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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 50
Chapter Title: Tea and Rumors
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My father-in-law, with his history of causing trouble, might have let her harsh words slide since he was an adult.
But *this* Cheria’s record was squeaky clean, and I was not an adult.
“...It was a slip of the tongue.”
Scarlett forced herself to bow her head, albeit reluctantly.
Marine, making it blatantly obvious that she was thoroughly annoyed, shot back.
“Is ‘a slip of the tongue’ supposed to fix everything? I know why that young lady is acting like this. It’s because Viscountess Rington was kicked out for harassing the Young Lady, so she’s taking it out on you. But what does that accomplish, other than proving she’s just like her mother?”
As if she’d found the perfect opportunity, Marine was incredibly combative.
Sophia, as if she’d seen this sort of thing often, just shook her head.
Scarlett clenched her fists and glared at Marine.
“There must have been a misunderstanding! Do not insult my mother…”
Marine didn't even wait for Scarlett to finish.
“What was that? Are you saying the Rington family will soon be cast out by the ducal house, just like the Ingrams? That they won't be protected even if monsters attack, and that the pharmacist training program in the mountain region, sponsored by the Duke, will be suspended? I think so, too.”
…I should stay on Marine’s good side.
As Scarlett bit her lip, I recalled the flower arrangement class that had left me with nothing but scars.
The moment Winter saw the bandage on my hand, she’d told me to quit the class immediately.
I hadn’t seen Viscountess Rington since then, so I could only guess that Winter had taken measures of her own.
But to think she’d kicked her out entirely.
Both in the novel and in this reality, the Nectarians were a family of villains.
But to me, they were the only sanctuary where I could be protected.
My own mother, Countess Mayol, had pitied orphans and stray animals, even participating in charity work.
All while her own second daughter was stuck in an attic in the middle of winter.
It was no wonder I had more than enough reason to adore Winter.
“Honestly, it’s so pathetic I can’t bear to watch. Both of you should be ashamed and reflect on your actions.”
Marine said, her nose held high.
Sophia was startled.
“Me, me too?”
“Of course. You lied about the capital's festival being boring just to get on the Young Lady's good side, didn't you? Instead of thinking up lies, you should have just behaved yourself from the start.”
Marine puffed out her chest.
“Young Lady, my family and I are different. We don't lie, and we've done nothing wrong. We are truly loyal!”
This was a tea party without a shred of warmth.
I was so dumbfounded that I had to force my lips, which were about to form a pout, into a straight line.
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
Marine beamed.
“Shall we continue talking about the festival, then? Please, ask me anything you’re curious about! Our estate has more libraries than tailor shops, so I study incredibly hard, you know!”
Marine's eyes were already brimming with the desire to climb the social ladder by latching onto the right person.
If I got caught now, I felt like I wouldn’t be able to escape until evening. I changed the subject.
“That’s enough about the festival. Instead, could you tell me more about the letter Mother sent this morning? Did the stationery smell of tulip trees? She likes them because their flower language is ‘rural happiness.’ Isn't my mother's handwriting so elegant? The Young Lord takes after her; his handwriting is already so neat…”
I’d only inadvertently revealed a tiiiny bit of my true feelings, but Marine’s expression turned strange.
“Young Lady, this is the first time you've looked so lively since you arrived.”
I cleared my throat with an “ahem,” but I didn’t retract my question.
Marine told me that Winter had sent letters and gifts to all the attendees.
The gifts were delicately crafted pieces of jewelry; Marine had received a brooch, and Sophia, a hairpin.
They had both worn them, so I was able to see the items for myself.
“This is the first time in my life I’ve ever received such a precious gift.”
Marine’s eyes sparkled.
Sophia eagerly agreed beside her.
And Scarlett, still holding a grudge, made it a point to declare that she hadn't even opened her gift.
I wanted to tell her to return it then, but considering the ducal family's magnanimity, I held my tongue.
Still, seeing that Winter had taken care of Scarlett, it seemed she didn't intend to completely cast out the Rington family.
It could mean that she wouldn't blame the child for the adult's mistake.
Well, for now, at least.
Through this tea party, I learned a little about what the vassals thought of the ducal family.
Just as Winter had said, the ducal family was an object of fear.
However, they also subjugated the monsters that threatened the territories without asking for anything in return and were famous for their generous investments in the development of the mountain regions.
Winter also had an eye for talent and an ability to place people in the right positions.
Marine declared her ambition to work by Winter’s side when she came of age.
The problem was Menelik. Perhaps because of the rumors of his madness, everyone avoided mentioning him.
Everyone who needed to know was already aware that as long as Winter was unharmed, Menelik remained docile.
…And they also knew how he changed when she wasn't.
“Actually, until last year, my parents made sure to take herbal tonics every time they went to Crescent Castle… so they wouldn't collapse just from making eye contact with His Excellency.”
Marine chimed in, seconding Sophia’s words.
“My mother, too. But after you returned with him, Your Excellency has changed completely. He doesn't exude bloodlust all the time anymore, and he'll even let it slide once if you accidentally brush past the Duchess's shadow.”
“That's why I really wanted to thank you, Young Lady! For saving our parents!”
“Young Lady, we’ll be in your care from now on!”
“…”
I’m so sorry, Father-in-law.
Even with my transmigrator’s buff, restoring my father-in-law's reputation is impossible…
After that, perhaps because Scarlett remained quiet, the rest of the party passed peacefully.
I had planned to flee the moment the tea party ended, but Marine quickly caught me.
“Young Lady, I heard a strange rumor from a maid who often runs errands to Crescent Castle.”
Marine lowered her voice so others couldn’t hear.
“Is it true that the Young Lord called His Excellency trash and made him cry? That's a ridiculous rumor, right?”
“...W-Well, I wonder.”
Certain my eyes must be trembling, I avoided Marine's gaze. And then, I resolutely fled.
Rose, who was waiting outside, came over at once to check on me.
“Are you okay? You’re not angry?”
“Huh? Why would I be angry?”
Did I look upset?
Rose frowned and peered closely into my eyes.
“I overheard a little… just a little! It sounded like they were talking about the Duchess. You hate it when people speak ill of her.”
“I hate it when people speak ill of the Young Lord or you, too.”
I’d stated the obvious, but the corners of Rose’s eyes turned red.
Rose tried to hide her touched expression and pressed again.
“A-Anyway! Are you really not angry?”
I nodded.
“Yeah. Marine got angry for me, so I didn’t even have a chance to.”
“Well, that’s a relief, but…”
As it happened, I had a lot of things I was curious about with Rose.
I wanted to know if she had heard that Kivrin had remembered his past life and how she felt now.
But this wasn't a good place for such a conversation.
We had a carriage, so I made a suggestion to Rose.
“Since we’re out, should we go have some fun, just the two of us? Is there anywhere you want to go?”
But Rose gave up her right to choose.
“I-I’m your guard. Don’t ask me, just go wherever you want to go.”
What’s with her? She’s even stuttering.
There was no way the girl who didn’t even do her nanny duties properly had suddenly developed a sense of professionalism…
Ah!
“Are you perhaps eager to get back to the Young Lord? They said some memories of his past life might remain even after the resealing. You must be happy, right? You've finally met Del again, whom you've waited for so long.”
“Yeah… no… yeah.”
Rose answered evasively.
Was that not it, either?
I wrinkled my nose.
“Are you happy or not?”
“Let’s talk about that later. You’re more important.”
“That can’t be right!”
Seeing the blatant disbelief on my face, Rose raised an eyebrow.
“I’m serious! Now stop standing in the cold wind and get in the carriage.”
Unable to win against Rose’s insistence, I got into the carriage for the time being.
Rose studied my expression intently and asked.
“How was the tea party?”
*Does she not want to talk about Del?*
