Page 121 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

LADY ADRIENNE BLACKTHORN - Marquis's daughter.

Relationship Status: Neutral-Friendly.

No romantic interest in Caspian detected.

Good. These two were safe.

"The pleasure is mine," Carol said warmly. "Please, tell me about yourselves. I'm afraid I haven't spent much time in northern society."

"Your estate is quite remote," Cateline said diplomatically. "The Frostmarch territories are spread across vast distances."

"And you've been... adjusting to married life," Adrienne added, even more diplomatically.

Carol appreciated that they weren't directly mentioning her previous terrible behavior.

"I have," Carol said honestly. "It's been a significant adjustment. But I'm trying to be a better person. A better duchess."

"We can see that," Cateline said. "The changes you've made to Frostholme are already being discussed. The staff speak highly of you now."

"That means a great deal," Carol said. "The staff deserved better than how I treated them before."

More ladies joined their group—Lady Isolde Coldwater, who seemed shy but friendly, and several others whose fathers held estates in the northern territories.

Carol scanned each one discreetly, noting who had crushes on Caspian and who didn't.

The conversation flowed easily. They discussed fashion, the mild spring weather, their families, their interests. Carol found herself genuinely enjoying their company.

These women weren't judging her harshly. They were giving her a chance.

Then Carol noticed a young woman across the hall, watching Caspian with barely concealed longing.

LADY MILLICENT IRONWOOD - Earl's daughter.

SECRET ADMIRER STATUS: ACTIVE.

Emotional State: Conflicted, jealous.

Alcohol consumption: ELEVATED.

Carol's stomach sank slightly. Lady Millicent. The wine-thrower.

She was beautiful—honey-blonde hair, delicate features, the kind of ethereal prettiness that made people want to protect her. She wore a pale pink gown that emphasized her youth and innocence.

And she was drinking wine like it was water, her eyes never leaving Caspian.

"Is everything all right, Your Grace?" Cateline asked, noticing Carol's attention had wandered.

"Yes," Carol said, forcing a smile. "Just... observing."

She turned back to the conversation, but kept one eye on Lady Millicent.

The fourth course arrived—an array of cheeses, fruits, and nuts arranged artistically on silver platters.

Carol selected a piece of sharp cheese and some fresh strawberries, listening as Adrienne told a funny story about her younger brother's attempt to train a hunting falcon.

Then the fifth course—those honey cakes Carol loved, along with delicate pastries, sugared fruits, and small tarts bursting with flavor.

Carol's eyes lit up, and she didn't even try to hide her enthusiasm.