Chapter 46 –
As I carefully examined the list, one name immediately jumped out at me.
‘Angelica del Verner.’
That was unmistakably the name of the heroine from the original novel I knew. Wait—Angelica was invited too? Then I might get to see her today!
I hadn’t given it much thought until now since the events of the original story hadn’t started yet. But I hadn’t expected to run into her like this, and the idea of meeting her made me excited. Regardless of the story’s timeline, it seemed very likely that I’d run into her now that I was attending social gatherings.
She wasn’t particularly active in society, but as a count’s daughter, she did show up occasionally. So I might end up seeing her more often than I thought. I mean, we’re already meeting on the very first day.
Just imagining her real-life appearance—the blond hair, sky-blue eyes, and indifferent expression as described in the novel—made my heart flutter, just like the first time I met Lucious. Actually, Angelica was my third favorite character from the novel.
Her indifferent personality, so different from the usual heroines I’d read about, really appealed to me. And the way she opened up to Rayel and spent time with him was deeply touching.
I’d love to become friends with her like I had with Alexandra. I never got to finish the original story, so I never saw how things ended between her and Rayel. I really wanted to see them live happily ever after. Well, their feelings were mutual, so they probably got married safely.
Even now, I longed to read the next chapter that would have come after I lost consciousness in my previous life. At least here, I might be able to witness the ending myself.
While I was staring at the list for a bit too long, Alexandra tilted her head and asked curiously,
“Is something wrong? Did someone catch your eye?”
“No, nothing like that. I was just surprised by how many people were invited.”
“It’s not actually that big. Around thirty guests is about average. There will be many more at future parties.”
“Oh, right. I guess I’m just overwhelmed since I’m returning to society after so long.”
“Well, your memories haven’t fully returned yet, right? Don’t worry and take your time. I’ll be by your side, and if anything happens, I’ll take care of it.”
“Thank you. That means a lot.”
I was genuinely grateful for how much she cared. She’d helped me so much already—with Lucious, with the dress… Even though I wasn’t the one who caused those past events, they must’ve hurt her deeply. Yet here she was, treating me as if nothing had happened. That alone made me truly thankful. A friend like her was hard to come by. I hoped we could stay close like this.
Time passed quickly as we chatted, and before we knew it, it was almost time for the tea party to begin. I tried to head out to the garden first, but Alexandra held me back, and we only left the room together five minutes before the event started.
As we walked through the corridor into the spacious garden, I saw the ladies and young noblewomen gathered there. As the two of us entered together, all eyes turned toward us. Alexandra walked to the center and announced the start of the tea party amid the quiet murmurs.
“Thank you all for coming to my tea party today. The weather is perfect to enjoy the full bloom of spring. I hope you all have a wonderful time.”
As her short greeting ended, music began to play from one side. The garden was beautifully decorated with vibrant spring colors. The warm sunlight, the gentle music—it was the perfect start to a tea party.
“Pleased to meet you, Your Grace. I am from the Adolte County…”
“It is an honor to meet you, Your Grace. I come from the Tyraine Marquisate…”
“Your Grace, I am…”
As I greeted the constant stream of guests, I did my best to maintain a composed expression. After the tea party began, noble ladies and young women who had been observing from afar began eagerly approaching to greet me.
Watching others wait for the right moment to approach while being pushed aside by those already crowding around me, I let out a silent sigh. Alexandra had been right earlier.
Despite the rumors spreading, I thought people would still be hesitant because of what the previous soul in this body had done. But I was wrong—shockingly wrong. In fact, people seemed almost desperate to get close to me.
Alexandra simply watched me with a smile, offering no help. Seriously, help me out…!
Thankfully, the servants soon began serving tea. As I tried to decide which table to sit at, Alexandra came over and guided me.
“Tiana, come sit here.”
She led me to the central table and naturally seated me in the center. I whispered softly to her,
“You should sit here, Alexandra.”
“Nope. That seat belongs to you. This tea party is for you.”
“But the host should sit in the center…”
“Even if I’m the host, you are the main character today. Think of it as a gift to celebrate your return. Just accept it.”
She winked at me, and I let out a small sigh. I appreciated the gesture, but this kind of gift was a bit awkward.
Once we were seated, the others quickly followed suit. Each table could seat six, and aside from Alexandra and me, there were four open spots at the central table.
Two noblewomen and two young ladies who had been waiting for their chance quickly took the remaining seats, while the others settled at different tables.
I glanced down at my cup and noticed it was a tea brand I liked. Did Alexandra pick it on purpose? She met my eyes and smiled knowingly. I took a sip, and the familiar fragrance spread in my mouth, helping me relax.
“This tea has a lovely aroma, Your Highness.”
“Such a rich color and exquisite scent.”
“And the desserts go perfectly with it!”
Everyone at our table seemed genuinely pleased. Looking around, the other tables also had a cheerful atmosphere.
The warm weather and fluttering flower petals added to the atmosphere. It was a perfect spring garden tea party. With even the tea and desserts so well-prepared, it was clear Alexandra had put great effort into planning it.
Everyone seemed to think the same, as compliments toward her didn’t stop. She accepted them gracefully, as if she was used to it, while I quietly observed the tables.
“They said everyone on the list showed up, so Angelica must be here…”
She wasn’t at my table. I occasionally spotted blond-haired women at other tables, but it was surprisingly difficult to tell who was who. Blonde was a common hair color.
Still, I didn’t give up. The combination of blond hair and sky-blue eyes wasn’t common, so I should be able to find her. Blond hair and sky-blue eyes… sky-blue…
There!
At a table diagonally to the left of the center, two blond-haired women sat. One of them quietly sipped her tea—blond hair, sky-blue eyes. That had to be her. The expressionless look and unique aura matched the description of Angelica from the original novel.
The woman next to her was chatting happily, but Angelica seemed uninterested, simply enjoying her tea.
To see a scene from the novel come to life like this was amazing. With Angelica here, I had now seen all the major characters from the story. Mission accomplished.
“I really want to talk to her. Maybe I’ll get the chance later.”
Since we were in the same space, I wanted to greet her and chat. But I also had to meet Lady Garnet today, so I wasn’t sure if I’d have time. Even just a quick exchange would be nice.
While I was still watching her with lingering regret, Alexandra stood and raised her voice.
“Everyone, the flowers in the garden are in full bloom. Feel free to walk around and enjoy. We’ve brought in some unique and rare sculptures for you to see, too!”
Intrigued by her words, the ladies began to rise and wander about. As I watched them head off to admire the flowers and sculptures, Alexandra gave me a meaningful glance.
Perfect timing.
Sitting around was getting dull anyway. Since it was a garden tea party, it made more sense to walk around and chat freely.
I stood up and joined Alexandra in strolling through the garden, soaking in the spring air. I hadn’t taken a proper walk in a while due to being stuck in the office, and now I could finally feel the full arrival of spring.
While admiring the flowers blooming over the fence, I spotted Angelica again—not far away, quietly looking at a fountain sculpture. I really wanted to approach her.
She was alone. This was the perfect chance. Just as I was about to go, Alexandra spoke.
“Tiana, let me introduce you to Lady Garnet.”
“…Ah, alright.”
Why now…? I had no choice but to turn away with some regret. Approaching us from a short distance was a woman with neatly styled dark auburn hair. She wasn’t particularly striking, but her red eyes gave her a unique presence.
As she came over carefully, she greeted both Alexandra and me with a nervous face.
“Thank you for the invitation, Your Highness. It’s an honor to meet you, Your Grace.”
Up close, her eye color was even more striking—like red gemstones. Eyes truly worthy of the name “Garnet.” It probably wasn’t intentional, but it seemed she married into the perfect household.
Perhaps Alexandra had already mentioned me, as I could sense a slight anticipation and goodwill in her gaze. Smiling warmly, I greeted her.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Garnet. I’ve heard much about you. Your eyes are beautiful.”
“Thank you, Your Grace. They’re the one feature I’m confident in. I actually married my husband thanks to these eyes.”
“Oh, really?”
“He said they suited the name ‘Garnet’ so well. If I didn’t have them, I might not have become Lady Garnet at all.”
Her playful tone made me chuckle. She seemed like a fun person. I became curious about how her relationship with Lord Garnet had developed—maybe he even proposed with a pun on her name.
“Surely it’s more than just your eyes. Your smile and elegance are charming too.”
“Such praise! I don’t know what to do with myself. I’ll have to brag to my husband that Your Grace complimented the same parts he loves most.”
“Then please tell him I admire his taste.”
“His chest will puff up with pride, no doubt.”
Her modesty and wit made her even more likable. I had a feeling this would be the beginning of a good relationship. But just as our pleasant conversation continued—
Crash!
A sharp voice rang out as something shattered nearby.
“What did you just say?”
