The Extra's Reincarnation-Chapter 47: Marchioness (3)

As Lady Ophelia greeted us, I couldn’t help but study her face intently.

Despite her obvious illness, there was a strength in her emerald eyes that belied her frail appearance.

I’m pretty certain now that she’s been struck down by food poisoning, which seems to be fatal.

The novel didn’t specify the source of the poison, but it must have been either the pills she was consuming or something in her food. It’s incredibly painful to imagine witnessing Diana’s mother deteriorate like this, especially after what happened in the original book.

"Thank you for your gracious welcome, Lady Ophelia,"

Nivel replied with a respectful bow.

"I am Nivel, and this is my nephew, Ezekiel. We’re honored to be here."

Lady Ophelia nodded graciously to Nivel and Ezekiel before her gaze fell on me.

Her eyes widened slightly. It was as if she had taken Ezekiel for someone she knew.

"And who might this young man be?" she asked, her voice gentle.

My mother placed a hand on my shoulder, gently urging me forward.

"This is my son, Julian, my lady. He’s been staying with Mr. Nivel and Ezekiel for the past few days."

I bowed awkwardly, trying to keep a well-made posture.

"It’s an honor to meet you, Lady Ophelia."

As I straightened, I found Lady Ophelia studying me closely. There was something in her gaze that made me feel like she could see right through me.

"Julian," she repeated softly, as if testing the name.

"What a lovely name. Tell me, child, did you enjoy living in Oakwood town?"

I nodded, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Yes, Mrs Ophelia... It’s very different from where I grew up, but it’s something new to feel."

I shouldn’t mention anything about Diana. So it’s best to keep quiet.

"I’m glad to hear that-"

She smiled, a warm expression that lit up her tired face.

COUGH…COUGH…COUGH…

As she spoke, a fit of coughing overtook her. My mother rushed to her side, offering a glass of water.

"My lady, please don’t strain yourself,"

My mother said gently, helping Lady Ophelia take small sips of water.

"Perhaps we should let you rest."

As she turned towards us, she called out to the servant outside of the door.

"Jemima!"

"Yes, Ms. Erica?"

"Please show Mr. Nivel and his nephew their rooms, and Julian go with them for now."

I nodded, and the three of us followed Jemima out of the room.

Down the hallway, the sound of approaching footsteps caught our attention.

As the group rounded the corner, a plump man with his little son and two guards in tow entered our line of sight.

Just as we were about to pass them, the two guards stepped forward, blocking us from getting through.

"And who might you be?"

His eyes seemed to have looked at each one of us.

"These are the guest of Lady Ophelia, Mr. Ralador, please don’t mind them."

Jemima bowed to apologise on our half, but the fat man seemed rather annoyed.

"What have they done to earn their position as Ophelia’s guest?"

Mr. Ralador huffed, pointing a chubby finger at Nivel and Ezekiel.

"I mean, you guys look like boot lickers that would do anything for just a small bit of influence. I mean, who am I to judge? It seems pretty obvious with the way you guys are dressed,"

Damn... those are quite some words to say to Nivel and Ezekiel.

Even if this Fatmondor guy doesn’t know who they are, I’m sure if he visits the Ventus Kingdom, he’s definitely getting obliterated in their country.

"We have been invited by Lady Ophelia herself, sir. She requested our presence."

Nivel stepped forward, his expression calm, but I could tell just from the look on his face that he was irritated.

Mr. Ralador scoffed. "Invited? I highly doubt that a dying woman would want to entertain outsiders in her final days."

Nivel’s eyes narrowed slightly at Mr. Ralador’s words.

"I assure you, sir, we are here at Lady Ophelia’s express invitation. Perhaps it would be best to discuss this matter with her directly if you have concerns."

Mr. Ralador’s face reddened with anger.

"How dare you suggest I bother the Marchioness with such trivial matters! Do you know who I am?"

"No, sir, I’m afraid I don’t," Nivel replied coolly.

Mr. Ralador’s face grew even redder, his jowls quivering with indignation.

"I am Count Ralador, one of the most influential nobles in Aurean City! My family has been close to the Florence household for generations!"

Nivel remained undisturbed by the Count’s outburst he seemed like he couldn’t care less about his boasting.

"I see. Well, Count Ralador, regardless of your status or connections, we are here as Lady Ophelia’s guests. If you have an issue with that, I suggest you take it up with her or her staff."

The Count sputtered, clearly not used to being spoken to in such a manner.

His son, a pudgy boy who looked to be about my age, sneered at us from behind his father’s fat stomach.

"Father, why are you wasting time talking to these commoners?" the boy whined.

"We have important business with Lady Ophelia."

Count Ralador nodded, composing himself.

"You’re right, Faust. We shouldn’t lower ourselves to arguing with... servants."

He spat towards the ground and I could feel Nivel’s energy rise within that moment.

As they pushed past us, I couldn’t help but notice the way the Count’s son, he glared at me like he wanted a fight, but of course, pigs of a feather will always flock together.

Once they were out of sight, Ezekiel turned to Nivel, his eyes wide.

"Mr. Nivel, why did you let them talk to you like that? You could have put them in their place easily!"

Nivel sighed, placing a hand on Ezekiel’s shoulder.

"Sometimes, Ezekiel, it’s better to be patient and polite, even in the face of rudeness. We’re guests here, and it wouldn’t do to cause a scene."

I nodded in agreement, but inside, I was shaking.

Count Ralador and his son Faust - I remembered them from the novel.

They were minor antagonists, part of the group that would eventually betray the Florence family. Seeing them in person and their arrogance made everything feel much worse than I had expected.

I didn’t realise that the social hierarchy between regular class nobles and higher class ones was so vastly different.

Given the treatment of what was shown just now made me feel uneasy, which made me more worried about what’s to come in the future.

5 Minutes later...

"Here are your rooms... please enjoy your stay at the Florence Estate and may the guidance of grace bless you."

Jemima showed us to our rooms - spacious, elegantly furnished rooms that spoke of the Florence family’s wealth and status.

This chapter is updat𝓮d by freēnovelkiss.com.

As she left us to settle in, I caught Nivel’s eye.

There was a knowing look that something wasn’t right.