TNBTW | Episode 28

Edith couldn’t help but be concerned about the grand duchess’s condition. Perhaps it was due to the low favorability level between them, which left many unknowns that unsettled her further.

She wasn’t the grand duchess’s guardian, nor her tutor—what could she possibly do? Yet, ignoring the worry stirring within her felt equally impossible.

‘Sister, having a hurting heart is such a torment—it doesn’t even show on the outside.’

Her younger sister’s voice, fraught with worry for the younger children at the orphanage even while seated in a hospital bed, remained vivid in her memory. How could she possibly turn a blind eye? Edith clutched her sibling’s words like a talisman, etching them into her heart once more.

***

When Edith arrived at the Valesia Grand Duchy’s manor, the tea party was already in full swing. She briefly worried she might be late, but a glance at her watch reassured her—she was early, in fact.

Strolling leisurely through the grand hall, Edith observed the attendees gathered in groups.

Each of them seemed to hail from affluent families, judging by their luxurious dresses. Most of them appeared quite young.

“I can’t wait to see the work of this painter Miss Isabella has decided to sponsor! Their talent must be extraordinary!”

“Thank you so much for your kind anticipation. Hosting an exhibition before the year ends would be a true delight.”

Judging by the ease with which they addressed one another by name, they seemed to share a strong camaraderie.

“With Isabella’s impeccable taste, I’m sure many will be lining up to see it.”

“There will be a special seat reserved for Lady Valesia. You must attend!”

“Of course.”

Hearing a familiar voice from deeper inside the hall, Edith turned her head. At the central table—where all attention seemed naturally drawn—sat Lady Valesia herself.

Surrounded by a cluster of chattering young ladies, Vivianne slowly came into view. Her violet eyes, a testament to her imperial lineage, caught sight of the guest approaching from afar.

“A distinguished guest seems to have arrived.”

It was the moment the young ruler of society had spotted her prey.

Vivianne’s voice wasn’t particularly loud, but her single remark commanded the attention of everyone in the room, directing it squarely onto Edith.

“Duchess of Devion! You’ve come. After the last incident, we feared you might not honor us with your presence.”

Vivianne, the Lady of Valesia, rose from her seat to welcome her. Almost simultaneously, the other attendees followed suit, rising in unison as if choreographed.

Click, click. The sound of Vivianne’s heels echoed as she approached, catching Edith’s eyes as they slightly widened.

Vivianne was dressed in a gown that boldly exposed her ankles. The front of the dress was lifted just enough to showcase sparkling, jewel-encrusted high heels, while a long train of fabric trailed elegantly behind her.

Although Edith hadn’t attended many parties in this world, this design was entirely new to her. It was clear Vivianne was debuting a trend of her own.

The gown itself was stunningly beautiful, but on Vivianne, it appeared far too mature. The tall heels seemed an attempt to make her appear taller, yet they gave off the impression of a child wearing her mother’s shoes.

Perhaps that’s why Edith found Vivianne’s appearance so strikingly out of place.

“You seem quite taken with my dress, Duchess. You can’t take your eyes off it.”

Snapped out of her thoughts, Edith quickly composed herself. Vivianne’s lips were curved in a smile, but her eyes remained cold as they bore into Edith.

“Madame has worked hard to create it for me.”

“…She is certainly skilled.” 

Edith replied, managing a polite response. Vivianne’s smile deepened slightly at that.

“We started the party a bit earlier than planned while chatting among close friends. I’m sure a kind soul like you, Duchess, will understand.”

Despite the seemingly apologetic tone, Vivianne turned her back without waiting for a reply. It was less of a request and more of a proclamation.

Edith’s eyes followed Vivianne as she walked away. She carried herself with poise, yet the way she tensed her ankles with each step betrayed discomfort.

‘That will strain her ankles…’

High heels were painful even for adults who endured them for the sake of fashion. For Vivianne, only eleven years old, such shoes could do more harm than good.

Edith understood the significance of leading trends in high society—it was about wielding influence rather than mere aesthetics—but she couldn’t help feeling concerned.

When Vivianne returned to her seat, Edith found an empty one for herself and sat down.

“The second son of the Blank family attended the academy with my brother. He’s such a gentleman and would suit Miss Lisbeth perfectly.”

“What a delightful connection! Perhaps we could arrange a gathering. A boat ride, maybe?”

“The weather is so pleasant these days; that sounds wonderful. Spring flowers are in full bloom by the lake on our estate.”

Before long, Edith found herself completely isolated. The dozen or so attendees had divided into smaller groups of three or four, yet not a single person approached her.

Their conversation centered on mutual acquaintances unfamiliar to her, leaving her with no opportunity to join in.

‘Well, I suppose noble families are just different. But this strawberry cake is absolutely divine. Is it the generous use of sugar? I must tell the chef later.’

A typical noblewoman might have been hurt in such a situation, but Edith remained unfazed. If anything, she appreciated the chance to enjoy the delicious desserts without distraction.

‘I expected this from the start, anyway.’

Edith had experienced ostracism during her school days as well. Back then, the reason had been equally trivial: her background as an orphan became widely known.

It was during that time she had realized something. Ostracism rarely had a substantial cause, and she had done nothing wrong. There was no reason to feel discouraged.

Moreover, she had no intention of genuinely engaging with these girls, most of whom were still minors or barely in their twenties. She was an adult, after all!

“Duchess of Devion, I hear you’re quite fond of children?”

Just as Edith was considering how much longer she needed to stay, a voice addressed her. The question was innocuous enough, but the sharp tone betrayed disapproval.

“I heard you’ve taught many children. That must be a challenging task unless you truly love it?”

A young lady with golden locks crossed her arms, her demeanor openly confrontational. Edith didn’t need to ask to know who she was.

“What do you mean by that, Letitia? Are you saying the Duchess acted as a governess?”

Of course. She was the daughter of Count Vicenne, the one Daisy had mentioned—the girl rumored to be in love with Skyle and involved in marriage talks with him.

“My mother was looking for someone to care for my younger sibling, and the Duchess’s name appeared on the list. What was your maiden name again… Ah, Brussels, wasn’t it?”

Her pretense of ignorance was remarkably convincing. Such talent! Edith admired her performance inwardly.

“If only we had known sooner, we could have formed a deeper connection. What a pity,” Letitia said, her voice dripping with mock regret as she raised her eyebrows.

To Edith, however, she was nothing more than a petulant child.

“Letitia, speaking so carelessly about unconfirmed matters might offend the Duchess.” 

Vivianne who had been silent the whole time suddenly interjected. The murmuring voices questioning the truth behind Letitia’s claim instantly fell silent. 

At first glance, it appeared Vivianne was defending Edith. But Edith quickly discerned the truth.

‘She wants me to say it myself.’

Vivianne knew the facts but was deliberately asking Edith to confirm them. By admitting it herself, Edith would sully her own reputation as a duchess.

Now, all eyes turned to Edith. Taking a deep breath, she finally opened her mouth.

“There is no lie in what Lady Letitia has said. Before moving to the capital, I did indeed teach children….”

As soon as the words were spoken, a chorus of gasps filled the air. A few individuals, discussing propriety with furrowed brows, frowned in disapproval.