The Monstrous Grand Duke’s Fake Lady

Vivian was called to Alexia’s room in the morning of the next day, regardless of her own will.

Only after she was forcibly washed and adorned under the commands of Alexia that she received the very pill, which would agonize her throat. Despite the pain and suffering she had to bear, Alexia still did not show any ounce of sympathy at all.

“Do you understand? You can’t get caught, at all cost.”

Then, like always, Alexia ended her words by leaving Amanda alone to be by her side. She didn’t even display any sort of remorse, even though she had several servants at her beck and call.

“Vivi, are you okay?”

“No, I’m not okay. Why the hell did that person call her over?”

Was it because of the words that I said yesterday; ‘let’s meet again next time’? Vivian shook her head at those thoughts of hers. There was no way that such greeting would move that iron fortress-like of a man.

Vivian grumbled as she pouted while heaving a painful groan. There was a big swollen spot at her right cheek that was hidden by the large hat. That was ultimately caused by Alexia’s sudden slap yesterday.

“It’s not that big of a deal. Just like yesterday, go there and just come back. It’ll be fine.”

“I sure hope so.”

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Vivian slowly sighed. Perhaps it was because of her swollen cheeks, she couldn’t really move her mouth properly. She felt disturbed as her tumefied cheeks had impeded her from speaking when she truly needed to consciously imitate Alexia’s mannerisms.

It felt as though the carriage had arrived even faster than yesterday when Vivian stepped down from the carriage before reaching the Grand Duke’s mansion. Like always, as if they knew the exact time upon her arrival, the butler and some maids were already there to greet her.

“You are just right on time. It is actually time for the Master to have his meal, however he didn’t want us to wait upon him. Would My Lady mind taking over?”

“Yes? But!”

The butler immediately handed the tray to Vivian’s flustered hand. It was quite difficult to discern that the meal prepared was for the Grand Duke. The space in between the small plates of side dishes and the bowl of porridge were plenty of pills that were really hard to grasp at just a glance.

“I beg of you, if you please.”

Vivian then immediately accepted the tray from the desperate butler who was bowing his head in earnest. She heaved a frustrated sigh towards her habit as a servant who couldn’t reject requests from a person of higher status as she stood in front of the Grand Duke’s room.

The room parted carefully, revealing a dark interior that was just like before.

But, if there was anything different, it would be the curtains that were still draping over the bed previously had already been lifted up today, while he was all propped up in readiness. He seemed as though he had been waiting upon the arrival of Vivian.

She had already expected it, but Vivian’s heart soon clenched at the sight of him. Where did all the anger that was bubbling from the Young Lady’s call had gone to? Only the feeling of facing that person was left inside of Vivian’s heart.

As Vivian was holding the tray while approaching his side, he quickly lifted his head when he felt her presence that was getting closer.

“You’re here?”

“Alexia Britton greets the Grand Duke.”

She greeted him politely before placing down the tray. Then, Vivian immediately doffed her hat as she realized that a seat was already prepared for her, unlike previously.

Vivian swallowed her breath as the sight of his face became much more visible after being revealed by her uncovered hat.  Her swollen face that was caused by the Young Lady’s slap felt increasingly painful as time passed by.

“Did something happen?”

“Yes, yes?”

“It seems like you’re angry right now.”

Vivian’s body started to tremble excessively in response to the Grand Duke’s words. She hadn’t even said anything, yet he was already observing Vivian’s feelings in much detail. Vivan immediately flustered as she barely managed to rectify her current feelings.

“I’m not. It’s nothing special, actually. Besides, there is absolutely nothing to be angry about in the presence of the Grand Duke.”

“I see.”

The Grand Duke responded as he rubbed his chin at Vivian’s words.

“Even so, you are still angry right in front of me, despite there’s nothing special going on.”

“I said, I’m not angry.”

She was instantly struck with rue as she let out her unintentionally harsh tone, but it was already too late. Her brusque manner of talking had made it obvious that Vivian finally sighed as she conceded.

“…how did you find out?”

“Just because I can’t see it, that doesn’t mean I can’t hear as well. It was quite easy to discern the difference in your intonation.”

“You’re very perceptive.”

Indeed, his senses definitely deserved to be called that of a monster.