Lucrecia's importance within her noble family was, in a way, similar to that of an enemy ever since she refused to accept the marriage commitments assigned to her. Being the middle daughter, and unlike her sisters, her behavior was defiant and capricious. Still, that did not represent a too serious problem for the Viscounts Reines. The family already had its position secured thanks to the ties their other children had established with important noble houses.
Lucrecia knew her own image and reputation perfectly. That was why she was not surprised to be received only by her mother's personal butler when she visited the Reines residence. If it wasn't the Marquise herself carrying the invitation for her birthday party, then no one in the house had much interest in wasting time with a daughter considered troublesome.
No one would dare offend the Marquise by refusing to attend her celebration. However, if the invitation was not delivered personally by her, there was always enough of a pretext to remain at home. Lathasha knew better than anyone the discontent that existed behind her choice. For that reason, she hadn't shown much interest in visiting the families personally to invite them either. Still, Lucrecia spent a long time wondering if her family would attend that night.
In the grand ballroom, figures of the nobility had begun to fill the place early. The guests were impressed by the exquisite decoration, the careful selection of food and appetizers, and the impeccable organization of the service. Meanwhile, breakfast was being served in the mansion's dining room. The Marquise had decided to make an exclusive visit to her five chosen ones.
The Duke's granddaughter had also joined that meeting. The refined blonde with bright blue eyes held a position of great importance. However, being Cain's companion and a close friend of Lucrecia allowed her to integrate easily into that particular circle.
Cain closed the dining room door after escorting his elegant companion inside. Then the young noblewoman directed her attention toward Delilah.
—What a beautiful dress!
In the entire room, there was only one person who refused to look at the girl. Lucrecia had not taken well the origin of the dress adorning Delilah's body. It was a shame to have found out just that day, when she had no way to force her to reveal the truth.
Liam Bathory had two recognized children. And very few people within the high nobility could boast of having come face to face with any of them so easily. The dress had been sent with a card signed by Andrea Bathory. Even seeing it now with her own eyes, Lucrecia still couldn't believe it.
—I heard that Andrea Bathory chose the design of that dress especially for you. Seeing it now… it's impressive how well it fits you.
Eilith's face seemed illuminated by an emotion that Delilah could not understand. Her beautiful blue eyes observed her with curiosity while her warm smile spread naturally. But what she had just said made no sense. How was it possible that Miss Eilith knew so much about the dress? Clearly, there was some important background behind it all.
At that moment, Delilah felt that this elegant young woman might have the answers to the questions starting to unsettle her.
—Andrea told me everything.
A spark of interest appeared immediately in Delilah's normally expressionless eyes. She expected her to continue. However, the next words completely changed the direction of the conversation.
—Don't you like the dress, Cain?
Eilith could not know what that man was thinking. Much less that he had been the first to look at Delilah from the moment she entered the room.
—I am surprised —he responded calmly.
But the tone of his voice seemed directed solely at the young woman wearing the dress.
—It doesn't matter where that dress came from —Raguel intervened—. The only important thing is how beautiful our Delilah looks.
The "castaño" devil had perfectly read the thoughts of everyone present. This was a completely new side of the girl. Delilah had been a lady within the Astraea family. Although she now dressed as part of the service, there was still something noble in her behavior. Probably she herself was not aware of it.
—Bathory has an enviably good taste —Leroy added.
The words increased the discomfort inside Delilah's chest. It had not been her decision to wear that dress. It had been a direct order from the Marquise. Everything she did in that house boiled down to one thing: obeying and properly fulfilling what was expected of her.
Fortunately… or unfortunately… the person responsible for it all had just arrived.
—Delilah, please go take care of it.
The girl's face barely showed a reaction upon hearing the Marquise's order. An honorable guest, whom many compared to the King himself, had just arrived at the mansion. And yet, the Marquise was sending Delilah to receive him. Since when was a person of inferior rank the first to receive someone of such a position?
Insecurity began to grow within her as she turned to leave the dining room.
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