Flowers.

Chloe blinked slowly. She didn’t know which flowers were in season right now, but she had always wanted to hold a purple bouquet if she ever got married.

“I prefer flowers in shades of purple.”

Talking about this made the reality of the marriage sink in.

“……We can discuss the rest later,” Mrs. Lestro said warmly. Though she wasn’t smiling, Chloe could feel her kindness. Chloe also smiled lightly.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Now we only need to discuss things with the Countess,” Mrs. Lestro said, turning to the Countess. The warmth disappeared, replaced by a cold demeanor. The Countess nodded awkwardly.

‘What could be the problem?’ Chloe wondered. She had kept silent to avoid any trouble. If this marriage fell through, it would be a significant blow to the Count’s family, even if not to the Duke’s.

“We have prepared some excellent tea, ma’am. I’m sure you’ll like it,” the Countess said, almost mumbling. Mrs. Lestro’s gaze was icy. She turned to Chloe, who was about to follow.

“You don’t need to come, Chloe. Rest a bit and change into something more comfortable.”

Chloe’s eyes widened. The small dress she wore made it hard to breathe. Illyae had a narrower chest than Chloe, so squeezing into Illyae’s dresses often left her breathless.

“I’ll contact you later.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Chloe nodded and smiled with a flushed face. She was relieved to have gained Mrs. Lestro’s favor, no matter what.

Moreover, Mrs. Lestro hadn’t said a word about the change in the marriage arrangement. Chloe felt a wave of relief wash over her. After the older women left, she let out a deep breath. 

Yggdrasil blinked its blue eyes. It was coiled around her waist like a decorative piece on the dress. Since carrying a handbag indoors wasn’t practical, this was the best solution.

“Were you nervous? Why? Yggdrasil is scarier! Should Yggdrasil punish them?”

“Absolutely not.”

Thankfully, Mrs. Lestro seemed to have a favorable view of Chloe, and she couldn’t afford to ruin that with dragon antics. Chloe staggered and collapsed onto the sofa.

“I need to go to my room.”

She imagined taking off the dress, changing into comfortable pajamas, and lying on her bed. That thought alone made her feel a bit better. Yggdrasil, with its bright eyes, looked around Illyae’s room, sniffing the air and tilting its head.

‘It smells dirty.’

<b>* * *</b>

Mrs. Lestro sipped her tea gracefully. The Countess was relieved she had chosen the most expensive tea she had. 

‘Who does she think she is, causing such a fuss in someone else’s home?’

Despite her irritation, the Countess maintained a pleasant smile. Her lips quivered slightly under the pressure of Mrs. Lestro’s imposing presence.

‘It seemed like she liked Chloe. Should I be the one to bring it up first?’ The Countess calculated her next move in her head.

The Countess was calculating what Tyrannia could gain from this marriage. However, Mrs. Lestro spoke first.

“Petros is prepared to offer a substantial dowry.”

It seemed Mrs. Lestro had already decided the value. The Countess, looking tense, quickly responded, “As you can see, we’ve raised our Chloe with the utmost care and love. The thought of her leaving us breaks our hearts, madam. Please take good care of our child.”

The Countess dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief. Mrs. Lestro raised one corner of her mouth, a twisted smile reminiscent of Dante.

“Of course, I understand that feeling. All parents feel the same way about their daughters leaving.”

“So…”

“So,” Mrs. Lestro added an authoritative tone to her voice, “I intend to allocate the entire dowry for Chloe.”

“?”

The Countess’ eyes widened in shock. “But why…!”

That money was supposed to go to the Count’s family, as compensation for raising Chloe!

“Since you’ve raised her with such care, I’m sure you won’t object. Naturally, if Tyrannia provides a dowry equal to what we offer, we would gladly send that amount to Tyrannia, and in return, we would give the dowry from Tyrannia to Chloe.”

Why should such a precious sum go to Chloe? What had that girl done for Tyrannia? The Countess trembled with anger but couldn’t voice her objections. She felt as if she had been robbed right in front of her eyes. She swallowed hard, trying to find the right words.

“Madam, it’s unexpected, but your generosity toward Chloe is admirable. However, considering the investment we’ve made in her upbringing, wouldn’t it be more appropriate for part of the dowry to support the family that nurtured her?”

Mrs. Lestro’s gaze hardened. “I’m sure you understand that securing Chloe’s future is of utmost importance. Ensuring she has the resources she needs will only reflect positively on both our families.”

The Countess felt cornered, her mind racing to find a way to turn the situation to her advantage without offending Mrs. Lestro further.

‘No, I’ll just get it from Chloe eventually.’

As if reading her thoughts, Mrs. Lestro continued coldly, “Ah, I understand the concern. You might worry that we would misappropriate Chloe’s dowry. We’ll have all the properties assigned to Chloe legally certified. Additionally, we’ll appoint someone specifically to manage her assets.”

The Countess bit her lip.

“That is…”

Wow, this old fox left no room for loopholes. The one thing she had counted on from Chloe’s marriage was now slipping through her fingers. The Countess trembled with frustration.

“You are absolutely right, madam. Your care and consideration for both Tyrannia and my daughter bring tears to my eyes.”

“It’s only natural to take care of a child who will be part of the family. So, I must inform you that since Chloe will be part of Petros, I intend to oversee all aspects of her life, including the wedding preparations.”

“What?” The Countess’ voice rose shrilly.

Mrs. Lestro showed no signs of backing down. This was clearly also Dante’s intention, as he had sent her here directly. Dante had firmly stated his will.

<i>‘Chloe should no longer suffer any injustice, Grandmother.’</i>

If Dante had intervened personally, it could have escalated into an inter-family issue. Hence, Mrs. Lestro was the one taking charge. ‘Smart boy,’ she thought, acknowledging Dante’s tactic of using her to handle this matter.

Dante’s strategy had indeed worked. Mrs. Lestro, after seeing Chloe’s situation firsthand, was not the type to remain passive.

“I understand it may seem unconventional, but the customs of Petros are strict. If Chloe starts learning our ways now, it will be easier for her to adapt in the future.”

The Countess swallowed hard in utter defeat. Mrs. Lestro’s firm grasp on the situation left no room for negotiation or manipulation. The realization that her plans had been thwarted completely left her feeling helpless and infuriated.

The Countess’ lips were sealed as if she had eaten honey as she stared at Mrs. Lestro.

Mrs. Lestro stood firm.

Her expression clearly sent the message: any objections would be rejected.

“Of course. Do as you say, Madam.”

The Countess gave a soft, knowing smile.

No matter how she felt, she had to avoid upsetting Mrs. Lestro if she wanted any benefits from Petros.

Swallowing her pride, the Countess reluctantly agreed.

“We should hurry the marriage. There’s no need to delay a decided matter.”

“……I think so, too.”

Feeling like a mere sidekick, the Countess agreed.

“The wedding will be in two weeks, over the weekend. We will handle the arrangements.”

“……Yes, Madam.”

Despite her resolve, the Countess gained nothing.

All she could do was sit silently and agree.

She felt frustrated but couldn’t match Mrs. Lestro’s imposing presence.

The Countess bit her tongue in frustration.

<i>‘Remember, the Duke of Petros is incredibly wealthy. Rumor has it that all major business ventures are financed by the Duke! I didn’t agree to this marriage proposal for nothing! Understand?’</i>

The Count’s words echoed in her mind.

However, he clearly underestimated Mrs. Lestro.

How could anyone hope to win against such a cold, unyielding woman?

The Countess hesitated, then spoke.

“Madam, it will be hard for our daughter to adjust there alone.”

“If Chloe wishes, she can bring a servant with her.”

“It’s not that, uh, as a Duchess, she would need attendants, right?”