Chapter 363: Chapter 363
It was as if those grannies at the corner of every neighbourhood had gotten the call...the call to get the sauce if you know what I mean...
Although more "stiff" because corsets made them look pompous while sharing a glance before starting to share the good stuff.
And I say good stuff because...
"Hm? That is a rare occurrence, why is that Lady Felicia?" — Confidently feigning ignorance, the Empress inquired. Pushing the bored women to fill her in more with the matter as they wanted her to like them.
"Your Majesty, certainly you are aware. There are many reasons to anticipate this coming Ball."
"First, Noverrne’s Duke will assist officially as the owner of his household. Even his name’s celebration is to be held a few weeks before."
"Indeed."
"Oh and let us not forget... Baron Valzerie’s new daughter."
’... Valzerie?"
"My! Yes! The news surprised me once I confirmed the rumours... The Baron... a widower with no successor... he adopted a grown child! And no less than a woman at that."
’Oh... D*MN.’
It’s happening.
"Yes... I believe it was out of gratitude... the girl gave aid to the Baron while starving..."
"Hm? I was told she cured him after finding him injured."
"... Was it not that the girl was beaten trying to protect him from those unlawful men in her town?"
"... So many stories Baron Valzerie’s new daughter has..."
"Indeed, your Majesty... it is quite intriguing a matter."
’Heh... nothing more honest has been said until now than that. Intriguing... she certainly is, fufufu~ Just wait until she appears and-...’
Suddenly, even as I enjoyed the conversation, I was reminded of the course the original story would take. Feeling how more and more real everything was getting... and more unsettling...
"If I am not mistaken, her name is..."
’It’s Karina...’
"Katrina Valzerie."
’... Uh??’
"Is it? I heard she had slightly a different name. I was told by my husband who is in some business with the Baron. Katerina is the name of the child."
’Woah! Woman! Are you sure??!? Now I have doubts who I’ve been cursing all this time!’ — After listening to this last lady correct the first one that almost killed us again, I flashed my head at her, wanting to kill her since I fear I’ve been calling the Female lead wrongly ever since I got here.
"Lady Yoles, I am sorry to inform you that is not correct." — Then, tranquil as only the Empress could be, she added to the conversation. — "The name of Valzerie’s adopted child is Karina. As you may know, the Monarch also has to approve of a noble’s adoption."
"Hm... If Her Majesty confirms it, then it ought to be correct. My apologies."
’D*mn you, forgetful lady!... Phew~... nice. I did read a lot so I feared for my life just now...’
Relieved by the correction I needed, the gossip session continued.
"As we were telling you, the child was recently adopted and so, it is said she is already of age to debut. This coming ball will be the occasion for Valzerie to introduce his new family member."
"I wonder how it will turn out. The child is... do pardon my expression... Yet she is a low-born. Is it not hast to introduce her this early? It has not been long since she was welcomed to the baron’s family."
"She is of age to search for a husband."
"! Yet who in her rightful mind would let their son–"
"Ladies..." — The Empress interceded. — "It appears this matter has become rather heavy for this table. One should not be hast in appreciation. The matters at the Baron’s household, solely the Baron knows."
"... As expected the Empress cares for our mood and composure. Ladies, it is perhaps time for us to change to another topic." — The Duchess, Marianne’s mother, added after barely saying anything all along. Actually making the wrong decision.
"Oh, indeed. If I may say, I have been waiting to say my congratulations to your grace, Lady Elenaide. Seeing how your daughters have grown and not to mention... one has become such a precious being for the Empire... Lady Marianne is the awaited Confidant of Empress Calla, what an honour to have beared her."
"It truly is! To have the Ninth as a member of one’s household... what a great history has been settled in your bloodline once more!"
’Ah~ say more~’ — I thought.
... It was delightful, to say the least. I loved being mute at times like these... because a simple yet graceful nod was all I needed to make the Duchess’s face to continue to distort.
"My... it is a pity we can not listen to your sound... yet maybe it is what the gods in Izeneya believed was needed for Lady Pristina Pars to earn Calla’s and Fenrir’s company."
"Gasp! Indeed! As it is, the Ninth comes to fulfil a promise. Oh... The gods’ doings... May thy worth bridge our Primal Regnant’ road again." — The women solemnly said to me.
And so, writing on my stack a reply, I then requested for the Princess to tell my gratitude for their kindness and "lovely" good wishes. Which made them feel proud of themselves.
Therefore, as the ladies giggled to it, happy to be noticed by us, I peeked at the Duchess...
’Heh. You’ll probably going to try and belittle us now... but that’s alright... I’ll make you swallow as bitter sensations.’
The rage and helplessness I felt once I heard her say we were lousy and that we were a show of charity from the prince now felt nice to have endured. Because even if these women are only trying to look good while complimenting us in front of the Empress... she cannot change the fact that we have more value than her right now.
’Lousy excuse for a Mother...’
Lastly, I said. Feeling Marianne’s frustration since a quick share of many disgusted gazes were recalled in our head, letting me confirm it has always been this unpleasant to be around the Duchess.
Meshing with Marianne seemed so far at the beginning that now that it’s happening I’m nervous at all that will continue to be shown to me. But even then, it’s alright.
I am now becoming a real part of her... and learning what else demoralized her to the point where I met her... I’ll learn it to find it an end.
"The Ninth has very good manners. The Sylfinnier household has done a wonderful work raising her, I can see. Tell us, Lady Elenaide, how was the Ninth when young? She has inherited your hair and the Duke’s eyes. She must have been truly a cute child when little. Fufufu~"
Then one lady let out, making me laugh at how this could turn out.
’Try saying something now... I wonder what you’ll make up. You’ve never cared to even know how to answer after all, duchess.’