Chapter 45
All the young ladies and noblewomen had taken their seats, yet the hostess of the party, the Imperial Princess, had not yet arrived.
To break the silence, Lady Lagriang, seated immediately to the right of the princess’s place of honor, spoke up.
“Hmm, if I recall correctly, Miss Fortian and Miss Clodi are being invited for the first time today, yes?”
“Yes, that’s cor—”
“Yes, that’s correct, Lady Lagriang.”
Rowan interrupted me lightly, smiling sweetly at the lady.
“Do you know me, Miss?”
“Of course, my lady. You are the consort of Marquis Lagriang of the Eastern Mines, aren’t you?”
I almost let out a nervous laugh at the way Rowan smiled while speaking.
Since when has she cared about others this much? This is clearly something she memorized before coming here. No one in high society is less concerned with others than Rowan.
Apparently, this was her way of charming the ladies here—but she had misjudged her first target.
The real Lady Lagriang had always been more focused on having her own talents recognized than on her husband. She was remarkably capable. That the consort hadn’t realized this yet was evident in her slightly unimpressed expression as Rowan spoke.
Still, there was no need for me to argue or try to act like Rowan.
Just then, Rowan turned to me.
“Miss Clodi is still unfamiliar with social etiquette, isn’t that right, Miss?”
Meeting her amused eyes, where a faint smirk played, the thoughts I had just been having vanished completely.
So, as expected, there would be no graceful parting between us.
I offered Rowan a light smile and then shifted my gaze toward the Marchioness.
“You are Lady Lagriang, but weren’t you also quite renowned back when you were Countess Persin?”
The Marchioness’s eyes widened slightly at my words.
“I’ve heard you were the first to introduce both the older dress trends and the latest ones. I personally loved your designs. I’ve always admired your work.”
Smiling politely after my words, the corners of the Marchioness’s lips lifted slightly, a subtle acknowledgment that defused Rowan’s smugness.
“I appreciate the compliment, though it may be too much, my lady.”
The Marchioness’s polite words immediately stiffened Rowan’s expression, yet she quickly restored her smile, aware of the many eyes still on her.
“Miss Clodi’s dress bears a strong resemblance to the ones you designed. It’s elegant and suits her well.”
This time, it was the young Duchess of Tehas, seated to the left of the head table, speaking.
Since the comment bore no malice or hint of misunderstanding, I merely thanked her and smiled. However, the attention of others shifted—not to me, who had been mentioned first, but elsewhere.
“I also like this design, of course, but today… well, I have my reasons.”
Ah, Rowan.
From head to toe, adorned with sparkling accessories, Rowan’s face flushed with embarrassment. Normally, she would have smiled slyly, but perhaps because of the earlier exchange, she kept her head lowered.
In an instant, countless eyes turned to her, some laced with mockery or derision. But since they weren’t aimed at me, it was nothing to worry about.
Surely.
“…Is it really necessary to be so self-conscious?”
The way those who usually got along with her sent such cold looks at a mere word from a young noblewoman reminded me far too much of my experiences as Crown Princess, and before I knew it, a few sharp words slipped from my mouth.
“All these dresses aren’t from a single designer. I wondered why you needed to feel so cautious just because today’s dress isn’t by Lady Lagriang.”
The room’s attention briefly swung back to me, as if I were defending her, but I hadn’t intended it that way. I simply spoke out of annoyance.
Sensing the awkwardness, others shifted the topic. Yet, like a carousel, the conversation inevitably circled back to me.
“Miss Clodi, I heard you recently had some dealings at the Imperial Court?”
I nodded lightly, understanding she meant the Raisin incident.
“Yes, but it was resolved successfully not long ago.”
The short reply barely ended before another voice cut in.
“Perhaps you should appoint a deputy. Honestly, it doesn’t look good for a countess’s daughter to be running a club or for her name to appear in these matters.”
It was the young lady whose frown had been most noticeable moments ago. Remarkable how she picked the words I most disliked since the incident—talent, perhaps?
Just as I prepared to respond, another voice interrupted.
“You are remarkably blunt, Miss.”
Rowan’s deep eyes now pointed at the Countess’s daughter.
‘Lael?’
“Raisin or any other business is just business. Criticizing others’ affairs doesn’t leave a good impression, you know.”
The young lady looked visibly flustered, clearly not expecting Lael to speak in my favor.
Honestly, neither did I.
‘I’ve deliberately kept my closeness with Lael discreet in public to hide our relationship.’
Lael glanced at me, raising an eyebrow slightly.
“Isn’t that right, Miss?”
I cleared my throat at her signal and continued.
“Whatever it looks like, I manage the club with the same intent as other young ladies. Unexpected events happened this time, but I believe we gained some insight.”
Perhaps a lesson on needing more funds, I thought. Not untrue, and I felt no guilt for saying it.
Fixing my gaze on the young lady’s trembling eyes, I added,
“Besides, there’s no need to worry about appearances. We each live doing what we wish.”
Finishing my words with a faint smile, the Countess’s daughter’s expression stiffened further. Clearly, she disagreed with me but, being a guest of the Imperial Princess, dared not speak out. Or perhaps she simply wanted me to see it.
“…Yes, indeed.”
Nodding reluctantly, she accepted my words. At that moment, when all eyes naturally fell on the two of us, a voice came from behind.
“Looks like something interesting is happening here.”
The Imperial Princess swept into the room, her deep navy hair flowing behind her.
“Your Highness,” we greeted.
Startled by her sudden arrival, the seated young ladies all rose and bowed their heads.
“Everyone, please sit.”
Finally, the head table was complete, and the others resumed their seats.
“You must be the new guests causing this lively atmosphere,” the princess said with a dazzling smile, her golden eyes sparkling like finely cut gems.
“I’d like to sit closer to the new guest. Miss Clodi, won’t you sit by my side?”
“My…?”
Caught off guard, my eyes widened. Why I had drawn the princess’s attention, I had no idea, but it was certainly an unexpected opportunity.
The seats next to her were already occupied by Lady Lagriang and the Duchess of Tehas.
Which meant… someone had to yield their place.
‘And not just any place—right beside the head table.’
As I hesitated, the two women exchanged amused glances.
“I’ll give up my seat,” said Lady Lagriang with a gentle smile, rising gracefully.
“My lady…”
“Don’t be too apologetic. It’s been a while, brings back memories, and it’s nice, haha.”
Grateful, I bowed slightly and switched seats. The princess, clearly pleased, smiled warmly.
As the gentle breeze brushed against us and she took a sip of tea from the table, she spoke softly to me.
“I invited you out of personal curiosity, but you’re slightly different than I expected.”
Different?
I could only offer an awkward laugh. The princess put down her cup, continuing,
“Don’t misunderstand. It’s not in a bad way.”
“Of course not.”
I wasn’t misinterpreting her, yet my curiosity deepened.
“May I ask what you thought of me, then?”
A few gasps sounded among the other guests. Few dared speak directly to the princess.
“Hmm…”
The princess didn’t seem overly concerned with my question. She only pondered what to say.
“The Miss I expected would be quieter, empathetic… someone like another person I know. But the Miss before me is the complete opposite, so I was slightly surprised.”
Ah… so,
‘She thought I’d be someone who couldn’t even respond to others.’
Which, up until my previous life, was accurate.
“Thank you for the compliment.”
Hearing this positively, the princess offered a crescent-moon-shaped smile and fixed her gaze on me.
“Oh, now I understand why I said that.”
