Chapter 42: The Duchess’s Deception

“Please look, that is the library. It is considered the most extensively stocked library in the city, with the original manuscript of *The Saints’ Handbook*, compiled by Archbishop Roy two hundred years ago, enshrined on display in the main hall.”

Alice walked through the campus, surrounded by a throng of students, as Camilla diligently explained their surroundings.

“The academy has two cafeterias, with different price points. If you plan to dine here, I recommend the western one, which offers not only full meals but also desserts made by professional pastry chefs. The eastern cafeteria caters to students from ordinary families, and frankly, the food there is quite coarse.”

Alice listened quietly, a faint smile playing on her lips.

Simply by smiling without speaking, she exuded an overwhelming charm.

Everyone walked beside or behind her; no one dared to precede her, partly out of deference and partly because they all yearned for another glimpse of her beauty.

She was truly exquisite, as if a maiden from a famous painting had sprung to life, stepping out of her frame. Not only were the boys captivated, but even the girls found themselves drawn to her, for a witch’s allure could affect those of the same gender as well.

“By the way, has your dormitory been arranged?” Camilla asked, turning her head.

“No, my mother has already purchased the mansion across from the academy for me. I’ll be residing there starting tonight,” Alice replied with a smile. “Everyone is welcome to visit anytime.”

“Purchased?” Camilla’s expression shifted.

Others, too, felt a jolt. The mansion across from the academy was so grand that the word “luxurious” scarcely did it justice. It was, in fact, an exhibition hall, typically rented by the city’s elite for galas, ceremonies, or balls—spacious enough for an entire dormitory’s occupants to move in and host a grand evening party.

“Yes, it was bought a week ago,” Alice said, smiling with a hint of embarrassment. “I advised Mother not to spend so lavishly, but she insisted that even if I don’t live there permanently, it’s still an asset. She believes it will pay for itself in a few years of renting.”

Upon hearing this, everyone inwardly lamented their own limited imaginations. Half of those present couldn’t even match the mansion’s value if they sold all their family assets. Yet, Duke Liddell’s family had bought it without a second thought, merely for their heir to attend school for a little over a month.

More astute individuals had already grasped the significant information Alice deliberately revealed: Alice Liddell commanded enough influence for the Duchess to willingly spend such a sum, indicating her future status as Duchess was far from low.

Either this heir was legitimate, backed by a will, compelling even the Duchess—who currently managed the fief—to defer to her future liege.

Or, her relationship with the Duchess was exceptionally close, leading the Duchess to willingly share the territory’s resources with the heir she personally supported.

Camilla also noticed this, thinking, ‘This future Duchess is indeed worth cultivating a connection with.’

“Miss Liddell, after graduating from here, you must be preparing to inherit your title, aren’t you?” Camilla ventured, trying to make small talk.

“Yes, honestly, I’m a bit nervous,” Alice said, laughing self-deprecatingly. “My mother told me that with this title, I’ll have to interact with all sorts of important figures. Every action I take will represent the entire family. I just feel like I won’t do a good job.”

Seeing how successfully she had guided the conversation, Camilla’s eyes brightened. “I couldn’t understand that more! I’m the same; I’ll soon inherit my father’s viscounty, and just thinking about the future makes me feel utterly overwhelmed!”

The few noble students present exchanged knowing glances, thinking, ‘How dare you compare yourself to her?’

They were all well aware of how hollow Camilla’s inherited viscounty was, as their own families were similar. Frankly, the disparity between these lower-ranking nobles and a great lord like Alice was arguably no less than the gap between commoners and themselves.

Camilla’s attempt to establish a connection was so forced it could only be described as nonsensical. A sharp retort from someone more cutting would instantly make her embarrass herself.

In fact, Alice instantly felt the urge to do just that. A subtly sarcastic remark would have immediately left Camilla speechless with shame, unable to react.

However, she quickly remembered the Duchess’s words and suppressed the impulse.

Her goal was not merely to embarrass Camilla. She intended to make Camilla pay a sufficient price for her past misdeeds, and for that, she first needed to earn Camilla’s trust.

‘I must elevate her to a high enough position, only then can I make her fall hard enough.’

“You too?” she exclaimed, feigning surprise and covering her mouth, an act perfected through the Duchess’s spy training. “I never expected to meet a peer in a similar situation here. Is this what they call destiny?”

“Such destiny is truly my honor, Miss Liddell,” Camilla flattered, beaming.

Watching the once haughty, malicious noblewoman now adopt such a fawning attitude towards her, Alice felt goosebumps rise, yet she maintained her performance. “No need to be so formal. You can just call me Alice, Miss Dumpty… Oh, may I call you by your given name?”

“I’d be delighted,” Camilla replied, thrilled by the smooth progress.

The surrounding students, who had expected Camilla to be rebuffed, exchanged bewildered glances—’This actually worked?’

This noble Duchess-to-be was surprisingly approachable.

Yet, none of them knew that while the distinguished Miss Liddell wore a smiling face, she was already cursing Camilla inwardly.

“Does Miss Liddell enjoy sweets?” one girl asked, mustering the courage to speak with Alice, hoping to also bridge the gap.

“I do! My favorite is the cinnamon pie from Marigold Street in the Imperial Capital, though it’s incredibly difficult to get a reservation there,” Alice replied casually, accepting the topic and mentioning a famous establishment.

Camilla frowned internally, annoyed that the girl had interrupted. If the girl hadn’t been a noble but a commoner, Camilla would certainly have made her suffer later.

However, in noble society, she would never lose her composure like that. Reacting swiftly, she seized the conversation. “Ah, actually, Maplewood City also has a rather excellent shop. I’m a regular there!”

“That’s wonderful!” Alice immediately showed keen interest. “Mother is currently quite troubled about the dessert arrangements for an upcoming ball!”

“A ball?” Camilla paused, surprised.

“Oh dear, look at me, forgetting to mention such an important matter first!” Alice said with an apologetic smile. “Mother is planning to host a ball at the mansion this week, hoping to meet the prominent figures of Maplewood City. I believe your families will receive invitations soon. Please do grace us with your presence then.”

A ball! Everyone grew excited. Their families were all notable figures in the city, so they were confident the Duchess would invite them.

“Especially you, Camilla. You absolutely must come,” Alice emphasized specifically to Camilla.

“Of course,” Camilla agreed immediately, overjoyed, thinking, ‘This Duchess is truly naive, unexpectedly easy to approach.’

“That’s good,” Alice smiled.

Camilla, of course, *had* to come. This ball was the first step in luring Camilla into the trap.