IDED | Chapter 129

Episode 129

Madame Sophia Watson of the Marsala Salon personally greeted each guest, inquiring whether they were comfortable and if anything was amiss.

Given how crowded the salon was during this peak season, she wanted to ensure that no distinguished guests felt neglected or inconvenienced.

With the founding festival just two weeks away, prominent figures had flocked to the capital in droves. As a result, the salon was livelier and more bustling than usual.

Just then, a young lady standing beside Madame Watson spoke up.

“By the way, isn’t that person coming today?”

“That person?”

“Serena Vincent. I’d love to see her in person at least once.”

As soon as one woman steered the conversation in that direction, the topic quickly shifted to Lydia Vincent’s wedding.

Madame Watson listened attentively, intrigued. Ever since Lydia’s wedding, there had been a shift in wedding etiquette.

The longstanding norm of maintaining composure at all costs as a noble had been completely overturned. And the catalyst for this change had been Serena’s red dress.

When Serena Vincent received an invitation she didn’t want, she chose to cause a scene—going so far as to dress flamboyantly in order to overshadow the bride.

What was surprising was that this kind of behavior, considered utterly ill-mannered, had begun spreading among young noblewomen and noblemen like a trend.

Given the close-knit nature of high society, it wasn’t uncommon for a former fiancé to become a friend’s husband. Marriages were often decided based on gains and losses, so such situations were inevitable.

No matter how awkward things were, declining an invitation risked inviting gossip. Therefore, even if one despised the other party, it was customary to conceal any displeasure and offer congratulations.

However, after experiencing the catharsis of breaking that tradition, the younger generation started questioning: Why should we have to endure this?

As a result, a growing number of people began following Serena’s example, attending the weddings of unfaithful lovers just to stir up trouble.

The older generation lamented that society was going to ruin, but Madame Watson saw it as a positive shift.

People were finally beginning to express their true feelings—a sign that a new paradigm was emerging.

And this trend was catching on among the young ladies of the salon as well. Lady Dana lowered her voice and said,

“As a matter of fact, I’ve ordered a red dress too. My younger sister is getting married soon.”

“If it’s Lady Dana’s sister, then…”

“Yes, that’s right. She’s marrying my former fiancé after their little affair. Quite the couple, don’t you think? Ha. Ha. Ha.”

Seeing her companion hesitate, Lady Dana laughed sarcastically and spelled it out for her. But her eyes burned with cold fury.

“I’ll be watching closely to see just how well they fare after betraying me. Those wretched scoundrels.”

“Lady Dana, do you need any accessories? There’s a lovely jewelry store just down the street. Why don’t we visit it later?”

“Oh my, that sounds wonderful. I was planning to adorn myself so extravagantly that not a single inch of my skin would be visible.”

“Of course! Since you have ten fingers, why not wear ten rings?”

Encouraged by those around her, Lady Dana’s determination flared as she began ranting about the unfaithful couple.

Back in my day, I would have swallowed my tears alone. The world really has changed for the better.

With a nostalgic look in her eyes, Madame Watson gazed at the young nobles. Compared to pretending to be indifferent on the surface, openly venting their emotions seemed far healthier.

Just then, the doorman announced,

“Presenting Count Lily Lowell and Lady Serena Vincent!”

At the sound of his voice, the young ladies’ gazes snapped toward the entrance. Madame Watson, too, shifted her attention to the doorway, intrigued.

What caught her interest the most was the fact that Lily Lowell had accompanied Serena.

So, they say she’s the emperor’s lover, and now she’s even captured the hearts of his friends?

Lily Lowell was a renowned magic swordsman, highly popular among young noblemen. Not only was she an Awakened, but she also wielded a sword with remarkable skill—making her all the more desirable.

On top of that, her tall stature, fair skin, and somewhat androgynous appearance occasionally led to marriage proposals from enamored noblemen.

As the doors swung open, Count Lowell entered the hall, escorting Serena in a striking purple suit.

Serena, on the other hand, wore a deep black dress that matched Lily Lowell’s jet-black hair. She moved gracefully, the outfit enhancing her already striking appearance.

Lady Dana voiced the thought that crossed everyone’s minds.

“It looks like they coordinated their outfits. Where do you think she got that dress made?”

“I’m not sure, but one thing’s for certain—black dresses will soon be in vogue.”

Satisfied with how lively the salon was, Madame Watson turned her attention to Serena.

As expected, Count Lowell is incredibly popular.

Feeling the weight of all the gazes on her, Serena sipped her non-alcoholic cocktail, unsure of where to rest her eyes.

It was, of course, disappointingly bland without alcohol. Serena glanced wistfully at the wine Lily was drinking.

‘Don’t even think about drinking.’

‘I can hold my liquor, you know.’

‘The moment someone says that, it’s proof they can’t, Rena.’

‘But I didn’t even know it was alcohol last time!’

‘Should I come with you?’

‘…I won’t drink.’

Azaid had been rather firm. He was dead serious about following her, so she had no choice but to back down.

Especially considering how she had once made a drunken mess of herself in front of him, she had no right to argue.

Better safe than sorry.

Convincing herself that the cocktail was alcohol, Serina took another sip.

The food at the salon was all luxurious and unfamiliar. She had to be cautious—eating indiscriminately might get her drunk again. She couldn’t afford to let her guard down and cause another disaster like last time.

The mysterious “R” who had sent a message to Ophelia was actually Serina. She had deliberately signed it that way, hoping to make Ophelia think of Leonard.

However, Serena had no intention of speaking with Ophelia today. She had to be careful—who knew where the duke’s eyes might be lurking?

At that moment, Lily spoke.

“As expected, you’re quite popular, Lady Serena.”

Did she really not know? Or was she saying it on purpose to tease her?

Not knowing how to respond, Serena answered awkwardly.

“Umm… I think they’re looking at you, not me.”

“Well, from what I can see, everyone is just waiting for me to leave. They want to talk to you, Lady Serena.”

Lily tilted her chin toward a certain direction and winked. Following her gaze, Serena noticed a group of people stealing glances while covering their faces with fans. Lily added an explanation.

“Normally, they would have approached and struck up a conversation instead of just watching from a distance like that.”

“I see.”

“Anyway, at this rate, there’s no reason for anyone to be suspicious of us. It also helps reinforce the idea that we’ve been in the hall the entire time.”

“That’s true. I just hope Sir Leonard handles things well.”

Serena glanced toward the garden outside the window. The appointed time was approaching. Since Ophelia Greenwood’s name was on the guest list, there was little chance of them missing each other.

Soon, Leonard would be making contact with Ophelia.

If she agreed to cooperate, they would meet later tonight—not here, but at their hideout.

“I’m sure Sir Leonard will do fine. For now, let’s focus on our task.”

At Serena’s words, Lily nodded lightly. Right then, Madame Watson greeted them, and the two naturally began enjoying the party.

Leonard paced nervously inside the pergola. He had arrived at the salon ahead of Serena and Lily, heading straight here upon arrival.

It was the time of year when the highest number of nobles from outside the capital gathered. That meant that even as a stranger, as long as his invitation was verified, he was allowed inside.

“I thought it might be you, Sir Leo.”

“Ah.”

At the sound of Ophelia’s voice, Leonard flinched and slowly turned around.

Her gentle smile still felt unfamiliar. She had always been sharp and aloof, so seeing this expression on her was especially disorienting.

“You came.”

“I said I would, didn’t I?”

Ophelia chuckled softly and stepped closer to stand beside him. A cool autumn breeze blew through the pergola.

All around them, golden ginkgo trees painted a breathtaking scene. Coincidentally, Ophelia was wearing a yellow dress, blending so well with the background that Leonard nearly lost himself in the sight.

With their shoulders now aligned, Ophelia asked,

“That suit looks quite good on you. I almost didn’t recognize you.”

“Y-Your dress look beautiful as well, my lady.”

“That’s when you’re supposed to say I look beautiful, not just my dress.”

“Ah.”

Leonard’s pupils quaked as if shaken by an earthquake. Watching his reaction with amusement, Ophelia spoke again.

“So, what is this about? If you even sent Dorothy as a messenger, it must be quite the secretive request.”

As expected, Ophelia was sharp. She had the classic Greenwood habit of making people drop their guard with playfulness, only to strike straight at the heart of the matter.

Leonard took a deep breath, regaining his composure, and finally spoke.

“You mentioned before that you wanted to repay me. Does that still hold true?”

“Of course. I’m not the kind of person who forgets a debt of gratitude.”

“The truth is… my master wishes to meet with you in secret.”

Leonard finally brought up the request, and Ophelia responded coolly.

“You’re not going to tell me who your master is?”

“No.”

“And my repayment is to agree without asking?”

“That’s correct. But, of course, the choice is entirely yours, my lady.”

Leonard let out a low breath, impressed by how quickly Ophelia caught on. He had worried about how to explain things, but it turned out to be unnecessary—she understood immediately.

After a brief pause, Ophelia gave her answer without hesitation.

“Alright. If it’s a request from you, Sir Leo, I’ll agree to meet them. Normally, I wouldn’t accept such vague invitations, but…”

She trailed off for a moment before flashing a bright smile and finishing,

“Sir Leo, you’re quite my type.”

Leonard’s ears flushed red in an instant.