Chapter 68

Chapter 68

“The lady who will later become the Mistress of Valois is a swordsman, isn’t it too undignified?”

“That’s right. It’s not a lady’s culture like embroidery or musical instruments, but is it right to learn swordsmanship?”

The two of them, who were talking back and forth, burst out laughing side by side.

After that, Anita glanced sideways at the table.

“Anyway, since Lady Aberyt is here, I think we should offer a seat…”

There was only one seat, the last at the table. Though the problem was, the spot was not in a state where people could sit.

Because…

“I’m sorry, Lady Aberyt.”

Anita rolled her eyes as if to apologize.

“Because our belongings are so valuable, it’s a bit of a stretch to put them on the table carelessly.”

It was because Anita and Zenith’s belongings were piled up on the chair, such as handbags and parasols.

“So, I put it on a chair as a temporary measure.”

“….”

“….”

A chilly silence passed.

‘Uh, what should we do?’

‘I do not know either!’

The other girls were restless and looked at each other’s eyes.

They never wanted to cooperate with bullying Liliana. However, it was difficult to fall out with Lady Tornian.

Unlike Liliana, who only visited the academy a few times a week as a tour student, Anita was a full-time student at the academy. It was because the number of actual encounters with her and the influence she had on the students was different.

“Lady Aberyt is a kind person, so will you understand?”

Just in time, Anita posed a question to Liliana in a triumphant tone. Liliana, who was looking at her, opened her mouth abruptly.

“First of all, I think kindness and stupidity are completely different things.”

“Yes…?”

“And, Lady Tornian thinks of me not as a kind person, but as a fool.”

…Is that the Liliana she knew before?

The students looked at Liliana with a blank expression on her face. The usually weak-hearted girl went nowhere, and the present Liliana had an ice-cold face.

Liliana, who moved her steps lightly, stared down at the things piled up on her chair.

“As you two have spoken with your mouth, you may be well aware, I am the fiancée of the Small Duke of Valois.”

“Are you showing off to be the duke’s fiancée right now?!”

“No, that can’t be true.”

Saying so, she shook her head and spoke to her in a calm voice, and continued. “Only in the attitude of the two ladies who treat me less than mere belongings.”

With her fingertips, Liliana tapped the belongings piled up on her chair.

The precariously piled-up belongings spilled onto the floor.

“Hey, what is this!”

“What if something breaks?”

Anita and Zenith were startled and jumped up from their seats. Nevertheless, Liliana didn’t raise an eyebrow, and she met the eyes of the two girls.

“…I only read the inner meaning that you were looking down at Valois.”

Suddenly, the two girls stiffened their shoulders.

Valois.

It was because the weight of the name touched them again.

“Maybe, have I misunderstood the attitude of the two of you?”

“Oh, no. That’s…”

“Also, the two ladies discussed the lady’s culture and dignity over me.”

The light green eyes staring at the two girls alternately were just silent.

“Can you two ladies be proud that you have a deeper knowledge of the lady’s culture and dignity than my mother-in-law?”

“Oh, don’t force yourself! Why are you bringing in the Duchess of Valois?!”

“Yes, because my mother-in-law actively supported me in learning swordsmanship.”

With those words, Anita clenched her teeth and looked at Liliana.

Liliana tilted her head.

“Or… are you going to say that my mother-in-law’s education policy is wrong?”

At that question, Anita and Lady Londini’s faces turned white.

Liliana met their gazes with a calm face. If it had been in the past, she would have put up with the rude attitude of these two ladies as they were.

However, now, it was different.

‘You have to live up to the affection, or you have to work harder… You don’t have to think like that at all.’

‘We just want you to value yourself.’

Anriche’s friendly voice echoed in his ears.

‘Mother, Elliot, and the Duke…’

Accepting her into the family, and shared her lack of affection. So, Liliana no longer believed that she would not tolerate being ignored by others. She made up her mind. If she were to be ignored, her family would surely be heartbroken.

“We, we are…”

Anita, who was trying to make an excuse, bit her lips tightly.

‘What is this?’

Teacher Ivan clearly said that she was just a girl with a weak spirit.

If she pressed her nose a little bit, she would get a win in no time…!

But, then.

Knock, knock.

A short knock was heard.

Anita, who had escaped Liliana’s brooding gaze, with a clear expression of relief, hurried towards the door.

“Who are you?”

“Ah, we’re from Dorin Confectionary.”

Anita looked at the man with her puzzled face.

Dorin Confectionery was the most famous confectionery store in the Capital. In particular, they were well versed in tea, and their reputation was high for serving tea that went well with sweets.

…By the way, why was the confectionery sending people here?

“The Duchess of Valois has come to send tea and refreshments to Lady Aberyt.”

What…?!

Anita’s face wrinkled.

The confectionery store employee asked a question with a puzzled expression.

“Can I go inside? I have a lot of stuff.”

“That, that—”

Anita glanced back. Meanwhile, the students were looking at it with their eyes wide open.

“Is it Dorin Confectionery?”

“Hey, isn’t that a very expensive confectionery store?”

“Actually, I’ve never been to that confectionery shop before…”

Their eyes, full of anticipation, turned to Liliana.

Liliana, on the other hand, had a bewildered expression on her face.

“Did Mother send me tea and refreshments?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Suddenly, the employee who entered the club room and was setting up the refreshment table nodded. Beautiful tablecloths laid out with high-quality desserts and teapots, a tea time comparable to any other noble family was completed.

The girls clasped each other’s hands and squeaked.

“Oh, my God, it’s the first time I’ve tried the desserts and teas of the Dorin Confectionary…!”

“Thanks to Lady Aberyt, I am able to taste it.”

“Thank you very much!”

All of a sudden, Liliana was taking all the attention of the girls. Anita opened her ax eye and stared at her.

Liliana couldn’t contain her joy, and her cheeks were blushing.

Anita didn’t know why they looked like that.

‘Well, it’s just snacks and tea at best!’

Is it okay for them to greet and flatter with that girl like that?!

But, on the other hand… It was just a tea ceremony with only a few female students attending, but the Duchess even brings refreshments like this?

The Duchess of Valois, who was also rumored to be a ‘wicked woman’ in social circles?

‘No way… Does she care for that girl Liliana that much?’

Anita bit her lip.

“Well, I’ve seen Lady Aberyt practice swordsmanship.”

A girl who was chewing on a sweet custard pie gave Liliana some words with a smile on her face.

“Isn’t the wooden sword heavy?”

“It’s not that bad.”

“But, you’re really amazing. I can’t even dream of running on the playground like Lady.”

While the girls chatted, only Anita and Zenith kept their mouths shut.

‘…This hurts my pride.’

It was the first time for Anita, who had always reigned like the Queen among female students, to experience such subtle alienation.

Meanwhile, Liliana had no choice but to care about Anita because she knew how upset she was to be alienated like that.

‘…Besides, today’s tea time is not hosted by me, but by Lady Tornian.’

Though before she knew it, the initiative rested on her instead.

As an organizer, isn’t it a situation that will hurt her self-esteem to the utmost?

Although it was true that the Tornian siblings had been bullying her, they never did harm directly like the Londini family. Most of all, it was the people whom she would continue to see at the academy in the future…

‘It would be better to reconcile at this point.

With that thought in mind, Liliana cautiously called out to Anita.

“Lady Tornian.”

“….”

Anita stared at Liliana instead of an answer. Seeing that, she gently pushed the cake plate in front of Anita.

“This cake is very delicious. Try a little…”

“Who wants to eat this?!”

Anita shouted nervously and shoved the cake plate away.

Crash!

The pretty porcelain plate fell to the floor, making a sharp burst, and the cake was smashed badly among the shards of broken glass.

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