Episode 59
The carriage stopped. As soon as Sylvia and I got out, a maid from the mansion appeared as if waiting and guided us inside.
‘The host is the eldest daughter of the Count Cartlow family, if I remember correctly.’
Based on what I learned at the Imperial Palace and the novel’s contents, her family was considered neutral. They weren’t part of the noble faction, nor did they side with the Second Prince or the Crown Prince. They mostly stayed out of the power struggles.
Although they didn’t have much political influence, their family had a long history, surviving like reeds bending in the wind during every storm.
‘Is that why they invited Sylvia? They must know that Sylvia, caught between Cesar of the noble faction and the Crown Prince, is in a precarious position politically.’
Of course, Sylvia was destined to be with the Crown Prince, and their feelings were steadily deepening. The groundless rumors about her and Cesar were spread by jealous noble ladies trying to ruin her social standing.
‘To invite Sylvia, who’s so disliked and barely participates in social gatherings… this is a bit strange, now that I think about it.’
My face became serious as I followed the maid, lost in thought.
In this tea party, Sylvia would only interact significantly with Prea, who would approach her aggressively. She wouldn’t receive any further tea party invitations from Lady Cartlow or any of the other ladies present.
As I was pondering this, the door opened.
The noble ladies who had been waiting greeted Sylvia warmly. I had expected some backhanded compliments, typical of noble social gatherings, but the conversation flowed smoothly.
I saw Lady Cartlow sitting at the head of the table. Her gentle demeanor was somewhat similar to Sylvia’s. Perhaps because of the host’s personality, the sharp-tongued ladies who would have reacted harshly towards Sylvia weren’t invited.
Just as I thought everything would go smoothly, a noble lady entered, apologizing for being late.
I tensed up, wondering if it was Prea.
“I apologize for being late, Lady Cartlow. My carriage broke down on the way here.”
“It’s alright. You must have had a difficult time.”
Instead of vibrant red eyes and purple hair, I saw raven-black hair and honey-colored eyes.
‘It’s not Prea. That’s a surprise.’
Relieved, I looked at the noble lady who entered. The way she naturally found her seat suggested she had attended this gathering several times before.
Then, she saw Sylvia sitting across from her, and the cheerful expression on her face disappeared. She frowned and then turned to Lady Cartlow, the host of the tea party, as if she had something to say.
‘She seems displeased about something.’
Just by looking at her face – her raised eyebrows, her pursed lips, and the way she fidgeted with her teacup – I could tell she was a typical extra villain.
Come to think of it, there was a similar description in the novel.
‘The conversations at the tea party, which she had mustered the courage to attend, weren’t pleasant for Sylvia.’
I didn’t know what they talked about before Prea arrived, but it seemed like this lady’s appearance made the atmosphere unpleasant. A dark cloud was slowly creeping over the seemingly peaceful tea party.
Then, the woman, who had been frowning, composed her expression and spoke to Sylvia.
“Lady Veronica, I see. I didn’t expect to meet you here. I wasn’t informed of the attendee list…”
“Is that so?”
Sensing something strange in her tone, Sylvia replied indifferently. The woman’s lips curled into a forced smile.
“Yes. Come to think of it, we’ve met recently. I wonder if you remember.”
Her smile was laced with malice.
“I was wondering if you were doing well with the gentleman I saw you with near the dessert shop in the city center. I was a bit worried. There are so many rumors surrounding you, Lady Veronica.”
“Rumors, you say?”
“Yes. But I didn’t want to mention them because they would only hurt you, innocent and naive Lady Veronica.”
It was clearly a malicious rumor, yet she was pretending to be considerate.
The pleasant tea party was quickly turning into a cutthroat social gathering, with hidden daggers behind smiles.
“Is that so? Thank you for your concern, but I’m not hurt. I don’t care about the gossip of those lowly people, and frankly, I find it disgusting and want to avoid them.”
Sylvia replied sharply, a relaxed smile on her face. The other lady’s smile faltered.
“Lowly gossip? Rumors don’t spread without a reason.”
“And?”
The tension between them escalated. Just as Lady Cartlow, the host of the tea party, was about to intervene with a sigh,
They heard footsteps approaching from the garden. The steady footsteps stopped, and a chilling voice echoed,
“What is this commotion?”
The cold voice was laced with disbelief.
Prea Seirthe. The villainess of the novel had arrived.
Striking features and haughty, upturned eyes came into view. Deep red eyes, like embedded rubies, and wavy purple hair commanded attention.
She looked like a vibrant rose, come to life.
‘Wow…’
Seeing a different kind of beauty from Sylvia smiling made me feel a little dizzy. It was no wonder she was called the flower of high society.
“I might be a little late, but is this the usual atmosphere of Lady Cartlow’s tea parties?”
A blatant rebuke.
“Or is it one unmannerly guest disrupting the atmosphere?”
Prea’s gaze shifted from Sylvia to the noble lady sitting across from her. She smiled brightly and spoke with venom,
“I’ve never met anyone who couldn’t even show basic courtesy in my presence. This is a first.”
The noble lady, well aware of Prea’s personality, looked around nervously.
‘You shouldn’t have crossed the line and provoked Sylvia. You reap what you sow.’
I shook my head and looked at Prea, whose expression was clearly displeased.
She valued noble etiquette and despised those who didn’t uphold it, acting in an unrefined manner. Especially those who acted out in front of her.
“Did I speak out of turn since I arrived late?”
The flustered noble lady replied in a small voice,
“O-of course not!”
“Then that’s good.”
The noble lady, who had been pale with fear, relaxed at Prea’s smile. She probably thought she had gotten away with it.
But the villainess Prea’s specialty was stabbing people in the back with a smile.
Recalling the villainess’s impressive track record, I silently waved goodbye to the noble lady in my mind. I didn’t feel particularly sorry for her, since she had provoked Sylvia.
As the atmosphere quieted down, Prea walked over and asked,
“Is this my seat?”
“Yes, you can sit here.”
Lady Cartlow pointed to a seat, and Prea smiled.
“Thank you.”
The only remaining seat happened to be next to Sylvia. Sylvia, remembering my warning, only exchanged brief greetings with Prea and didn’t try to engage her in conversation.
Once everyone was settled, Lady Cartlow spoke,
“Now that Lady Seirthe has arrived, everyone’s here. I apologize for the earlier commotion, Lady Seirthe.”
“No, I should be the one apologizing for speaking out of turn when I arrived late.”
Her apology was sincere, but her eyes, glancing at Sylvia, were sharp, like a predator eyeing its prey.
Prea’s goal today would be to become friends with Sylvia. Since she had been aiming for the position of Crown Princess, she wouldn’t be pleased with Sylvia, who had suddenly appeared and threatened to ruin everything.
‘I hope Sylvia can handle her advances.’
As I looked at the table where the noble ladies were gathered, Sylvia, perhaps sensing my gaze, turned around. She smiled faintly and mouthed the words, “Don’t worry.”
I nodded in response.
“Many people who are usually difficult to meet are present today.”
That would include Sylvia and Prea.
“Although there was a slight commotion, we’re all here to enjoy tea and conversation. Let’s refrain from any rude behavior.”
The noble lady who had caused the commotion flinched and meekly replied,
The tea party continued smoothly after that. Prea, as the flower of high society, took the lead in the conversation and skillfully navigated the social dynamics.
Since Prea valued etiquette, she wouldn’t openly insult Sylvia. Even in the original story, she hadn’t outwardly shown her dislike for Sylvia.
Instead, she would subtly find fault and create awkward situations.
Just like now.
“Oh, Lady Veronica is here as well. I didn’t expect to see you here, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
It seemed like she was starting her subtle scheming. Prea wasn’t the type to leave a thorn in her side unattended.
Born into a noble lineage, she had known from a young age what she was entitled to. And she had the ambition to have it all, standing at the very top.
Her way was to eliminate anything that stood in her way. She was a villainess who loved the Crown Prince but also coveted his power and position.
As I was observing her with caution,
Prea’s gaze, which had been on Sylvia, suddenly shifted to me. Her hand, stirring her tea, slowly stopped. I felt her sharp, red eyes pierce me like thorns.