The Military Doctor Excels at Being a Contracted Duchess - Chapter 74

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

【Chapter 74】

* * *

No one knew where the rumors had started, but lately the capital’s social circles were buzzing with talk about only one person.

“To think His Grace the Grand Duke is really getting married…! I thought he would remain our idol forever!”

A young lady leaning against the table sniffled as if she were about to burst into tears.

Her name was Hailey Welton, who still insisted on a girlish style with her brown hair tied high on both sides.

Since Hailey, the youngest daughter of a distinguished marquis family, was famous for speaking her mind like a child, the surrounding young ladies wore expressions of familiarity as if this was expected.

“I heard his partner is a doctor – could that really be true?”

The one who picked up Hailey’s words was Chloe, the second daughter of a count’s family who had set her wedding date for the coming winter. She carefully set down her teacup and let out a light sigh.

“There are rumors she’s of low status, but also that she’s a genius who graduated first from the Royal Medical University. Either way, isn’t she too out of place to stand beside His Grace?”

“That’s right.”

“I agree.”

The young ladies who eagerly nodded had something in common.

Each and every one of them had harbored unrequited love for Victor von Bayern.

“When she comes to the capital, she’ll have to socialize with us…”

“I wonder if she even knows what kind of place high society is.”

“Exactly. Actually, I thought Lady Adelheid would be perfect as His Grace’s companion. This is so confusing.”

At Hailey’s last comment, the fans came to an abrupt stop.

Simultaneously, they began watching one person’s reaction.

There were two people who were displeased by the rumors about the Grand Duchess.

One was the Queen, and the other was… Adelheid Ksifon.

She was the eldest daughter of the Ksifon Marquis family, which had occupied a pillar of Richter’s central political scene for many years, and stood at the center of current high society in place of the mad Queen.

Now that royal power had weakened, she was the core of the conservative faction representing true nobility.

Because she was such an Adelheid, she paradoxically had few marriage prospects, with the House of Bayern being the top choice among families of suitable rank.

Though her title was lower than a Grand Duke, considering the prestige the Ksifon Marquis family had built up, there was no reason to give up before even trying.

The Marquis Ksifon had been at ease knowing the Duke of Bayern’s relationships with women were remarkably clean, and had planned to gradually proceed with marriage talks this year, when this happened.

Not just an engagement, but they’d already held the ceremony!

And they were already living together on his estate.

It was truly like a dog chasing chickens only to be left empty-handed.

The other options available to Adelheid paled in comparison to the ducal house.

Whether lacking in status, wealth, or honor, she couldn’t have all three.

How wounded must the pride of a lady from such a noble house be!

‘…That’s what they’re thinking.’

Gently waving her fan, Adelheid smiled gracefully with her eyes.

“Well, I think she must be a new woman worthy of captivating His Grace.”

“Oh, surely you’re joking?”

It was Hailey again.

Everyone glared at Hailey’s tactless comment. The gazes were sharp enough to make even the most oblivious person shrink back, and Hailey, slightly intimidated, closed her mouth.

“From what I’ve heard, Her Grace saved the heir of a southern noble family. He was about to die from a blocked throat, but she saved him with miraculous skill.”

“Oh my, really?”

Something the young ladies sitting around this tea table lacked but Adelheid possessed.

That was quality, genuine information.

“As you know, Madame Leonora has a friendship with my grandmother. She recently said she received a letter from the Herdins family.”

“The Herdins… that’s a famous family from Ingris, isn’t it?”

When a young lady who liked to show off stepped forward to support the conversation, she smiled gently and folded her fan.

“Yes, that’s right. Madame Leonora is looking forward to meeting Her Grace.”

Madame Leonora – who was she?

She was the strict etiquette teacher of many noble families and the number one choice for chaperone among young ladies making their debut.

It was quite difficult to win the favor of the cold and stern Madame, making her an object of fear for young ladies.

If such a Madame Leonora viewed the Grand Duchess positively, the attitude the young ladies below should take was clear.

“Come to think of it, I am curious how she became a doctor with a woman’s body. It’s quite impressive.”

“That’s right. I heard that in distant countries, women can become doctors too…”

The instantly reversed atmosphere was busy praising the Grand Duchess.

Adelheid listened quietly and only spoke when moments came to show off her education.

“In 1849, someone named Elizabeth Blackwell became a medical doctor. I recommend reading her biography.”

“Oh, yes! I, I should read it.”

Having graciously dominated the gathering, Adelheid stopped herself from reciting the contents of materials she had looked up as soon as she learned the Grand Duchess was a doctor.

She wondered why she should bother.

“The winds of changing times are blowing. Perhaps someday an era will come when noble women have careers.”

“What…?”

“Well, it probably won’t happen before we die.”

Though lightly thrown out, it was a pointed remark.

That who knows what might happen in the children’s era. And… with a touch of jealousy mixed in.

“Speaking of which, about Miss Cecily Bettel. I heard she’s starting a new business. I thought she was just someone who couldn’t stay put and ran around everywhere… should I change my opinion?”

A young lady carefully brought up the topic. Once again, gazes focused on Adelheid.

The evaluation she gave, the standards she set would become the unshakeable standards of the Empire’s social circles in 5 or 10 years.

Adelheid silently set down her teacup. It was a movement without the slightest disturbance.

“While there’s no need to actively cheer her on, I do hope things go well for her.”

A perfect answer that leaned neither way. Only then did the tense atmosphere relax as the young ladies chimed in agreement.

Adelheid half-listened to the praise-filled agreement while casting her gaze into the distance.

‘Suffocating.’

One truth no one in high society knew.

Adelheid envied Cecily Bettel. And now she was jealous of the Grand Duchess whose face she didn’t even know.

‘How can they run businesses and become doctors? How is that possible? I’m bound by my family and can’t do anything.’

The only thing permitted to a noble young lady was perhaps writing novels or poetry. That was directly connected to refinement, after all.

In fact, even conservative families like Adelheid’s clicked their tongues at such things, so she couldn’t even dream of earning money.

‘When Her Grace comes to the capital, I must ask her. How to become a doctor.’

She knew. Adelheid would probably live and die like her mother.

She would smile like a doll while finding life tedious. Perhaps she’d bear and raise two children.

But if… just if the world really turned upside down.

‘I hope my daughter could have work.’

Being a doctor was an honorable and good profession. She could even go abroad to live.

Things like living expenses and tuition could be covered by selling her jewels.

For this reason, Adelheid had wanted to marry the Grand Duke.

‘What’s already gone can’t be helped. At least I hope for a husband with similar thoughts to mine.’

Or a man friendly with the Grand Duke wouldn’t be bad either.

If she begged on her knees, he might provide her daughter’s tuition.

Thinking thoughts that would horrify her parents as if it were nothing, Adelheid endured this tedious and wearisome time.

“But Lady Adelheid, have you heard any rumors about love potions?”

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————