Chapter 9: Cedric’s Parents Meet.

“The ducal couple requests your presence at dinner tonight.”

—What?

The words froze both Cedric and me in place.

An invitation to dinner at the main house?

No way.

I looked at the servant’s face.
His serious expression didn’t suggest a joke.

“…Truly?”

Cedric confirmed.

“Yes. Tonight, at the main house’s dining hall. Please come prepared.”
“Understood. Thank you.”

After the servant left, we exchanged glances.

An invitation to the main house’s dinner was unthinkable.

In the original story, Cedric never went to the main house until the couple and his brother Darius died in an accident.
He was isolated in the annex, his existence ignored.

Yet now, we were invited.
Surprised by this divergence from the original, I looked at Cedric.

“Are you okay?”

He thought briefly, then nodded quietly.

“I’m fine. You, Amelia?”
“I’m fine too. I haven’t even greeted them yet.”

Indeed, since marrying, I hadn’t met my in-laws once.
So, this might be a good opportunity.

“Let’s get ready, then.”
“Yes.”

We hurriedly prepared.

I chose a dress, fixed my hair, and added accessories.
Cedric changed into formal attire, carefully grooming his hair.

Prepared, we headed to the main house.
The annex and main house were close enough to walk, but we took a carriage.

The servant opened the door, and we boarded.

It was a short ride, but my heart pounded the whole way.

Then Cedric took my hand.

“It’s okay.”

I’m still not used to my favorite holding my hand, but it was deeply reassuring now.

“Yes. Thank you, Cedric.”

The carriage stopped.
The door opened, and we stepped out.

At the main house, the annex’s size was impressive, but the main house’s grandeur stunned me.
High ceilings, chandeliers gleaming brightly.

Paintings lined the walls, the floor polished marble.

The corridor alone was wider than the annex’s hall.

“…Wow.”

I murmured, and Cedric chuckled softly.

“Surprised?”
“Yes. It’s so grand.”
“Let’s go.”

Cedric offered his hand, and I took it.

With his escort, I was led to the dining hall.
As we walked the corridor, servants bowed deeply as they passed.

Their gazes stung a bit.

We reached a large door.
A servant opened it.

The room was vast beyond imagination.

A long table sat at the center, with Duke Gorn Gilbert and his wife, Isabel, already seated at the far end.

Gorn, in his mid-fifties, had a sturdy build.
His black hair was streaked with white, his eyes sharp.

Isabel was beautiful but cold-eyed.
Her chestnut hair was pinned up, adorned with multiple jewels.

The hosts remained seated, watching us.

“You came.”

Gorn said curtly.

Isabel said nothing, appraising us coolly.

—Such rude behavior.

Inviting us but not standing.
Yet neither Cedric nor I could say anything.

This was their house.

We were beneath them.

So I introduced myself with utmost courtesy.

“Pleased to meet you. I am Amelia Fabir. It is an honor to be married to Lord Cedric.”

I bowed deeply, gracefully.
Back straight, hem lifted, a perfect curtsy.

Even if they were rude, I would be polite.

That was my small act of defiance.

Gorn and Isabel let out soft sounds.

“Hm.”
“Well.”

Slightly surprised tones.

Following my lead, Cedric stepped forward.

“My apologies for the late greeting. I am Cedric. I have arrived.”

He bowed politely too.
Gorn nodded slightly.

“Sit.”

We sat across from the couple as directed.

There was some distance across the table.
Soon, food was brought in.

Luxurious, appetizing dishes.
Appetizers, soup, fish, meat.

Clearly the work of a top chef.
But they tasted bland in my mouth.

Tension clogged my throat.

Cedric, beside me, seemed the same.
He moved his knife and fork, but his expression was stiff.

Come to think of it, Darius, Cedric’s brother, wasn’t here.

I’d expected him to join.

Then Gorn spoke.

“I didn’t call Darius. Seems he doesn’t get along with Cedric.”

My heart jolted.

Doesn’t get along—they know.
They likely heard about Darius trying to proposition me at the annex and Cedric stopping him with magic.

Gorn glanced at me, confirming my suspicion.
But no apology—probably the duke’s pride.

He continued.

“My wife, Isabel, may have her thoughts about you, but no matter.”

Isabel said nothing, just stared coldly at Cedric.

“You’ve earned good grades at the academy. I have expectations.”

Cedric straightened.

“I’ll strive without complacency.”
“Good.”

Gorn nodded, satisfied.

—They called us for this?

I wondered.
In the original, Cedric was excellent but not top-tier, yet never summoned.

So why now?

As I pondered, Gorn turned to me.

“Lady Amelia, you seem more capable than I thought.”

I tensed slightly.

“Not only have your habits improved since coming here, but I hear you have a talent for water magic.”

What?
He knows about my water magic?

Surprised, I listened as Gorn continued.

“The teacher reported it. The border count’s blood is tied to water. And you have that talent.”

I bowed, taken aback.

“Thank you.”

Duke Gorn had heard of my water magic skills from the teacher.
And he intended to use that talent.

“Hone that power, and it will serve our estate. It’s curious it didn’t manifest until your age.”

Clearly a jab.
A veiled critique of my past debauchery until twenty.

(I was following the original story’s villainous wife route until then, so what can I do?)

I retorted inwardly but stayed silent.

Gorn tilted his wine glass and declared,

“Develop that power further, and you’ll tour the ducal estates. Prepare for it.”

His words made it clear.

—Oh, that’s it.

This dinner wasn’t for Cedric.
It was to tell me this.

Cedric’s grades were just an excuse.
The real goal was to use my water magic for the ducal house.

They have no familial warmth.

Just people acting for profit.
Using whatever tools are available.
As a duke, Gorn might be competent, but as a parent, he’s a failure.

Still, I smiled and said firmly,

“Understood. For the ducal house… and for my husband, Cedric, I’ll do my best.”

Gorn nodded, satisfied, and Isabel softened her expression slightly.

Cedric gently squeezed my hand beside me.

That warmth calmed my heart a little.