Looking at her palm, where not even ashes remained, Diana asked with a sense of futility.

“It’s okay!”

Well, if Noel says it’s okay, then it must be. Diana shrugged off the incident without much thought.

The stone fragments had vanished without a trace. It seemed that the series of events had come to a resolution. However, the malice towards her continued.

It was early dawn, a time when good children are in dreamland. Leaving the soundly sleeping Noel behind, Diana finished dressing and stepped into the corridor.

It was an early morning banquet hosted by the Duke.

Diana, unable to shake off her sleepiness, was half-awake.

Isn’t a banquet supposed to be a morning meal? Why are we eating so early?

“Yawn.”

She let out a small yawn, unable to overcome her fatigue.

“My, how frivolous.”

“Really, coming from a commoner family, right?”

“I heard she’s from a peasant background. She got noticed by the captain while rolling around on the battlefield!”

Many comments followed her single yawn. As she abruptly stopped walking, the knights escorting her also came to a halt.

“Why did you stop?”

“Didn’t you hear them?”

One knight scratched his ear and looked around carelessly.

“What are you talking about?”

Hmm, the knight’s casual behavior fully woke her up. Diana quietly scanned the surroundings with just her eyes.

Clear hostility. Invisible gazes from the hidden parts of the corridor uncomfortably clung to her.

Even the knights standing behind her displayed more than discomfort; there was evident disgust.

The knights’ keen senses should have easily caught the talk.

Hey knights. Aren’t knights who have taken an oath supposed to show respect to a lady? The chivalry code would be weeping.

“Where did Sir Darren go?”

“Why are you asking us?”

“He’ll come when it’s time for the shift change. Please proceed. The Duke is waiting for you.”
“Just shut up and go. Our Duke is waiting.” The knights’ irritated words elicited no response from Diana.

The knights looked disappointed at Diana’s lack of reaction. Perhaps they expected her to lose her temper.

Even the maids and servants dedicated to her, whether subtly or overtly, showed hostility. Despite destroying the sachet and stone fragments, their malicious feelings didn’t dissipate.

Why is that? Diana wondered, tilting her head when the door opened.

“Welcome.”

Upon entering the breakfast room, Diana found someone already there before the Duke. Irene greeted her brightly, as if she were the mistress of the house.

“The Duke had an early breakfast. Are you not tired? Hmm, what should I call you? Your family and name are unknown. I know nothing about you.”

In summary, she was questioning why someone of unknown and humble origin was even here.

“…….”

“Oh, did I speak too complexly for you? Ah, thank you.”

A maid, who quickly replaced a fallen napkin, cheerfully responded.

“Not at all, my lady.”

The servants all looked at Irene with affection and admiration, as if they were in love with her.

In contrast, how were they looking at Diana?

Their gazes, filled with hostility as if they saw a villain, made the corners of Diana’s mouth rise in intrigue.

“Hmm. Look at that.”

“So, what is your name?”

Short on words, are we? Diana’s smile widened, almost like a true villainess.

Should I tell her my name? Or not? As Diana pondered, the door to the breakfast room opened.

“Oh, sister-in-law, you’re here?”

Diana answered with a smile and stood up as the Duke entered the room.

“Sister-in-law, aren’t you tired? You could have comfortably dined in your room. Father is a workaholic, so breakfast is a bit early.”

As the Duke took his seat, everyone else sat down. Diana lightly engaged in conversation with Felice and began her meal.

“Brother, good morning.”

When Irene, seated next to him, started a conversation, Felice’s smile visibly dropped.

“Oh. Yes.”

Oh, she’s younger than Felice? That means she’s younger than Diana, who is the same age as Felice.

But she should have greeted the Duke first. Irene’s actions seemed focused solely on Felice, not a particularly pleasant sight.

A countess, was it? Noel had given her a rough idea. He had inquired Felice for details about Irene.

Considering the vastness of the estate and their different living areas, Diana hadn’t felt the need to know more. Thank you, Noel.

Beneath her long eyelashes casting shadows, her pink eyes shone elegantly.

“I don’t ask unless asked first. You poked me first, didn’t you?”

Like a lioness stalking her prey, Diana quietly concealed her claws, sizing up her opponent.