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An Unacceptable Heart.

Lysia became Artizeas lady-in-waiting..

This was what many people expected. If she was the successor to Baron Morten, her status and position would be appropriate for the lady-in-waiting of the Grand Duchess. Her age was also the same.

In addition, Artizea showed her more than usual favors from the start.

Artizea gave Lysia a room next to her. She also attached three personal maids.

She picked the best of her own clothes, repaired them, and even presented them as a gift to Lysia.

There were quite a few clothes in her closet that she hadnt worn yet, and in Evron Grand Duchy it was hard to get a fine cloth. Even though they have the money.

Lysia refused, bewildered.

You cant give it all to me like this, Grand Duchess. Besides, these clothes were a gift from the Grand Duke

Dont worry. I know its not polite to give what you have received as a gift to others. This is all I bought separately, so I hope you dont mind and accept it.

Artizea said so.

Because my lady-in-waitings outfit is related to my status as well.

Lysia looked embarrassed, but she accepted it gratefully.

In fact, she only had one or two dresses, so she needed such consideration in order to stand next to Artizea.

Baron Morten is poor. The village of the rebels itself was like that as well.

It was supported by the Evron Grand Duchy. However, creating a village cost a lot of money. They had to avoid the imperial eyes, too. They couldnt guarantee a generous life.

Lysia wasnt very interested in luxury from the beginning.

So it was Artizeas desire to put her in fine clothes and hang jewels around her neck.

At times Artizea felt skeptical, she seemed to be trying to compensate for her guilt that way.

But she had no reason to hold back her desire to do so.

At least as much as she received from Cedric, it was right to repay it to Lysia. It was originally Lysias.

Artizea also sent a person to the Baron Morten. It was to help Lysia bring any items she needed and to take care of Baron Mortens affairs.

Naturally, the maids became polite to Lysia. It was because unlike Aubreys time, they realized that Lysia was going to be the second-in-command.

She wasnt able to return after the New Years banquet, so she wrote a letter to her father.

[To my father,

I am doing well. Im sure you heard the news that Im now working as the Grand Duchess lady-in-waiting.

I apologize for not being able to discuss it in advance because it is sudden.

However, for the Grand Duchess, there is no other lady-in-waiting at the moment, so I cannot leave her. As it was, Aubrey would have been there, but she made a mistake and was kicked out.

Many were afraid because Count Jordyns daughter had been kicked out.

But in two or three days, everyone understood the situation and the stronghold quickly returned to normal. Her Grace, thankfully, did not hold aunt Margaret or uncle Aaron accountable.

I think its because she favored me as a lady-in-waiting.

The Grand Duchess is cool, but she is a dignified and elegant person. She has certain rewards and punishments to match her authority.

It was the same this time, the Grand Duke didnt interfere with the work of the Grand Duchess.

Evron has never had a mistress for too long. At first, everyone felt a little confused, but now it is ordinary.

According to Aunt Margaret, even though she stood by the predecessor Grand Duchess, she was married young, and she was sick all the time and died early.

Besides, the Grand Duchess is full of wit and intelligence. The officials are afraid and respectful because she has already discovered problems with the territory many times in unexpected places.

Above all else, she loves and trusts the Grand Duke.

Shes not far from politics, but she doesnt seem to be the one who will pull the Grand Duchy into a political battle, as my father concerns.

The Grand Duke did not marry for that purpose.

If there is anything I am anxious about, it is that the Grand Duchess is undeservedly too generous to me.

Im afraid I dont live up to expectations, and Im worried that I wont be able to return the loyalty and favor as much as she has given me.

Her Grace is planning to pick up only the loyal subjects of the Grand Duchy and bring in two more ladies-in-waiting. When that time comes, Ill go home once.

Lysia.]

As Lysia was finalizing her letter, Artizea came into the room.

Lysia quickly stood up from her seat. Rize put the tea tray down on the table.

Just sit down. Are you writing a letter?

No, Im done.

Lysia shook the letter to dry the ink, fold it, and press it on one side.

And she quickly opened the lid of the tea container.

What are you going to do?

Artizea asked. Lysia blushed her face.

If you allow it.

Yes, you may.

Artizea said so as she sat down.

Lysia wasnt very good at pouring tea.

She first scooped the tea leaves with the tea spoon and transferred it to the teapot. Her hand, pouring the hot water, trembled.

When Artizea did it, it was very simple and beautifully done.

But she didnt know why it was so difficult when she did it herself. It was even more so when someone was watching.

You just have to practice slowly.

Said Artizea.

In a warm area, it is said that thinning the water stream and dropping it from a high place makes the water softer, but in this place the water cools down. It is natural that you are not used to it.

Because we didnt have all the tools at our house.

Lysia said. In her childhood she was educated. However, she did not actually have a chance to practice.

Ill learn it thoroughly before the winter passes.

Lysia knew that Artizea brought tea these days to teach her and do it in front of her.

When Artizea heard the words, she smiled faintly.

I dont think that the beauty that the social world demands is indicative of the dignity of the person and the culture.

Yes.

But, the one who cares can reduce the risk of being attacked. Because it is related not only to themselves, but also to the eye of the person who chose them.

Artizea said so, thinking about the time when Lysia became Empress.

She is the Saint Empress and will receive the love and support of the whole empire.

However, it was the imperial socialite where Lysia really had to live.

Being the daughter of Baron Morten was one of the factors that made her an easy target.

The pious ladies sided with her, but not a few laughed at her for not being educated because Lysia was from a rural village.

Of course, Lysia wasnt sorrowed or saddened by that.

Still, it was not bad to reduce her weakness in advance.

Lysia took Artizeas words completely differently. She thought that the person who chose her was not Cedric, but Artizea.

She smiled.

Yes, I will practice hard and become a lady who will not embarrass you.

Artizea looked at her with a slightly surprised expression. And she lowered her gaze down.

Im grateful that you treated me with a sincere favor.

Why do you say that when its a natural thing?

Actually, I thought I couldnt help it if you were a little more stubborn. Aubrey was rude to you and was disloyal to the Grand Duchy, but you think thats normal.

Artizea sighed lightly.

Its foolish, of course, that Aubrey couldnt hide her true intentions, but I think her punishment could be enough. Thats why Count Jordyn wasnt penalized for it.

Your Grace is mistaken. You being the Grand Dukes choice is enough to receive our loyalty and love.

Is that so?

I think it was a very good choice.

Lysia put her hand on her chest and said politely. And she smiled.

But, even if Your Grace was not the kind of mistress that the people of the Grand Duchy wanted I would have been very happy.

Lysia.

Because then His Grace would choose not for his responsibility, but for his own happiness.

Artizea turned her head away to hide her trembling sigh.

Although she was sincerely happy with Lysias words, she felt the pain that felt like a big needle pricking the inside of her chest.

Although she was temporary, she felt sorry that she was married. Because it seemed she didnt return Cedric to Lysia in full.

Nevertheless, she feels secret joy in hearing Lysia says that she is Cedrics wife. She felt guilty for it too.

Artizeas facial expressions became complicated, so Lysia thought that she had made a slip of the tongue.

She looked carefully at Artizea. Artizea knew, then said, as if making excuses.

I hope you dont get it wrong. It has nothing to do with His Graces preference.

Grand Duchess.

Cedric is a good lord to serve. Thats why he decided to trust the Marquisate of Rosan. Thats all.

Lysia looked embarrassed.

There was a knock on the door. Lysia checked her watch. It was snack time.

Rize opened the door. As usual, Cedric stood with a plate of cookies in his hand.

Artizea naturally stood up from her seat.

Welcome.

Just in time.

Cedric smiled as he saw the tea ready.

Lysia brought a new cup and put it down in front of Cedric.

Her Grace prepared it in time.

Cedric put down the plate of cookies and sat down.

Artizea picked up one of the teacups and its saucer and moved about a third of the homemade cookies. She then told Rize to bring a tray and placed the cup and cookies on it.

Cedric wrinkled eyebrow.

If Im interfering, I can leave.

No, it doesnt, I have some work to do. Lysia, could you serve His Grace with the tea instead?

I dont know whats going on, but Ill do it for you.

Lysia said in confusion.

Its because I dont want to be disturbed.

But Your Grace.

Isnt it the lady-in-waitings job to serve guests on my behalf when Im busy?

But

Artizea pressed Lysias shoulder lightly to indicate her to sit.

And she slightly bowed her head to Cedric.

Excuse me.

The wrinkles in Cedrics brow were like fluctuating change in the earths crust, turning into towering mountains and deep valleys.

Whether she noticed or not, Artizea left the room as it was.

Rize bowed with a face like a guilty prisoner about to be executed. Then she picked up the tray and followed.