Chapter 141
In high society, speaking so bluntly was rare unless the families were feuding or political issues were involved.
Naturally, silence fell over the table. But no one dared to criticize or defend her.
Because the one speaking was none other than Diana Elard.
Feeling the cold sting of social etiquette, Clara forced a smile.
“Lady Diana, you misunderstand. I was merely referring to my cousin, the Grand Princess Belus…”
“The Grand Princess.” 1In Korean, there are degrees of formalities. Clara used a more casual speech, so Diana didn’t like it 😆
“…Pardon?”
“No matter how close she is as your cousin, there is still a clear difference in status. It seems you are speaking too casually.”
For a mere newcomer to high society!
Clara felt as if sparks flew from her eyes, but she barely managed to hold back her anger and forced herself to continue speaking.
“The Grand Princess Belus has been in poor health, so she was unable to participate in any social activities, let alone a debutante ball, even though she has nearly reached adulthood. I only meant that it is unfortunate as her family.”
Clenching her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her palms, Clara felt humiliated.
She knew Adriana was a grand princess of noble standing, but at the same time, they were cousins who shared the same maternal grandfather. What made them so different?
Feeling a surge of unfairness, Clara looked at Diana with eyes filled with betrayal.
In truth, when Diana first entered high society, Clara had secretly hoped to form a close bond with her.
After all, the Diapel Marquisate, their maternal family, and the Elard Duchy had a long-standing friendship. She had heard many times that the young Lady Elard followed the Marquis of Diapel fondly.
Despite her young age, Diana, as the empire’s only duke’s daughter, was likely to become a major figure in high society.
Indeed, from the moment of her debut, her influence had been growing rapidly.
However, there was one thing Clara hadn’t anticipated.
“Lady Amber, it seems you haven’t heard. This year, the Grand Princess had a grand coming-of-age ceremony and even completed her debutante ball.”
Diana spoke with a faint, mocking smile.
“Come to think of it, despite being family, Lady Amber, you have never even met the Grand Princess, have you?”
She was practically ridiculing her—‘You haven’t visited Belus Duchy even once since the Grand princess’s return, have you?’—making Clara’s face flush red.
But what shocked her even more were Diana’s words.
‘A debutante ball? That’s impossible!’
If that were true, it meant Adriana had officially begun participating in social activities.
Her heart pounded wildly, but Clara clung to her remaining composure and smiled.
“It was simply a matter of timing.”
Clara subtly tilted her head, trying to make an excuse. Her meaning was,‘There were many opportunities to visit the duchy, but I had my own circumstances.’
“But Lady Diana, you seem to have a keen interest in Belus Duchy. How did you learn the news so quickly?”
Her smile widened as if to say, ‘You haven’t been there either, have you? You just heard it from somewhere, so why are you making a fuss at me?’
After all, she assumed Diana had only heard a few words from their maternal grandfather, the Marquis of Diapel.
“Her brother is in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, so naturally, she stays informed about international affairs.”
But Clara’s attempt to counterattack was instantly rendered meaningless by Serphin’s words.
Clara stiffly turned her head with a frozen smile.
“Is that right, Lady Diana?”
Serphin didn’t even glance at Clara, instead offering Diana a gentle smile.
Diana, however, remained indifferent, merely nodding slightly.
To Clara, even that gesture seemed arrogant and infuriating.
“Ah, I nearly forgot. I have something to ask for your understanding, Lady Diana.”
Unexpectedly, Serphin suddenly looked troubled.
Clara perked up her ears and, like the other ladies, focused on the conversation.
“Your Highness has something to ask for my understanding?”
Diana asked with a disinterested expression, prompting Serphin to smile sweetly, almost meltingly.
“Oh, Lady Diana, how many times have I told you? Just call me Princess comfortably. Even if you must use a formal title, I wish you’d think of me as an older sister.”
Despite Serphin’s friendly words, Diana’s expression remained unchanged.
Serphin didn’t seem to mind, immediately continuing.
“It’s nothing serious, but your birthday is in the fall, correct? Unfortunately, the Young Duke of Elard and I won’t be able to attend your birthday party.”
“…What do you mean by that?”
Diana’s eyes narrowed slightly.
Serphin, finding her reaction amusing, chuckled softly before explaining.
“The king of the Kingdom of Riven has passed away suddenly. The Young Duke and I will soon be leaving as part of the delegation. Since it coincides with your birthday, I worried that you might be upset with your older brother, so I wanted to let you know in advance.”
Her voice was gentle and soothing, as if pacifying a child.
But her intention to step in as though she were family and mediate the situation was obvious.
Diana’s brows twitched slightly before she lifted the corner of her lips.
“Your Highness, you needn’t trouble yourself with unnecessary concerns.”
“…Hmm?”
“Why ask for my understanding for carrying out official duties? I only wish for my older brother to fulfill his responsibilities and return safely.”
Diana’s bold words left Serphin momentarily taken aback.
Then, she let out a lighthearted laugh, as if charmed by a younger sibling’s remark.
‘Tsk.’
L
Meanwhile, Clara, who had briefly harbored a flicker of hope, clicked her tongue inwardly.
If only she had an outstanding older brother whom even the princess favored, her situation wouldn’t be this miserable.
Since even Princess Serphin openly showed favoritism toward Diana, clashing with the Duke’s daughter would bring her nothing but trouble.
But no matter how polite and deferential she tried to be, her relationship with Diana showed no signs of improving.
‘What did I even do wrong?!’
Clara shot a resentful glare at Diana, who was calmly sipping her tea.
She had never been rude or intentionally offended Diana.
Yet, for some reason, Diana Elard always treated her with hostility.
Despite having everything, her noble status, a powerful father, and promising brothers, she almost seemed envious of Clara.
‘No way… Could she really be…?’
“Your Highness, Sir Allen Elard has arrived outside.”
Clara’s thoughts came to a halt.
Come to think of it, maybe there was something to suspect.
“I greet the Empire’s Star, Your Highness.”
With Serphin’s permission, Allen entered the garden, bowing politely.
With his signature silver hair, golden eyes like molten gold, and a warm demeanor, Allen Elard was a strikingly handsome man. The gathered ladies stirred slightly at his presence.
“Sir Allen, I heard that His Majesty tasked you with visiting the Royal Knights today. What brings you to the princess’s palace?”
“I came to escort my younger sister home.”
“Oh…”
His straightforward words and confident demeanor made the ladies chuckle quietly.
Everyone knew how much Allen adored his youngest sister.
But what kind of brother would go so far as to personally fetch her from a ladies-only tea party?
“If Your Highness permits, may I take my sister with me?”
“I would have liked to speak with her a little longer, but I suppose I have no choice.”
Rather than scolding or mocking him, Serphin nodded gently. Then, as if remembering something, she asked.
“But isn’t the Young Duke coming with you? It would be nice if you left together.”
“He is busy with work.”
“I see. Then, take care on your way back. I’ll see you next time, Lady Diana.”
Serphin smiled radiantly, having seemingly accomplished her goal.
Allen and Diana acknowledged her with proper etiquette before turning to leave.
And then.
“…!”
Clara flinched, her body stiffening.
Had she been caught staring, or was it just a coincidence? Because at that moment, her eyes met Allen’s.
As Allen slightly bowed his head in greeting, Diana’s eyebrows shot up fiercely.
It was then that Clara realized.
All of Diana’s antagonistic behavior that had made her bristle so many times before—it was all the jealousy of a child who thought her older brother’s affection had been stolen!
Why hadn’t she realized it sooner?
Now that she thought about it, whenever Allen encountered her at the Diapel Marquisate or at banquets, he would always acknowledge her, saying, ‘How do you do, Lady Amber?’
There had been times when he had stared at her intently, and even in crowded settings like today, he never forgot to exchange a greeting.
‘Allen Elard…’
He was one of the few Swordmasters on the continent.
Rumor had it that the Emperor had invited Allen to join the Imperial Knights, and after today’s events, it seemed that rumor was true.
‘He might even become the commander of the Imperial Knights one day.’
Until now, she hadn’t paid much attention to Allen since he was younger than her.
But suddenly, the idea didn’t seem so bad.
Feeling a surge of superiority rise from within her, Clara couldn’t take her eyes off the two figures walking away.
***
“Arghhhh!”
The moment the carriage door shut, Allen writhed in pain, letting out a pained scream.
Diana, her expression fierce, was mercilessly pinching his cheeks with even fiercer hands.
“Why! Why are you like this again!”
“I told you not to greet her, didn’t I? I don’t care who else you meet, but I specifically told you not to be friendly to Lady Amber!”
“Argh! Our eyes met! How was I supposed to ignore her?”
Clutching his now swollen and stinging cheeks, Allen looked at Diana with teary eyes.
His little sister, who had once been as adorable as a baby angel, had certainly grown into a beautiful young lady…
But when she made that terrifying expression, she didn’t look like an angel—she looked like a demon who had devoured one.
She was so combative, yet somehow completely untalented in swordsmanship. He still couldn’t understand why.
“Why can’t you? Are you an idiot?”
“Well… she’s our cousin, isn’t she?”
Allen sniffled as he confessed, his cheeks still caught in Diana’s grasp.
