Gospel of Blood

Chapter 40: A Sinful Woman

The style of clothing can change a person's appearance.

Charlotte is at just the right age, and her development is relatively late, so she looks somewhat young. When she wears children's clothing and acts cute, she appears as an innocent, lovely, and charming child.

However, when she puts on a mature and elegant evening gown, her childishness is concealed, and her youthful charm is enhanced. Especially today, she deliberately requested the maids to apply slightly mature makeup for her.

This was Charlotte's little idea.

Previously, in order to appear cute and reduce others' guard against her, she would deliberately wear clothes that emphasized her youthfulness to enhance her young appeal. But this time at the banquet, she must let everyone know that the heir of the Castell family is not just a child.

She has already passed her fifteenth birthday. She is already grown up and ready to inherit the territory.

So, this situation came.

When Charlotte stepped down from the carriage, the entire garden square fell silent. Everyone's gaze was focused on her, and for a moment, it was difficult for anyone, male or female, to look away.

Ultimately, it was the well-trained servants of the Duke's Mansion who reacted the fastest. They were the first to come back to their senses and quickly put on respectful and enthusiastic smiles, rushing to Charlotte's side. However, someone was even faster.

A sharp and enthusiastic voice came over.

The chubby nobleman Bruno, dragging his fluffy body, jogged over to Charlotte's side, his small eyes narrowed into slits as he smiled.

Having searched for information about the ducal household, Charlotte already knew the exact identity of the other party. He was a second-tier steward of the Duke Borde's Mansion, with the title of Court Viscount.

Court titles specifically refer to those nobles who, although holding titles, do not have territory, commonly found within the Courts of Duchies, Kingdoms, Grand Duchies, or Empires.

"Good afternoon, Viscount Bruno."

Charlotte performed an elegant noblewoman's courtesy. She was already quite proficient in this gesture.

Addressed by the young lady, Bruno seemed quite happy. He proudly lifted his chin towards the other stewards who hadn't caught up as fast, then instructed the butlers who followed.

"What are you standing around for? Hurry up and help Miss Castell get settled from the carriage!"

The stewards quickly sprang into action, bustling around the Castell family's carriage and leaving other nearby nobles on the sidelines, even though... Charlotte didn't really need that many stewards.

Meanwhile, Bruno warmly escorted Charlotte towards the Duke's Mansion.

Nice the black cat also jumped down from the carriage, tail held high, and proudly followed, chest puffed out.

It wasn't until the girl's figure gradually disappeared that the others in the garden square began to react.

"Which noble lady was that? She's really beautiful..."

"Haven't you seen it? The family crest on the carriage was a black eagle."

"Castell? Ah... is it her? Could it be true what the rumors say, that she's a bewitching succubus?"

"Tsk, have you ever seen a succubus walking in the sunlight? In my opinion, with looks like hers, she must be a witch who practices dark magic!"

This was the conversation among the commoners watching the excitement.

Recently, rumors had been rife in Borde City, and those who were just there for entertainment and conspiracy theories were them.

There was nothing to be done about it, the masses were the easiest to sway with public opinion, lacking sources of genuine information and being led by the nose by manipulative noble families.

Information cocoons existed in every era. However, it was different for the nobles.

"It's the one from the Castell family."

"She's really beautiful, and her etiquette is very standard and elegant. She's truly the heiress of the Castell family."

"It's a pity she's been plagued by rumors recently. It must be quite a headache for her."

"I wonder which family she'll choose for a marriage alliance..."

"Yes, who will be the lucky one? The dowry from the Castell family is nearly half a Duchy!"

What was the rumor, what was the truth, these self-righteous fellows could distinguish clearly. Those who couldn't were simply not qualified to receive an invitation to the duke's banquet.

Amidst the discussions, the slightly more influential noble families noticeably quickened their pace and joined the girl's entourage.

If one were to look closely, they would notice that among the noble families attending the banquet, apart from the heads of the families, there were also young and handsome male family members.

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Everyone's gaze moved with the girl's movements, seemingly ready to approach and strike up a conversation at any moment, and the eye contact between them carried a hint of tension.

Coupled with the unique magnificent attire and exaggerated styles of the nobles, they looked like a group of peacocks always ready for a duel.

Charlotte also noticed. She even curiously glanced at them and politely smiled.

But with just that casual glance and a polite smile, a large group of young nobles became excited.

"She looked at me! She just looked at me!"

"No! She looked at me! And she smiled at me!"

"She was clearly looking at me!"

"Idiot! She was looking at me!"

"Want to duel?!"

"Come on! Who's afraid of who?!"

Chaos ensued.

Charlotte slowly withdrew her gaze, and the corner of her eye couldn't help but twitch slightly. She inwardly cursed herself for being such a sinful woman...

Of course, these were the more impulsive young nobles, mostly from medium and small families. The big noble families, who were also competitors for marriage alliances, were much more gentlemanly.

They casually approached the girl, courteous and polite, casually bringing up topics and wearing elegant and charming smiles on their faces.

Among them were some faces much more handsome than any popular celebrity from her previous life, enough to make any girl scream and make Charlotte feel sour and envious to death.

But it had to be said, these guys' social skills were indeed impressive. Even though she knew they had ulterior motives, and she harbored a male-like hostility towards their handsome faces, the topics they brought up often succeeded in piquing Charlotte's interest.

But unfortunately... All their flirting was wasted on a blind man.

Charlotte was interested in the information they discussed, and the various noble intrigues they revealed, but she felt nothing for them personally.

Not only that, seeing these people come up so elegantly and gracefully, enthusiastically displaying themselves, and knowing their true intentions were to lust after her body and her wealth, Charlotte even had the impulse to knock them down with one punch, then mercilessly step on their faces with her foot...

Oh, wait. She can't step on their faces herself. Who knows if, among these lustful hyenas, there might be some weirdo who would see that as a reward.

Charlotte was quite confident in her beautiful legs and feet.

It should be Casimodo who would step on them fiercely!

She thought to herself.

Of course, even if she could hear some information, a swarm of flies buzzing around in her ears for too long would be annoying.

After a while, Charlotte grew a bit impatient. But someone was even more impatient than her.

"Why are you all crowding around? I'm taking Miss Charlotte to meet the Duke. Do you all want to tag along?!"

The chubby steward Bruno spoke up.

The young nobles instantly wilted, one by one retreating. As one of the few Third tier Blazing Sun in Borde, the Duke's name still carried weight.

Charlotte's heart stirred.

"The Duke... wants to see me?"

"Yes, Miss Charlotte, the Duke is waiting for you in the study. He said that when you arrived, I should bring you to see him first."

Bruno said obsequiously.

Charlotte nodded slightly, thoughtful, and then continued to walk with Bruno towards the palace, her mind alert.

Being a major noble and with Bruno leading the way, Charlotte naturally bypassed the on-site inspection at the Duke's Mansion gate. However, just as she was about to enter the inner palace gate, she heard someone calling her name from behind.

Turning around, she saw Nice the black cat being lifted up by the neck by one of the mansion's gatekeepers, as if carrying a little chick. Nice was meowing and struggling while looking at her with a pitiful expression.

Beside him stood the somewhat helpless Casimodo...

"The mansion rules stipulate that pets... are not allowed inside!"

The Knight looked at the old servant, his face serious.

Charlotte:...