TNBTW | Episode 34

At that moment, Edith blinked in surprise and soon noticed a young girl peeking from behind a large pillar.

Though eavesdropping was improper, it was hard to ignore since a child was involved. Edith hid behind the pillar and slightly craned her head to observe the scene.

‘The Viscountess Standen?’

Standing before a child who looked no older than seven was indeed the Viscountess Standen.

A rising figure among the newly emerging nobility, the viscountess had once been merely a wealthy provincial noblewoman. However, everything changed after the passing of her husband, the late Viscount Standen.

She had moved to the capital with her daughter following her husband’s death and found remarkable success in every business venture she undertook, eventually becoming the owner of multiple enterprises in the capital. 

Her financial power and extensive business connections swiftly established her as a prominent figure within high society.

“Evelyn, you promised this time would be different. Why is it that you behave perfectly at home but act this way as soon as we step outside? Everyone’s been kind to you, haven’t they?”

Viscountess Standen spoke in a tightly restrained voice, as if struggling to contain her frustration.

But the child, already shrinking under her mother’s stern expression and severe tone, could no longer hold back her tears.

“But… but… w-wahhh!”

“I told you to stop crying! Why are you wailing again? Why! How much more do you intend to humiliate me?”

It was apparent that this was not the first time such an incident had occurred. The viscountess finally exploded, her face showing exhaustion and the desperation of someone backed into a corner.

 

 

Just then, a familiar status window materialized above the pillar where Edith had concealed herself. The golden frame was ominously tinged with red, directly indicating the child’s distressed state.

Unable to watch any longer, Edith stepped out from behind the pillar. She deliberately made her footsteps audible as she approached the mother and daughter.

It was, naturally, the viscountess who first noticed her. The woman swiftly pulled her daughter to her side and composed herself.

“You are the Viscountess Standen, I presume?”

“Duchess of Devion, it is an honor to meet you. I should have greeted you first, but things have been a bit chaotic.”

Surprised by Edith’s acknowledgment, the viscountess quickly regained her composure, replying with a poise that made it difficult to believe she had been shouting moments earlier.

“Evelyn? You must greet the Duchess of Devion. You were taught to show respect when meeting elders, weren’t you?”

“Ugh…”

“Evelyn.”

She gave her hesitant daughter a sharp look before gently pushing her forward.

“A… ah, Hello,  hic…”

Forced by her mother’s pressure, Evelyn took a step forward but could not string her words together, letting out a sniffle instead. The Viscountess of Standen clenched her teeth as she watched her daughter, about to offer an apology in her stead.

“Viscountess, would you hold the child’s hand?”

“Pardon?”

The sudden request made the viscountess frown slightly. Had she not been an adept businesswoman, she might have openly displayed her confusion.

“I apologize for the intrusion. But it seems you are in a difficult situation…”

Edith paused briefly, taking a step back from Evelyn with a gentle smile.

“Perhaps you already know this, but I have a lot of experience in matters like these.”

Her gaze, having shifted from the child, now rested firmly on the mother, gleaming with a resolute light.

“So please, would you hold Evelyn’s hand?”

 

***

 

Standen Viscountess was utterly taken aback by the situation.

‘A governess background is nothing to boast about…’

In social circles, information was power. This was especially true for those engaged in business. This implied that the Viscountess already knew about the Devion Duchess’s past employment.

Tutors were not all the same and came in various ranks. The Duchess, it was said, had occupied the lowest position, merely overseeing childcare.

Even today, the duchess’s background has been a favorite topic for idle gossip at the court ball. Yet here she was, openly discussing her past without a hint of embarrassment—a surprising display indeed.

That surprise quickly gave way to indignation.

It was already mortifying enough that her daughter’s shortcomings had been exposed to the novice duchess. Yet for that same woman to instruct her to hold her own daughter’s hand?

The unwritten rule was to pretend not to notice other families’ affairs when one happened upon them by chance. The Duchess, however, had blithely disregarded that convention.

“Hurry now,” the duchess urged.

By all rights, the Viscountess should have pointed out the breach of etiquette or politely declined, considering their future relationship. Yet the Duchess’s clear voice inexplicably carried an irresistible authority.

Left with no choice, the Viscountess grasped Evelyn’s hand and drew her close. Though her immature daughter clung to the back of her dress as if a mere handhold were insufficient, the Viscountess refrained from letting go.

“Now, could you give her a warm embrace?”

“Duchess, with all due respect…”

The Viscountess was about to politely request that the duchess cease her excessive interference when she hesitated. Edith had raised her forefinger to her lips in a silent ‘shh’ gesture.

Dumbfounded by the sheer audacity of the act, the Viscountess found herself at a loss for words. Edith then mouthed silent words.

‘Evelyn is trembling.’

It was only then that the Viscountess noticed the faint shivers coursing through her daughter’s body. Pressed against her dress, Evelyn was quivering like a fragile leaf.

Exhaling deeply, the Viscountess knelt and enveloped her daughter in her arms. Initially frozen with surprise at the sudden embrace, the girl soon burrowed deeper into her mother’s embrace.

“You do so well at home… Why do you act like this when we come out?”

The Viscountess couldn’t help but grumble, both frustrated and heartbroken at the sight of her daughter.

She knew well enough that seven wasn’t such an advanced age. But they were no longer provincial nobles. They had become a respectable aristocratic family in the capital.

It wasn’t as if the Viscountess dragged her daughter along against her will. Yet leaving her at home indefinitely would only spell trouble for the future.

The capital’s social scene was already brimming with individuals who had cultivated connections from childhood through playmates and social gatherings. If Evelyn didn’t start attending events now and building relationships, her social network would inevitably shrink as she grew older. This was the last chance before her formal debut into society.

Evelyn, her one and only child, was a well-behaved and intelligent girl at home. From a young age, she had been praised for her quick comprehension in lessons.

Yet, inexplicably, she would become anxious and shy before others, sometimes even bursting into tears as she had today.

The Viscountess had initially tried comforting and coaxing her, but nothing improved. No matter how many lessons she gave, the result remained the same. It wasn’t as if Evelyn lacked the proper education—she excelled in etiquette classes. The cause was simply beyond comprehension.

But they couldn’t keep her secluded at home with family forever. Just thinking about her beloved daughter filled the Viscountess with frustration.

“Does Evelyn often get anxious when she’s in crowded places?” Edith asked softly.

“…Sometimes, yes. Especially when we have guests at home.”

The Viscountess sighed, her tone subdued. She was deeply ashamed to reveal this to a stranger, but pretending otherwise now seemed pointless.

“She’s always been rather timid.”

She had assumed it was merely a matter of shyness and sensitivity. Had Evelyn been a boy, she might have been more concerned, but as a daughter, she thought it might be acceptable.

‘If only I had paid more attention back then…’

The Viscountess was tormented by the thought that Evelyn’s current state was the result of her own negligence.

Even as precious time slipped by, the nobles inside were mingling and conversing, forming invisible connections among their children.

‘We’re already starting behind the others.’

Her head throbbed as frustration once again gnawed at her.

“It’s not timidness, Madame.”

A gentle voice resonated through the space.

“Evelyn is afraid.”