Published: August 15, 2025
...Even so, I can’t help but find it strange.
Lady Mio’s fabricated story was certainly well done. There was even what seemed like evidence.
But still, it feels too soon for the madams to believe and accept it so readily.
After all, they say their husband had another woman and even a child twenty years ago. Whether or not there is irrefutable proof, wouldn’t most people vehemently reject it, refusing to believe or wanting to believe? Why are the madams so calm...?
Madam Perla Fuchs sipped her tea with a slightly pale face and let out a sigh.
“...That man really hasn’t changed his womanizing ways, has he.”
She muttered in a tone of resignation.
As expected, she believes and accepts it...
“I understand. It’s not that we fully believe it, but we have no grounds to deny it either.”
“...Thank you.”
“So? What is the purpose of your visit today? Surely you’re not here demanding the marquisate and mansion be passed to us siblings by force?”
“Not at all. We haven’t even properly attended school, so we can’t manage the estate. Besides, we have a small house where we live with our mother.”
“Then you want an allowance? If it’s about fifty gold coins from that medal, I wouldn’t mind giving it as severance.”
“We don’t need money. We have jobs, and though we’re not wealthy, we’re not in hardship. It’s just... we want to comfort our mother’s soul...”
Lady Mio lightly jingled the shell bracelet.
“My mother died still dreaming of living with Father. Madam, please, may we leave this bracelet in Father’s room?”
“In his... room?”
“We’re not asking to bury it with him or display it. Even in a desk drawer or a corner of the storage room is fine. We just want her belongings to be kept in this house.”
“Eh, that’s a bit creepy...”
Someone whispered from the children by the wall, but the eldest daughter sharply told them, “Quiet!”
“My mom was in a similar situation as this lady! We live cozily in a mansion, so we don’t have the right to complain!”
“Please stop.”
The madam gently admonished the flustered sisters, sighed again, then smiled.
She extended her hand toward us.
“Very well. If that is what will calm your family’s and your late mother’s soul, I will accept. I will take responsibility for keeping this bracelet safe.”
“Thank you. But, sorry, we can’t just hand it over here and be done with it... It’s not that we don’t trust you, but...”
“Ah, of course. A normal wife would have thrown it into the fireplace as soon as you left.”
“...Sorry. Just for a very short time... until we leave... please...”
Lady Mio clenched the bracelet tightly, her voice barely a whisper. The madam looked at her, then stood up.
“Then I will guide you to your husband’s room. You may place it on his desk yourself.”
She said this, leaving her family behind in the room and briskly walked into the hallway. Lady Mio and I lagged behind, hurriedly following her. Lady Mio even called out in a panicked voice, though it might have been an act.
“Is it really okay for you to believe us so easily?”
“It’s not that I believe you. But if it’s such a simple request, I thought I’d grant it. Had you demanded money or the noble title, I would have certainly kicked you out.”
“But—even though it’s with another woman...”
“Twenty years ago, I wasn’t yet married to my husband. And I am not in a position to blame him either. At that time, we both had other partners.”
Still facing away from us, the madam said casually.
“I trust him less than you do. He was a truly affable, cheerful, amusing, and charming man. He loved people and was loved by many. To him, women were just a part of that group. Your late mother and I were no different.”
...We were speechless, only lowering our faces and following the madam.
The private room of the late Marquis Erwin Fuchs was, as expected, simpler and more modest than I had imagined. There were very few expensive furnishings typical of high nobility. Instead, things like scales, magnifying glasses, and business-related books stood out—more fitting for a merchant. On top of the cabinet were various souvenirs from different people, reflecting eclectic tastes. It was clear this was a person who enjoyed company and had a wide social network.