Chapter 15

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***

Benny, who had visited Eliana’s parents’ house, brought a lot of good news. Her father’s health has improved a lot, and her second sister Gaia is taking lessons from a famous harpist.

“I bought a whole turkey on the way. I think it’s the first time the oven has run like that. Ellie, you would have been so happy if you were there too! Everyone missed you.”

Benny continued with an excited voice. Eliana was just happy to hear her say that. She missed seeing the younger siblings who said they wanted to see her with their greasy lips. But it wasn’t the right time yet. Eliana clenched her lips and continued to speak.

“Did you get a reply from Helen?”

”Yes. She’ll be waiting for you. Gillian has a condition when you meet at the meeting.”

“I expected that. Now, shall we finish wrapping the present we’re going to bring?”

”Present?”

Eliana led Benny to the dressing room. Two dresses were hung in the dressing room. One was a gorgeous dress.

The dress, with sleeves wide open to the elbows, but the bodice was pleated with lace, were the focus of Eliana’s heart and soul. Similar to that one, a dress made of lighter and more delicate materials was next to it.

It was like a dress for a chubby woman with a smaller body than Eliana. As soon as Benny saw it, she knew who it was for.

“Ellie, are you going to give Helen Hutt a home-made party dress? You’re a genius!”

“Isn’t it? I thought I was crazy. Do you know where I got this dress from?” 

Eliana excitedly continued to talk. Benny, who was looking at a picture of Teneb’s dress 40 years ago, turned to the two dresses and clapped her hands. One was a perfect reproduction, and the other was a reinterpretation to fit the current era. Either way, she couldn’t help but admire her master. 

“That’s why when Baron Hunter offered to send you a dressmaker, you refused.”

“It’s not necessarily just that. I don’t know why Karman suddenly changed his mind and offered me a dressmaker…I don’t think it’s a good intention. It’s just unnecessarily encouraging Sharchen’s madness even more.”

“Yes. Obviously the Baron’s attitude is inconsistent.”

“I wouldn’t read it that way, even if it was purely intentional. He’s not a good man.”

“Good idea. I can’t forgive a man who put you in such a predicament. Every time I see the faces of those two, I want to rip them apart with my own hands.”

Benny took a deep breath. There was sincerity in her words. Perhaps even more so because she had just visited the happy Rose family.

She had been watching the hardships Eliana had to go through in order to create such a figure.

But Eliana liked her sister and friend Benny, who could only think of her. Eliana hugged Benny tightly once and continued.

“I will definitely get out of here.”

“Ellie.”

“I’ll have a good look at the faces of those people who will be deeply regretted, boldly.”

“Great! What should I do first? I’d better finish Helen Hutt’s dress first, right?”

“Yes!” 

Eliana said and picked up the needle and thread. Eliana and Benny had quick hands. When it came to sewing, they were natural. They were known for their fast and meticulous finishing. They giggled at each other saying that we should set up a tailor shop. Besides, now it was much less difficult than making it from scratch. They just tear 

apart the clothes they already have and redecorating them.

Eliana was more concerned as she carefully touched the ruffles and frills. How beautiful Duchess Teneb must have been 40 years ago.

It was sure to be noticed by everyone at the party. She had no choice but to do so. She was a stepmother who abused Sharchen Hunter, the center of the social circle, and a Baroness on the verge of being abandoned by her husband. Eliana smiled as she thought the whole situation would explode like firecrackers in one place.

“Benny.”

“Yes?”

“The life of aristocrats is so fun and ridiculous.”

The reason that she could play them so easily was because Eliana had grasped the virtual image they wanted to have.

She was a woman who lived climbing up from the floor. The honor and value that the nobles wanted was in vain. But Eliana knew how to make that futile thing, as a way of survival.

After saying those words, Benny looked at Eliana’s lips for a long time as she withdrew her smile. The bitterness lingered for a while and then disappeared.

***

Eliana finally went to the library after a long time.

The gatekeeper was Joseph. As soon as Joseph saw Eliana, his eyes fluttered. Everyone must have heard her story. His eyes showed deep sympathy and compassion. Eliana didn’t hate that feeling. Because it was worth using.

Eliana was wearing the most modest dress among the dresses with her face without makeup on purpose. It was like she’s been badly hurt since Karman Hunter humiliated her like that that day.

“Madam.”

“Joseph, long time no see.”

“I patrolled the estate for a few days and returned yesterday.” 

“Yes. Can you come in with me? There are things I want to say separately.”

“…”

“I really wanted to see you.”

Joseph glanced at the other guards standing next to him. But he couldn’t help but move his body at the sight of her pitiful expression.

Eliana’s current behavior could spread to rumors that the wounded Baroness relieved her stress using a guard.

But that was what she wanted it to look like. It didn’t matter because it wasn’t true anyway. Eliana was not alone in her body and mind. Her heart was burning with ambition like a flame.

As the library door closed, Eliana opened the library window as usual. Then she sat on the window-frame and looked at Joseph languidly.

“What are the rumors about me?”

“That…..”

“Tell me honestly. Because there is no one else who can tell me this but Joseph.” 

Joseph hesitated and then opened his mouth, without looking at Eliana.

“The Baroness is going to be a big disgrace at the social party…… . There are many people who want to go see it. Some say you’re pitiful.”

“And.”

“And….they say the Baron will kick you out and a fifth wife will come in…”

Joseph bit his lip and couldn’t finish his words. However, Eliana continued to speak in a calm voice as she looked outside as if the stories were insignificant.

“How much of the rumors does Joseph believe?”

“I, I…!”

“Yes?”

Eliana looked at Joseph with drowsy eyes. Joseph clenched his fists as if in anger.

“I want to protect Madam.”

“From what?”

“Anything. I will do everything I can. It happened while I was away…”

“If you had been there, what could you have done?”

Joseph bowed his head gloomily. Eliana spoke softly.

“If you thought you couldn’t do anything, you’re wrong.”

“Madam.”

“Your existence alone gives me strength. In this house with no one on my side.”

Joseph’s eyes shone with a deeper loyalty. Eliana knew how to win people’s trust.

She knew it well.

“Escort me to this party. Joseph.”

“….”

“I need you.”

Instead of a single guard who could be replaced at any time, making him a special person. It was, above all, words that shook the listeners. It was also the case of a high-status person who needed favors from a low-ranking person.

That’s when you ask someone. It was none other than the emotion that Eliana herself had felt.

“I will do my best to serve you.”

Joseph knelt down. Eliana nodded lightly and looked outside again. Again, the knowledge gained through body and experience was not wrong.

Karman Hunter, who was on his walk, was staring at her from below. It was unknown since when he had been watching her. 

Eliana made eye contact with him, gently placed her hand on her chest and bowed her head slightly.

Then she got off the window and closed the window firmly.

“Why did you close the window all of a sudden, Madam?”

“The Baron is displeased. He must have seen me while walking.”

Joseph’s eyebrows point downward. He could not hide his blatant disappointment with the Baron he was serving.

In fact, there was no displeasure in Karman’s gaze. On the contrary, it shone as if he had been waiting for her.

But the truth didn’t matter to Eliana. She didn’t even want to know.

As if Joseph had made up his mind, he continued.

“Even if Madam leaves this barony.”

“….”

“Even if you can’t pay me a penny.”

“….”

“I will become a member of the Rose family.” 

Eliana smiled softly and grabbed Joseph by the shoulder.

“Thank you, Joseph, I am really glad.”

“…”

“If anyone in the future says that I will be kicked out of this barony with nothing in the future, tell them that it is a rumor. I will at least have a loyal knight like you.”

Joseph bit his lip. It was because he knew that the position of a mere guard could not be dreamed of. But Eliana looked straight at him and said, 

“Didn’t you say that you would serve me from a higher place?”

“Yes. but…… .”

“I will make you a knight.”

“…”

“So, do your best to prepare. Become the best knight to protect the Rose family.”

Eliana spoke clearly, and then proceeded one step more upright. Just like a woman who has grown more mature after being trampled and hurt. But in Eliana’s heart, difficult calculations were being made busily. It was a fierce move toward survival.