Villainous Husband [Ofline Reading Only]

5

As the ‘memories of Angelica’ slowly came up in my mind, I realized.

Common sense… There was no way that the Empress had nothing to do. The lady’s maid was supposed to guide me to the Empress’s Palace and hand over the materials of the previous year, so I can review them and start working… Does she want me to ask first? It’s supposed to be the aides to come and initiate things like this first.

Approval of the budget in the Palace, inspecting various departments, socializing with the ladies, meeting with outside figures…

Along with more minor things that I had just listed — It all included the Empress.

The Empress raises her own importance within the Imperial Family by taking charge of the important affairs within the Palace. Not only that, the topic of ‘friendliness with ladies’ was surprisingly important. This was because an empress from a foreign country like me proves belonging and solidarity by building friendships with indigenous peoples.

But, now…?

‘I’m completely treated as a foreign guest.’

The same goes for the professional-looking attitude of the handmaids. They were acting politely so as not to cause any chafe. That meant that If I raised a problem, I would only be sensitive and a bad person. Nevertheless, they thoroughly excluded me from their league and treated me like an outsider. There was never meant to be any emotional exchange between us, and serving with an expressionless face was probably part of that.

‘Well, it’s refreshing to see this kind of noble bullying after only dealing with direct harassment.’

It took me a week to notice since the bullying was so subtle.

If Angelica’s memories had been absorbed a little earlier, I might have noticed all of this sooner. When I found the answer, the maids in front of me now looked different. Come to think of it, they didn’t even make eye contact with me except for the esteemed Madam of Marquis Jacques, who is the chief maid. The person talking to me was always represented by her as well.

Angelica was just coming of age.

Meanwhile, the esteemed Madam of Marquis Jacques’s hair was all gray. No matter how much of an empress I was, it would be difficult to be comfortable in front of a noble esteemed Madam who was several times older than me. There was no way to feel friendly. The reason why she always spoke up to me was so that she could stop the words of the other maids of my age, with whom I could be treated relatively comfortably.

Regardless, even though I knew all this, it didn’t hurt my pride or feelings at all. Truthfully, I was rather amazed by her.

‘If I hadn’t noticed it, would she still be doing this?’

It was bullying that came back round and round because I was in pursuit of nobility.

And, to be honest…

‘Even though it’s bullying… It’s so comfortable!’