101: Idle Talk: Brandon Lancester
After Dylan and Avril returned to the main building, dinner was prepared in the annex.
Lucy and the other four mistresses gathered in the spacious dining hall.
They were invited by none other than Brandon Lancester, the former duke and de facto owner of the annex. He made a habit of selecting a few of his mistresses to invite to dinner every evening.
But that day, one seat in the dining room was empty, Teresa’s.
When the former duke sat down and heard the day’s report from the butler, his eyes widened in shock.
“Teresa Pannella fled the mansion…!?”
“Yes, during the meeting with Lord Dylan this afternoon, she jumped out of the window and fled.”
“Isn’t there a mistake? I can’t imagine that cute and adorable Teresa doing such a thing!”
“W-well…”
The former duke glowered at the butler who was too scared to continue. Unable to bear the sight, Lucy, the leader of the mistresses, helped him.
“Lord Brandon, if you get mad at him, how is he supposed to say the truth?”
“He just insulted my precious lover. I’d be just as angry if Lucy was the one insulted instead of Teresa.”
For the former duke, all of his mistresses were equally important. Even if they sometimes rebelled, he saw it as nothing more than a kitten’s cute aggression.
These innocent and gentle maidens never seriously rebelled against Brandon. Until then, none of his mistresses had ever run away.
That was partly because they were given a luxurious life, and also because there was no woman of such a nature there in the first place. That was mainly due to Brandon’s preferences and ability to manage crisis issues.
Although, there was a single exception, namely Dylan’s mother. Her pride got in the way.
The butler timidly continued his report. The former duke chewed on his nails, dismayed at the unbelievable report.
“A-apparently, Lord Dylan investigated Lady Teresa’s room and found a hidden compartment behind a shelf in her closet. A small amount of drugs and a note with instructions on how to contact the supposed intermediary were identified.”
“What did you say!? What does he think he was doing!? Also, there were drugs!?”
“Y-yes, it seems that Lord Dylan was originally suspicious of Lady Teresa… In fact, he returned to the territory to demand explanation from her…”
“No way, that Teresa…”
Lucy gently snuggled close to the former duke whose shoulders slumped in disappointment.
“Lord Brandon, you still have us. Therefore, please stop looking at new things. As for mistresses, we can finally live in harmony again.”
“Lucy… You’re truly mild-mannered, yet composed. I’m going to visit you tonight.”
“That makes me very happy, but I think it’d be better to receive a detailed report from Lord Dylan.”
The former duke, who gave in to Lucy’s elegant smile, sneered.
“That young lad seems to have inherited his mother’s nature. He’s too serious. The woman he brought with him is also the worst. The sooner they return to the capital, the better.”
Hearing the former duke’s words, the four mistresses looked at each other quietly, pausing whatever they were doing.
Actually, everyone was at the salon when Clarissa’s true identity was revealed. Hence, they were fully aware that Avril, who played the part of a laundrymaid, was actually the next duchess.
They developed a good impression of Avril when collected their laundry. When they recalled the innocent and friendly way she carried herself with Dylan in the salon earlier, the mistresses came to a silent agreement.
Thus, they gave their advice in order.
“Certainly… That woman Lord Dylan brought here, her temper is anything but mild.”
“That’s what I’m saying!”
“Today, we just exchanged a greeting, but she seemed to be using her body to stop Lord Dylan from chasing Lady Teresa (although it was the opposite).”
“What!? Using her body!?”
“She seemed very interested in the duke’s wealth (in regards to accounting).”
“!?!?”
“However, Lord Dylan seemed to be completely smitten by her. So much that he didn’t care what others thought about her. (She’s really childish though).”
“…!”
The cutlery fell from the former duke’s hands. His face was pale, while his hands were shaking.
“I’ve heard the rumors, but what a rotten woman he took in! What’s more, he’s completely at her mercy! He should’ve chosen a gentle, cute, and obedient young lady! He really doesn’t have an eye for women!!!”
Lucy calmly called out the former duke, who was ranting.
“Indeed. Compared to her, don’t you prefer calm, subservient women like us? So, let’s forget about Avril Allingham?”
“Y-you’re right…”
Lucy put a piece of torn bread into the former duke’s mouth as she winked. She smiled kindly, and everyone chimed in.
“What an awful woman.”
“L-Lord Dylan’s tastes are something else, aren’t they?”
“R-right… H-how horrid.”
Just like that, the night ended for the former duke. He was completely swayed.
***T/N: I have a feeling Lucy isn’t what she seems…
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