Chapter : 03
On the day of the tea party, fluffy clouds drifted lazily across the sky, and the sunlight was just right.
In the rear garden, where roses were in full bloom, a beautiful fountain sent water spraying into the air.
On one side of the garden, large awnings and several parasols had been set up to block the sun, and the tables were arranged according to the latest trends.
Mother was surprised, saying there was nothing left for her to help with.
“If you only do something like this once in each life, that still makes forty-eight times, Mother,” I muttered inwardly as I simply smiled.
“Welcome to the Levian Marquisate.”
Wearing a pale yellow dress, I looked lively. As I greeted people with a smile, the usual sense of pressure and distance they felt toward me seemed to fade, and they returned my greetings more comfortably.
“Welcome, Duke. Thank you for coming.”
That was—except for one person.
The one person who had been forced to attend this gathering.
“Hey, Lexian. You finally came to a tea party—try smiling a little. It’s an honor to be invited, Lady Levian.”
Marquis Taylor Nova, the close friend of Duke Lysianthus, greeted me with a broad smile.
“I’m the one who should thank you for attending, Marquis.”
Since I was the host, the guests were mostly unmarried men and women, which gave the gathering a pleasant atmosphere.
Moreover, since the rear garden of the Levian Marquisate—rarely opened to the public—was the venue, attendance was high, and the mood quickly grew lively.
After walking around to check whether there were any inconveniences and greeting the guests once more, Merina quietly approached me.
“Um, Lady Levian. Excuse me, but could you spare some time?”
“Do you mean you’d like to speak with me alone?”
“Yes.”
From experience, I knew that nothing good ever came from being alone with the female lead.
Nine times out of ten, it led to a situation ripe for misunderstanding.
For example, I’d done absolutely nothing, yet somehow ended up being accused of slapping Merina across the face.
“Alright, Lady Ickel. But since I’m the host, I can’t leave suddenly. I’ll give the maids some instructions first.”
Merina nodded, her hands clasped together.
“Would you go ahead to the small flower garden over there? The arch decorated with roses is quiet and perfect for talking.”
Leaving her retreating figure behind, I approached my friend.
“Stella.”
“The atmosphere’s great, Roa. Did you do all this yourself?”
“Yeah. More importantly, Merina Ickel wants to talk to me. You know the small arch near the garden? Bring someone suitable and come there quietly.”
“That’s easy enough. But why?”
“I don’t want to be slandered over something I didn’t even do.”
Stella, who knew about the strange rumors clinging to me, answered only by raising her golden eyebrows.
I called the head maid and told her I’d be stepping away briefly, instructing her to entertain the guests well—and to inform Mother if any trouble arose.
About ten meters away from the garden stood an arch decorated with roses. Tall grass surrounded the area, making it difficult to notice anyone hiding nearby.
Standing beside the lush roses, Merina Ickel looked like a single delicate flower.
As if she were a being who had to be loved by the male leads.
Because of that woman, I had died countless times.
Once, I’d been furious about it.
But now, I felt nothing.
To me now, Merina was merely a means to extend my lifespan.
The easiest way to twist the original story was to frame the protagonist—Merina—as the villainess.
“Lady Ickel.”
At my calm call, Merina turned around. With her bright golden hair and light brown eyes, she looked strikingly different from me.
“First of all, thank you for attending our family’s banquet recently.”
“Oh, it was nothing. It was only right that I attend and offer my congratulations.”
Rustle—there was a faint sound from the grass. Stella must have arrived.
Thankfully, Merina seemed to notice nothing. She hesitated for a moment, and I made a gesture as if I were about to leave if she had nothing to say.
Startled, Merina hurriedly grabbed me.
“Lady Levian, are you interested in Duke Lysianthus?”
“I believe you know that asking about such personal feelings is quite rude.”
“I know, but this is very important to me.”
“I’m sorry, but I don’t quite understand. Could you explain in more detail?”
When I showed willingness to continue the conversation, Merina smiled brightly.
“I’ve met the Duke several times already. And during that time, my feelings for him grew.”
She gazed blankly into the air before taking a step closer to me.
“People say the Duke is cold, but I know that isn’t true. I can see into a person’s heart.”
Clasping her hands at her chest, she asked,
“You only see the Duke’s position and appearance, don’t you? But in truth, he has a very gentle heart.”
Merina’s pretentious act of knowing Duke Lysianthus so well was revolting.
The one who knew him best was me.
“If the Duke learns that you’re only interested in his outward qualities, he’ll be hurt.”
With the bushes at my back, and knowing Stella and her companion couldn’t see my expression, I didn’t bother hiding my disbelief.
When I even let out a sneer, Merina suddenly raised her voice.
“So please, stop tormenting him! I’m begging you—sincerely!”
Anyone hearing this would think I’d been punching Duke Lysianthus or something.
Merina was always like this—acting as though she were the only good person in the world.
I was used to this kind of rhetoric. It wasn’t surprising—just annoying.
Still, I hid my true feelings and asked in a deliberately trembling voice,
“Lady Ickel… I—I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that. Such words are too shocking—”
“—Please stay away from the Duke.”
Merina stepped toward me, and though she never touched me, I pretended to be pushed and fell backward.
“Ah!”
“Lady Levian?”
“I—I think I’ll go now.”
Using her confusion, I stood up, wobbling as I made sure others could see me.
“Lady Levian!”
Merina called after me and followed, but I subtly quickened my pace.
Most people were gathered beneath the awnings.
Since it was rare for the Duke to appear at such a casual social gathering, everyone was desperately trying to strike up a conversation with him.
There were enough spectators.
Now all that remained was for the leading actress—me—to take the stage.
“Duke Lysianthus.”
As the host approached, people naturally parted to make way.
“Are you in a relationship with Lady Ickel?”
The answer was obviously no.
Among the four male leads, the Duke was the one who realized and acknowledged his feelings the latest. He was even a man who never properly courted the female lead.
Cold blue eyes looked down at me.
“May I ask what your intention is in asking such a question?”
“Lady Ickel told me not to even acknowledge your presence.”
I lowered my gaze slightly and clasped my hands together.
“I merely mentioned that my younger brother, who serves in the knight order, respects you greatly as the commander of the Imperial Knights. I just wanted to speak with you….”
My voice was weak, clearly trembling, and my expression was surely one that would easily draw sympathy from those around us.
“She said that she and the Duke share special feelings for one another. So if you truly were in a relationship, I thought it would be improper, which is why I asked.”
“If that is the reason, then Lady Ickel and I are not in a relationship.”
His cold voice gave the exact answer I wanted.
“I have only spoken with Lady Ickel a few times, and only in public settings.”
I didn’t care how much trouble that statement would cause him later.
“Lady Levian!”
As long as it provoked Merina.
“How could you ask such a thing?”
From her trembling voice alone, I could tell Merina was on the verge of tears. I quickly bit my tongue.
Pain surged, and tears welled up reflexively. I blinked once.
Drip.
The tears running down my pale cheek fell faster than hers.
And just like that, the moisture in Merina Ickel’s eyes completely dried up.
