Chapter 26

“…Yes!”

Exchanging a grave look with the butler, the servant quietly slipped away, careful not to draw Natalianne’s attention.

Once he was far enough from her sight, he broke into a full sprint and shouted at the top of his lungs.

“Lady Natalianne has returned!”

His voice echoed through the grand halls, into the annexes, gardens, and stables. At once, startled voices rose all around.

“Wh-what? Lady Natalianne?”

“Why?”

“Now? For what reason?”

Instead of relief or joy, a heavy sense of fear spread across the mansion.

Thud.

A black boot stepped onto the shattered remains of the broken door.

Crunch. The marble floor beneath her feet began freezing white with every step she took.

The woman’s gaze swept coldly beneath her dark veil, and the servants around her quickly lowered their heads.

A faint smirk curved her red lips.

The butler hurried in, bowing deeply.

“W-welcome back, my lady. Was your journey pleasant?”

“Where is she?”

“Pardon?”

Before the bewildered butler could react, Natalianne stepped forward.

The butler scrambled after her.

“If you mean the Grand Duke, he is away on a subjugation mission at Mount Antaras.”

“Not him.”

Her sharp reply froze him in confusion.

Who else could she be looking for in this mansion?

Then it dawned on him.

Could it be that she came back because of news about Young Master Demius’s return?

But they weren’t exactly close.

Still, they were family.

The butler’s face brightened slightly as he opened his mouth to speak.

“Young Master Demius is—”

“Oh my, we have a guest!”

A bright voice instantly cut through the heavy air, sweeping away the oppressive tension like a breeze.

Madam?

The butler’s expression changed from relief to dread.

The woman beside him was none other than Natalianne, known throughout the household for her volatile temper.

And now there was no one left in the estate who could stop her.

Neither the Grand Duke nor the Young Master, not even Linburton, the commander of the knights.

The butler swallowed dryly.

He glanced desperately at Melissa and sent a silent plea with trembling eyes.

It’s dangerous, Madam. Leave this to us and run.

Hurry.

He blinked rapidly in warning, but Melissa only widened her eyes and asked kindly,

“Hm? Butler, are your eyes hurting? Should I call the physician for you?”

The butler nearly choked on his breath.

No, that’s not what I meant.

He shook his head frantically, but before his silent message could reach her, Natalianne’s cold voice sliced through the air.

“So it’s you?”

Her tone was sharp enough to make the air itself shiver.

Her icy eyes locked on Melissa.

“You’re the stray cat Linburton mentioned.”

“…!”

The butler’s eyes flew wide.

She actually said that right to her face.

Everyone froze in shock, but Natalianne only looked down at the woman approaching her with small, light steps.

Up close, she looked even smaller than she had from afar.

‘And what is she wearing?’

Natalianne’s brows knit tightly.

Her elbows and knees were worn through, her outfit a collection of tattered scraps unfit even for a servant.

But one thing stood out, those eyes.

Clear green eyes like the summer fields, bright and unflinching, stared straight into hers.

Ha.

Natalianne’s lip curled.

You dare look me in the eye. At least you have some nerve.

But overall…

‘Herbivore.’

She looked like she would fly away if someone so much as flicked a finger.

And Linburton couldn’t even drive out someone like this?

Pathetic.

That old fool really had grown useless.

She had once respected him for his competence even if his blind worship of Mother Seres was absurd. Yet he couldn’t even handle this tiny woman?

‘I’m a busy person.’

Annoyed, Natalianne lifted her chin. But then a cheerful voice interrupted her thoughts.

“Did Lord Linburton really call me a stray cat?”

Natalianne gave a proud little nod.

Then Melissa’s eyes sparkled brightly.

“I’m so happy. That means he thinks I’m cute.”

“…?”

Natalianne’s brow twitched in disbelief.

Meanwhile, Melissa’s cheeks flushed pink as she silently thanked Linburton, who was likely somewhere in the northern mountains.

How should she repay him?

What was it that Lord Linburton liked again?

A long list flashed through her mind until one big idea struck.

That’s right.

He loved her fried food.

She smiled warmly at the memory of Linburton shedding tears every time he ate her homemade fried dishes.

“Are you stupid?”

“Huh?”

Startled, Melissa lifted her head.

Natalianne glared from beneath her veil.

“Stray cat is an insult, you idiot.”

“Oh, is it?”

Melissa blinked in surprise, her face falling into a soft pout.

But cats are adorable.

Especially strays. They had a charm all their own.

The way they crept up silently, snatched food, darted away with lightning speed, or brushed their bodies and tails against you only when they felt like it.

‘The best.’

Just thinking about it made her heart flutter.

Still, she nodded quickly in understanding.

“I suppose that makes sense. I’m not very good at picking up on things.”

Hehe.

Her bashful laugh made Natalianne’s eyes narrow in irritation.

What on earth is with this girl?

How can she smile after being insulted to her face?

‘She’s not to be underestimated. Be cautious.’

Natalianne recalled the words written in Linburton’s letter.

So behind that fragile, soft-looking exterior, she wasn’t as harmless as she seemed.

‘But still…’

Natalianne frowned and spoke flatly.

“Get out.”

“Huh?”

“Stop bothering me and get out of this mansion.”

“Lady Natalianne!”

The butler cried out, horrified, but froze when her eyes turned toward him.

That gaze was terrifying.

The only thing saving him from total paralysis was the veil partially hiding her face.

She wasn’t like this as a child.

The butler couldn’t bring himself to say more.

Natalianne’s voice cut through the silence again.

“What are you waiting for? Throw her out.”

“B-but…”

One of the nearby servants hesitated, but as soon as Natalianne’s cold eyes fell on him, he flinched and swallowed hard.

“Are you defying me?”

“N-no, my lady.”

He stammered, shrinking back, then glanced toward the entrance.

Clank, clank, clank.

The knights who had escorted Natalianne were already marching into the hall, their spears aimed at Melissa.

Melissa’s eyes widened, then suddenly lit up as though she’d just realized something.

“Oh! Are you perhaps Mr. Mimi, Demius’s sister?”

So she only now figured that out.

Natalianne’s brows twitched in annoyance.

She didn’t bother to answer. Instead, she gave a slight tilt of her head.

The knights moved at once, grabbing Melissa by both arms and lifting her effortlessly.

“Oh my.”

With a small yelp, Melissa vanished through the mansion’s gates.

It was a pitiful sight.

The butler’s face turned ashen as he watched her being dragged away, while Natalianne looked around and gave her next order.

“Anyone who opens that gate dies.”

Her voice cut through the air, cold and merciless.

“No matter what gate it is. Front, side, or steel.”

A chill ran down everyone’s spine.

They all knew one thing about Natalianne.

She never joked.

The butler stood frozen for a long time before forcing out a trembling voice.

“When the Young Master returns, how will you explain this to him?”

“Did you forget?”

Her gaze pinned him in place.

A smirk tugged at her lips beneath the veil as she spoke slowly.

“I told you, I’m not close with that bastard.”