Chapter 70: A Father’s Harsh Words

“How about it? We’ll hold an impromptu celebration tonight. I’ll invite a few comrades-in-arms to meet you.” Duke Alençon’s spirits were high.

Jeanne understood that anyone the General who guarded the northern frontier called a “comrade-in-arms” must be a significant figure in the military. The Duke clearly intended to introduce her to more people who could aid her future.

While this would undoubtedly benefit her career, Jeanne truly disliked navigating such social occasions.

“Perhaps we shouldn’t be so extravagant, Father. Since you’ve come all this way, let’s just sit down and chat over a meal, just us.” Jeanne gently declined.

Duke Alençon looked at her, then offered a helpless smile. “Alright, I suppose I expected you to say that. Since you’ve earned a successful promotion today, we’ll do as you wish.”

‘All this time, it has been Mother who tirelessly moved mountains and leveraged family connections for him.’

‘Father, what exactly are you doing? There must be a limit to your favoritism. I am the one who will inherit everything from you; I am your flesh and blood. Why do you never truly look at me? That woman is nothing more than a country girl you picked up from a village, so why do you value her so highly?’

The Duke’s son roared these thoughts inwardly.

Yet, out of reverence for his father, he suppressed his seething indignation. He forced a respectful smile onto his face and spoke.

“Father, why did you not inform me of your arrival in the Imperial City?”

The Duke’s gaze swept over his son, his expression shifting from calm to stormy.

“So you were here.”

Duke Alençon’s first words choked his son into silence. “I—”

‘Haven’t I been standing here the entire time?’

“I thought some street drunk had stumbled into my house,” the Duke stated coldly. He had noticed the scent of alcohol in the room the moment he entered. “It seems you’re living quite idly here, aren’t you? Drinking like this in broad daylight? How wonderful. It’s a good thing you haven’t secured a position yet. Any scoundrel in my army who dared to act like this would have been immediately discharged!”

“I… I merely had a meal with friends. They are all heirs from other prominent families.” Pierre’s defense was feeble. “This is a social obligation, for the future of our family!”

But Duke Alençon was utterly dismissive. “Worthless people simply flock together with other worthless people. If this country’s great noble families are to be inherited by the likes of you, then the future is truly bleak.”

Pierre was momentarily speechless, utterly choked by the rebuke.

“Hmph, for the family, you say? I’ve recently heard some very unsavory rumors, rumors connected to that wretched circle you frequent.” Duke Alençon’s eyes suddenly sharpened, becoming as piercing as a hawk’s. “Don’t think for a moment that I know nothing!”

Pierre grew even more tongue-tied. It seemed the reputation of his “club activities” had spread far and wide, even reaching his father’s ears.

“It’s one thing to lack ability, but to sink to such self-degradation.” Duke Alençon shook his head. “I no longer have much hope for you. At the very least, do fewer things that disgrace the family name!”

Ordinarily, such a common scolding would end with Pierre’s silence. This time, however, fueled by the alcohol, Pierre couldn’t help but argue with his father.

“Father, you are too harsh. Given our family’s status, we don’t need to curry favor with anyone. Why be so rigid? No matter what, I am still your son.”

As he spoke, he cast a glance at Jeanne.

‘That’s right, I am your only son. Why do you only have eyes for this adopted daughter? Why are you so cruel to me? Other family heirs are never reprimanded by their own families for doing the exact same things!’

“Aside from being my son, what other commendable qualities do you possess?” Duke Alençon said coldly.

Pierre stood frozen, utterly numb.

“Reflect on yourself thoroughly, though I’ve told you this countless times.” Duke Alençon finished, then ignored him, turning towards the back door of the mansion. “Jeanne, accompany me for a walk in the backyard. There’s something else I wish to discuss with you.”

“Of course, Father.” Jeanne followed behind Duke Alençon, uttering no unnecessary words.

Such reprimands from Duke Alençon to his son were a common sight. In the past, Jeanne had even tried to intercede slightly, but she always found that her efforts would later incur her brother’s displeasure. He had once angrily accused her of not knowing her place, daring to meddle in the internal affairs of the ducal household.

Since then, she had never again undertaken such a thankless task.

Pierre watched Jeanne’s retreating back, the resentment in his eyes deepening.

Jeanne walked with Duke Alençon in the backyard. The Duke casually inquired about some trivial matters at the academy, then cleared his throat, addressing the main topic with a hint of gravity. “Jeanne, some topics are unavoidable. I’ll be direct: do you have anyone you like right now?”

“Ah?” Jeanne was stunned by the abrupt change in conversation.

“It’s like this: recently, two old friends of mine—I won’t say who yet—have both expressed their… intention to propose marriage. After all, you’ve reached that age. Since they are people I know well, and I’ve met their children, their character is certainly trustworthy. I also find the other conditions acceptable.” Duke Alençon’s tone grew cautious. “But I still felt it important to understand your wishes first. Rest assured, if you already have someone in mind, I will support you.”

Jeanne blinked, watching this usually imposing man carefully choose his words to discuss her lifelong prospects, just like any ordinary parent. She knew Duke Alençon truly regarded her as his own daughter—or perhaps, it wasn’t quite like that. The Duke likely genuinely saw his constantly outstanding adopted daughter as his own flesh and blood, but for his actual biological son, he could barely tolerate him.

Since Duke Alençon had specifically mentioned them, the two young men he spoke of must have already passed his scrutiny.

“I…” Jeanne considered for a moment, then gave her answer. “I apologize, Father, but I have no mind to consider such matters right now. I only wish to focus on achieving some accomplishments first.”

“Is that so.” Duke Alençon sighed with a touch of regret. “Very well, I respect your wishes. Ambition is a good thing. But… how should I put this? In your case, I don’t worry about your ambition, but don’t be too hard on yourself.”

“Thank you for your concern, Father.” Jeanne lowered her head.

Marriage was something she had never considered. As for a beloved…’

‘For some reason, thinking of this question made her heart ache. The painful memories of Maplewood City resurfaced. There, a boy had once left a faint mark on her heart, but fate was cruel, severing their future and possibilities with a single stroke. Everything ended before it even began.’

‘At least for now, she hadn’t emerged from that melancholy and wouldn’t consider such matters for the time being.’