Favored by the Family That Will Become the Strongest! - Chapter 25
—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————
“Ah, Bianca.”
Daniel froze as though struck by lightning. A dozen thoughts flickered through his mind in the space of a heartbeat.
He’d considered mentioning the maid’s disrespect to Bianca, but the words caught in his throat. If he did, she’d immediately ask why such a thing was said. Since he’d already let his own careless words slip out, he found it impossible to speak.
Besides, he was ashamed—Diana had been right. He had indeed heard such insulting words from her, and that humiliation left him speechless.
So instead, he offered an awkward smile and quickly lowered his hand.
“It’s nothing. There was just some dust in Diana’s hair, and I was trying to brush it away.”
“Why would you brush dust out of Diana’s hair?”
But Bianca looked thoroughly displeased.
“Bianca?”
“I’m asking why you tried to touch Diana’s hair. I’ve never even done that myself.”
Daniel’s face flushed with difficulty. He couldn’t understand why Bianca was reacting this way.
Then it struck him—Bianca was jealous of Diana. His presence as her betrothed must have bothered her when he stood so close to the maid.
‘But even so, to be this angry…’
Seeing Bianca’s furious expression for the first time, Daniel panicked. He’d completely forgotten Diana’s arrogant behavior.
Bianca had been sharp-tongued before, many times, but never like this—never with genuine anger.
“I was trying to brush away the dust, wasn’t I?”
Doubt threaded through Bianca’s voice.
“I’m sorry?”
“Well, that is…”
A small sound reached his ears, and Daniel slowly turned his gaze.
His eyes widened at once. Diana, who had worn such a cold expression just moments ago, had changed entirely.
She stood with downcast eyes, hesitant and withdrawn like someone forlorn.
“Wait, what—”
“Daniel. I asked if it was true.”
“Y-yes. Of course it was.”
Bianca bit back her words before questioning Diana further. She’d decided that a Powerless Person and Commoner like Diana would find it difficult to speak honestly in Daniel’s presence.
Flustered by Bianca’s cold stare, Daniel hurried to change the subject, gesturing toward the Letter in her hand.
“In any case, who sent that Letter? It seems to be something important.”
But his effort was wasted—Bianca’s mood showed no sign of improving. She answered with a deep frown.
“The Young Lady of Ediltum sent it. She’s asking me to host a Tea Party.”
Daniel brightened at once, seizing on the opening.
“The Young Lady of Ediltum—she’s a perfect friend for you, Bianca. You two belong in the same refined circles.”
“Friend?”
“Of course. The Young Lady of Ediltum has always wanted to be close to you.”
“…”
“You should associate with elegant Young Ladies like that. It preserves your standing. Those who’ve been rolling in the gutter—they’re on a completely different level.”
At his subtle insinuation, Bianca’s eyebrow twitched. She cut him off with a low voice.
“You’ve been saying strange things this whole time. What I do and who I see—why is any of that your concern?”
“Bianca?”
Daniel hesitated, eyeing her carefully before speaking.
“You’re not… terribly angry, are you? I understand jealousy is natural. But truly, nothing happened.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
The more he spoke, the more uncomfortable she appeared.
Finally, Bianca spoke, her anger visibly restrained.
“I don’t think we should continue this conversation. I think it’s best you leave now, Daniel.”
* * *
Daniel emerged from the Mansion as though cast out, his face darkened. He glanced around before climbing into a carriage and departing at once.
He arrived at a Tavern that was entirely deserted.
As he entered, a bartender greeted him. Daniel spoke urgently.
“Has everyone arrived?”
“Yes, sir. They’re waiting downstairs.”
Daniel nodded and moved forward. When he opened the basement door, he found a middle-aged man and a young girl in a hood seated inside.
Roshe, the middle-aged man, rose from his seat at once upon seeing his son’s twisted expression.
“What happened?”
Instead of answering, Daniel irritably loosened his Necktie and spoke.
“She won’t listen to reason. Even when I brought up Matilda, she showed no interest. I only succeeded in angering Bianca.”
“The Young Lady is angry with you? Why?”
“Because I did something that would make her jealous. You know how she feels about me, don’t you?”
“I do.”
“I only meant to scold her impertinent maid, but she misunderstood, and…”
“I see. Well, it’s not entirely bad. A little jealousy might make the Young Lady even more attached to you. It’s useful motivation.”
“Yes, I thought so too. But beyond that…”
“Beyond that?”
“That new maid is strange.”
Daniel’s eyes gleamed. Roshe regarded his son with a sharp look.
“You mean the one who drove out Matilda and the other servants? What’s strange about her?”
“Well…”
Daniel faltered, then fell silent. He was too embarrassed to recount what Diana had done to him directly.
He offered only a brief explanation.
“Her manner and bearing were nothing like a Commoner’s. She stared at me without so much as blinking.”
Daniel’s brow furrowed.
“She carried herself as though she were far above me in station.”
Then the girl, who had been listening quietly to their exchange, slowly removed her hood. Brilliant golden hair cascaded across her shoulders.
“Bianca’s gone too far. Hiring a Commoner as a permanent maid shows how blind she is.”
Her name was Esina Ediltum. The Ediltum Family held considerable power in the Northern Region, ranking second only to the Cardian Family.
Daniel merely shrugged at Esina’s disparagement of his betrothed.
She continued, her eyes cold.
“Regardless, Bianca needs to stop acting foolishly and become more composed. Daniel, didn’t I tell you to keep her in line? What happens if the Cardian Family’s reputation gets dragged through the mud?”
Daniel’s eyes narrowed. The reason for Esina’s anger was painfully obvious.
‘Does she really think making a fuss will earn Varcan’s attention?’
Esina was pursuing Varcan’s betrothal. That’s why she was telling him to keep Bianca in check.
Her presumption—as though she were already Varcan’s betrothed—was nearly enough to make Daniel laugh aloud.
“I should warn Bianca. At this Tea Party, I’ll need to remind her of proper conduct. Along with that maid of hers.”
But Daniel offered no real objection to Esina’s next words.
Accustomed to aristocratic speech patterns, he understood her meaning perfectly.
‘She plans to humiliate Bianca at the Tea Party.’
—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————