Chapter 16

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Eliana headed to her room, escorted by Joseph. Joseph was a little serious, knowing that Eliana wasn’t joking.

“What can I do to help you at the party?”

“Benny will send you some clothes. It’s a light outfit to replace the heavy chain armor, but it’s made of high-quality muslin so it’ll be easy to move around.”

“I’ll take it… .”

“Yes, My knight.”

Joseph’s face turned a little red. Eliana’s every word grabbed and shook Joseph.

Eliana also prepared clothes for Benny and Joseph. It was a declaration that they were her own people. From now on, this mark will be increased, and it was an ambition to conquer and win.

Eliana stopped walking. Just past the hallway, it was her room. But in the middle of the road were the fat butler Pepe and Karman.

Joseph greeted them with a firm expression, shielding Eliana from the side they were on.

Eliana was escorted by Joseph as if it was natural. Of course she bowed slightly to greet Karman, but it was an act of treating him thoroughly like a stranger. Karman looked at the two and continued.

“Why did you turn down the dressmaker? Are you thinking of tarnishing the Hunter family with your amazing outfits?”

Eliana clicked her tongue inwardly, but went on without making it obvious.

“I just turned it down because it didn’t fit my place. And how can I represent the Hunter family when I have to go to the banquet alone?”

What Karman did was clearly exclude Eliana from being the Hunter family’s member. At what Eliana pointed out, Karman narrowed his eyes and continued.

“Does it mean so much to you if I enter with you or not? Even if I don’t introduce you, everyone knows you’re a Baroness of the Hunter family.”

“Does it make you feel better if you say it like it’s nothing?”

“Don’t be sarcastic.”

“Then let me be honest. Absolutely. You spit in my face and I have to go to the party.”

“Don’t talk back.”

“When you say you will not accompany me to the party in front of so many servants, it means that you abandon me, who is making my late debut at a social party. So who’s dealing with the stepmother and the poor, impotent Baroness? In that banquet hall where I don’t know who is who, I’ll be standing alone and rolling my eyes.”

“….”

“Watching you and Sharchen laughing and clinking glasses.”

Eliana spoke without a moment to breathe. As if to remind Karman how his fleeting choice trampled on her. Karman spoke, a little embarrassed.

“… I will make sure you are not alone in the hall. Ask the dressmaker to get you the dress you want. I won’t let you be excluded from the Hunter family.”

‘Ha’, Eliana laughed as if it was funny. She had already been an outsider of this family the moment she came here. 

Perhaps the rumor had reached Karman’s ears. He had a big weakness called Sharchen. To protect her, he had been very disrespectful to Eliana, but he would have liked to think that he wasn’t a rude man. 

Nobles usually thought that face was the most important thing. So, these benevolent actions were suddenly shown. But Eliana hated it. She had no intention of dancing to that rhythm.

“No. I will not wear the clothes belonging to the Baron’s family.”

“…..”

“Suddenly the Baron comes here and gives me generosity? Rumors are fast, and I’m sure there’s already a line of luxury people waiting for my humble position.”

“….”

“I intend to live up to that expectation, according to your will.” 

“Eliana!”

“I heard that Sharchen collapsed because the Baron didn’t pick out a dress with her.”

“…”

“Go to your lover at a time like this. Isn’t it better than being sympathetic to me for nothing? Joseph, let’s go.”

“Yes, Madam.”

Karman watched Eliana disappear as she was escorted by Joseph, and then closed his eyes. Eliana, wearing exceptionally light makeup, looked like she had been suffering terribly for a few days. They said that she didn’t even eat well, she just stayed in her room… He wondered if she was not feeling well.

Of course, it was awkward and unfamiliar to him that he was suddenly worried like this. But Karman couldn’t help it either. It was the first impulse he felt in his life.

Especially when she closed the window as soon as she made eye contact with him. Karman couldn’t stand still there. He was so frustrated that he wanted to ask her right away why she closed the window.

All of this was probably because she didn’t obey his words.

Maybe it was because he had done a little wrong to her. Karman thought so.

But Eliana seemed to have turned completely. The lips, which had originally uttered evil words, were completely frozen. It seemed to have become a mouth that only spit out poison.

And most of all, the guard next to her bothered him. It was the guard who had bad rumors with Eliana. Why does she keep him by her side even though rumors are circulating? Does she really think it’s okay to be like that? 

Karman took a step with his expressionless face, thinking horrible thoughts. But no one knew the questions swirling within him. All they could see was the appearance of the Baron, angry at his wife’s behavior.

Rumors that the relationship between the two was getting worse spread rapidly among servants. It was the story of the Baron and his wife, the hottest topic these days. The servants were also arguing that nothing could separate the Baron and Sharchen.

Sharchen smiled relaxedly, but that smile didn’t last long. She felt it instinctively. The Baron’s interest was slowly leaving her. But she couldn’t quite figure out how to hold onto him again. 

Eliana. Eliana. Sharchen only dreamed of tearing up her name and trampling on it.

****

Eliana and Benny packed up Helen’s dress. It was fortunate to be able to ride in the carriage Gillian sent.

Eliana wore a wide-brimmed purple hat and thick makeup. The appearance of the Baroness, who had been weak for the past few days, was unbelievably gorgeous. She walked gracefully across the hallway in long lace gloves.

But she couldn’t walk long and had to stop. Last time it was Karman, this time it was Sharchen who was in her way.

‘This couple is making a fuss in pairs. They are of no help at all.’ 

Eliana looked at Sharchen without changing her expression. Sharchen looked at her with venomous eyes and reached out both hands and blocked the door.

“Madam, don’t make any more scandals. How much more do you plan to damage the Baron’s honor?”

Eliana didn’t answer, just stared at Sharchen. Sharchen bit her lips when Eliana, whom she thought would give a clear answer, did not speak. She (Sharchen) let out the venom she had been holding in her mouth for the past seven days.

“It’s a meeting between the ex wife and the current wife! It’s ridiculous! Besides, you’re secretly in love with Gillian Hutt, aren’t you? Oh my gosh, that’s really impossible! How long do you think the headmaster would tolerate rumors of the wicked Baroness?”

“It won’t be long before the lord comes here.” 

“….”

“But I won’t be leaving this place alone.”

“Eliana Rose!”

“I don’t disturb you and the Baron. Love? Okay, go ahead. I even refused the dressmaker. But why are you even stopping me from going out?

“…”

“Your stepmother is me. So the good and pitiful daughter is out. Even if rumors more than this circulate, I have already become that kind of woman, so what’s there to be afraid of?”

“…you are a crazy woman.”

“Thanks. Lujan, take Lady Sharchen to her room. If she falls again, the Baron will be worried.”

“What the hell is this!”

Eliana, who had been expressionless the whole time, smiled brightly and approached Sharchen. Then she grabbed her chin.

“Hey, let go of me!”

“A bad child who does not respect her mother deserves punishment.”

Sharchen shook in Eliana Rose’s green eyes. Eliana said, brushing her chin roughly.

“I’ll postpone the punishment for later. Until I get back from my outing, write a letter of reflection. My good daughter, Sharchen.”

Sharchen trembled at Eliana’s words. But strictly speaking, there was nothing wrong with Eliana doing that to Sharchen. Since Karman adopted Sharchen as his daughter, so Karman’s wife, Eliana, had every right to be Sharchen’s mother.

“… The Baron will not leave you alone!”

At Sharchen’s threat, Eliana whispered in Sharchen’s ear.

“So what if he doesn’t leave me alone? What if he falls in love with a promiscuous and immodest woman like me and is anxious to see my dress? Is that good for you?”

“Dirty woman…!”

Sharchen covered her ears and moved away from Eliana. Eliana stepped forward as if the obstacle blocking the door had disappeared.

As she stepped out of the mansion’s gate, the first thing she saw was a gorgeous carriage led by two horses. Eliana looked at the servant who was walking in the distance and greeted her with courtesy. 

Helen Hutt. Gillian Hutt.

Eliana got into the carriage, remembering their names. Her purpose was clearer than ever.