She's Not Our Daughter! Ch 123

SS 1: After the Happy Ending (1)

After their sweet honeymoon concluded, every plan that followed began with a single comment from Sierra.

[Sierra] "Come to think of it, we should all gather and talk."

[Hanael] "Hmm?"

Hanael looked up from the storybook she had been reading eagerly under the bed.

[Hanael] "We?"

She tilted her head, not quite grasping the concept of "we."

[Sierra] "Hanael. Do you not miss Auntie Mage, Brother Abel, and Ezel?"

[Hanael] "Auntie Mage! Puppy Brother! Uncle!"

Hanael opened her eyes wide and shouted loudly. It was as if she had forgotten them until now. Sierra gently stroked Hanael's hair as she dropped her storybook onto the floor with a thud, smiling softly.

[Sierra] "Well, do you miss them?"

[Hanael] "Yup! Do you miss them too, Mommy?"

She leaped off the carpet and bounded onto the bed where Sierra sat. Round eyes stared intently at Sierra.

[Sierra] "Yes, of course I miss them."

Missing them was one reason.......

Yet Sierra felt it was necessary to gather everyone who had helped them in one place. And to throw a wonderful party for them.

After all, these were the people who had risked everything for their sake.

---

Her plan faced a crisis.

She had sworn to prepare a simple meal and invite the people she loved. However, right when she tried to pick out antique gifts on a street in the Capital.......

The First Outing of the Duchess of Ideos?!

Articles like this began popping up everywhere.

They say you lose one thing to gain another. Sierra had gained Cassius, Hanael, and a noble life, but she could no longer remain the humble pharmacist.

She felt like a celebrity, yet it was also slightly chilling.

Is this what a high noble's life is like......?

Truthfully, the other things were not huge problems. The real problem was that she could no longer look at newspapers.

The reason was simple: they were far too cringeworthy.......

The media packaged the love between Sierra and Cassius as a romance of the century. Granted, considering the storms they weathered, it did resemble a romance of the century.

Still, seeing articles titled The Beauty Captured Commoner Duke Ideos: Sierra's Who, felt incredibly burdensome.

She used to enjoy reading about other people's romances! However, seeing her own romance turned into front-page gossip proved embarrassing. Still, cutting herself off from newspapers solved that issue.

A far more challenging and surprising task awaited her: the sheer volume of duties she now had to manage.

I had no idea the Duchess of Ideos had so many duties.

Returning from her honeymoon, a mountain of responsibilities awaited her as the Duchess. Having lived her entire life as a commoner pharmacist, attempting to fulfill a Duchess' duties suddenly left her stumbling. Yet, thanks to the Grand Madam helping her one step at a time, she felt she could learn gradually.

You can do this, Sierra.

Fortunately for Sierra, the Grand Madam seemed determined not to let a single drop of water touch her hands.

The moment Sierra tried to do anything, the Grand Madam rushed over and stopped her, saying, "You don't need to do such dangerous work." Even when she merely tried to draw the curtains by the window.

Due to this excessive protection, Sierra learned the Grand Madam's duties strictly through observation for a while. Eventually, she managed to persuade the Grand Madam, allowing her to slowly learn the duties expected of the Duchess of Ideos.

Organizing cutlery and learning etiquette presented a continuous string of hardships. Yet for Sierra, it was surprisingly manageable.

I was ready to face death; this is nothing.

Etiquette was actually quite simple. The Grand Madam was so enchanted with Sierra that she half-forgot that she came from a commoner background.

[Sierra] "So I just do it like this."

[G. Madam] "Yes, my baby."

[Sierra] "......Pardon?"

The Grand Madam looked as though she had misspoken. Sierra's expression turned slightly awkward. But it couldn't be helped; she had already heard it......!

[Sierra] "......Ahem, ahem."

Watching the embarrassed Grand Madam, Sierra discreetly averted her gaze. Pretending not to notice was the best strategy in times like this.

[G. Madam] "Do whatever you wish to do first. I am healthy, and I have my daughter-in-law."

[Sierra] "I want to invite the people precious to me to the estate, serve them food, and share gifts. May I do that?"

The Grand Madam answered with a nonchalant expression.

[G. Madam] "Oh, yes. Entertaining guests is a wonderful thing. And you no longer need to ask for my permission for every little thing."

Sierra shook her head quite firmly.

[Sierra] "But this does require your permission."

[G. Madam] "Hmm? What is it?"

Sierra spoke with a serious expression.

[Sierra] "......Both you and the Countess are included on the guest list. I will host the dinner in the estate's largest hall that day. Will you come?"

Finishing her words, Sierra waited for her reply. However, silence followed.

Sierra stared into the Grand Madam's eyes with a bewildered expression. She looked utterly taken aback.

What is wrong?

A momentary question flashed through her mind, but quickly resolved itself. Lately, the Grand Madam has been incredibly busy. She was occupied transferring various duties to Sierra, the new Duchess of Ideos, and making appearances in high society to flaunt the Duke's prestige.

Sierra calculated that the Grand Madam might be too busy with back-to-back social schedules to attend the dinner.

I shouldn't feel hurt if she can't make it to the dinner.

She made a firm resolution inwardly and stared at the Grand Madam with determination.

[G. Madam] "Y-You are...... inviting me too?"

It was not that she couldn't come; she was deeply moved. Only then did she understand the Grand Madam's expression. The emotion coloring her face was not panic, but overwhelming gratitude. Sierra answered in a strong voice.

[Sierra] "Of course. You are precious to me."

The Grand Madam looked stunned for a moment. Wondering if she had misspoken, Sierra carefully checked the Grand Madam's complexion.

[G. Madam] "......I am, precious, to you."

[Sierra] "Yes, of course."

Clear emotion surfaced on the Grand Madam's face. She pulled Sierra into a sudden, tight embrace and whispered. Somewhat disjointed phrases like "I am glad," "Thank you," and "I am happy" flowed into Sierra's ears.

Sierra offered an awkward smile and merely nodded quietly.

This is slightly...... hard to get used to.

To think this was something to be so happy about.

---

Since that day, the Grand Madam's gaze, which had always been warm like a midsummer breeze, grew undeniably warmer. Even when Sierra invited guests, the Grand Madam stayed by her side, chiming in on every detail. She remained with her constantly, almost like a single body.......

Still, apart from the slight decrease in alone time with Cassius, it was pleasant. At the very least, it gave Sierra the chance to explain the people she liked to the Grand Madam.

[Sierra] "Abel is a commoner, ah, I mean......."

[G. Madam] "What does being a commoner matter? The heart is what matters. Is that not right, daughter-in-law?"

[Countess] "Of course."

Even the Countess changed her stance rapidly.

This is not right. This is a strict class society, yet the hierarchy is completely falling apart.......

Looking at the two noblewomen who seemed more devoid of prejudice toward commoners than Sierra herself, she scratched the back of her head awkwardly.

[Sierra] "I am sure you two will like them. Ah, I believe you saw him once before."

[G. Madam] "Once before?"

[Sierra] "He briefly stopped by the Duke's estate. The one with fluffy sky-blue hair!"

[Countess] "Ah, I remember!"

The Countess laughed brightly, saying the description jogged her memory.

The next person to introduce was Amille. Hearing that she was Sierra's older sister and an Archmage, they nodded in agreement. This was because Sierra and Cassius had previously given the Grand Madam a rundown of what transpired after they defeated the Crown Prince.

They smiled brightly, acting as if they already knew everything.

[G. Madam] "I can't wait to meet them."

[Sierra] "Really?"

[G. Madam] "They sound like wonderful people, my baby."

[Sierra] "I am sure you will like them."

At her words, the Grand Madam nodded. It was a remarkably bright day.

---

Having completed all preparations, everyone gathered at the Duke's estate.

Abel perked up his puppy-like ears, Ezel looked even more handsome with pomade in his hair, and Amille rushed over quickly after eating healthy food in the annex.

The Grand Madam and the Countess claimed they had been fully preparing for today's meal since the day before.

Only Hanael, Sierra, and Cassius took their seats without much forethought.

This feels a bit overwhelming.

However, trusting that they would appreciate the hard work she put into it, Sierra looked around the hall of the Duke's estate.

They used a round dining table, ensuring no seat stood out as the head.

Cassius and Hanael sat on either side of Sierra. Next to Hanael sat Abel, Amille, Ezel, the Countess, and the Grand Madam in a continuous circle.

Finally, the dinner—prepared by Sierra, supported by Cassius, and marveled at by Hanael—began.

As the host of this dinner, Sierra meticulously checked her neatly arranged short hair before calling a maid.

[Sierra] "Please bring out the appetizers, aperitifs, and juice."

[Maid] "Right away."

As if waiting for a cue, food carts rolled in. Sierra had personally selected high-quality wine and sherry, along with fresh carrot juice for Hanael and Abel, all arranged on the carts. She looked at the trays with satisfaction.

For appetizers, she prepared simple dishes like smoked salmon and celery, topped with finely chopped salted herring.

Even though these were just hors d'oeuvres before the main course, there were roughly over twenty varieties. However, she portioned them small, like finger food.

[Ezel] "Oh, it has been a while since I had such an exquisite meal."

As Ezel joked around, Amille lightly scolded him.

[Amille] "You should pray to the God who made today possible."

At her blunt remark, Ezel chuckled and nodded. His surprising compliance suggested he realized he was no match for Amille.

And so...... light conversation began as they enjoyed drinks and appetizers.

[Abel] "Hanael, why has it been so long?"

[Hanael] "Puppy Brother's hair color changed!"

Pointing at Abel's hair, which had turned a slightly deeper blue from its original sky-blue, Hanael made a huge fuss. The people at the table pretended not to listen, but paid close attention to Abel and Hanael's conversation.

So cute.

Watching the two bicker earnestly was adorable. Sierra took a sip of sherry and looked at Amille.

[Sierra] "It is not much, but eat up, Sister."

[Amille] "I will."

The Grand Madam, who had been constantly looking for an opportunity to join the conversation, offered a dignified smile.

[G. Madam] "So you are Sierra's sister, the Archmage Amille."

In stark contrast to how she treated Ezel, Amille responded with perfect politeness.

[Amille] "Yes, I greet the Grand Madam."

I am really not used to seeing my sister like this.......

Thinking of the upcoming event, Sierra stole a glance at Cassius. He had been quietly observing the situation, and now he stared back at her steadily.

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