CH 1.17

The glamor in the detached villa was now in full swing.

The guests arrived one after another, and the tea party had already commenced.

“Elise, how wonderful this garden is.”

“For sure. I chose this garden for today, but the main residence is even more magnificent. I’d like to invite you there next time.”

Everyone exchanged sniggers, covering their mouths.

Everyone had their own hidden agenda, but they were carefully searching to find out who the Duke of Lindbeld’s wife was.

Everyone knew that the head of the Lindbeld dukedom hadn’t even gone near the main residence after his marriage.

Moreover, what kind of person did he marry?

As soon as Elise’s real mistress appeared on the scene, and Her Royal Highness’ anger shifted to her, Elise was allowed to enter the social circles, and she acted as if she was the legal wife of the Duke of Lindbeld.

Everyone in the social circles noticed that the head of the family, Claude Lindbeld, did not stop her, and took it as being because he loved her – as Lady Elise claimed.

However, nobody really knew the truth of what was afoot.

Elise herself didn’t know much about the daughter of the Count of Verdigo, who married the Duke, and she had no information about what was going on in the mansion.

The only thing that seemed to be true was that Elise’s mother was still in charge of the mansion affairs, while she was benefiting from that.

Otherwise, it would have been impossible for a Viscountess with no fortune to hold such a tea party. Socializing costs a certain amount of money.

And judging from the fact that Elise had no qualms about using the name of the Duke of Lindbeld, it was only natural for everyone to think that she had a certain relationship with the head of the family.

For that reason, everyone decided who they should flatter.

Her Royal Highness couldn’t marry Sir Claude after all. Hence, even if she were to marry a subject, he would be of a lower rank than the Duke of Lindbeld. If she was reluctant, everyone believed she’d end up marrying into another country.

In other words, her influence in social circles would soon be diminished.

That being the case, the aristocrats had to figure out who was the right person to defer to.

Calculation, bargaining, and betrayal were the common sense of the nobility.

Those who were invited to the tea party observed Elise carefully.

Today she was wearing a crimson dress that was tacitly agreed upon to be worn only by the Duchess of Lindbeld.

They guessed she liked to be flamboyant, but to be honest, her dress was indecorous, with her chest widely exposed.

It was quite vulgar, but no one said anything.

On the contrary, they all praised her, saying that she looked splendid and that she looked great in the dress.

Of course, Elise was proud of herself.

“Mmmm, Elise-sama. I’d love to see the gardens of your main residence.”

“Of course, I would invite you to the main house next time.”

Elise said as if it were a matter of course.

Having a tea party at the main residence was the domain of the legal wife.

It quickly became apparent to those around Elise that she was in a position to allow it.

An astute aristocrat decided she’d better establish a little connection, so she extended an invitation to Elise.

“Right, Elise-sama, I would like to invite you to a ball at my home, and if possible, the Duke of Lindbeld as well.”

The girl who said this was the daughter of  Viscountess, the same rank as Elise, but her family was quite wealthy.

“Oh, I’d like to invite you too, if you don’t mind. I’d love to be your friend.”

The next person to speak up was the daughter of a Marquis.

Even though it was obvious she didn’t really want to be Elise’s friend, it was always a good idea to have more allies. Even if the rival was a woman whom she had never heard of, it took a certain amount of influence to keep her quiet. After all, she was a former Count’s daughter and now the legal wife that Claude Lindbeld officially recognized.

Elise smiled: “Of course.”

As if to lift Elise up, the people around her said, “Then I’ll do the same.”

“Well, thank you very much, everyone. I would very much like to invite Claude-sama to visit.”

Elise hid her mouth behind a fan and smiled abandonly.

As the tea was being served, the topic kept changing.

Elise giggled, believing that she had succeeded in instilling her presence.

A woman who didn’t amount to much snatched what she was supposed to be hers, but that was only a temporary thing. Elise imagined what was to come.

As she was getting fed up with thinking how to get rid of the Duchess as soon as possible, she heard someone coming right behind her.

Elise turned around, smiling to see if anyone had come late, and then froze.

“My, what in the world is this gathering? Why haven’t I heard anything about it?”

The accusing tone made Elise freeze, her mouth hanging open in shock.

Of course, the invited guests were just as wide-eyed as Elise.

Everyone could only remain silent at the sudden appearance of the person.

“Good day, ladies and gentlemen. I was attracted by the sound of your happy voices and came for a look. But what exactly is today’s gathering about? I haven’t been informed of any of this.”

The woman’s shining golden hair was beautifully coiffed, and her clear, inviting blue eyes surveyed everyone.

As soon as all the men invited to the tea party met her eyes, their gazes turned into fascination. They were bewitched, as if worshipping a goddess.

Her imposing appearance and beautiful manners were second to none, even among the royal family. Above all, her stunning looks had never been seen before in social circles.

At the very least, with such good looks, it was impossible for her not to be gossiped.

Amidst the commotion, everyone immediately noticed the color of the dress the woman was wearing.

Her upper garment, which started out white, gradually deepened in color until it finally reached a deep red hue.

Her dress was elegant, yet had a striking presence, and the finest rubies shone around her neck and ears.

The thought of such a perfect existence never crossed everyone’s mind.

“Hey, Elise-san ――… Did I get it right? I’ve never received a single greeting from you, daughter of a servant, since I got married. So, what’s going on today? Who permitted you to hold something like this?”

The Goddess of beauty straightened her back and looked down at the seated Elise.

It was as if they were mutually standing in their right places.

Elise was still looking up at the woman in a daze, unable to move, as if she was still suppressed by the intimidation of her massive presence.

“By the way, is there a seat for me?”

The daughter of a marquis, sitting on the seat of honor, promptly moved as if she had just realized something.

“H-Here…”

“Oh, thank you.”

The woman took her seat as gracefully as if it were a matter of course.

Normally, it was a host’s duty to deal with uninvited guests.

However, Elise could only follow the beautifully dressed lady with her eyes.

On the contrary, it could be said that the marquis’s daughter was as good as expected.

Even though she wasn’t exactly sure who she was dealing with, she quickly discerned that the woman was superior to her, making her respond. 

“Right, I’m sorry for occupying your seat. Elise-san is quite witless, don’t you think so?”

“I don’t mind…It’s been long overdue, but my name is Michelle of the Marquise de Andrette.”

“Oh, you are Michelle-san? I really like smart people. We are about the same age, so I hope we can get along well.”

The woman’s greeting might seem arrogant, but she was allowed to do so.

“I’m Risha Lindbeld, as you may know. It is my pleasure to meet you all.”

She smiled beautifully. Everyone gasped, and more than a few squeals escaped.

Then everyone noticed that she had turned her sharp gaze on Elise, seemingly aiming at her prey.