TLVGAJ 53

~Chapter 53~

Today, the Hartmann duchy was especially busy and full of lively movement.

“Put the table here. Make sure it’s in the spot with the best view of the garden.”

Under the warm sunlight, servants moved tables and chairs nonstop to the terrace with the best garden view.

The maids spread out pretty tablecloths and set out various tableware.

Some maids whispered as they placed plates on the chairs.

“The young lady is personally hosting a tea time? What’s going on?”

“Right? She’s stayed in the mansion since coming back from the trip, and now suddenly she’s holding tea time. She’s definitely changed.”

I stood in a corner, watching the tea time preparations.

Before I possessed Irene’s body, she did attend other ladies’ tea parties, but she was not the type to host them herself.

Even at those tea parties, she was almost always treated like an uninvited guest…

No one welcomed her, but they invited her only because she was a duke’s daughter.

Irene was a guest unwelcome in any social circle.

She still received many invitations for tea times. I could have chosen one of them and attended, but I decided to hold my own tea time and invite the ladies instead.

There was a reason for that.

“Lady Hartmann, it’s an honor to attend your tea time.”

“Welcome, Lady Edgar. Thank you for coming all the way to this duchy.”

I greeted the young lady with a smile as she entered the mansion.

Among the noble ladies, some were especially known for their interest in beauty—fashion, dresses, makeup, and trends.

They were the perfect people to help Sophie.

And, coincidentally… they were also…

“I invited you all today to apologize for my past behavior.”

Not long after tea time began, I spoke up. The ladies tilted their heads in surprise and looked at me.

I guess I should thank Irene for giving me such a natural excuse to gather these ladies…

That’s right—these ladies were all people Irene had bullied at least once.

Especially Countess Elina’s daughter.

I glanced at her—blonde hair and blue eyes. Before Emily appeared, she had been one of Irene’s main targets.

I remember… she almost died after spilling tea on Irene’s dress once…

She was saved thanks to Sophie and her parents’ intervention, but from then on, she was humiliated every time she appeared in society.

Yes… especially with her, I need to restore our relationship.

“As you know, I’ve been unwell and forgot how precious the people around me are. I wanted to apologize for what I’ve done, so I invited you here.”

I continued, looking as embarrassed and regretful as I could.

“I’m truly sorry for everything… especially you, Lady Elina.”

“N-… me?”

“Yes. I’m especially sorry to you for what happened back then. I truly apologize. If you want compensation for the hurt I caused, you may ask for it anytime.”

“A-ah…”

“I’m truly, truly sorry.”

Lady Elina looked stunned, as if she couldn’t believe what she’d just heard. Soon, her eyes began to glisten.

“N-no… I…”

She couldn’t finish her sentence, and sniffled.

Some ladies patted her shoulder.

It seemed my apology had gone over well, because they began to speak more softly.

“Well… we understand. Since you weren’t feeling well, you might have been sensitive.”

“Yes, and thank you for apologizing like this. It must not have been easy to bow your head first as a high-ranking noble.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

I smiled.

“From now on, I’ll never behave like that again. Let’s get along well.”

The ladies shrugged, and Lady Elina stopped crying. The stiff mood began to soften.

Then one lady spoke up, trying to change the topic.

“By the way… I’ve been meaning to say this—you look different today.”

“Oh, do I?”

My eyes widened.

Oh? Are they noticing already?

This was exactly the conversation I wanted.

“I had my maid try a new makeup style on me today. Maybe that’s why.”

“I thought so! I noticed your makeup looked different earlier.”

“Your skin looks so clear. How did you get it to look like that?”

“Right? Usually makeup makes skin look dull, but yours is glowing.”

“The lighter colors match your skin tone really well.”

Ha. I knew it—Sophie’s makeup skills aren’t just in my head. Compared to this world, her skills are much more advanced.

“Since you’re all interested… would you like to try makeup from my maid?”

“Really? May we?”

“Of course. It’s no trouble at all.”

I nodded warmly and looked at Sophie.

“Sophie, could you do makeup for the ladies here?”

“Ah… yes, I understand.”

Sophie started bringing over her cosmetics.

“If you take turns sitting here, I’ll do it for you.”

“Great…!”

The ladies quickly gathered around Sophie, eyes sparkling.

“Today’s tea time was wonderful. See you again, my lady!”

Tea time ended quickly.

The ladies left the Hartmann mansion looking brighter, each wearing makeup that suited their skin tone.

“It really suits you. If you’d like another makeover, contact me anytime.”

“Yes, thank you…!”

It seemed they had completely forgotten the old Irene.

“Um…”

While I was seeing them off, Lady Elina cautiously approached me.

“Ah, Lady Elina. Did you enjoy the tea time?”

“Yes…”

She hesitated, then spoke.

“Thank you for apologizing earlier… about the past.”

“Ah.”

“I’m not asking for any compensation. Just hearing your apology is enough. After all, I was the one who spilled tea on your dress first.”

“No. Even so, my reaction was too much.”

I shook my head.

“As a high-ranking noble, I could have overlooked the mistake, but I overreacted. I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s fine.”

She smiled faintly.

“If it’s alright… may I have tea time with you again sometimes?”

“Anytime. Visit the duchy whenever you like—I’ll usually be here.”

“Yes, thank you…!”

“Oh, and today’s makeup was the best I’ve ever had.”

Lady Elina gave me a thumbs-up, then got into her carriage.

“I’ll see you again! Today was wonderful, my lady.”

“Get home safely, Lady Elina.”

I waved her off.

Watching the carriage disappear, I smiled in relief.

…All in all, today’s tea time was quite a success, don’t you think?