IPBPBD 78🔐

chapter 78

It seemed that, in their own way, they were trying to create a natural opportunity, but Emilina didn’t really want that.

She could understand that they wanted to earn points with her, but that kind of behavior only made their image worse.

From her feelings of not wanting to be involved with the Chase family, she thought it should never happen again.

Of course, it wasn’t that they had done anything wrong…

“The problem is that they did something I dislike.”

So it was inevitable that she would feel this way.

Good feelings only arose when there was genuine affection. Misreading someone’s intentions was a serious mistake.

But before Emilina could even handle the situation, the countess of Lazella’s embarrassed voice rang out.

“What do you mean? That I have a friendship with Madame Emilie…?”

She looked at Serica with a confused expression.

But Serica just smiled faintly and passed the question along, leaving Emilina in an almost unbearable awkwardness.

Then, at that moment…

“Hm…?”

A familiar face caught her eye.

No, “caught” wasn’t the right word—it was more accurate to say she noticed it.

While glancing around with a sigh, her eyes landed on a familiar face.

And before she could even think, their eyes met.

Their gazes collided in midair, and an odd silence settled.

Even from a considerable distance, Emilina could not fail to recognize the face.

She could even see the subtly twisted expression.

The other person also seemed unable to hide that they recognized her.

“Hmm, maybe not?”

Correction.

It was more likely that they had recognized her and were now sending an even more intense gaze.

No, she was certain.

After all, wasn’t she the one currently the center of so much attention?

It was a bit embarrassing to say it herself, but no noble paid no attention to the movements of the Duchess of Ditrio.

Unless she was merely a minor noblewoman, ignoring the lady of a ducal house was almost foolish.

Whether that attention was good or bad, no one could ignore it.

No one knew how the entrance of the Duchess of Ditrio into society would shift central politics.

It was natural to watch her closely.

If she were a rising power, people would naturally look for opportunities to step in and secure a foothold.

So it would be stranger if the other person hadn’t noticed.

Perhaps they had been observing Emilina ever since the garden party.

No, they definitely had.

The problem was that Emilina hadn’t noticed at all.

Of course, not noticing wasn’t really an issue.

She only thought, Why did I only notice now?—a fleeting, trivial observation.

It was nothing more than that.

To be precise, she was so insignificant and inconspicuous that she went unnoticed.

The very fact that she had only now been noticed carried that meaning.

It was almost funny enough to make her laugh.

“She went on and on about entering the central social scene, and she actually achieved her wish.”

Indeed.

The person Emilina had noticed was none other than Lady Heather, her rival and even enemy—Lady Heather, the Viscountess’s daughter.

How could it not be amusing?

Lady Heather was seated at the farthest end, directly opposite Emilina.

And now Emilina truly realized it.

Realized what? The changed positions between herself and Lady Heather.

Having clashed with her the most, having been belittled by her countless times, Emilina finally felt the reality of power.

Her dazed feelings at her given status vanished the moment she noticed Lady Heather.

Even if it was just a seat at a table, it clearly marked their positions.

There was now an insurmountable wall between them.

It was a complete reversal of their relationship, and Emilina couldn’t help but smirk.

After all, this was the same Lady Heather who had constantly provoked her.

Now she had become someone it was difficult even to speak to, which gave Emilina immense satisfaction.

Lady Heather, realizing this, trembled with indignation.

Her expression twisted with both anger and shame, making her quite a sight.

With bloodshot eyes, she glared at Emilina as though she were a mortal enemy.

“It’s a bit funny that I only realized this now.”

Indeed, Emilina hadn’t forgotten what Lady Heather’s father had done.

He had persecuted Emilina’s father in an attempt to monopolize business on the Eastern Continent—a crime Emilina could never forgive.

And likewise, Lady Heather’s threats, using that fact against her, were unforgivable.

It wasn’t even enough to call her a mortal enemy.

Still, if only one side suffered, the grudge would naturally be deep.

So she had waited.

Waited for the right moment to set everything straight and repay in kind.

And now…

She never imagined that the moment had arrived.

Nor that it would be revealed in a direction she didn’t desire.

Truly, she hadn’t imagined it.

“Ah… oh dear. I think I’ve said something I shouldn’t have. I’m so sorry, Duchess. I thought Countess Lazella already knew…”

Since Emilina didn’t answer Countess Lazella’s question, Serica stepped in again, delivering a meaningful apology.

She spoke in such a troubling tone that everyone around couldn’t help but be curious.

It seemed intentional, letting her words trail off.

“Um… what does that mean?”

“Ahem. Sorry, Miss Chase. I overheard the conversation unintentionally.”

“If it’s not rude, may I ask what you meant?”

“What was the meaning of that apology to the Duchess?”

Everyone took the opportunity to ask questions.

Serica had given them the chance, and they weren’t letting it slip.

Countess Lazella was no exception.

And that was just the beginning.

Countess Lazella, curious, looked at Emilina as if to ask, Duchess?

Naturally, Emilina could not respond immediately.

She was about to lose her mind, and even shot a resentful look at Serica.

Surely Serica should have noticed that Emilina didn’t want to reveal this, yet she insisted on doing so.

If Serica had been insensitive, Emilina might have let it slide.

But that wasn’t the case.

Emilina knew full well, and could not help being angry.

Serica, clever and perceptive, had deliberately ignored that awareness.

Instead of backing down, she even provoked her.

At least, that’s how Emilina felt.

She had forced a situation Emilina didn’t want.

And so Emilina couldn’t help but be genuinely annoyed.

Even if there had been intent behind it, it wasn’t her concern.

The important thing was that she had been disregarded, that it had been done on purpose.

It was not an action meant to gain favor.

Believing it was out of some grudge might have been closer to the truth.

It only served to increase hostility.

It had long passed the point of tolerable annoyance.

So Emilina didn’t hide her contempt.

She glared at Serica coldly.

She didn’t know why Serica had done this, but she had crossed the line Emilina had set.

And Emilina was not about to let it slide.

It was something that needed to be addressed.

But first…

“I should admit what needs to be admitted quickly.”

Better to be the first to act, Emilina thought, and looked at Countess Lazella.

She seemed to hide a bitter expression, yet felt a little hurt that Emilina kept silent.

No, not seemed—she truly felt that way.

Though she said, “It’s fine if you don’t tell me,” there was a subtle hint of disappointment.

Like a close friend sharing a secret with someone else instead.

Actually, just thinking about saying anything was presumptuous, so Countess Lazella had to act fine.

Her slight display of emotion was only because she was a little upset.

She had felt she could not fully trust the Duchess.

Because she considered Emilina a close friend.

And Emilina knew that too.

So she decided to speak honestly.

Countess Lazella was her close friend as well.

If she revealed it later, it would only deepen the disappointment, so she chose to tell the truth immediately.

After all, she would surely be hurt not to have known it was Madame Emilie.

Even if she acted fine outwardly, the disappointment would linger.

Or she would stew silently.

That was just her personality.

She worried about troubling others and kept it inside.

Emilina was sure of this and decided now was the best moment to reduce her disappointment as much as possible.

It was the best approach.

How Countess Lazella would receive it was another matter.

Anyway, Emilina reluctantly spoke.

“I’m sorry, Countess. It wasn’t that I purposely didn’t tell you.”

“Huh…?”

But Countess Lazella only blinked rapidly.

She seemed startled by Emilina’s sudden apology.

Emilina calmly continued.

“The fact that I am Madame Emilie… I had planned to tell you when the opportunity arose, but I didn’t expect to reveal it like this.”

She let out a light sigh and gave Serica a sharp glare.

But Serica just shrugged at her envious gaze.

Only Countess Lazella was confused by Emilina’s quiet confession.

She didn’t know how to process the situation.

If a question mark could appear on her face, it would look like that.

Emilina resigned herself and added a bit of explanation.

It was less of an explanation and more of a clear acknowledgment.

“What Miss Chase said is entirely true. You and I are close, after all.”

She lightly added, So you could say I’m also close with Madame Emilie.

It was her way of easing the atmosphere.

But again, Countess Lazella looked flustered.

Her shock surpassed mere embarrassment, leaving her dumbfounded.

Her expression was frozen, as if struck by some revelation.

The other noblewomen and ladies around her were equally surprised.

“Th-The Duchess…?”

Someone stammered, expressing their disbelief.

“Impossible…”

Another immediately denied it.

“My goodness, is that true?”

Some gasped in shock, astonished by the truth.

Most could not hide their amazement at such an unbelievable fact.

Whispered opinions spread: Is it really true?

Emilina glanced at Serica again.

And Serica had the most pleased smile, looking very satisfied.

She drew a graceful curve with her lips, clearly enjoying herself.

Emilina couldn’t believe it.

“Unbelievable. You’re actually happy it went according to your plan?”

Had she kept quiet, Emilina wouldn’t have felt so offended.

Serica’s attitude was infuriating.

Her smile grated on Emilina, fueling her irritation.

So Emilina didn’t hide it; she glared at her.

Then Countess Lazella spoke in a trembling voice, trying to confirm if Emilina’s words were true.

“Th-The Madame Emilie… is really the Duchess?”

Here, Emilina hesitated for a moment.

She could answer honestly, but Serica’s reaction annoyed her.

She didn’t like her attitude, so she paused, which prompted Serica to step forward.

After all…

“Yes, that’s right. The Duchess has been acting as Madame Emilie. I was so surprised to hear that. Truly remarkable.”

“Gasp.”

“Good heavens.”