She fiddled with Princess Diana’s invitation. A high-quality invitation with the royal seal of the Kingdom of Royam engraved in gold. This invitation itself meant that she would be treated as a distinguished guest. She looked at Patricia brushing her hair through the mirror and asked.
“Patricia, there’s no reply yet, right?”
“Yes. I guess they didn’t think that our lady would reject it.”
“Because I would never refuse an invitation to the Kingdom of Royam.”
But she declined the invitation at the end. And she did it very politely, so there would be no problems.
‘That’s Mireyu’s fiancé’s family.’
Considering that she lied to Lady Nadia, who was her close friend, it was obvious that she had said something strange there as well.
‘I have no hobby of going to the trouble of buying something.’
It didn’t seem like anything good would happen.
“By the way, how is the request I made last time going?”
“Ah, it’s about Miss Mireyu Juti. I confirmed the names of the people she met at the time, so you should be able to hear back soon.”
As soon as she heard the news about Mireyu, she started to investigate the situation.
‘They say Libertan’s adopted daughter bullied a good, weak girl from a family.’
‘Not only did she do all kinds of evil things, she even threatened her by mentioning her family.’
‘The young lady said she suffered a great deal of unforgettable hurt from that adopted son.’
All she could tell right away were rumors-like stories.
‘I have to make sure that Mirryu said it.’
So she asked Patricia, who was very knowledgeable in the social world, and started looking into it.
“I will sacrifice my body to carry out your orders perfectly.”
“…There’s no need for that.”
“Then I will sacrifice even my soul to fulfill it.”
Patricia’s turquoise eyes shone solemnly. To be honest, even when she asked Patricia for something, she didn’t expect anything from her and didn’t ask for anything. Because she asked Erich and Betty too. But it seemed like there was something different about Patricia.
‘Are you forgiving me now?’
In order to calm down her apologetic words, she entrusted her with her care. That’s why Patricia was combing her hair today. Patricia’s hand was shaking strangely as she brushed her long white blonde hair.
‘Her face is frighteningly expressionless.’
She hummed sometimes too until she stopped.
‘The more you get to know her, the more amazing she is.’
Patricia decorated her zigzag braids with roses in her hair.
“I decorated it lightly to match the atmosphere of the place you are attending today. Do you like it?”
“This is my first time braiding it like this, and it’s so pretty.”
Patricia nodded expressionlessly. As she looked at Patricia, who always had the same expression on her face, she strangely felt like she was going to laugh.
* * *
Today she visited Madame Morse’s salon.
‘It’s quite large.’
This was Lady Nadia’s mother’s salon, which she learned about at the United Kingdom party, and a meeting will be held here today. Salon meetings were a must to enter the social world. This was because one usually became friends with socialites at salon gatherings. You can’t go in without an invitation, and it’s a problem because they are very territorial.
‘Lady Nadia owed me a debt last time, so she will accommodate me whenever possible.’
In many ways, this was a very good situation. Upon hearing the news of her arrival, Lady Nadia brought her mother to meet Estelle.
“Hello, Duchess Blanchett. She’s my mother.”
“Hello, this is Sistine Morse.”
Madame Morse was an intelligent noblewoman who looked exactly like Nadia. As Mrs. Morse looked at Nadia, she let out a shallow sigh.
“I heard that my daughter was very rude to the lady at the last party. Thank you once again for your consideration.”
“No. It’s something I’ve already forgotten.”
Gratitude flashed in Mrs. Morse’s eyes.
“Is this your first time coming to the salon today? Do you mind if I introduce them to the Duchess?”
‘That’s what I came for, of course!’
At her nod, Madame Morse gracefully introduced the people in the salon.
‘There are more people than I thought.’
As she found out, Morse Salon had a free atmosphere. A variety of people gathered together, regardless of gender or age. Mrs. Morse took her time and greeted everyone present in the salon. Everyone looked at her face and blinked as if they were surprised.
‘Still, the atmosphere is good.’
She seemed to have been introduced by Mrs. Morse, the owner of the salon.
“We will all have tea together soon and discuss new topics. This is your first time attending this gathering, so please enjoy it comfortably.”
At that time, she saw a back view from the second floor that she didn’t want to see.
‘Short silver hair?’
From body size to hair style. Her back and his were very similar.
‘Why is Leandro Felsis here…?’
She asked, looking at Madame Morse.
“Does Prince Felsis come to this meeting often?”
“Not really. He is here today on behalf of our member, the Marchioness Felsis.”
If that’s the case, she was glad. Anyway, this meeting was a casual event, so you can just have a discussion and then go home.
‘If anything happens, there are quite a few people who will take my side.’
It felt unfair to avoid a good opportunity because of Leandro.
‘Let’s pretend we don’t know and ignore it.’
Perhaps sensing her strange mood, Mrs. Morse did not go to the second floor but instead introduced her to other people on the first floor. Luckily for her, she didn’t run into Leandro until the final hour, the debate. She was about to talk about ancient mythology, the topic of this discussion, when the salon guard rushed to Mrs. Morse.
“Ma’am, I think you should go outside.”
The guard whispered to Madame Morse. Madame Morse’s face blanched slightly.
“…So suddenly?”
“Yes. She said she couldn’t tell you in advance because she had urgent business to do.”
“No matter how sad it is, this is it.”
Suddenly-! A woman came in hastily.
“I will see Mrs. Morse in person and explain the situation. I think Mrs. Morse will understand once she hears my situation.”
She was a woman with brown skin, characteristic of the Kingdom of Royam, and chocolate-colored hair tied in a ponytail.
‘Princess Diana?’
She had memorized the general impressions and clothes, so she recognized them at once.
‘I heard she was even knighted…’
Princess Diana had the air of a wild horse running through her fields. Madame Morse pointed out to Princess Diana in a grumpy voice.
“Princess Royam. You came in without permission from me, the salon owner.”
But Diana grinned and lowered her head.
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Morse. I was in a rush because I had to deal with an urgent matter.”
“You mean at my salon meeting?”
“Yes. To be exact-”
Diana’s sharp scarlet eyes looked around and stopped to look at her exactly.
“You were hiding there.”
Diana muttered like she was chewing.
“New sister, come in. As expected, she was avoiding you with good results!”
“Diana, you shouldn’t make too much of a fuss.”
Diana’s group came in through the open door. Her long wheat-colored hair, white skin, and pale hazelnut-colored eyes. She has a slender body that looks like it might collapse when the wind blows, simple features, and, unusually, a gold ring around her neck. At first, Estelle didn’t immediately recognize who she was.
‘Mireyu Juti?’
Because the person had completely changed.
“Then you might end up causing inconvenience to other people.”
Weakly lowered eyes, a sad smile on the lips, a deliberately raised voice, and a calm tone of voice.
‘Why is it annoying?’
Unlike before her, Mireyu only showed a good side to the people of the Libertan duchy. But still, this was very different from what it was then.
‘Like wearing strange clothes that don’t fit.’
As soon as Mireyu spotted her, she started shaking her shoulders.
“…Estelle.”
“Don’t worry, sister-in-law. Just trust me.”
Diana came in front of her with long strides and looked her up and down as if she was disapproving.
“Hello, Duchess Blanchett. My name is Diana Royam. Do you have anything to say to my sister-in-law?”
“Well. It came so suddenly…”
She still hadn’t figured out everything about Mireyu.
‘If I answer hastily, things will get messy.’
She asked Diana, pretending she didn’t know anything.
“I don’t even know what’s happening all of a sudden. Is something wrong?”
“Are you saying that’s how you come out?”
Diana gritted her teeth and pulled Mireyu closer.
“Mireyu, even after seeing my sister-in-law, she can shamelessly say something like that, right?”
Mireyu’s breath trembled as if she was swallowing her tears. The corners of her eyes fluttered.
“Eh, Estelle. Nice to meet you.”
“Mireyu says this too. She’s acting like she doesn’t know anything!”
She was really curious about what Mireyu would say about her. But she did not live up to Diana’s expectations. Mireyu was fiddling with the yellow ribbon around her neck with her trembling hands. She cried, pulling on Diana’s arm.
“…Diana, stop. I don’t think it means anything.”
“My sister Mireyu. I still feel hurt.”
Diana asked her as if she was dumbfounded.
“Is it possible that she’s trying to pretend that she doesn’t know her mistakes, even though my older sister, Mireyu, is in front of her? If she was a noble daughter, she would know how serious her scars were…”
“Scar?”
“Is it so! Scar!”
Diana, who was embracing Mireyu, screamed as if she was going to scream.
“The scar you cut on Miryu’s neck with a knife!”
“…”
“My sister still can’t go outside without her neck covered. But, how can she not even apologize!”
Diana’s voice filled with resentment echoed throughout the quiet salon. The people in the salon who had not even made a sound began to whisper. Mireyu seemed anxious, her hands shaking and clutching the ribbon around her neck.
“Estelle, I don’t ask for much.”
She opened her mouth as if Mireyu had finally mustered up the courage.
“As long as you sincerely apologize for what happened then, I can forget everything.”
A transparent teardrop seemed to fall from the corner of Mireyu’s eye.
“If you feel sorry for it at all…”
“Sorry.”
Mireyu opened her eyes wide in surprise.
“…Are you sorry?”
“Okay, I’m sorry. I didn’t know you had that kind of sadness.”
Everyone fell silent in shock at her quick apology. It seemed like everyone expected her to deny it, whether she was malicious or shameless. But she couldn’t do that.
‘The flow has already become as if I am the perpetrator.’
If she tried to claim innocence without any evidence, it would only make them laugh.
‘First of all, stimulate the other person violently.’
Diana, who was staring at her blankly, shouted at her.
“You think it’s just going to end with a mere apology in front of people. Do you think such a tactic will work?”
“Then what should I do?”
“There is no reflection on what mistakes you have made. Let’s accept this kind of apology, Mireyu. To think my older sister mustered up the courage to come here!”
Diana approached her as if threatening her. Her voice became more intense, as if she was annoyed that she was sitting there.
“Tell me everything straight away, the evil deeds you have committed! What did you do to Mireyu? Tell me everything and apologize!”
“…”
“Why, you said you were sorry but you couldn’t do that again?”
As she watched Diana raise the corners of her mouth as if she had caught a number of cases, she asked her calmly.
“What do you think is my fault?”
“Ha! You are finally showing your true colors. I knew it would be like this.”
Diana affectionately patted Mireyu’s shoulder.
“New sister, even though it’s hard, please have a little more courage. Show in front of everyone what a terrible thing that person has done!”
Mireyu gave strength to her ribbon with the tips of her slender fingers.
“But Estelle mustered up her courage to apologize-”
Her ribbon around her neck loosened. A rough cut, as if she had been cut with a knife, was discreetly revealed on her exposed skin.
“I really have a scar…”
“The rumor that Duchess Blanchett committed it…”
The moment she saw the scar, she blinked widely.
‘Just wait a moment.’
It became clear that she had been feeling uncomfortable since before.
‘Is that what happened?’
Meanwhile, Mireyu was unable to finish taking down her ribbon and covered her neck, shedding tears. Diana hugged Mireyu and cried out sadly.
“Tell me when you see this scar. You don’t know what you did wrong!”
At that moment, a man came out of the crowd, bent down on one knee in front of her, and asked,
“Lady Juti, what on earth happened to you?”
It was Leandro.
* * *
Leandro fell silent as he looked at Mireyu’s scars.
‘Anyone can see that it is a deep stab wound.’
If her scars were that bad, it would have been assumed that she was trying to kill her.
‘This kind of vicious behavior has been happening since the past…’
Leandro seemed to be sick of her because of her extreme viciousness. Even though the victim, Mireyu, was crying, Estelle just looked at her gravely. A gorgeous look with pink platinum hair decorated with roses.
Leandro asked Estelle.
“Duchess Blanchett, please apologize to Lady Juti immediately.”
“Wasn’t what I just said an apology?”
“I’m not in a position to accept your jokes right now. Do you not have the bare minimum of morals as a human being?”
“But it’s so strange.”
Estelle looked at Mireyu and tilted her head.
“Why do you think my apology is not sincere?”
“That was an insincere apology without any true repentance for that scar-”
“But I didn’t make that scar.”
In an instant, silence fell in the salon.
“Why do you think I did it?”
At that moment, people realized that they had only been listening to Diana’s rants. At that time, Diana reacted harshly.
“I guess you’re trying to make excuses since an apology doesn’t work.”
“I’m sorry, but my apology wasn’t about the scar.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“I need to tell Mireyu about that.”
Estelle approached Mireyu as if embracing her and whispered softly in her ear.
“The gold ring looks good on you.”
When Mireyu tried to pass because she did not understand, she added her words as if Estelle was passing by.
“Your mother will be happy to see it.”
At that moment, Mireyu’s mouth slightly stiffened.
“…”
“Thank goodness, Mireyu! I was worried because I thought it was a secret between the two of us.”
Estelle stepped away as if she couldn’t hear Mireyu’s words and she smiled brightly.
“As expected, you are very kind. Be it before or now.”
Leandro asked, raising an eyebrow.
“What trick are you trying to pull again?”
“It’s not a trick.”
Estelle gently organized Mireyu’s ribbon, which had stiffened from tension.
“I’m telling you because everyone is misunderstanding. What I was trying to say was-”
“Wait a moment!”
Mireyu shouted with her face turning white.
“No matter how much I think about it, I think it’s okay to stop here.”
Mireyu smiled, pulling tightly on the ribbon that Estelle had helped her organize.
“I think there was a misunderstanding between Estelle and me…”
Diana wrinkled her face and glared at Estelle.
“New sister, what are you afraid of? That woman threatened you, right?”
“There’s no way I would do such a scary thing.”
Estelle looked at Mireyu and asked as if she was upset.
“What do you think Miryu?”
Estelle’s eyes turned to the gold ring hanging around Mireyu’s neck.
‘It’s only visible to my eyes.’
At first she thought it was simply her necklace that came from Mireyu. But as she was unraveling the ribbon, she noticed the eerily unmoving shape of the gold ring.
‘That gold ring doesn’t really exist.’
It was visible only to her eyes as a fairy.
‘And that ring.’
It was probably the secret that Mireyu wanted to hide the most.
“Your gold-”
“Diana, let’s go! I’m having a hard time…”
Diana asked Mireyu as if she couldn’t understand.
“New sister, you mustered up the courage to come this far. Why are you suddenly trying to hide again?”
—————————————————————
Translator Note:
Hello there! This is RJR. I hope you liked it <3
If you like my work please support me with Ko-fi or Patreon. Next post will be released on April, 5.
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