Rebirth of The Duchess

It was midsummer, and the Duke's Mansion was covered with lush vegetation, leaves reaching towards the sky. Clara sat beneath the shade of a tree, gazing at the small pond in front of her. She twirled a flower branch in her hand, lost in thought. The scorching sunlight seeped through the gaps in the branches and leaves, little by little. She was dressed plainly, wearing a light shirt with blue flowers on a white background. Upon closer inspection, one would notice that the blue flowers embroidered on the skirt had long since faded, making it impossible to discern their original appearance. Her pretty face looked very pale under the scorching sun. Her slender body seemed as fragile as a sheet of paper, as if a gust of wind could easily blow her away. "Amy, have you got the ice cubes?" Hearing footsteps, Clara didn't even raise her head. Her voice emanated softly, like a gentle murmur of a mosquito. "Elder sister." The person who responded was evidently not Amy but someone else. Clara, influenced by the crisp and sweet voice since childhood, immediately recognized her younger sister, Vivian. However, due to her status as the daughter of a little mistress, their treatment differed significantly. Vivian, being the only legitimate daughter of the family, was cherished from birth and adored by all. On the contrary, Clara was like an inconspicuous weed, with no one caring for her in the vast Count's family after her mother's early death. Two years ago, due to a peculiar turn of events, both Clara and Vivian left the territory on the same day to marry into the Duke Palace. At that time, their Prime Minister father held unprecedented power, but the Duke Gillian’s distinguished status and favoritism drew attention to their marriage from the entire capital. Upon hearing the news, a continuous stream of well-wishers arrived at Count’s Mansion, forming a queue from the gate of the house to the city gate. On that day, it seemed as if the blue sky over the capitol had been dyed a festive red. However, the joyous times did not continue for long. In the twelfth lunar month of the previous year, Duke Gillian fell ill with a cold that lasted for three months. Shortly after the new year, Duke Gillian succumbed to his illness and passed away. After the Duke's death, the title should have passed to the legitimate son, Vivian's husband, Gabriel. However, overwhelmed by grief, Gabriel fell from the attic on the night of the wake, sustaining a head injury that left him mentally impaired. After careful consideration, Emperor Maximillen appointed Louis, the eldest son of Duke Gillian, as the new Duke of Galard. Louis is Clara's husband. In the eyes of outsiders, she was the enviable wife of a noble prince. Yet, the pain behind the facade was known only to those directly involved. Louis initially harbored a dislike towards her. Upon receiving the title, he promptly ordered her relocation to the secluded Rose Garden. Reflecting on the past, a trace of melancholy flashed through Clara's heart. She forced a self-deprecating smile, lifting her amber eyes to gaze at the sparkling water ahead. Coldly, she replied, "What brings you here?" "Of course, I went to see my sister and brought some ice cubes along the way. It's scorching, and without ice cubes, it must be difficult. I remember when my sister was at home; she always liked to make some ice cubes every summer for mung bean soup." "Really?" The two words sounded as cold as ice. "Sister, have you forgotten?" Vivian blinked, taking the tray from a maid in a green shirt behind her. With small steps, she approached slowly. Today, she wore a lotus-colored brocade dress with gold rims, a silver-white beaded satin skirt underneath, and a long gilt-tasseled hairpin on her head. Luxurious yet elegant, with a refreshing temperament. She was exceptionally beautiful, and the lotus color on her person made her face even more charming and adorable. Stopping about a foot away from Clara, she freed up one hand, taking down the piece of printed cloth covering the tray. A burst of cold air suddenly hit Clara's face. Impatiently, she turned her head and asked, "What are you doing?" "Sister, you don't want ice cubes? I'll give them to you now." Vivian chuckled twice, her two watery eyes squeezed together like a crescent moon. She smiled, holding the mahogany plate, and flashed it in front of Clara's eyes. Observing that Clara didn't react, her expression changed slightly. With a strong hand, she threw the ice cubes and the plate into the pond. Gudong. A deep pit formed in the calm water. Water ripples splashed up, reflecting a dazzling light when illuminated by the sun. Vivian lowered her eyes, bit her thin lips, and leaned against Clara's ear, saying coldly, "Sister, you really don't have to drink a toast!" "Vivian, have you ever regarded me as your sister?" Clara frowned and stood up from the stone bench. "If you truly considered me your sister, you and Louis wouldn't do such things. Do you think everyone in this house is foolish, deaf, and blind? I would like to advise you, retaliation is only a matter of time."