Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 641

"Yes, that's correct."

When I asked again, Mother gave a small nod.

The Lazaville Ducal House is one of the most prestigious noble families, dating back to the founding era of the Magnolia Empire.

And its current head is Duchess Graze Lazaville.

She is a leading figure in the "Imperial Pureblood Doctrine"—a faction within the empire's conservatives known for their exclusionary and radical rhetoric—and was the one who forced Sandra to resign after her appointment as director of the Imperial Magic Research Institute.

The "Imperial Purebloodists" advocate that the lineage of an imperial noble house's head must be of pure imperial descent on both sides.

If this doctrine were followed, even if Farah and I were to have a child in the future, they would not be permitted to inherit the family estate.

Thus, I would have to take a pure-blooded imperial noblewoman as a concubine.

Glancing at Sandra, I noticed a slight furrow between her brows.

When she was granted the title of Viscountess by His Majesty Irwin, the animosity between the two was already palpable.

Unsurprisingly, she doesn’t seem to have a favorable impression of Duchess Graze.

"But why is it necessary to send a sample to Duchess Graze as well?"

Unable to comprehend, I asked again, and Mother cast a brief glance at Sandra before adopting a serious expression.

"I’ve heard of the history between Sandra and Duchess Graze. But do you understand the extent of the Duchess’s influence in imperial high society, Rid?"

"Uh…"

Caught off guard by the question, I hesitated.

The "Imperial High Society" refers to the exclusive gatherings of nobles and influential figures within the empire, forming a social circle of its own.

It’s said that noblewomen and young ladies residing in the capital attend at least one such gathering every month without fail.

Some are faction-based—conservatives, reformists, neutralists—while others are informal "tea parties" for information exchange, regardless of affiliation.

Faction gatherings are primarily attended by heads of households and male members, while the factionless "tea parties" are more frequented by noblewomen and young ladies.

Moreover, the influential figures invited to these events extend beyond nobles to include "merchants," "artists," "adventurers," "martial artists," and "entertainers."

Naturally, those permitted to attend noble gatherings are among the elite of their respective fields.

I was aware of these customs, but having lived in Baldia, I’d never participated in high society myself.

Though we once held a social gathering at the Baldia estate in the capital to showcase our products, that was more of an "exhibition" than a high-society event.

Valerie of the Elassenèze Ducal House, Maronne and Belzelia of the Jeanpolle Marquessate, and the imperial family members David and Adil—all residing in the capital—likely frequent such circles.

Kiel, though absent now, must have attended as well. They might know the extent of Duchess Graze’s influence, but it’s beyond my current knowledge. Chris probably does, though.

After some thought yielded no answers, I slowly shook my head.

"...I’m afraid not."

"No, it’s fine. You’ve been in Baldia, after all. It’s understandable that you wouldn’t know."

Mother cleared her throat before continuing.

"Among the noblewomen of the empire, Duchess Graze’s popularity rivals even Her Majesty Matilda’s. It’s no exaggeration to say her influence over the female circles of high society is second only to the imperial family."

"Wait, Duchess Graze is that popular?"

The unexpected answer made my eyes widen.

Recalling my verbal sparring with her in the capital, I could only remember her as arrogant and domineering.

"Duchess Graze is one of the rare female heads among imperial nobles—and the only one holding a ducal title."

Mother glanced sideways at Father before turning back to me.

"Moreover, she stands her ground against countless nobles, refuting them with unwavering resolve and often defeating them in debate. How do you think such a figure appears to noblewomen?"

"Well…"

The empire—no, this world’s society—still leans heavily toward male dominance.

In such an environment, a woman at the pinnacle of noble society, a "Duchess," boldly confronting men and prevailing…

That’s who Duchess Graze is.

Understanding Mother’s implication, I murmured,

"I suppose you could say she’s… impressive. Admirable, even."

"Exactly."

Mother smiled faintly before sharing more about Duchess Graze.

Surprisingly, before she became head, the Lazaville Ducal House was on the brink of ruin.

The cause was the reckless spending and failed investments of the then-head and his heir, which left the family drowning in debt.

Duchess Graze presented documented evidence to the emperor, declaring, "The current head and heir are unfit to be nobles," and secured permission to expel her father and brother, taking over the house.

As the new head, she sold all remaining family assets and personally designed and crafted her own gowns, making frequent appearances at high-society events across factions to showcase them.

Male nobles whispered behind her back, calling her "the vixen who exiled her own father and brother."

But she confronted them head-on, engaging in debates and defeating them one after another.

Her bold, dazzling, and unyielding presence captivated the noblewomen of the empire, and her gowns sold out instantly.

The Lazaville Ducal House swiftly repaid its debts and amassed even greater wealth than before its decline.

Having shed the stigma of "the vixen who exiled her kin" and restored her family’s honor, her competence earned her recognition—and even an imperial commendation.

To this day, she continues to design her own gowns, and the Lazaville Ducal House sets the standard for the empire’s most cutting-edge fashion.

Now that I think about it, Duchess Graze didn’t just exude intimidation—her bearing was radiant, as if she were born to wear those gowns.

"Lately, Duchess Graze has been more vocal about her 'Imperial Pureblood Doctrine,' and her rhetoric has grown fiercer. But her influence in high society remains undeniable. I know you have reservations because of Sandra, but for now, we should avoid outright hostility."

With those final words, Mother’s expression turned solemn.