While Charlotte was muttering to Agnes, the person she hated the most was also talking softly to her close friend.

Fran, who was also dressed in mourning clothes, did not notice that she was being stared at, because her eyes were always on her brother.

Like Charles, who was immersed in grief, her expression was full of sadness at this time, and this sadness was of course from the bottom of her heart, after all, she and her grandfather had been dependent on each other for so many years.

However, in addition to sadness, between her cheeks, you can always see a few delicate reds, and her eyes are full of special vitality.

This vitality seems unusual, and it is only when you are moistened by spring that you can have this kind of vitality full of happiness.

From this point of view, Charlotte's inexplicable uneasiness seems to have some basis.

"Sir's recent state of mind is really worrying." She whispered, "I wish he could come out soon." ”

"Your Excellency Marshal is not only an elder to Mr., but also a mentor for many years, and a guide for him for many years, and now that Your Excellency has left, it is normal for Sir to be very sad." Mary comforted her, "I'm sure Sir will be able to get out of the trough soon." ”

"Then we'll have to hurry." Fran shook her head, "There are still so many things waiting for him to come up with ideas, and you can't wait for him to recover slowly and naturally." ”

"And what are you going to do?" Mary asked, somewhat curious.

"Of course, I continued to be with him and comforted him." Fran replied as a matter of course, "He was often haunted when he was still on the ship, and only slightly better when he was alone with me, and now too, I am the only one who can get him out of the shadows as quickly as possible." ”

"......" Mary's expression suddenly became strange, and she looked like she wanted to laugh but didn't dare to laugh, "So that's what you mean!" That's right, it's hard to be a vegetarian anymore if you've eaten a fishy kitten. ”

"I didn't mean that!" Fran blushed slightly, "I just...... I just want to comfort my husband......"

"Don't argue, I don't know about you yet, just kidding." Mary laughed, "Actually, I also think that Sir needs you to comfort him, after all, you are indeed the person he values the most." ”

"We didn't have much of a chance to be alone after we got home, and sometimes I really felt that the boat was going too fast!" Fran sighed, "After returning home, he was busy with his grandfather's funeral, and Charlotte was watching so closely, so we couldn't even say a few words, you know, there's nothing more heartbreaking than that, first eating honey and then nothing at all!" ”

"But you've got honey now......" said Mary, a little sourly.

"Haven't you eaten it too? And I've been eating a lot! Fran asked rhetorically.

"The honey I ate was a little bitter." Mary replied.

"Do you think I've suffered less so far......" Fran frowned disapprovingly, but she suddenly heard Mary's pun, and then her face flushed again, "You...... Have you eaten? ”

Mary spread her hands.

"You...... You're too embarrassed......" Fran looked away, "talking about this kind of thing in broad daylight!" ”

"Hey, it's not once or twice, what's the shy." Mary looked at the red-faced Fran with a smile on her face, enjoying the fun of teasing the other party, "Do you want to try it someday?" My husband was very happy when I did this... ”

"Nope! No more! Fran reached out and resolutely stopped her friend's gibberish, "Now that we're at the funeral, we can't say anything like this anymore!" ”

"What are you arguing about?" While the two of them were laughing and scolding, a greeting came from the side.

Fran and Mary immediately stopped the filthy teasing between their close friends, and then at the same time turned their gaze to the person who had come closer.

It was Fran's cousin-in-law, Lady Fanny, who had just married Philip.

Like the others, Fanny was dressed in mourning gowns, with a dignified demeanor and a beautiful face worthy of the honor of the future Duchess, but although she had a polite smile on her face, she did not see much real warmth.

Fran and Mary looked at each other uneasily, wondering what each other's intentions were.

This sister-in-law and them are also old acquaintances, because back then, they were classmates who had studied painting together, but at that time, Fanny had always been Lola's follower, and basically had no contact with them.

"We're talking about something personal." After a moment of silence, Fran replied, "Makes you laugh, ma'am." ”

"Fran, you're so polite, why don't you just call me by my name, we all know each other!" Fanny couldn't help but laugh, "I'm definitely not used to being part of this family...... But I think I'll try to make you agree to accept me as part of the family. ”

"You are by now, Fanny." Fran quickly replied. "I'd love to get along with you, too."

"Really? Then I really want to thank you, but ...... Some people don't think so. Fontie smiled wryly and shook her head, "It's been almost a year since I changed my surname to Treville, but your sister-in-law has never let me go to her living room once!" ”

Charlotte really did it...... Fran thought to herself.

Fanny is the daughter of a nouveau riche banker, although the family has money, and did pay a lot of dowry to get this marriage, but in Charlotte's opinion, this marriage is an insult to the lintel of the Treyville family, although due to reality had to reluctantly acquiesce, but she definitely did not want to associate with this sister-in-law, so she never invited Fanny to the banquet at home, which made Fanny very angry.

She is Lola's close friend, although her personality is a little better than Lola's arrogant and arrogant to the extreme, but she is also very arrogant inside, she married into the Tréville family to enjoy the glory of the future Duchess, if she even rejects her own living room, wouldn't it be all in vain?

The arrogance of her personality also makes it difficult for her to whisper to Charlotte, and since Charlotte has voluntarily rejected her, she has also changed her course and is ready to contact another daughter of the Trevill family and find glory elsewhere.

"Charlotte's behavior is too much! She's squeezing you out because of a personal grudge......" Mary wasted no time adding to the mix, "and I don't want to think about how many outsiders will see the joke by doing so." ”

"If Charlotte really knew how to take care of the big picture, she wouldn't be what she is now." Fran sighed, then looked back at Fanny, "I'll tell you, sir, he and Philip have a good relationship, and he made your marriage happen to him, and he will never let Charlotte isolate you like this all the time." ”

"That's great." Seeing that her goal was achieved so easily, a flash of joy flashed in Fanny's eyes, "It's not that I'm making a fuss, it's really unbearable to endure this humiliation, I think as long as I know the situation, Mr. will definitely administer justice - well, at this time, it's not interesting for us to talk about this kind of thing, let's talk about something that can make people feel relaxed." ”

"How are you getting along with your husband?" Fran asked casually.

"It's not a relaxing topic." Fanny smiled wryly, "But, by general standards, Philip is a good husband, he keeps his distance, doesn't interfere in my life, and is always out there to maintain my decency, isn't that enough?" ”

According to the implication, Philip is still looking for pleasure outside after marriage, but he has always maintained his wife's face in front of outsiders, but with Fran's understanding of his cousin, it is not surprising.

"I wish you the opportunity to give birth to an heir as soon as possible, the duke must have been looking forward to his grandson for a long time." She immediately changed the subject.

"I'm afraid you don't know yet, I'm pregnant." Fanny's eyes suddenly bloomed with a strange brilliance, "In a few months, the Duke will have a grandson." ”

"Oh! That's great! Fran immediately held out her hand, "Congratulations! ”

"It's too early to congratulate you, but I'm looking forward to the birth of the little one...... Charlotte can't be left alone with all the glory. Fanny smiled and stretched out her hand and shook it with Fran, "By the way, when are you going to go back?" Philip and I left in the afternoon, and if you're around the same time, let's drop by. ”

"I'm going to stay here for two more days, after all, this is my last goodbye to my grandfather." Fran shook her head, "Sir is going to stay here too, and I'm going to comfort him." ”

"Oh, that's fine." Fanny nodded very understandingly, "Then, I wish your brothers and sisters to come out of the shadows as soon as possible, God will bless His Excellency Marshal's spirit in heaven." ”

……………………

As with human life, grief and funeral have an end.

After Marshal Trevill's burial, the funeral also came to an end, and although the weeping of relatives was sincere, those who had passed away could not hear it and could not make any response.

As time passed, the funeral was finally over, and the castle returned to its usual seclusion, which was not visible to outsiders, and it had another permanent occupant.

However, unlike usual, this beautiful castle has a few more temporary guests, and the Imperial Chancellor, His Excellency Charles de Treville, Duke of Kerson, and several other family members have chosen to stay, ready to soothe their worries with the lively scenery and fresh air of spring.

Under the clear and mild sun, the Loire River sparkles quietly, the birds and flowers on the banks of the river, the soft spring breeze blows the earth, and everywhere is full of new branches and new shoots, the light green of new branches and sprouts everywhere, which is a sign of the revival of all things, and a sign of saying goodbye to the old and welcoming the new.

On the meadow by the river, Charles lay half-asleep on the soft weeds, as if lying on a soft carpet, quietly enjoying the spring sun and warm breeze, while his sister sat beside him, writing and painting the landscape on the other side of the river, as if she wanted to put all this beauty into the brush.

However, although the two of them seemed to be doing their own unrelated things, Fran kept the corner of her eyes sweeping towards her brother next to her while she was painting, and obviously did not focus all her energy on painting the spring scenery.

There was silence between the two men, and it was not until the lines on the canvas had finally been sketched that Fran brought the canvas in her hand to her brother's eyes, breaking the silence.

"Sir, are you feeling better?"

"Thanks, I'm fine." Charles, who had been looking across the river, quickly reacted, and then reached out to take the canvas, "It's just a matter of taking a break, I've been too busy, and now it's time to take a break - because maybe I won't have the chance to rest like this again." ”

"Just want to take a break? That's great...... A lot of people are worried that you're going to be ruined. Fran sighed, "Anyway, your recent performance is indeed a bit unusual, I didn't expect you to be bothered for so long after returning home." ”

"I'm acting out of the ordinary? It only means that we are in an extraordinary situation now......" Charles smiled bitterly, "Grandpa's death is a huge blow to us, both emotionally and otherwise. Although Your Majesty still relies on me, the chips in my hand are no longer the same, so I have to stop and pay attention to the current situation to see who is still reliable, and then consider the next move...... So quiet is very important to me now. ”

"It seems that you are not crushed by grief." Fran had been watching Charles and listening to him, and then she smiled reassuringly, and she was relieved to see that her brother was still speaking so methodically and logically, and that he had not lost his ambition, "Then think about it, no matter what you plan to do, I will be your most staunch and reliable supporter!" ”

"yes, that's right." Still smiling, Charles picked up her drawing, "Well, that's a good drawing. ”

"It's not bad in terms of technique, but it's far worse than in previous years in terms of aura." Fran shook her head, as if she was not satisfied with the work she had just done, "Hey, I can only become a painter after all, not a painter." ”

"It's often said that only desperate situations can inspire artistic genius, and from that point of view, maybe it's a good thing that you can't become a painter." Charles replied with a smile.

"You're right, I have too much to be greedy anymore." Fran thought so, and then simply leaned on his brother, and the two of them lay on the ground together and looked at the sky, "After returning home, we haven't had the opportunity to be alone like this...... I really miss you, every single night. ”

"I'm sorry, but what can I do?" The smile on Charles's face disappeared, and then he sighed, "We can only get along like this, after all, this is domestic, and it would be a huge blow to us to cause a little trouble...... Can't afford it. ”

"I understand, I understand, and I accept it. Now that I've made the choice I have now, I should bear that price. Fran hugged Charles' waist, "But sir, at least please don't snub me too much, okay?" If you ignore me all the time, then I really can't stand it! At the very least, you can come and see me more, I guess even if you do, no one can say anything more, right? ”

"Okay, I will." Charles gently stroked his sister's hair, then looked at each other lovingly, "I'll try to see you as much as I can in the future." ”

"That's it! You should definitely come in the future! Fran replied expectantly, then leaned her face directly to Charles's cheek and rubbed it gently, "As long as I can stay by your side, I won't be afraid of anything......"

Her voice became softer and softer in the spring breeze, and her golden hair kept scraping against Charles's face, and the two siblings embraced each other in the spring sun.

"Sir, we haven't been here again for a long time, do you want to ...... Today...... "Fran's voice was so soft that it almost melted people's hearts.

As she spoke, her hand moved slightly, sliding across Charles' chest, causing Charles' breathing to become rapid.

Since she has become a real woman, Fran can be said to be a marrow eater, and the charm of a woman has also been stimulated.

"Charles?!"

Just as Charles was already a little distracted, he suddenly heard a snort not far away.

God, what am I doing?

The brain, which had become chaotic, instantly regained consciousness, and Charles quickly stopped what he was doing, and then separated from his sister.

He looked up slightly, and saw that Agnes was walking towards them with a serious face, almost like the stern sword teacher of the past.

As always, Agnes's dress was still simple, but that awe-inspiring bearing was evident in the regular pace.

"What are you guys doing?" Agnes looked at Charles, her eyes full of doubt, questioning, and even annoyance.

"Uh......" Charles didn't know how to answer, so he got up from the ground first, and then he picked up the case and threw it aside, "She's painted a picture, and I'm helping her appreciate it, Aunt Agnes." ”

"Do you need to roll together to appreciate paintings?" Agnes, of course, did not accept Charles' explanation.

“…… We did get a little closer because we had a good relationship since we were young. Of course, this is a bit inappropriate, and we will pay attention to it later. Charles replied with a smile, then glanced at Fran, "Alright, let's go back, we can have lunch later." ”

"That's what you're trying to explain?" Agnes frowned, not satisfied with this answer, "Charles, I've always believed that you wouldn't do stupid things, but I didn't expect you to do it!" ”

"You seem to be too lenient, Aunt Agnes." At this moment, Fran couldn't help but speak.

Her face was now completely angry that someone had disturbed her good things, and this anger made her no longer ignore the superficial respect she had on weekdays, "What do we do, this is a matter between us, why should you interfere?" You're our aunt, but you're not like an elder now, but like an agent...... I don't understand why you would have to surrender yourself to do such a thing? You can just go and enjoy your life, can't you? ”

"Yes, I'm surrendering my identity, because someone doesn't even want an identity!" Agnes was also angry, "In broad daylight, you scratch your head like a cousin and seduce your brother, who else would do such a shameless thing except for someone who was born with lewd blood?" ”

"Agnes, don't say that!" Charles couldn't take it anymore and tried to stop Agnes.

Fran's face was already pale, she had been looking forward to it for a long time, and finally got the opportunity to continue to be alone with her brother, but she was interrupted just after entering the state, and her heart was already full of anger, and she was accused of being so face-to-face.

"Even a cousin is better than an old virgin like you, right? You are alone, and as a result, you can't see the happiness of others, and you find all kinds of reasons and excuses to destroy other people's lives, and you think you are upholding justice! In anger, she couldn't care so much, ignored her brother's eyes, and shot back at Agnes loudly, "You can live as much as you like, but please don't use your set of rules to demand that others be good?!" ”

"Happiness? When you say happiness, do you mean destroying other people's families? Or do you want to create a big scandal for your family? I've never seen anyone so brazenly whitewash themselves. Agnes was also angry, and her face turned equally pale, "Even a soul who is alone to death is ten thousand times purer than an evil demon like you who is destined to go to hell." ”

"Don't talk about it...... Charles, holding his forehead, he was troubled by their quarrel, and he didn't know how to solve it. Can I get some rest? ”

"Charles, haven't you figured it out yet? She's dangerous, and she's going to make you doomed at any moment. She made up her mind to seduce you, using her beauty to scratch her head, and you? You also look like an ape-hearted horse! Agnes looked at her nephew with a sad look and admonished him, "Before it's too late, get rid of her, throw her to a remote place, give her enough money and fend for herself, only then can you get out of this danger, or she will ruin your family, your future, your everything!" ”

"It's late." Fran said quietly. "It's useless to say anything now, I've already achieved my goal."

"Huh?" Agnes didn't react for a moment.

"You seem to have forgotten that we came back together." Maybe it's already out of the way, Fran also looked at the other party dryly, "What should have been done has already been done at that time, what are you still talking about now?" ”

Chardon froze, he didn't expect Fran to impulsively tell everything and everything.

Agnes froze.

Although there was only a delicate woman standing in front of her, it was as if she had seen some demon.

"You...... You went to bed on the boat carrying your grandfather's coffin? Agnes gasped, "Didn't your conscience be a little troubled when you climbed into his bed?" ”

"I don't quite understand your question...... Which one do you mean? Fran smiled slightly, beautiful but almost cruel, "I've climbed there many times." ”

Such merciless words made Agnes's face instantly red, and a large amount of blood rushed directly into her brain through Xiumei's neck, and she directly raised her hand, grabbed the clothes on Fran's chest, and then directly choked her throat.

"I really regret that I don't have the sword in my hand now, and I can't kill you directly! What a demon in human skin! ”

Fran was lifted straight into the air, only to feel breathless, her hands and feet swaying like a live fish fished out of the water, but unable to break free of Agnes's hands.

"I ...... Won ......" However, a twisted smile flashed across her face, showing her inner happiness.

Victory will only appear more valuable if it shows itself in front of the enemy.

"Die!" Agnes looked at the beautiful blonde woman with disgust.

However, at this moment, she suddenly felt a heavy blow from her neck, and the huge force made her brain, which was already filled with anger, suddenly blurry and blank.

Pain, doubt, and annoyance, she slowly turned her head away to see Charles's depressed face, and then she fell limply to the ground, fainting, and her hand around her neck loosened.

Fran finally touched the restraints and coughed violently.

"Why speak up." Charles sighed.

"We always have to say it, don't we?" Fran replied as she coughed, her breathing slowly becoming even again.

"You did it on purpose, didn't you?" Charles asked again. "You deliberately let her see all this, deliberately provoke her, deliberately say it."

"If Charlotte can use her as a weapon to persecute you, why can't I do the same? I've put so much effort into it...... Are you doing nothing to protect me? Fran rearranged her messy clothes. Well, it's all gone, thank you for making the right choice. ”

"Where did all this go?" Charles couldn't help but raise his hand to hold his forehead again, "What should we do next?" ”

"Kill her." Fran shrugged, "Just kill her." ”

"How can this work?!" Charles directly rejected the proposal, "She's our aunt!" There's no way I'm going to do that! Besides, after killing her, how are we going to explain to Charlotte? I warn you, don't hurt her. ”

"Don't be nervous, I'm just kidding, I know you won't do that." Fran smiled, then suddenly became serious again, "So, how about letting her share our secrets too?" ”

"Huh?" Charles froze. "This ......"

"That's the best solution, right? She has company, she is no longer alone, and she will not be embarrassed by you again, haven't you always liked her? Fran kept looking at Charles.

Charles was silent for a long time, until finally, he let out a long sigh.

Then he picked up a stone from the ground next to him and threw it heavily into the river in the distance.

"Let's go back." 8)