A family dinner or a memory of mother?

After indulging in a relaxing bath, followed by donning cozy, comfortable attire, tranquility settled upon minds previously tumultuous with thoughts and stress. The gentle embrace of warm water and the snug embrace of soft fabric worked in tandem to alleviate the burdens of the day, providing a much-needed respite from the chaotic demands of this NOVEL life.

After my bath, I was assisted in dressing by the maids before being escorted to the dining room. The room emanated warmth, with a long table adorned with a hearty cuisine reminiscent of that found in any well-financed noble house. At the head of the table, the Duke sat in his main chair, patiently awaiting my arrival. A contented smile graced his features as he beheld my entrance, signaling the start of family time.

"I apologize for the delay, Father," I spoke, offering him a warm smile.

"It's quite alright, my child. I was the one eager to see you and ensure you're well after the party. You weren't tardy," the Duke replied, his eyes filled with affection.

The servants promptly served us our meals, the aroma wafting through the air, as anticipated, and indeed, the dishes were delightful. A tranquil atmosphere settled over us as Father and I savored our meal. I sensed his gaze fixed upon me, a mixture of concern and curiosity evident in his eyes, waiting to hear about my experiences at the event.

With composed demeanor, I delicately sliced into the steak on my plate before turning to address Father, breaking the silence. "Father, there's no need for concern. The party went smoothly for me," I reassured him. "My aide, Lusav, was unfortunately barred from entering the greenhouse..." I proceeded to recount various details of the evening, including the admiration expressed for Clivat by many of the ladies. As I spoke, I also recounted the unexpected encounter with the Marchioness, who wasn't listed among the participants or hosts. "However, despite her eloquence, I found her demeanor aggressive and hostile towards me."

Upon hearing the mention of the Marchioness, Father's countenance turned icy, and he inquired, "Did that woman harass you, my dear?" Confusion clouded my thoughts as I struggled to comprehend Father's animosity towards a noblewoman seemingly unconnected to him.

Out of curiosity, I inquired, "Father, may I ask why? Isn't the Marchioness known for her kindness? Who influenced Clivat Selgae's upbringing?"

Upon hearing the description of kindness associated with the Selgae Madame from my lips, Father's reaction was visceral. He ceased eating abruptly, his voice turning cold, sending shivers down my spine. Never had I witnessed him so visibly upset and enraged.

"That woman used to harass your mother," he uttered with palpable anger. "She would defame the rights of the Mackil Duchess by labeling her as a commoner. Your mother, who never shed a tear, found herself weeping in my arms one night because of that woman. My child, be cautious of that family. Despite their facade of harmlessness, they are serpents in disguise."

Though I yearned to seize the opportunity to inquire further about my mother, Father's volatile mood deterred me. He had completely halted his meal, setting aside his spoon, and sat there with a chilling stare, lost in his thoughts. Once again, silence enveloped us.

"Father, I'm here with you now, and I promise to never let anyone harm our family again. You can trust your daughter," I said, gently grasping his hands. With a reassuring smile, I looked into his eyes, which had been cold mere seconds ago but were now softening into a loving gaze filled with care towards his daughter who was offering him solace.

He said nothing but returned my smile and resumed his meal, the tension dissipating from the air. As we finished our dinner, the frigid atmosphere vanished, replaced by casual conversation about the weariness of parties and how my father's day had unfolded. I made sure to caution him against skipping meals on my account, insisting that I would be upset if he did so.

After our exchange, I bid him good night, and we both departed the dining room for our respective chambers. On the way to my room, my mind still buzzed with confusion. Why would the Marchioness harass my mother? The memory of my father mentioning my mother's tears filled me with anger. As someone who had previously harbored no sentiments towards family or friends, I found myself unable to comprehend why the mention of my mother's tears stirred anger within me. This confusion persisted despite my knowledge that I am not the biological daughter, and furthermore, I never had the chance to meet her. Perhaps it stemmed from the remnants of emotions left behind by the real daughter within me, or maybe it indicated a gradual thawing of my heart towards my loving family. Whatever the explanation, it was a novel experience for me, a cold-blooded assassin.

As I approached the door to my chambers, I noticed Lusav waiting for me. He was clad in a crisp white shirt, his hair still damp from a recent wash. Upon catching sight of me, he addressed me respectfully. "My lady, I hope you enjoyed a hearty meal."

"Yes, I did. Did you have yours?" I inquired, meeting his gaze. His eyes, which had appeared fatigued earlier, now seemed refreshed.

"Yes, my lady," came his succinct response.

"Then, did you forget to dry your hair?" I questioned, noticing his still damp locks.

"Um... I apologize for my oversight, my lady," Lusav responded, running a hand through his hair, visibly embarrassed.

"Hmm, Lily, please fetch a towel," I directed Lily to retrieve a towel and handed it to Lusav. "Don't catch a cold, I need you," I added without realizing the flushed expression that crossed his face upon hearing my words expressing my reliance on him.

After the brief exchange, I dismissed all the servants, including Lily, leaving only Lusav and me in the room. I reclined on my bed while Lusav remained standing nearby, awaiting my instructions. Alone in the room with Lusav, the sole individual I placed my complete trust in, I felt a sense of ease wash over me. No longer did I need to remain vigilant against potential spies. I could relax, knowing that I could freely voice any thoughts weighing on my mind. However, work took precedence.

Despite the flush on his cheeks and the reddening of his ears, Lusav appeared composed and tranquil, mirroring the atmosphere of calm that enveloped the room. "You may sit there," I instructed, gesturing towards a nearby chair. Initially hesitant, Lusav attempted to decline, but upon my persistent insistence, he eventually complied. Even Lusav understood that I rarely repeated my orders thrice.

"Now that we are alone, I would appreciate a report on the operations of the Spade," I articulated, prompting him to provide details about the management of my mall, "Spade," as well as the workings of the covert intelligence network operating under its guise.