A grand banquet to celebrate the marriage of the Third Princess will be held. Organized by the Imperial Palace, this banquet will not be just a one-day affair but will last an impressive three days. On the final day, the Princess herself will attend and raise a toast wishing for the prosperity of the Empire, marking the end of the festivities.
Outstanding talents like Viviana from the Empire could make a brief appearance on the first day without suffering any loss, but someone like me, a powerless baron’s daughter, had no choice but to attend all three days to avoid facing repercussions.
So what can I do?
Even if I’m tired, I have to show up.
“Tina.”
“Lady Versha!”
Versha Edelweiss.
The Countess of Edelweiss, who has achieved dazzling success in the confectionery business, is spreading her fame far and wide. It’s said that not knowing the dessert shop “Eden’s Apple” is a sign of ignorance, as the Edelweiss family is popular among numerous nobles.
Like Mardian and Sharione, Versha holds a significant position in high society. Thanks to my friendship with her, I’ve been able to devour the delectable treats I’ve longed for till I was about to burst.
Naturally, I rushed into her arms. Versha let out a pleased laugh as she lovingly patted my head and handed me a beautifully packaged box.
“We’re launching new pastries at our shop this time. I prepared these just for you, Tina.”
“Really? I’m so happy, thank you, Lady Versha.”
I thought I should save some for Mother. I was worried she might lose her energy from sitting at her desk handling documents all day, and this was just perfect.
And thus, the second night of the banquet flowed like any other.
I was lounging on a sofa, basking in the warm gaze of Versha for quite a while. Perhaps due to her fame, young ladies had naturally gathered around her.
Initially, the hot topic of the day centered on new menu items being launched at the “Eden’s Apple” dessert shop. Then light conversations circulated around Versha, and before long, the young ladies began discussing something that piqued their interest the most.
“Have you heard the story about Lady Verdalen? I heard her salt business expansion failed.”
“Oh my, I guess we won’t have to deal with her ridiculously high nose anymore, oh ho ho.”
That was outright slander. One thing I’ve learned about high society is that women seem to genuinely enjoy gossiping about others. Yet, the surprising part is that they often turn back into giggling friends with those they were just gossiping about. Truly, the world of women seems exceptionally complicated and perplexing.
By the way, Verdalen.
That name sounds familiar, who was it again?
Ah.
“I remember now.”
Rose and Verdalen.
She was the first person I encountered when I first debuted in high society. As soon as she heard I was a descendant of the Blanc Baron family, she eyed me as if I were a bug.
Back then, she exuded an aura that felt unattainable, but now, maybe because I’ve become acquainted with powerhouses like Mardian and Sharione, I didn’t feel the same way.
“She was just a young lady with a ridiculous nose for a mere viscount’s family. How unpleasant it was to see her trying to act all high and mighty even in front of Lady Versha, don’t you think, Lady Versha?”
Versha chuckled lightly at the compliments thrown her way by the young lady. Even if she knew it was mere flattery, it seemed to lift her spirits.
“Well, she got what she deserved.”
“Exactly. She’s finally living like she should!”
A sharp knife of a comment mercilessly sliced down the young lady. One could argue that it was too harsh, but this was the everyday life of high society.
High society is a cruel battlefield where the weak are cast aside. If you act recklessly, you’ll be cut down by words sharper than any sword.
“Huh?”
Feeling a tickling sensation at the back of my head, I turned around to survey my surroundings. For a moment, I thought it was my imagination, but soon I noticed a red-haired young lady peeking at us from the corner.
“…Rose?”
She attended today’s banquet, huh? More importantly, was she eavesdropping on our conversation?
Unlike when I first met her, Rose’s face looked rather worn out. Her expression was pretty flushed, and the wine glass in her hand was shaking like there had been an earthquake.
Poor Rose.
It seems she doesn’t possess the generous personality to overlook others’ words. I quietly smiled and rested my head against Versha’s shoulder. She gently stroked my head, her cheeks slightly flushed.
“What are you thinking while you smile so beautifully, Tina?”
“Oh, just some memories came to mind about Lady Verdalen.”
“Memories?”
“Ah, it’s nothing you’d need to worry about, heh heh….”
As I spoke with an awkward smile, Versha pushed my hair behind my ear with curious eyes.
“I’m curious if it’s about Tina. Can you tell me?”
“Right, I’m curious too! Please share.”
“I’m getting curious too.”
With Versha’s curiosity piqued, the other young ladies chimed in, asking me about it. Under the piercing gazes, I hesitated for quite some time before finally speaking.
“Umm… when I first came to high society, the first person I met was Lady Verdalen. But I heard some unpleasant comments back then….”
“Unpleasant comments?”
One of Versha’s brows furrowed. I lowered my gaze slightly and muttered quietly.
“I think she said something about how a daughter of a fallen family shouldn’t even show her face here, and that it’s sad to see me struggling.”
Of course, I couldn’t argue since it was the truth, heh heh….
“What… what did you say?”
Versha’s previously calm expression instantly morphed into one of anger. She shot a fiery glare at the corner where Rose stood.
“How dare someone who doesn’t even know her place….”
With just one glance at Rose, it seemed she already knew that Rose had been eavesdropping on our conversation. It was a bit cruel, but I didn’t really care.
“This won’t do. I must say something.”
“No, please don’t get angry, Lady Versha.”
“How can I not be angry? They humiliated Tina! Disparaging Tina is like slandering us!”
Versha’s already raised voice was ready to charge at Rose at any moment. I hastily wrapped my arms around Versha and looked up at her.
“Lady Versha… I hope you don’t get too upset for my sake. And besides, she’s not someone worth your attention.”
“But Tina.”
My pleas were joined by the other young ladies, all wearing charming smiles as they tried to calm Versha.
“Right, Lady Versha. She’s just some girl who doesn’t deserve your concern.”
“I agree. Looking at her character, she’s fated to ruin herself without you intervening, anyway.”
“Exactly. She’s truly lacking in humility. It’s such arrogance to belittle Tina based on status; it’s beyond her place.”
Among those gathered, it seemed no one judged by status. This hypocrisy was something else. But of course, I didn’t show any discontent as I looked up at Versha.
“I’ll go have a word with her.”
“Wait? You’re going to confront her?”
“Yes. I’m sure Rose is also preoccupied with what happened back then. I don’t want a pointless quarrel to arise because of me. I just want to go calm her down.”
“Tina, there’s no need for you to bother with that girl.”
“I just don’t want to leave any wrinkles on your beautiful brow because of me. Your lovely face should be cherished forever!”
Upon hearing my lively declaration, Versha’s eyes widened, and she soon smiled softly, stroking my head again. The anger had vanished from her face.
“Tina, are you sure you’ll be okay going alone?”
“Of course! I’ll be right back.”
Feeling the warmth of Versha’s encouragement, I stood up. Slowly, I made my way toward Rose, whose tired red eyes turned to me.
The situation was quite different from our first meeting. I put on a bright smile and stretched out my hand toward Rose.
“Hello, Lady Rose. We’re somewhat acquainted, right?”
“…You.”
Rose looked me up and down with a crumpled face, then clicked her tongue and turned away.
“Go away. My family isn’t weak enough to accept sympathy from the daughter of a fallen house.”
That’s true. If a mere business failing could cause a viscount family to crumble, half of the nobles in this world would have vanished already. Above all, it remained a fact that Rose hailed from a lineage still higher than mine.
‘There’s no one around, is there?’
It was a secluded spot where even the festivity noise was faint. I gazed at her with a gentle smile.
“Sympathy? I came here to get an apology.”
“…What did you say?”
She looked at me in disbelief, clearly taken aback. Coming from a fallen baron’s child demanding an apology must have sounded ridiculous to her.
“You insulted my family earlier. I’m here to receive an apology.”
“I don’t recall doing such a thing.”
“Yes, back then I was hoping you’d apologize.”
“No, I don’t think I said anything wrong. Why should I apologize? You’re just a little pet young lady who licks others’ feet?”
“…Ah.”
Her red eyes were filled with disdain. Even though her family was wobbling from a heavy blow, she still maintained a haughty pride typical of noble women.
Yes, that’s fair.
A person’s essential nature doesn’t change easily.
So I was grateful.
Lately, Mardian had been getting on my nerves, so this might just be an excellent target for my frustrations.
“Lady Rose.”
I slowly approached her, placing my hand on her thin waist and pulling her in for a firm hug. She trembled in surprise, completely caught off guard.
“Gah?! W-What are you doing?!”
“To think you have nothing to back up your pretentious pride, Lady Rose. Your voice is unnecessarily loud.”
At my mocking words, Rose froze. She stared at me blankly with shaken eyes.
“What… what did you say?”
“A person should act according to their position, yet it seems you struggle with that, don’t you? How pitiful.”
Veins throbbed visibly on the fair skin of Rose’s forehead. Surely, it must have been hard to believe. The daughter of a fallen baron was humbling her, a count’s child.
“You… what did you just say?”
“Don’t scrunch up your face. With a face that’s already ugly, it makes it even more unpleasant to look at. At least I’m pretty, but it seems you aren’t even blessed with good looks!”
“Y-You arrogant brat!”
That comment lit the final fuse of Rose’s sanity. She shoved me back, her face flushed, raising her right hand high.
Smack!
A sharp sound echoed. My head swiveled from the stinging pain in my cheek. Perhaps from my frail physique, my mouth felt a little bloody from the impact.
“Huh, you’ve got a bit of strength for nothing.”
“Yeah, you’ve finally lost it, acting like a whore! Just watch, you’re in for it!”
Heavy footsteps approached me rapidly. Hearing the rhythm of the sounds suggested an urgent rush. With a smile firmly planted on my lips, I let a single tear brim at the corner of my eye before collapsing onto the floor.
“Ugh… I’m sorry, Lady Rose… I just wanted to apologize…”
“What…?”
Rose’s expression was filled with disbelief as she tried to say more, but unfortunately, her voice wouldn’t come.
Smack!
With a sharp sound that ripped through the air, her cheek cracked.
“How dare a worthless girl touch our Tina!”
Versha’s sharp scream echoed through the banquet hall. Rose’s eyes, surrounded by the red bruise, seemed unable to believe what had just transpired.
Seeing Rose’s stunned expression, I couldn’t help but cover my mouth to stifle the grin that threatened to break through.
Hee hee.
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