I Need to Raise My Younger Sister Right

Chapter 10

A week had passed. During that time, Liz gradually adjusted to her new life under Rachel and Bella’s extensive care. Though she still seemed unfamiliar and awkward with her life at the duchess’s estate, she was getting a lot brighter than when she first arrived.

“Your Grace, are you ready?” asked Ann as she adjusted Rachel’s clothes.

“Mhm.”

Grand Duke Lexerville…

She was to attend his victory party.

He was a warmonger who would go anywhere as long as he could see blood.

He kidnapped people to drink their blood, summoned demons by offering a sacrifice every night, and did other such things. He was the type of man to inspire all sorts of unbelievable rumors.

Rachel recalled the image of the grand duke through the character’s memory.

Eyes so blank they make you question whether he’s even capable of having emotions…

I suppose I’ll just have to show my face briefly and return.

She had no choice but to attend, as she needed to show high society that she was fine and well.

It hadn’t even been that long since she’d been able to reunite with her fave…

The thought of having to be away from her for a long period of time made Rachel worried and kept holding her back.

I’ll be back soon, my love.

Rachel dragged her heavy feet towards the carriage. Before it left, she peeked outside and looked back at her estate.

Hopefully, Liz would be well even in her absence.

“Aah!”

It was early morning.

She should still be in bed, so why is she...?

She blinked, wondering if this was a dream, because she wanted to see Liz so much.

“Sister! P-please have a safe trip!

Liz, who was still in her pajamas, came running toward her and fell to the ground.

Oh goodness, that must’ve hurt. Oh no!

But the little girl got up as if it were nothing and waved her hand at Rachel.

“Have a safe trip!”

My Liz. How strong and adorable...

***

Thanks to the rigorous schedule they adhered to, Rachel was able to arrive a day earlier than expected.

She rested for an entire day at her mansion in the capital, but the exhaustion from the journey didn’t fully disappear. She didn’t want to attend the party to begin with, but dragging her exhausted body there felt like death.

“It seems His Excellency the Grand Duke holds a powerful reputation,” Ann said in awe as she saw the endless carriages waiting in front of the imperial palace.

“Indeed.”

Though Grand Duke Lexerville was the target of many people’s fear, he was ironically worshiped by many as well.

It might be because of his curse, but regardless, they’ve been able to awaken as fire mages for generations now, so I suppose it makes sense.

Magic wasn’t passed down through one’s bloodline, so they had to have some sort of secret.

Well, I suppose it’s not my business…

Curiosity killed the cat.

Moreover, she didn’t want to be involved with him.

Now then, it’s finally time for my official debut as the Duchess of Agnus!

Rachel fixed up her garments and makeup in the waiting room and then entered the ballroom.

***

An elegant melody filled the inside of the imperial ballroom. There were many nobles who were gathered in groups and chatting with each other.

“Have you heard the news?”

At the noblewoman’s remark, another noblewoman tilted her head and said, “What news?”

“You know, about the Duchess of House Agnus.”

“Ah...”

The pathetic duchess who secluded herself inside her estate for half a year and neglected her territory?

A sneer briefly passed over the people’s lips.

“But what about the duchess?”

“You haven’t heard? Apparently she’s come to the capital this time.”

“Pardon?”

Everyone widened their eyes.

Why would the duchess, who never showed her face during the social season, come all the way to the capital?

“She must have finally grown tired of her increasingly sophisticated way of life. After all, she was so absorbed that she didn’t even have time for condolences.”

The others began to laugh at the noblewoman’s words.

House Agnus… When the former duke was alive, others wouldn’t dare so much as look at that family.

But what about now?

A clueless young woman held the duchess title and was running that powerful family into ruins.

Bad news traveled fast.

The rumors of the duchess wasting herself away on alcohol had long since spread around high society. After all, there was the widespread story that the duchess wouldn’t allow other nobles to pay their condolences because she was too busy drinking.

At that moment, the steward’s loud voice rang throughout the ballroom.

“Here enters Duchess Agnus!”

At the news of today’s hottest topic entering the ballroom, everyone turned to look.

Radiant and soft silver hair…

Deep blue eyes that held a distinct glow…

Skin as smooth and clear as milk…

A blue sapphire-colored dress…

She appeared in the ballroom looking perfectly fine, making it hard to believe that she was ever addicted to alcohol.

“Hmm…”

Rachel smiled as she acknowledged the people’s attention.

All of them held their mouths open like fools. Clearly, they had expected her to enter looking haggard and sickly.

That’s exactly why I got all the touch-ups I possibly could!

Perhaps due to that, her skin was especially glowing today. She shrugged her shoulders with pride.

A woman leading a group of young girls and boys approached her.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you in person, my lady. Or I suppose I should call you ‘Your Grace’?”

Rachel looked at the woman standing before her.

Blonde hair and blue eyes…

Oh, she possesses a pure and innocent beauty.

If this were the modern world, with a face like hers, she would easily have become the lead actress in a melodrama.

It was the daughter of Duke Herrisman—Caroline Herrisman.

Rachel naturally wore her mask.

“Indeed. Have you been well?”

House Herrisman. As the top contributors in ousting the crown prince and seating the current emperor on his throne, they were promoted from a marquess family to a duke family in recognition of their contribution.

That family would vanish into the backwaters of history along with the current emperor once the original novel began.

There was no need to become any more acquainted with this woman than necessary, but there was also no reason to outright avoid her, as she had ten more years remaining to enjoy her power.

“I’ve been the same as usual, aside from my father’s constant pressure to turn my heart around, that is.” Caroline laughed bitterly and looked down.

The people around her began to sigh as they said, “It’s a pity that she has to give up on her love because of her parent’s opposition. Lady Caroline...”

“I know it’s not our position to say this, but even in our opinion, that man is not suitable for someone as dainty as you.”

“Surely, that’s what Duke Herrisman thinks too.”

The man they were referring to was none other than the star of this very party, Grand Duke Lexerville.

Caroline’s unrequited love for Grand Duke Lexerville was a widely known story.

Caroline spoke with eyes full of tears. “I know Father thinks that is what’s best for me, but I can’t seem to give up my feelings for him just yet.”

“My goodness...”

What ridiculous nonsense.

Rachel suppressed the urge to break out into laughter.

Caroline always aroused pity with her story of unrequited love. Surprisingly, it worked pretty well. The men wanted to protect Caroline, and the women felt sorry for her.

But Rachel was able to see through everything.

“Not just yet,” you say?

At the suggestion that they still had a chance, the men sought their opportunities. Meanwhile, the women simply pitied her at the thought that her heart belonged to the ruthless grand duke.

She’s a smart one. She’s leading the lords while avoiding suspicion from the ladies.

Rachel smirked at the sight.

Taking notice, Caroline tilted her head and asked, “What do you find so funny?”

“O-oh, it’s nothing.”

If she knew what Rachel had been thinking a moment ago, she’d surely want to grab her by the collar.

I wonder if there’s anything more amusing than that?

Rachel had expected an exciting high society life where people would engage in a relentless battle of words, but it was slowly becoming boring.

Just as a yawn was about to escape her mouth, a voice rang out. “Here enters His Excellency, Grand Duke Lexerville!”

“Here enters His Majesty, the Emperor!”

The steward had announced the appearance of Grand Duke Lexerville and the emperor at the same time.

Everyone turned to look at the entrance of the ballroom.

Black hair, black eyes… A tall man dressed in black.

This was Theo Von Lexerville.

People couldn’t take their eyes off of him. His presence was powerful enough to overwhelm that of the emperor.

It was the same for Rachel.

She had a feeling that he would be handsome based on the recollection of his appearance remembered by this body…

But “handsome” wasn’t a strong enough word.

Like a model, he was a tall man of 190 centimeters, with a small face and strong muscles like those of a hunting dog.

Sharp, arrogant eyes gave off a dangerous aura and a feeling of weariness that enveloped his entire body.

He alone shone radiantly, like someone living in another world.

Without even realizing it, Rachel stood looking at him in a daze when suddenly, the emperor’s congratulatory speech began.

When the people slowly came to their senses and lowered their heads, she also quickly followed suit.

I can see now why Caroline wishes to marry Grand Duke Lexerville.

Aside from the ruthless and cruel rumors that followed him, his face alone was very dangerous.