In the parlour the comfortably attired Duke and Duchess of Oberoi were preparing tea.

It looked like they were clearing space for me when they set a teacup on the side of the table across from them.

"To the Duke and Duchess, greetings. Did you sleep well last night?

"Thank you for a good night's sleep. You must have been exhausted last night, and I wonder if you're too nervous because you're here to greet us this morning.

"Everyone in the mansion showed consideration for me, and I got a good night's sleep too. I'm grateful.

The Duchess graciously accepted my greeting, although Duke Oberoi's expression was a little stiff.

Of course, I took a seat across from them and got myself a cup of hot tea.

They didn't inquire about my relationship with Omkara or why I hadn't brought him along as we had a light conversation.

"Well, considering that they only made one cup of tea..."

He had not spent the night in the bridal chamber, as had already been reported.

They would have nothing to use as leverage against him.

Rather, the Duke posed a query that appeared to be a subtly critical question directed at me. "I am aware that the Count raised you to be extremely valuable and exquisite. However, I'm curious if you have any experience as a hostess in a noble home—though you can certainly start learning right away.

Here's where it really helps to read the original story. Had this question been posed to me without any thought, I would have been at a loss for words.

"I'm good at organising paperwork and managing cash flow. Of course, if the Duke offers separate instruction for that, do so. I'll catch up as soon as you can.

It seems that the Count has imparted that knowledge to you.

His voice was mocking, as though he believed me to be here to pilfer the family's financial statements and private correspondence.

"Teach me something else, please, if you don't believe me. I'll try to learn as much as I can.

"Ahem."

Not expecting Gauri to say it out loud, the Duke of Oberoi coughed needlessly, and the Duchess patted him on the side, glancing at him.

Maybe the Duchess would understand better than the Duke.

"I'm happy to hear you've been learning about accounting and organising documents, then why don't you help me with my work starting in two weeks?" the Duchess said with a smile on her husband's behalf. It shouldn't be too challenging. You can begin next month if you would like to take a break.

Why hold off until after two weeks? Please just give me the task for today; I'll try my best since I have nothing else to do.

"Oh, and I'm sure you will need some time to reorganise things as well," I said afterward. so please don't hesitate to call me at any time, madam.

It's likely that she will have to exclude the documents she wishes to keep private from me.

However, the Duke and Duchess are seasoned nobility who keep their hearts hidden from me.

"My daughter-in-law is not employed as soon as she gets here; that is not my style as a mother-in-law. Additionally, you'll need time to gather the necessities for your stay here.

"Thank you for your thoughtfulness."

And speaking of which, please let me know if you need anything.

"Well, then...... would it be possible to get someone from a boutique if you don't mind?"

Their eyes widened in surprise for a moment, then they smiled awkwardly and nodded. They probably thought I was about to order expensive dresses with the Oberoi family's fortune as soon as I got married.

'Yes, it's good that you have such low expectations, so you'll think more highly of me later.'

I didn't say what I was going to call a dressmaker for, because I had a somewhat devious idea.

"And since the mansion is pretty big, I think I should get acquainted with its layout first. Could you please assign someone to give me a tour?"

"Omkara can handle that.."

"Omkara has a lot going on."

I'm determined to avoid running into him as much as possible in the future, so I don't need his advice. Nevertheless, it's not as if he would have volunteered to do it in the first place.

The butler was called right away by the Duke and Duchess, who must have realised they were talking gibberish.

"This is the butler Khanna. Let him take you around the estate; he is the one who knows it best.

Khanna smiled slightly and bowed politely at the Duchess' introduction. "Khanna is my name. Serving the newest member of the Oberoi family is a privilege."

It's pleasure , Khanna.

As the Ludwig family's butler, I apologise if I'm taking up too much of your time, but I know you're extremely busy. I would much rather have a maid lead the way.

Omkara was initially in charge of this. I am unable to substitute Omkara with a maid.

It would be good if the Duchess was sympathising with me.

"I will gladly accept your favour in that case."

I gave the Duke and Duchess a curt salute before hurrying out the door with Khanna.

Looking around the mansion would be far more enjoyable than doing nothing but sitting in my room.

And it was a wise decision.

The artwork in the Raj Hall comes from the collection of Duke Oberoi. The displays are changed once a month.

The large room has statues positioned in between each of the masterpieces that hang on the walls.

"It's incredible that you have a home art museum with rotating exhibits every month."

Here, I can view such excellent artworks for free! In my former life, I couldn't go to the city museum, even if there was an exhibition I was interested in because I didn't have time or couldn't afford the ticket price!

Even though not all of these sculptures and paintings were mine, my heart skipped a beat when I gave it some thought.

"Do I need permission before I can come look at them, or is it okay to do so at any time?"

"You are welcome to visit us at any time if you are a member of the Oberoi family."

Who am I to judge? I suppose that would include Ishana.

When I'm bored, I can go somewhere, at least. Even so, there are plenty of other fascinating locations.

"This is the showroom for jewellery. The Oberoi family uses the jewellery on display here, which belonged to the Duke, for formal occasions. As opposed to Raj Hall, entry requires permission from the Duke or Duchess.

In one room, the jewellery glitters.

The armour and weapons are stored here. The weapons kept here are all created by master craftsmen, and this is where the Duke and the young masters typically arrive.

Additionally, a room containing amazing blades exists.

"This is the duchy's heart, the Great Library."

Additionally, there is a sizable library.

"It will take me an eternity to get through everything."

I became happy and excited since I had so much to do.

I guess I just smiled and followed the butler despite my best efforts to hide my expression, as the corners of my mouth kept turning up.

Due to the size of the mansion, you cannot see everything in a single day. I'll show you this portion of the house now, and tomorrow after tomorrow I'll show you more.

"Khanna, thank you. I couldn't stop listening to you talk because of your lovely voice and word choice.

"You're too considerate."

I didn't mean to flatter Khanna; it was a sincere compliment.

Despite his obvious fear of me, he acted with respect and didn't show it.

Although he didn't seem particularly talkative, his ability to identify the key elements of each room gave me the impression that I was receiving expert instruction.

I chose to go back to my room with Khanna after we had a nice morning together.

Even after showing me a different route, Khanna didn't stop. "The Great Hall is this." The Duke himself likes to stroll and converse in this lovely courtyard, which makes it a great spot to view its beauty.

"Wow, it's so beautiful, no wonder."

Whether it's the people, the mansion, or something else entirely, the Oberoi Mansion is a visual feast.

"I've always lamented not having taken a trip overseas in my former life, but I never imagined I'd be rewarded like this after my death."

It would not have been as exciting to visit historic castles in Europe as it was now. Seeing an actual, inhabited castle is far more enjoyable than visiting an ancient one that is merely a historical relic.

"Very lovely."

The walls and floor were tinted by vaulted shadows, while ivy, which was just starting to turn green, clung to the pillars.

I could look out over the railing and see the tidy courtyard. Ishana, Veer, and Omkara sipping tea on the balcony across from each other.

"Oh, well, this is the time of day when the young masters usually have tea, but they're with Ishana today."

When I looked at them at the same moment as Khanna, he was much more agitated than he had been previously.

After divorcing his bride, the groom is having tea with a different woman. It makes sense why Khanna became agitated.

And Khanna will assume that since I am known to be a wicked woman, I must be furious.

In a scene from the original story, Gauri sees this and gives Omkara and Ishana's a menacing glare until they turn to face her.

Omkara , of course, only shot her a scornful glance.

However, the mere confirmation of the Duke's wealth and refined taste made me happy enough.

"Hmm, that makes sense. The courtyard in the spring will be even more magnificent, by the way.

"Yes, that is correct.

"Shall we continue? I know I'll be here a lot in the future."

Indeed? Yes, that's right. Come on, let's go.

With a cheery smile, I followed Khanna

For some reason, his eyes were pleading with me, but I must be mistaken. The butler must be feeling sorry for Omkara, not for me.