Published at 12th of November 2021 09:29:06 PM

Translator: Yonnee

Chapter 41

Thats why women should stay inside the house. Countess Saulton should be worried. She barely got married to the Count because everyone was so opposed to their union.

As Camilla sipped her tea, she furtively gave me a look. I could feel thorns on my seat again.

Thats right.

Theres nothing more important than an heir.

No matter how much love you have in your heart, if a wife cant give the husband any children, then shes not worthy to be a wife.

Poke, poke.

Camillas words were like arrows being shot at my heart.

I looked up across the desserts on the table. From the colorful array of macarons and the carefully lined cookies I looked at the various desserts on the table and suddenly said

Ah, the seedless

{ tl/n: an insinuation to, ahem, the possibility that Amoide might be impotent. }

Selena!

The sudden outburst made the ladies turn their heads to Camilla in unison.

Yes? My eyes widened. Whats wrong, Mother?

That

Camilla was conscious of the other ladies eyes on her, now perhaps feeling embarrassed that she raised her voice.

Meanwhile, I picked up a grape from the fruit platter.

I was going to recommend the seedless grapes to you ladies because they taste good. Whats the matter, Mother?

Never mind.

Try some of the grapes. Theyre very delicious.

After I said this, the other ladies naturally picked some grapes.

As expected, seedless fruits are the easiest to eat.

This is a modified type from last years harvest, isnt it? I wonder who came up with it

Goodness, my husband wont even answer me when I try to ask.

All eyes were on Countess Lafangue.

How come? Marchioness Aven asked and smiled meaningfully at the younger woman.

What do you mean how come? Of course, its because other fruits might lose their seeds, too.

Then, everyone laughed.

They pretend that they dont care, but everyone does. Im telling you.

Oh, theres nothing you cant say freely, Countess. Marchioness Morde opened her fan to cover her lips.

Oh who cares, theyre all married. Behind the fan, her smiling eyes were full of mischief.

Foolish men just blame the women, ohoho.

At that, all the women sitting around the table burst into laughter.

Camilla, of course, joined the laughter, but her eyes werent smiling.

Ah, its none of my business. I laughed louder than anyone else, then added

Oh, how mischievous.

I could hear Camilla gritting her teeth next to me, but thats none of my business either.

I apologize, we seem to be talking too much, Duchess. You must excuse our lack of decorum.

Then, Camilla replied to Marchioness Aven with a big smile

Well, I did say that we wont be rigid here. This gathering is where we can freely laugh and enjoy ourselves.

Camillas big smile turned into a leisurely one as she lifted her teacup. She looked at me pointedly as if to warn me, but I averted my gaze and tried to ignore the daggers shooting out from her eyes.

Countess Lafangue knows the ins and outs of high society nowadays. Dont hesitate to ask her anything. Itll be fun, I assure you, Marchioness Aven said with a gracious smile.

She knows all the rumors running about. Sometimes she may make a slip of the tongue, but it doesnt mean shes out to get youits just her talkative nature, Marchioness Morde added and quickly defended Countess Lafangue.

Without really processing what they were saying, I just nodded my head. What they were saying wouldnt affect me anyway since I wouldnt be involved with high society, and it was unlikely that Id ever meet them again after this day.

All I had to do here was smile and go with the flow according to the ladies conversations and hopefully not make Camilla any more angry.

Please let time pass quickly.

Camilla would look in my direction from time to time, attacking me with that sharp glare of hers, even when she poured sugar into my tea. I had no choice but to drink it.

By the way, I heard Lady Veronica is coming back soon.

Tak.

The grape I was holding in my hand dropped down to the table and rolled away.

Oh my. Didnt she have a special relationship with the Duke of Efret before? Countess Lafangue asked, covering her lips partially.

Dont worry, Duchess, I dont think it was that serious.

I had no idea what they were talking about, so I just stared blankly at them. My ears pricked when I heard the name Veronica, but what did she have to do with me?

Theres no need to hide it, Camilla said, her nonchalant tone cut through the silence. She looked at me squarely, as though she was telling me to listen closely. Veronica, the young lady of the Rothlandon Marquisate, and Amoide had once been engaged.

Ah

I sat there with my mouth agape, not knowing how to react to this information.

Amoide and Veronicas engagement had been set when they were children.

My mind was totally blank.

Veronica.

You almost married Amoide?

Goodness, you must be surprised.

Countess Lafange looked at me as she held up her fan.

Yes, a little.

I got surprised not because of what theyre probably thinking right now, but I was surprised nonetheless. By a lot.

It must be the first time you heard about it, Camilla said as she poured tea from the kettle.

The sound of tea trickling down echoed throughout the room.

Countess Lafangue looked more chipper than how she was earlier. Then after a while, she asked, I wonder what kind of person she is?

The furthest thing I was expecting from this tea party was to hear Veronicas name.

And I didnt know that Veronica, the novels female lead, had such a past with Amoide.

The Marquis daughter is very beautiful and talented.

Her fathers a diplomat, and she followed him to the Rielos Kingdom, but theyll be returning soon.

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I remember that shes a very beautiful girl, Marchioness Aven said.

Thats not all. Shes so talented and clever, even with singing and dancing The Marquis is very proud of his daughter and he often boasts about her. So

Countess Lafangue chattered tirelessly, but she eventually trailed off.

What she said was no surprise because I already knew all that. The praises that everyone in high society showered her with, the countless proposals she received during the year of her debutante

Just thinking about her specs, shes the typical protagonist, alright.

Our families have been close for quite a long time. When they were young, they looked perfect for each other. Eventually, Amoides father and Marquis Rothlandon had promised to wed their children to each other.

Camillas voice rang out after the Countess had trailed off.

I see.

Amoide and Veronica when they were young.

I did think they may have interacted when they were younger, but I never thought it would be to this degree.

Maybe if only Amoide was healthy, he and Veronica would now be

Camilla didnt say anything more. Even if she didnt, everyone knew what she was about to say.

I tried to keep a straight face.

I see. But right now, I am his wife.

I made eye contact with each of the ladies with an amicable smile on my lips.

Its common for noble families to have broken engagements, so its not something that bothers me.

Yes, thats how it is with marriage talks. It can go one way or another. Its the same in other countries as well, broken engagements are common

Thats right, thats right.

The wives hastened to fill the silence.

And Amoides much healthier now than before.

So it wont be long until the Duke of Efret will appear in public once more? Marchioness Morde asked with anticipation.

Ah, its been too long. I still cant forget his dashing looks its a pity.

The position of the Commander of the Order of the Sun has been vacant for far too long. Its the Empires First Chivalric Order.

The women steered the conversation toward Amoides health and the Order of the Sun now.

Its been five years since Marquis Diaz has been holding the reins as the Deputy Commander.

Because hes an outstanding knight himself. Then, hell have no trouble leading the

Says who?

The ladies felt awkward as they heard the low voice.

Pardon? Yes, Duchess, um

They were discouraged in an instant, and their pleasant chat had been put to a halt. The ladies exchanged glances with each other, but I spoke decisively.

Amoide has become much healthier, so hell be back soon. Were working hard on it.

Then, I laughed to lighten the mood.

However, as Camilla lifted her teacup, her face was flushed with a deep shade of red.

How did you end up attending the tea party?

When all the guests had left, Camillas polite smile had disappeared, and she immediately started the inquisition.

It was a mistake.

According to your maid, you asked for me was what I wanted to say, but Camilla evidently wouldnt believe me.

Rather, it was obvious that Camilla didnt do that in the first place.

Were you that desperate to show your face to the other noblewomen?

No, of course not. You told me not to show myself, I said with a clear voice. I know youre ashamed of me. But why would I do that on purpose? You have nothing to worry if its me were talking about.

Dont ever forget your place. How did you even get there? What strings did you pull?

You know very well, Mother.

As if I was reciting a solemn prayer, I spoke the words that I had rehearsed thoroughly.

Im not crazy. If anyone ever tells you, Mother, that I am, please trust me and not that person.

What are you blathering on about?

Im not crazy, Mother. I have a very sound mind. I dont need any therapy.