IWSC CHAPTER 15, EPI 75

“Tomorrow, I’ll be going to the boat ride by the lake. I’ve been visiting Metis’ salon so often lately that I keep saying things I shouldn’t.”
“Ah, that sounds good. It will be a nice change of pace. Come to think of it, you haven’t been on a boat ride this year yet, so tomorrow will be your first.”
“Yes, now that it’s summer. I’ll have fun and come back refreshed.”
My mother lightly patted me on the back before leaving. After she left, my father came in!
“Bianca.”
At the mere mention of my name, I could sense that my father was ready to punch Ares if I said a word, and I couldn’t help but burst out laughing.
“Haha, thank you, Father.”
“Hmmm…”
I embraced my father’s comforting arms. His strong chest always made me feel safe, and I never wanted to leave. He gently stroked my head, as if to soothe me, before leaving.
It felt as though my entire family had come to comfort me, and it almost made me feel like I was a child again. The warmth I had once lost in my heart slowly returned.
The servant who had gone to deliver the letter to the Marquis’ family returned with a reply. The daughter of the Marquis, who publicly claimed neutrality, welcomed my attendance at the boat ride.
In addition, my request to specifically have Leia Saturnos placed on the same boat was surprisingly accepted without issue.
It seemed that the invitation had originally been extended to Leia simply because she was a close friend of Princess Ariel. Therefore, despite my open declaration of confrontation with Leia, the Marquis’ daughter said nothing about it.
Of course, if she wanted to stay in the good graces of Princess Ariel, it would be proper for her to treat Leia with great respect, but it was clear that the noble daughter of the Marquis family couldn’t just lower herself to please a baroness from the provinces.
Perhaps this was an attempt to use me to assert her dominance over Leia. How petty of her.
But I didn’t care. In the end, I only had to grab Leia by the hair and shake her.
***
The next morning, I woke up early, fully prepared for battle, and began to dress. I mimicked my mother’s meticulous habits, making sure my mouth and ears were thoroughly cleaned and freshened.
I wasn’t going to a social event; I was going to fight!
I carefully selected a hat and dress that suited the bright summer weather, but would also highlight my appearance. A light lavender empire dress with a white hat decorated with dark purple flowers. This should go well with my black hair.
I gathered my hair to the side and braided it thickly. The kiss mark that Ares had left on my neck had faded enough to not be noticeable anymore.
Ares… Thinking of him made my heart tighten, and my chest felt like it was swelling.
But I had to remain calm. Ares would now leave me behind and follow his destiny.
I tried to steady my turbulent heart and climbed into the Count’s carriage, heading for the lake.
Miranda accompanied me as my attendant for the day. She would wait at the shore and, once the boat ride was over and the outdoor tea party began, she would take care of me during the event.
The lake wasn’t far. As the grand carriage emblazoned with the Uranus family crest arrived with great dignity, I could feel the eyes of the people gathered at the lake entrance focusing on us.
They likely hadn’t expected me to show up here. After all, many of the people here were friends of Princess Ariel.
I straightened my back, wearing a composed yet haughty smile, and walked up to the host of the boat ride, the young marquess’ daughter.
“Welcome, Lady Bianca Uranos,” she greeted.
“Thank you for the invitation. The weather is beautiful, so I think it will be a very enjoyable boat ride,” I replied, my tone polite, but the undercurrent of tension clear.
“Hohoho… I’m also looking forward to it,” she said, her smile matching mine in a way that hinted at some unspoken meaning.
As we exchanged pleasantries, I casually glanced around for Leia. As expected, she had already arrived and immediately froze, her face stiffening as she saw me.
She must know very well what she’s done to deserve this. Her expression looks as if she’s seen a grim reaper come for her.
Leia, today you are dead. I’ve come with every intention to make you pay for everything.
Once the guests had mostly gathered, the young marquess clapped her hands, drawing everyone’s attention.
“The weather is perfect today, with hardly any wind. It’s ideal for a boat ride. I hope everyone enjoys their time to the fullest,” she announced.
The boat she had prepared was a small gondola with a rower who would steer the boat as two people sat face to face. About ten gondolas were waiting along the shore to carry the guests.
The names of the attendees were called one by one as they boarded their boats. The rower would then guide the gondola out onto the lake. Guests could chat with others in different boats, or if they wished to switch, they could signal to the shore, disembark, and change boats.
Then my name was called.
“Lady Bianca Uranos. Please board the boat with Lady Leia Saturnos.”
I raised my lips in a subtle, silent smile. On the other hand, Leia, realizing that she was to board the gondola with me, visibly became tense and restless.
Seeing her so flustered, I extended my hand to her with feigned generosity.
“Lady Saturnos, it’s a pleasure to be with you,” I said sweetly.
“Ah…”
She was so flustered that she completely forgot the formalities she had likely practiced, not even bothering to take my hand as she scrambled onto the gondola.