IPBPBD 77🔐

chapter 77

Because of that, Emilina had a headache.

Judging by the atmosphere, Serica seemed already determined to speak.

For some reason Emilina didn’t understand, she was trying to reveal her identity right there—saying that the Duchess of Ditrio was the one selling chocolates, operating under the alias Madame Emilie.

Since the conversation was already premised on that, Emilina couldn’t help but frown.

“If it’s at the lady’s request, I’m sure she’ll comply,” Serica added, tacking on a sly undertone.

Then she raised her gaze to meet Emilina’s eyes, and there was something strange about her expression.

How to describe it… it was a very subtle, complicated look.

Her eyes conveyed slight confusion and a lack of understanding, as if silently asking, “Why are you just sitting there?”

No, more precisely, “Why aren’t you saying anything when I’ve laid everything out for you?”

Her gaze, demanding an explanation, tried to hide the awkwardness it implied.

Emilina couldn’t help but give a hollow laugh.

The thought that Serica might be thinking such things was absurd.

Not only had she misinterpreted Emilina’s intentions, but she had also drawn attention through an action Emilina didn’t even want.

Realizing Serica’s intentions left Emilina speechless in disbelief.

Moreover, such actions were exactly what Emilina despised the most.

Whether intentional or not, she had a knack for choosing the exact things Emilina hated, which only added to her irritation.

It was enough to make her chuckle quietly.

“When did I ever say I wanted to reveal my identity?”

As mentioned before, Emilina never liked even the possibility of being exposed.

Previously, she had been worn out by attention from scandal, and now she would have to endure fatigue just to appear favorable to others.

Either way, she didn’t want to experience it, so she chose to remain silent.

But, as there are no eternal secrets, she couldn’t control every situation.

So she had prepared for the possibility, planning to accept reality if things unfolded.

Yes, she would only accept it if it truly couldn’t be helped—if an unexpected situation occurred that was genuinely unavoidable.

Unless she were forced by rumors to confirm facts, she had no intention of proactively revealing herself.

She didn’t want to intentionally expose her identity like this.

It was entirely different from being discovered by accident.

At least in those cases, the conversations occurred without her presence.

What others said in her absence didn’t concern her.

It wasn’t something she could influence, after all.

Unless someone intended to permanently silence others or directly ask to verify rumors, it was best to let things flow naturally.

Then it would remain just a rumor.

However, if a conversation was directed so blatantly, someone would almost certainly ask a question.

“Is that really true?”

At least one person would undoubtedly try to verify the facts.

Or they might guide the conversation with a similar question.

Anyway…

Since such a scenario was now practically guaranteed, Emilina couldn’t help but have a headache.

She didn’t know what in her behavior had prompted Serica’s thoughts, but it was undeniably awkward.

The conversation was so annoying that her head ached.

Enough to sigh involuntarily.

No, she had probably already sighed.

Of course, not overtly.

She had let out a small, barely audible sigh, lamenting the situation in her own way.

But Serica’s persistent gaze made it impossible to continue even that.

Her eyes were so overwhelming that Emilina swallowed the sigh.

Because of that, she had no choice but to briefly avert her gaze.

Then, a thought from a moment ago occurred to her.

“Ah… that’s why earlier.”

The Marchioness of Chase had sent a gaze just like Serica’s, looking slightly flushed and attentive.

Even though the Marchioness was not of the same age and technically didn’t need to intervene, she went out of her way to speak.

Especially when Serica mentioned chocolate, she seemed to seize the moment, her eyes bright with excitement.

She joined the conversation, contributing to the atmosphere.

“And that’s not all.”

The Marchioness of Chase had also mentioned her husband, the Marquess.

She spoke as if to ensure Emilina heard, expressing gratitude openly.

At first, Emilina thought she had just casually joined an interesting conversation, but now she realized that wasn’t the case.

There was a reason behind it.

Looking back, Emilina understood that she was subtly showing the others that she bore no hostility toward her.

By inserting herself into the conversation, she displayed goodwill.

She provided hints to the ladies and young noblewomen about how they should behave toward Emilina in the future.

Why did the Marchioness go to such lengths?

It was simple.

“She wants you to judge how to treat me properly.”

After all, the Marquess of Chase was a central figure among the aristocracy.

Her influence in society was considerable, so no one present dared ignore her.

Only a few families could resist the Marquess anyway.

“At most, maybe three families…”

It wasn’t particularly important now, so Emilina let the thought pass.

Then she began to suspect the Marchioness.

Her apparent excitement seemed deliberate, raising uncomfortable doubts.

It was a reasonable suspicion.

Calculated actions to guide a desired outcome were common among nobles.

As a child, Emilina had found such behavior extremely irritating.

Of course, this was her perspective and speculation.

But one thing was certain: nobody present questioned the Marchioness’s behavior.

Because the table was divided by social ranking, her conduct was implicitly followed.

They knew rebelling against higher-ranking nobles would achieve nothing.

Being at the center of power, the central aristocracy made such matters clear.

“Perhaps they know this better than anyone.”

Power is strength, after all.

They accepted authority as naturally as bowing to a superior.

If this were a general social gathering, they might have tried to assert themselves more.

But knowing the power dynamics, they quickly established hierarchical relations.

Otherwise, they would be marginalized.

“Well… that’s not entirely wrong.”

One consolation: the rank of Marquess in nobility was never low.

Bowing in accordance with hierarchy wasn’t a blow to pride.

“Unless, like me, you’re someone who rose by social climbing.”

Those considered lower would feel resentment if their positions shifted, which had happened at the beginning of the gathering.

Emilina chuckled at the absurdity.

For that reason, lower-ranking ladies and young noblewomen carefully behaved and only expressed interest in higher-ranking nobles.

But not everyone did.

Some expressed dissatisfaction with the order designated by the Chase family.

Their pride was hurt by a perceived lower position.

However, these were few, and most were content with their places.

Moreover, higher-ranking nobles were indifferent to minor defiance.

If someone was slightly displeased, the response was simply: “Then improve yourself.”

Positions weren’t given solely based on title or rank.

Family influence and social standing were also considered.

So, their complaints seemed ridiculous.

They didn’t understand the hierarchy and therefore were pathetic in Emilina’s eyes.

No matter how loudly they voiced displeasure, they were a minority.

Compared to the majority, they were negligible and would be ignored.

Naturally, attention would be focused on higher-ranking nobles.

Especially at the starting point of Emilina’s table.

Except for those seated at the far end, most eyes were on the hosts.

Specifically, they focused on their conversations.

They listened in, trying to blend into the group, or subtly gathered information to follow the trend.

Everyone had a purpose, and they monitored conversations to achieve it.

Only by doing so could they hope to join the upper ranks.

As long as they could ascend, socializing with them wasn’t impossible.

They struggled for opportunities to associate with the powerful, because that’s how noble society functioned.

To avoid being excluded, one had to maneuver carefully.

“Stick close to the successful and get some crumbs while serving as a handmaiden.”

Even if they were low-ranking in the group, outside they could hold their heads high.

This kind of relationship was also a form of power, so there was nothing to lose.

Emilina didn’t exaggerate when she likened central social gatherings to refined networking for power.

Far off, there were anxious gazes desperately trying to catch her conversation.

Those at the far end were of recognized noble families, but here they were of low status.

In other words, they were either newcomers to central society or nobles at risk of exclusion.

In central society, they were essentially at the bottom.

Unless they were extremely lucky, they would have no chance.

Mid-ranking nobles could join conversations, but these individuals could not.

This difference was significant.

Information from conversation could later serve as a pretext to build connections.

That’s why those at the far end struggled so hard to establish themselves.

They grasped nothing and could only act desperately.

Or, like mid-ranking nobles, they flattered higher-ranking ones to cling on.

Otherwise, they could only guess from afar.

Emilina felt a bit sorry for them.

They had no chance to join just because they couldn’t hear well.

It was indeed a strange structure of central social society.

Returning to the main point:

The ladies and young noblewomen near Emilina had stopped their chatter and focused on the conversation.

When their eyes met with the Chase family or Emilina, they pretended not to notice and spoke to someone in front of them.

If that was awkward, they would speak to someone beside them.

Eavesdropping directly was impolite, so they pretended ignorance to avoid embarrassment.

This allowed everyone to maintain dignity and avoid awkwardness.

In truth, that was the mindset of eavesdropping nobles.

They didn’t want the shame of being caught or hurting their pride.

Even if they had to bow for now, they knew power wasn’t eternal.

Everyone there was a true aristocrat, so this was their small way of maintaining pride.

Of course, that didn’t mean they couldn’t recognize obvious pretense.

But what could they do?

When the others acted that way, Emilina couldn’t confront them.

It was easier to ignore it than waste energy on pointless arguments.

Pretending ignorance was the most peaceful solution.

In normal circumstances, they didn’t point out rude behavior.

Just like now.

Emilina quietly realized:

The Marchioness of Chase hadn’t spoken directly, but her intentions were clear.

It was impossible not to notice.

Her purpose was evident, and Emilina could easily guess it.

Yes. The Chase family wanted to build a good relationship with Emilina.

In short, that was the conclusion.

Even if the pretext was chocolate, they wished to form a close bond with the Duchess of Ditrio.

Through their eyes, they indicated their support.

At the social gathering, they made it clear they were on Emilina’s side.

They sent a warning for others to hear: treat her with proper respect.

This meant that the Chase family considered Emilina a distinguished guest—or more.

Anyone rude or antagonistic would not go unpunished.

Perhaps not immediately, but eventually, there would be consequences.

The Chase family’s subtle threat worked perfectly.

The ladies and young noblewomen affirmed silently.

When chocolate was mentioned and the Marchioness and Serica exchanged words, envious glances toward Emilina softened.

Especially from the followers of the Chase family.

Their loyalty was remarkable.

“Wait… is that really loyalty?”

Emilina wasn’t sure.

But one thing was certain: their leader demanded harmony, and they immediately adjusted.

Their resistance faded, and calm returned to their gazes, leaving Emilina feeling exasperated.

Emotions aren’t easily shaken off, yet they restrained themselves and smiled.

That was why Emilina shook her head in disbelief.

In some ways, their behavior was shameless.

“…This is almost intimidating.”

Emilina had thought Serica’s favor was because of chocolate.

That wasn’t entirely wrong.

But it wasn’t just simple goodwill; she was overdoing things to win favor.

And therein lay the problem.

Too much goodwill was poison.

Excessive kindness was an irritating obstacle for Emilina.

So the next action did not feel like goodwill at all.

It only left her feeling unsettled.

To her, it wasn’t a friendly gesture.

Wasn’t that natural?

They had tried to expose Madame Emilie’s identity without any benefit to her.

More precisely, they had guided the conversation that way.

Either way, Emilina found it bothersome.

What annoyed her most was that they weren’t mocking or embarrassing her intentionally.

Yes. The Chase family was flattering Emilina to appear favorable.

In their own way, they sought to honor her.

Through words and expressions, they communicated: “I’ll let these people know of your accomplishments.”