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I couldn’t help but let out a faint, mocking laugh at Lady Adena Marquis’ completely unexpected counterattack.
I guess she thought it was too pitiful to just pass by as a mere extra? She seems desperate to wriggle her way into relevance, not realizing that this flailing is the very definition of an extra’s role.
“Oh my…”
“What should we do… How could she…”
The hall grew restless when Lady Adena Marquis burst into tears.
But make no mistake—it wasn’t sympathy for her. The voices carried judgment, condemning the words she had just spoken and the actions she had dared to show before me.
Whether she noticed or not, Lady Adena Marquis kept crying loudly, as though trying to put on a spectacle, blind to the horrified stares of the young ladies and noblewomen around her.
“I truly, as a lady of a family that was once aligned with the same faction, only wished for Lady Werner’s brilliant future. But no matter how much you are the Archduke’s wife, surely it isn’t right to twist my sincerity so unfairly?”
“Lady Adena…”
“Even if we belong to different factions now, can’t we still help each other, not forgetting the old ties we once had? It breaks my heart, Your Grace, that you—though a member of the aristocratic faction—would misunderstand me and not take my feelings as genuine.”
“Lady Adena, please… don’t say such things…”
“Lady Solde, Lady Isolde… sob…”
Watching her, I almost wanted to laugh. Her heart hurts? Mine’s the one throbbing with a headache.
I even pitied her poor followers. They were trying to stop her, but she clung to them desperately, crying their names like she was being wronged.
As Lady Adena Marquis wept more bitterly, my gaze sharpened, and Lady Solde and Lady Isolde’s complexions shifted uneasily. At least those two had some sense, though they’d chosen the wrong person to tie themselves to. Pitiful, really, but unavoidable.
Tap, tap—
I snapped open my folded fan and struck it lightly against my palm a couple of times. The young ladies nearby flinched. I raised my lowered gaze, flashed a small smile at the crowd watching me, and finally spoke.
“A misunderstanding, you say? I truly don’t know which part could possibly be considered one. Lady Adena Marquis, did you say anything at all that I could have misunderstood?”
“What I meant was simply out of concern for Lady Werner’s future—”
“Concern for Lady Werner, you say? Then why don’t you repeat exactly which part showed that concern? If I did indeed misunderstand, I’ll apologize to you here and now.”
“Eh? Well, that’s… I…”
“Why? Can’t you repeat it? It’s only saying the exact same words you already spoke. What was it again? Ah, yes—you said, ‘As a count’s daughter, she couldn’t possibly refuse such a small request.’ And also, ‘Since we once shared ties, she will surely not forget me or my family and will help us.’ Wasn’t that it?”
As if there were ever any “old ties.” What nonsense. Where did she get the idea she was close to our heroine? She wasn’t even mentioned in the original story, and now she dares to talk about “old ties”? The only time they ever met was once at a gathering. And before that? Barely any interaction at all. I’ve seen shameless extras, but never one this brazen.
Well, except maybe Lady Fichezet before. But at least that lady had weak but somewhat logical reasoning. Adena didn’t even have that.
Does she think I’m a fool?
“Since you don’t deny it, it seems I heard you correctly. And no matter how I think about it, I can’t find any ‘pure sincerity’ in those words.”
“That’s because Your Grace is part of the aristocratic faction and favors Lady Werner, so naturally you wouldn’t see me in a good light…”
“What did you just say? Are you telling me that because I belong to the aristocratic faction, I was incapable of judging your heart fairly?”
“That is why I believe you’ve misunderstood me.”
“…Ha!”
What a talent she had—if talent for leaving people utterly dumbfounded counted. Did she even realize what she had just said? Couldn’t she see Lady Solde and Lady Isolde practically trembling beside her? Didn’t she hear the sharp intake of breath from the noblewomen all around?
Yes, people like her often lived trapped in their own little world, but this was extreme. I thought she might’ve assessed the situation, but instead she chose to dig herself deeper. Who, exactly, was failing to judge correctly here? She seemed completely unaware that the one forgetting her place was none other than herself. There was no reason to waste more time.
Scrape—
“Lady Adena Marquis.”
I slowly pushed my chair back and rose to my feet, locking eyes with her. She flinched at the heavier weight in my voice, but to her credit, she didn’t look away.
She had spirit—enough to be called a second Lady Fichezet. I could grant her that. But this was her exit cue. Her lilac curls and pale green eyes had reminded me fondly of Alexandra at first, leaving a good impression. But to end things like this… I almost felt sorry for Alexandra.
I scanned the hall briefly. Every single person’s gaze was fixed on us, yet I didn’t need to look closely to know where their sympathies lay.
The moment I stood up, Lady Adena Marquis’ fate was sealed.
Neither the aristocratic nor even the neutral ladies would dare defend her. A mere marquis’ daughter arguing factional politics with the Archduchess? And not only that—coming from a family that had betrayed one faction to join the Emperor’s?
This wasn’t just an insult to me; it was a slight against every aristocratic and neutral noble present. To claim she was being unfairly persecuted simply because she was now with the Emperor’s faction? That was her excuse?
She hasn’t even realized who crossed the line first.
She was just another pawn, scrambling to survive by clinging to what looked like a shining rope. Even as a marquis’ daughter, under Even Marquis she’d only be used. What gave her the confidence to stand so boldly now?
My silence stretched, and she seemed to relax slightly, as though thinking I had softened. That was when I struck again.
“Tell me, Lady Marquis—do you wish to play word games with me?”
“…What do you mean by that?”
“Because otherwise, the words you just spoke could not possibly be considered reasonable.”
“…Excuse me?”
“You said that because I am in the aristocratic faction, I cannot judge your sincerity properly. Correct? But isn’t that only natural? I am the Archduke’s wife, the representative of the aristocratic faction, his one and only partner—Archduchess Roderick. Do you understand now?”
“…I don’t see what you mean by that.”
“You left the neutral faction and went over to the Emperor’s faction. How could someone like me—at the very heart of the aristocratic faction—possibly hold warm feelings toward you? But think carefully, Lady Adena Marquis. Did I punish you immediately when you first made those problematic remarks about the Empress?”
“…No… no, you didn’t.”
“Even though you spoke of a matter that neither His Grace nor I ever speak lightly of, you babbled as though it had already been decided. And still, I let it pass. Only when your words grew too bold did I finally warn you. Isn’t that so?”
“…Y-yes, I suppose so.”
Her voice trembled as her eyes darted away. I gave her a crooked smile.
“Don’t be mistaken, Lady Adena Marquis. I only spoke earlier to remind you of your place. If Lady Werner truly becomes Empress, her status will surpass all others, regardless of her current rank. To then approach her with talk of ‘old ties’ and make petty requests—that is the height of rudeness and foolishness. Burn that truth into your memory.”
“….”
“And let me give you a warning. Or if you prefer, think of it as advice, since you clearly haven’t studied imperial history properly.”
“…What do you mean?”
“Did you not know that the late Empress herself had once been no more than a count’s daughter before ascending? Or had you conveniently forgotten even that?”
“…!”
“If His Majesty were to learn of the things you’ve said today, how do you think he would react? Be careful, Lady Adena Marquis. Don’t let the rope you’ve finally grasped snap so easily. And remember—if you utter such reckless words again, I will not let it end with just a warning.”
“Ah… ahh…!”
Her face, which had until now held steady, suddenly went deathly pale. She hugged her trembling body, and I gave her one last steady look before turning and walking toward the exit.
Thump—
As I stepped out of the hall, I heard the sound of someone collapsing behind me. I didn’t need to turn to know who it was.
Outside, Jane was waiting. I glanced back briefly. Lady Adena Marquis was on the floor, Lady Solde and Lady Isolde already inching away from her, while the rest of the ladies and noblewomen stared coldly at the three of them.
After today, Lady Adena Marquis would likely face many hardships. But she had brought them upon herself—it was only fitting.
“Let’s go home, Jane.”
“Yes, my lady.”
After so much speaking and so little tea, my throat felt parched. Jane, sensing my mood, quietly draped a soft shawl over my shoulders. Home. A warm cup of floral tea was exactly what I needed.
By the time I’d finished, Lucius should be returning from work. Just the thought of seeing him again quickened my steps.
Back at the estate, I washed up and changed into a light dress. Sitting on the sofa by the table in our bedroom, I finally sipped my warm flower tea and felt alive again. I’d wait here for Lucius to return.
“He should be here any moment.”
The clock read a little past 6 p.m. Usually, he arrived just before half-past. I hoped today would be no different.
Watching the second hand crawl across the clock face, I grew impatient. I wanted to see him quickly.
At last, I couldn’t resist anymore and stood to move toward the window when—
Knock, knock—
“Come in.”
It was Warren. I looked at him hopefully, and he smiled as he spoke.
“My lady, His Grace has returned.”
He’s here! My husband!
I rushed past Warren and out of the room, hurrying down the stairs. There, at the entrance, I saw Lucius walking in. Overcome with joy, I called out his name.
“Lucius!”
