Astel family.”

Serena, who had just rushed out of the carriage, now seemed almost barbaric in comparison.

“…Yes.”

Barely responding, Serena gave a light curtsy. Even after such a long carriage ride, Miranda only inwardly sighed at Serena’s disheveled hair and crumpled dress.

“Unfortunately, the Duke is not here today to greet you. Instead, allow me to introduce my daughter and the steward who will serve you for the time being.”

She wished she could just lie down immediately, but the sophisticated lady didn’t give her that chance.

“Lora?”

As Lady Shroud called her name, a young woman appeared and politely curtsied.

“Greetings to the Duke’s daughter. I am Lora, the daughter of Duke Shroud. It’s an immense honor to meet you.”

Having been well-taught by her mother, she was the epitome of a textbook lady. Serena nodded towards Lora, and then the steward stepped forward and also curtsied.

“I am Nora, the steward of the Shroud family. I will serve you for the time being.”

Fortunately, there seemed to be no one else to greet. Lady Shroud came forward again and gave a warm smile.

“You must be tired from the long journey. We’ve prepared a place for you to stay, so why don’t you rest for today?”

“Yes, that would be good.”

As if she had been waiting for this, Serena inhaled the fresh autumn night air deeply. The stifling atmosphere she had felt while confined to the carriage had slightly lifted, and even stretching out felt good.

“Where should I go?”

Everyone lost their words at the overly casual demeanor of the Duke’s daughter, but the person herself didn’t mind and cheerfully asked.

“Nora, guide her.”

Regaining her composure, Miranda ordered, and Nora led the way for Serena and her entourage.

“Everyone else, disperse.”

“Yes, My Lady.”

After everyone left, only Lora and Miranda remained at the entrance, and Miranda’s face noticeably soured.
“My, it’s worse than I heard.”

The whispered voice was tinged with contempt and pity.

“Lora, never lay eyes on or remember such a sight.”

“Yes, Mother.”

Lora, an 18-year-old with rich, honey-like golden hair and bright blue eyes that resembled Miranda, answered with dignity.

Indeed, the brief rudeness of Serena was somewhat forgotten in the face of the composed figure that Miranda had invested her life into crafting.

“No wonder the engagement ceremony was such a mess…”

Tsk, Miranda clicked her tongue. If the young lady had any sense of disgrace or shame, she would have completely avoided social gatherings and would not find it strange to die after that ceremony.

“Really, there’s nothing I can do.”

Seeing Serena today, it seemed she had not only avoided social isolation but had been leading quite a comfortable and happy life.

What’s more, the overwhelmingly tall height that had shocked people during the engagement ceremony was still intimidating.

“Mother, it’s getting cold. Let’s go inside. You must be tired from your visit to the royal palace today.”

Hearing Lora’s gentle voice, a smile spread across Miranda’s face. Thankfully, her daughter was the opposite of Serena in every way. Though she had raised her, the more she saw, the more satisfied she was.

“Alright, my daughter.”

Miranda wrapped her arms around Lora’s shoulders and entered the mansion. A challenging schedule would start from tomorrow.

“Phew… Although the young lady is like that, I should try to make her follow in your footsteps at least.”

She had braced herself after seeing the engagement ceremony, but Serena’s condition today proved that her preparations had been insufficient. Of course, Serena hadn’t given it a single thought.