Chapter – 08
When she arrived at the tea party, the banquet had already begun.
Countess Rosen’s tea parties were usually held in the count’s garden, which was quite large and beautifully decorated.
There was also a structure everyone considered a landmark: a three-story tower in the middle of the garden. The top floor was arranged like a sky garden, making it a very popular spot.
Above all, Countess Rosen was famous for inviting only notable figures of society, and many considered it an honor to be invited.
Coming alone, without someone to escort her, required considerable courage. Rafine took a deep breath before entering the garden.
“Phew, let’s go in.”
As Rafine stepped inside, all eyes turned to her.
Most people came in small groups, or at least with a partner, so arriving alone was unusual.
It wasn’t improper etiquette, but it was rare, so everyone stared at her.
Soon, nobles who noticed her began whispering to each other.
“Oh my, isn’t that Miss Rafine from the Marquis family?”
“Looks like it… Goodness, she came alone.”
“Come to think of it, didn’t Miss Elizabeth and Prince Playten arrive together earlier?”
Rafine heard all of their words clearly.
‘So Cedric did attend after all.’
She thought it was better this way and walked in, but the chatter about her didn’t stop.
Everyone spoke as if it were a major event.
“I saw it too. They said the two didn’t get along, and I guess it’s true.”
“I asked earlier, and they said Miss Rafine was sick and couldn’t come… Was that not true?”
She expected Cedric and Elizabeth to attend together, but she hadn’t expected someone to lie that she was sick.
‘Seems like he knows it’s embarrassing to come here with another woman who isn’t his fiancée.’
Rafine walked inward as if she couldn’t hear their whispers.
“But tell me, was she always this pretty?”
The nobles whispered about Rafine’s appearance, which seemed different today.
“Right? I only ever saw her following Prince Playten around, didn’t notice before, but she’s truly beautiful.”
“What a waste, with looks like that.”
Hearing this, Rafine walked toward the group talking about her. They seemed a bit surprised at her sudden approach, but quickly smiled and fanned themselves to hide their embarrassment.
The nobles welcomed any story that could be gossip, and Rafine was the center of attention here.
Rafine appeared alone, while Elizabeth arrived with her older sister’s fiancé—already a scene that implied something was happening.
The noblewomen greeted her with bright smiles.
“Oh my, Miss Robru. You look especially beautiful today.”
“Really! We saw your younger sister with the prince earlier and thought you weren’t coming.”
“Yes, we heard you were unwell?”
It was deliberate. They spoke loudly, making sure Rafine could hear.
Rafine smiled even more brightly in response.
“Oh my, who said I was sick?”
“I think Miss Elizabeth said so…”
The woman speaking stammered, seeing Rafine looking healthier than ever.
“Elizabeth must have been too busy attending the party even while I was unwell to notice. But I’m perfectly fine.”
Rafine spoke confidently, smiling brightly. The nobles were taken aback by her poise.
“Y-Yes…”
The woman who had spoken felt awkward under Rafine’s presence.
“By the way, have you seen Cedric anywhere?”
Rafine wanted to find Cedric rather than spend time talking with them. That was the only reason she had approached. Someone quickly answered.
“I saw him heading toward the tower earlier.”
A hand pointed to the central tower.
“Thanks.”
Just as Rafine turned toward the tower, another noblewoman stopped her.
Helen Dvorak. Among unmarried noblewomen, she was the most talkative and attention-seeking.
“Miss, what is this about? You’re not sick, yet you come separately from your fiancé. Is something wrong?”
Helen’s question made everyone alert.
Although they pretended not to care, all eyes were on Rafine.
Rafine lightly smiled, covering her mouth with her lace fan.
She was sure some would be displeased at her drawing attention so confidently. Social nobles often tried to elevate themselves by belittling others.
Although usually indifferent to society, Rafine could sense Helen’s intention to probe her weakness. She replied calmly.
“What do you mean, something wrong? Do you wish for something to happen to me?”
“Oh my, not at all. I’m asking because I’m genuinely concerned.”
Helen smiled without changing her expression.
“Then there’s no need to worry.”
“Since we will soon be breaking our engagement, there’s no reason for Cedric to escort me.”
Rafine spoke without a hint of hesitation. Since they were ending the engagement anyway, she saw no reason to hide it. In fact, she decided to make the breakup clear to everyone.
Helen was shocked by her composure.
“What? Breaking off the engagement?”
The word “breaking off the engagement” caused a huge stir. Nobles assumed that if their delicate relationship ended, it would be Cedric losing interest first. So hearing Rafine mention it calmly seemed odd.
“Yes. Breaking off the engagement—”
“Rafine!”
At that moment, someone shouted at her. It was her father, Marquis Robru.
“Father, you’re here.”
Rafine greeted him formally, smiling brightly, deliberately polite.
But her father’s expression was not pleased.
“What on earth are you doing here!”
“What do you mean?” Rafine looked genuinely surprised.
“Here, in this place—”
“I just came to enjoy the tea party. Please don’t be angry.”
Rafine’s calm smile left her father dumbfounded.
“You just said—”
“Yes, I did?”
The conversation of the noblewomen had shifted to a dialogue between father and daughter. The onlookers began listening with great interest.
“Breaking off the engagement? I never approved this!”
“You did.”
Rafine nodded calmly. Her composed reaction embarrassed her father. How could she mention ending the engagement and remain so collected?
He tried to scold her.
“Then stop talking nonsense here. Don’t you know such words will spread as rumors? Aren’t you old enough to understand?”
Rafine smiled brightly.
“Of course, Father. I know exactly that. So there’s no need to worry.”
“What?”
“Wouldn’t it be better for both of us if the breakup becomes known? Cedric will need to find someone new, right?”
Rafine’s calm and clear response made her expression seem pure and refreshing, like a clear sky.
