The Saintess Became the Northern Grand Duke’s Daughter - Chapter 33

Marchioness Nersa seemed really sorry for her.

 

But in Olivia’s eyes, her true feelings were clearly visible.

 

‘She has been saying things I didn’t ask just to bring that up.’

 

Marchioness Nersa felt rivalry with Olivia from an early age.

 

It didn’t change even after the two got married. She was jealous of Olivia, that her marriage was successful and that she had risen to a higher position than her.

 

Duke and Marquis. Although the difference between the powers was so great, she couldn’t openly express her feelings.

 

However, the opportunity finally came to the Marchioness Nersa.

 

She said, ‘You acted so lofty and boastful that you couldn’t take care of your son, that’s why he gave birth to a child out of wedlock.’

 

And a child born from the belly of a lowly commoner woman, at that. If it were me, I wouldn’t be able to carry my face in shame!

 

However, unlike Marchioness Nersa’s expectations, Olivia’s face was calm.

 

“Looks like rumors have already spread. You’re right. Laurencio has a daughter. She’s very clever, elegant, and pretty, just like my son.”

 

“…!”

 

“Even so, I plan to set up a place soon to introduce the child. At that time, I hope you will be present and congratulate the child who miraculously appeared.”

 

Olivia raised the corners of her lips.

 

It was a graceful and beautiful smile.

 

The face of Marchioness Nersa, who didn’t see what she wanted, was contorted.

 

‘I can’t lose like this!’

 

She tried to attack again, yet Olivia was one step faster.

 

“Marchioness Nersa. No accessories may be worn during the prayer ceremony. Even if it was given by His Imperial Majesty the Emperor. Please respect the rules.”

 

Her face turned red at the harsh teacher-like words.

 

At that time, the priest in charge of the prayer ceremony came into the prayer room.

 

The priest looked at the gathered women and spoke in a solemn voice.

 

“Here’s the one who’s lovely, truthful, and innocent in the eyes of the goddess. I hope that the noble ladies gathered here also pray to the goddess with a clean body and spirit. For the prosperity and tranquility of this land.”

 

Marchioness Nersa gritted her teeth, then nervously removed the bracelets.

 

Seeing that, Olivia turned her head away.

 

After a while, all the women gathered in the prayer room knelt down and put their hands together.

 

A long three-day prayer began.

 

***

 

While Olivia was saying the prayers, Liriette was spending a carefree time in the garden with Mello.

 

The older Mello didn’t ask her to play lively like a little puppy. It just slept endlessly in Liriette’s arms.

 

She looked at Mello lying on her lap, saying.

 

“It’d be nice if Grandma was here. Right, Mello?”

 

Mello closed its eyes and waggled its tail as if it understood Liriette’s words.

 

She smiled and stroked Mello.

 

As she cradled the warm little creature in her arms, she fell asleep.

 

Under the bright sunlight, Liriette’s eyes slowly closed.

 

It was around sunset when she opened her eyes.

 

Liriette, who was staring blankly at the sky with a sleepy face, opened her eyes wide.

 

Mello, who was in her arms, was nowhere to be seen.

 

Although it liked to be held in the arms of people, it often left their arms. So, this situation wasn’t surprising.

 

But why?

 

A chill went down her spine. As if facing misfortune.

 

Liriette jumped up and started looking for Mello.

 

Under the tree. Between the bushes. A field of blooming flowers. Around the pond. Mello was nowhere to be seen.

 

Her heart thumped.

 

Olivia’s words came to mind.

 

[People look at Mello and say this. It’s nice to be Mello, a dog whom the Duchess loves. But that’s what they don’t know about Mello. Since its owner is a duchess, Mello has suffered a lot.]

 

Being secretly bullied without Olivia’s knowledge wasn’t the biggest problem. Mello had even been kidnapped.

 

The kidnapper demanded money in exchange for returning Mello to Olivia.

 

Olivia wanted to give the money and get Mello back, yet she couldn’t.

 

For she couldn’t show the weakness of the Duchess of Windsor-Ice, being swayed by a brawny pike for one dog.

 

She searched for the culprit, who dared to blackmail the Duchess, extensively. Meanwhile, her heart was thumping.

 

She was afraid that something would go wrong with Mello if she didn’t send money.

 

[Fortunately, the culprit, who didn’t expect me to come out so strong, got scared and turned himself in. I also got Mello back.]

 

Olivia took Mello back with a dignified face in her arms. She said she wouldn’t forgive anyone who laid her hands on the Duchess’.

 

But the moment she entered her room, Olivia held Mello in her arms and sobbed tremblingly.

 

Mello, were you surprised?

 

I’m sorry I couldn’t save you right away. I’m really sorry.

 

Mello waggled its tail and licked its distorted master’s hand.

 

I’m fine. So don’t be sad, Master. As if it said so.

 

‘What if someone kidnapped Mello like that time?’

 

Liriette called the maid with a pale face.

 

“I can’t find Mello!”

 

The maid immediately realized the seriousness of the situation.

 

“I’ll try looking for it with the other maids.”

 

Numerous people in the mansion started looking for Mello.

 

“Mello!”

 

“Mello, where are you!”

 

Among them, there were those who grilled meat and gave off the scent. Even people sniffed at it and gulped down the smell, yet the Mello didn’t appear.

 

‘Perhaps, Mello might not be in the mansion.’

 

Liriette, who had reached that point, grabbed the maid and said.

 

“We need to tell Grandma about this as soon as possible!”

 

“…!”

 

“What if Mello was caught by someone?”

 

Even if it wasn’t for that reason, it was serious that the dog, which was always in sight of people, couldn’t be seen.

 

It may have gone out of the mansion and lost its way, or may have been knocked down in an accident.

 

She had to find Mello as soon as possible. And to do so, Olivia’s strength was needed.

 

However, the maid shook her head.

 

“That can’t be done.”

 

“…!”

 

“Madam is attending a prayer ceremony right now. During the three days when the prayers are in progress, she will never be able to leave the place.”

 

Of course, over the years, there have been occasions when rules have been broken.

 

It was when an immediate family member had a sudden accident or a critical illness and their lives were in danger.

 

“The disappearance of a dog isn’t a reason to leave the prayer room. It will only embarrass the Madam’s position.”

 

As the maid said, Olivia considered maintaining her dignity as a duchess very important.

 

‘But I can’t just wait for Grandma. What if something has gone wrong with Mello by then?’

 

Liriette spoke in a slightly raised voice.

 

“Then we can bring Grandma for another reason!”

 

“Another reason?”

 

The maid’s eyes widened at Liriette’s answer.

 

***

 

The atmosphere in the prayer room was solemn.

 

In an atmosphere so quiet that even breathing couldn’t be heard, noble ladies in white dresses knelt down and put their hands together.

 

It was very arduous to pray for three full days without ceasing. Nevertheless, the women didn’t move a finger.

 

It was because they had to pray properly until the end to be recognized as an elegant and solemn lady.

 

It was the same with Olivia.

 

Fortunately, the process wasn’t too painful for her. For her, who had been raised as a noble woman all her life, sitting still and maintaining the upright posture was as natural as breathing.

 

It was then.

 

Breaking the silence, a priest entered. The noble ladies who were praying were perplexed inwardly.

 

‘To think that the priest from the outside came in while the prayers weren’t over yet.’

 

That meant a very critical situation had arisen.

 

To anyone among them.

 

The priest moved his steps as quietly as possible and headed to the place in front of Olivia.

 

The priest said in a small voice.

 

“Madam Windsor-Ice. Someone came from your mansion. Your granddaughter is said to be seriously injured in critical condition.”

 

“…!”

 

At those words, Olivia jumped up from her seat. The moment Olivia was about to take a step, Marchioness Nersa, who was beside her, opened her eyes.

 

“Madam Windsor-Ice. The prayer isn’t over yet, where are you going?”

 

“Something happened to her granddaughter.”

 

At the mention of granddaughter, Marchioness Nersa’s eyes fluttered, but she soon straightened her expression.

 

“I understand that this is an urgent situation. But if you stop praying halfway through, the goddess will be angry. The prayer ceremony will be messed up. So, why don’t you leave after the prayer is over?”

 

At first glance, Marchioness Nersa seemed concerned about spoiling the devotional prayers.

 

But Olivia knew her true intentions.

 

She now says that if she leaves the prayer room, she will be held accountable for it. In any way.