UFSM 26

Chapter 26

“Countess!”

“What? Did I say something wrong?”

“Madam—”

I gently placed my hand over Baroness Valérie’s as she tried to call out to Lady Ellen again, lowering it calmly.

Baroness Valérie looked at me with an expression of flustered apology.

Her face was a mix of embarrassment, regret, and a touch of anger. I gave her a reassuring smile and a gentle pat on the hand.

“It seems everyone enjoyed the desserts. Which one did you like the most?”

“Oh, the lemon madeleine was absolutely perfect! Soft, moist—just the way I like it.”

I deliberately ignored Countess Ellen’s sarcasm and changed the subject. Sensing my intention, Baroness Valérie was quick to respond to my question.

As I turned to look at the other ladies, they quickly caught on and chimed in, each praising their favorite dessert with cheerful expressions.

“I loved this whipped cream sponge cake. The cream is delightful, but the real treat is the little fruit bits inside. They’re so fresh and flavorful.”

“I agree with Baroness Katran. No wonder this is one of Orean Bakery’s bestsellers. But I also really liked the walnut pie! Is it greedy to pick both? Hoho.”

“I’d choose the raspberry tart. It’s more tart and sweet than other bakeries’ versions, and it pairs perfectly with this slightly bitter black tea.”

Every noble lady except Countess Ellen joined in, exchanging pleasant reviews of the desserts.

When Countess Ellen saw I wasn’t reacting to her sarcasm and was instead enjoying cheerful conversation with the other ladies, she frowned slightly and set her fork down with a sharp clink.

The clatter caught everyone’s attention, and eyes turned toward her.

“I don’t think Orean Bakery’s desserts suit me. I’d heard so much about them, but I’m not really interested in sweets. It’s unfortunate, especially since the Duchess went to the trouble of bringing them herself, but I couldn’t even finish one bite. I apologize.”

I looked at her with an unreadable expression.

What gives her the confidence to act like this?

Did the Count tell her something about me?

I had only met Count Ellen once, briefly, at a banquet with my husband. He didn’t strike me as politically ambitious—more like a man who preferred simplicity over power struggles, despite his title.

Honestly, he and the Countess didn’t seem like a good match. Still, they always attended social events together, and there were no known rumors of discord between them.

At parties, the Count usually drifted off to quiet terraces while the Countess made her rounds chatting with everyone.

“Of course, not everything will suit everyone’s taste. We all have different preferences. Baroness Valérie, please clear away the dessert in front of the Countess. It’s not proper to leave food she clearly dislikes sitting there.”

“Oh…”

Baroness Valérie glanced between me and the Countess, unsure what to do.

The Countess, meanwhile, stared at me expressionlessly.

I tilted my head slightly with a soft smile and asked gently, “Wouldn’t you agree, Countess? Leaving food in front of someone who’s expressed their dislike—it’s rather discourteous, isn’t it?”

“…Yes, well, I suppose so.”

After the Countess reluctantly agreed, I gave a subtle nod to the maids.

“Clear the Countess’s place, please.”

“Yes, madam.”

The maids promptly cleared her table. From that point on, Countess Ellen silently sipped her tea.

The bitter black tea was chosen to contrast the sweet desserts, but watching her drink nothing else made the other ladies exchange curious glances.

And for some reason, the maids were unusually quick to act.

Judging by their eager expressions, the Countess didn’t seem well-liked among Baroness Valérie’s household.

Once everything was cleared, she placed her empty teacup on the table.

Looking at the cup, I smiled brightly and said, “You must really enjoy tea, Countess. You’ve already finished your cup.”

“Yes, I’m rather fond of tea.”

Despite having never seen her empty a cup before, her reply prompted soft murmurs of disbelief from the other ladies.

When the Countess glared at them, the women quickly averted their eyes, raising their cups and exclaiming how wonderful the tea was.

Now that we were on the topic of tea, I figured it was time to bring out the other gift I had prepared.

“Oh, and I brought something else as well.”

As I lifted the box I’d placed beneath the table, the ladies’ eyes lit up.

Baroness Valérie was no exception.

As I slowly opened the box under their eager gazes, Baroness Valérie—who saw the contents first—visibly brightened.

“Oh my!”

“I heard you’re fond of Eastern teas, Baroness. So I brought some loose leaves and a few scented candles.”

The baroness quickly opened the lid and inhaled deeply, a look of delight spreading across her face.

Her reaction piqued the other women’s curiosity.

“Is the scent that lovely?”

“I’m dying to know. I’ve never tried Eastern tea before.”

At that, the baroness spoke up.

“Well then, shall we brew a pot now and enjoy it together?”

“Oh, I’d love that!”

“I was wondering about your expression when you smelled it—I’m excited!”

“The Duchess not only brought sweets from Orean Bakery but personally prepared this tea? It must be exceptional.”

Just like that, Countess Ellen’s sharp remark once again dampened the mood.

Though her sarcasm was directed at me, it was Baroness Valérie who looked more flustered.

Seeing her glance at me nervously, I smiled and encouraged her. “I’m curious too. Let’s try it.”

A maid soon brought in a fresh tea set, and Baroness Valérie, clearly excited, added the leaves and slowly poured hot water.

As the water hit the leaves, a deep, rich fragrance began to fill the space.

“It’s heavier than I expected. There’s even a hint of fresh grass.”

“Stronger than black tea, I think.”

After letting it steep, she poured a little into a cup and tasted it, then nodded and began pouring for everyone.

The maids distributed the tea, and the ladies sipped eagerly.

“Wow~ I only took a sip, but the aroma fills my mouth.”

“Exactly. It spreads quickly and has a rich, earthy scent, but the tea itself goes down smoothly. No bitter aftertaste either.”

“It’s definitely different from what we usually drink. Not something to rush through.”

As everyone offered glowing praise, Countess Ellen sat with her cup untouched, merely sniffing at it.

Only after everyone else had enjoyed theirs did she take a cautious sip, looking skeptical.

“And how is it, Countess?”

“Hmm…”

She closed her eyes for a moment, drawing all eyes to her.

Then she placed the cup down and gave a tight-lipped smile.

“Unfortunately, this one isn’t to my taste either.”

“Oh. I see.”

Baroness Valérie gave a polite smile and shrugged.

“Then I suppose we’ll have to clear that too.”

I nodded toward the maid, who swiftly removed the cup. The Countess stared at me, bewildered.

I merely shrugged, as if to say, What’s the problem?

Eventually, she averted her eyes first.

Leaving the silent Countess behind, we returned to our soft conversations over tea and dessert. Then, a male voice rang out from behind us.

“Good afternoon, ladies.”

“Oh my, isn’t that Baron Valérie?”

“Honey—!”

At the sound of his name, Baroness Valérie jumped and turned around.

I too turned in surprise to see the baron standing there with a bright smile.

“What are you doing here? Didn’t you say you were busy?”

“I heard my wife was hosting a tea party in the garden, so I made time to drop by. I hope my presence isn’t an inconvenience?”

The couple was known for being close, and I realized he must often appear at her gatherings.

Seeing Baroness Valérie’s startled but happy expression made me smile as well.

“Greetings, Duchess Dylan. My wife was so nervous when she heard you’d be attending—”

“You! Don’t say that!”

“It’s a pleasure, Baron. I hope our sudden visit didn’t surprise you.”

Ignoring his flustered wife, the baron teased her fondly, wearing an affectionate grin.

I let out a soft laugh and played along. The other noblewomen joined in, chuckling at the baroness’s embarrassment.

“Have you been well, Countess Ellen?”

“…Yes.”

Though he greeted her politely, she only offered a curt response.

Still, the baron tried again.

“And how is Count Ellen these days? I haven’t seen him since the last party—”

“Yes.”

“Ah… ha, I see.”

Her cold tone, perhaps because he was of lower rank, made the baroness frown visibly.

Sensing this, the baron gently patted her shoulder, as if to say Let it go.

“Oh, come to think of it, Baron, you usually don’t attend these tea parties. Did you only come because the Duchess is here?”

“Eh? Oh, no, not at all.”

“Really? I’ve attended many of Baroness Valérie’s tea parties, but this is the first time I’ve seen you here. The only new element is the Duchess, after all.”

“I just came to ease my wife’s nerves. If my presence displeased you, Countess, I apologize.”

“Well… I’ll take your word for it.”

Her words were a mutter, but loud enough for everyone to hear. The atmosphere chilled once more.

“Countess!”

“My, Baroness—how unbecoming of you to raise your voice.”

At the Countess’s blatant insult toward her husband, Baroness Valérie couldn’t hold back anymore and snapped.

The Countess acted shocked, feigning innocence.

I reached under the table and squeezed the baroness’s hand in support.

Then I turned to the awkwardly standing baron and said brightly, “Since you’re here, Baron, please have a taste of the Orean Bakery desserts and the tea brewed from Eastern leaves. The ladies gave glowing reviews.”

“Ah, so that’s what the children were eating with such excitement. It was Orean Bakery.”

“Everything was brought by Duchess Dylan. The flavors are exquisite.”

“That’s right! Baron, you should try some.”

Grateful for the change in subject, the other ladies quickly joined in.

“Well then, I suppose I will.”

“She even brought your favorite—madeleines! Try this one.”

The baron sat down and tasted the madeleine his wife offered, smiling.

“It’s delicious. I’m not usually fond of sweets, but this one is light and citrusy. I really like it.”

“Must be a married couple thing—you share the same tastes. Hoho.”

“Here, try the tea too. Deep and rich aroma, but it goes down smooth.”

After sipping the freshly brewed tea, the baron drank more, clearly pleased.

“This tea is incredible. It warms you right up and feels very soothing.”