The news of the Duke storming off from the party reached the ears of Lady Cornelia. She didn't react much but simply laughed it off while continuing her conversation with the guests.
She wasn't merely engaging in idle talk. She was conversing with powerful political and business figures whose contacts she intended to use for the benefit of her eldest son, whom she wanted to succeed as the next Duke, regardless of her husband's current stance since Duke Gerin did not like his supposed heirs who he deemed to be very unworthy and useless from his perspective.
After the party ended, she returned to her room, followed by her entourage of guards and personal maids. These were handpicked from among those who had served her since her time at the Royal Palace. Even the guards were from the Royal Capital, drawn from the lower divisions of the Royal Guard.
Her maids changed her attire from an elegant party gown to silky nightwear. They were made with care, the thread used were of the highest quality imported from the east. The attire was handwoven for her and ensured to give her the best comfort.
She sat before a mirror, smiling faintly as she admired her own beauty, still radiant despite being in her early forties. "Pretty as always, my lady." One of the maids said while brushing her hair gently ensuring they are given as much care as possible.
Lady Cornelia returned the smile. She was, after all, the sister of the King, born of the prestigious Royal Family so her beauty and appearance must be the best.
"Will the Duke be visiting tonight, my lady?" one of the maids asked while holding a notepad with her schedule.
The Lady took a moment to respond. "Perhaps not, considering his outdated behaviors. He's probably in his office, drinking and smoking because he couldn't handle a bit of socializing." She said, mocking him in a subtle way while smiling a bit.
Another maid asked, "Shall I prepare your dinner, my lady?"
"No, I'm not hungry. It would have been nicer if I had someone to talk to... It's hard living with a husband who doesn't even bother to spend time with his beautiful wife and handsome sons." She scoffed, because the Duke doesn't spend too much time with her or his sons.
"It seems Marquis Vapund upset the Duke in a bad way." One of her guards said after entering the room. "He even summoned Chief Administrator Benjamin to his office afterward."
Cornelia paused. "What did they talk about?" she asked, doubtful because her husband does not summon someone without any reason especially someone like Benjamin and considering after he went to his room in an angry mood which made her feel suspicious.
"It seems the Duke is having doubts about the succession again." The Guard answered.
She pressed her hand to her forehead and sighed. "That idiot." she muttered, referring to Vapund, since it was the Marquis who made him angry.
The guard continued, "Marquis Vapund wants young master Carnel to wed his youngest daughter."
"Why would that annoy him? Vapund's house is wealthy due to the mines in his territory, and he's been working to build a powerful faction in the Aristocratic Parliament." Cornelia remarked, a marriage alliance with the Marquis house is definitely profitable for her son.
"The Marquis brought up Young Master Estefan." Hearing that from the Guards mouth hit a nerve. Her hand trembled slightly from anger, though she remained calm on the surface. "Did he suggest marrying his daughter to Estefan instead of my son?"
"It's unclear, but it may have been implied. Perhaps it annoyed the Duke because he doesn't like Estefan." The Guard tried to calm the situation down but it didn't work because Lady Cornelia threw a bottle of perfume at the guard. It hit him, but didn't do much damage.
"You should've found out what the response was!" she shouted, clearly worried. "That man may claim to hate that brat, but if he truly did, he would've either exiled or executed him. It's like he's testing Estefan or something to see if he's worthy of inheriting the title."
She stood up. "I should've removed him long ago." she growled in frustration.
"My lady." Said one of the guards, one of her most trusted, named Frederick who came with her from the Palace as he was directly assigned to guard her by the King who is her elder brother.
"Frederick." She said with a tone thick with frustration.
"No need to fret." He assured her. "As far as we know, Estefan is still weak and barely functioning in that Manor."
"But what if he somehow proves himself?" She asked. "He is, after all, an Angeras and they tend to be unpredictable.. My husband is a great example."
"That may be true." Frederick replied with a chuckle. "But it's unlikely. He's fragile... He only has five years left. Once he turns twenty, he'll be exiled."
Cornelia looked troubled. "To be frank, I don't trust my husband on this. He may show mercy, especially after what he did to that brat's mother."
"The Duke isn't that kind even if it was his own son." Frederick said confidently. "He'll uphold the promise he made. And once Estefan is out of the family, we'll ensure he can't be used as a pawn by any outside power as we will permanently silence him."
She remained silent, deep in thought. Her son's future was on the line and as a mother, she feared what might come, even if she often ignored her second in favor of securing her eldest son's succession.
One of the maids added, "The Duke is mostly angry with Young Master Carnel because of his frequent visits to brothels. If my lady could intervene, perhaps his reputation would improve."
Cornelia dismissed the idea. "Let it be. He's just enjoying his youth." She continued, "I know it may sound strange, but he is of noble blood. He must understand, enjoy, and thrive before the weight of the title consumes his life."
The servants didn't question her. Her word was law to them. In the Main Palace and beyond she was the undisputed matriarch due to her control over the servants, despite the Duke still having legal authority and complete control.
"What is that brat doing nowadays?" she asked, referring to Estefan.
One of her guards replied, "As usual, staying mostly in his room. He rarely comes out or is seen."
Cornelia simply laughed. For her, it was good news one step closer to securing her son's rightful place.
[To be Continued]