TCBCVF 37

~Chapter 37~

Well… I had nothing to say.

It was no wonder, really.

After all, the most high-ranking noble our Ansi Viscount family had ever hosted was…

‘The Count of Gusto…’

Yes, that man — the one who nearly became my father-in-law.

I leaned in and whispered in the princess’s ear.

“P-please don’t mind them. My parents will relax soon enough…”

But just then—

“L-Lady Claudius?”

A trembling voice called out to the princess.

My father, shaking like a leaf, was staring nervously at her.

“Did we do something wrong? If anything has offended you, please tell us. We’ll fix it right away.”

The princess leaned toward me and whispered in distress.

“They’re not relaxing at all!”

To be fair, she had probably seen this reaction before.

Thanks to the malicious rumors spread by Seraphina, the princess had unintentionally gained a fearsome reputation in high society — practically a drill sergeant of the ballroom.

But the princess had one secret weapon.

“Whew, I guess there’s no helping it.”

With a long sigh, she stepped confidently forward.

“Looks like pretty ol’ me has to handle it myself.”

…Your Highness, I don’t think “pretty” and “handle it” go together in that sentence.

And yet — the princess pulled it off.

“Hello, I’m Evangeline von Claudius.”

She greeted my parents politely.

“I’ve heard so much about you from Lady Ansi. It’s such a pleasure to finally meet you.”

Then she flashed a brilliant smile.

It was so dazzling and elegant that even I, a fellow woman, nearly swooned.

It outshone every rose she ever grew.

“Ah, please, come inside.”

“We’ve prepared some tea and refreshments. It’s not much, but…”

Though a little stiff, my parents looked noticeably more relaxed as they welcomed her in.

‘…Wow.’

I couldn’t help but be impressed.

At the same time, the princess gave me a triumphant glance.

‘See? Didn’t I do great?’

Her pride was practically radiating from her.

‘Pretty ol’ me fixed it, didn’t I?’

Yep.

Being pretty really was everything in this world.

After settling into the drawing room—

My mother broke the ice first.

“So, about the engagement… what happened, dear?”

“Ah, well…”

I carefully explained the reasons why I decided to break off the engagement.

About the incident at Countess Johannsen’s picnic.

And how I was always treated as an outsider between Gregory and Seraphina.

“Still… I’m sorry for making such a big decision without consulting you first.”

“I see. So that’s what happened.”

Mom nodded and gently stroked the back of my hand.

“You did well. What matters most is how you felt.”

“Mom…”

“Honestly, I’m glad it ended here and now.”

She smiled softly at me.

“Your mom’s right, Lari!”

Dad immediately jumped into the conversation.

“I feel so relieved! I never liked that Gusto boy from the start!”

Sure enough—

The princess nodded fervently at Dad’s blunt words.

“Exactly! Lady Ansi deserved so much better!”

“Oh, you think so too, Lady Evangeline?”

“Of course! The nerve of him to come sniffing around my friend? Every time I saw him, I wanted to smack him upside the head!”

And just like that, the princess and Dad started bonding over their shared disdain for Gregory…

I felt… weird.

Sure, I knew my parents genuinely loved me, and I knew they were never thrilled about the engagement.

But still — they’d never expressed such open dislike for Gregory before.

‘Is it because I’ve stopped playing my “doormat to Seraphina” role from the original story?’

Maybe now that their strange affection for Seraphina had faded, their resentment toward Gregory had grown.

Or am I just reading too much into it?

“Honestly. Your dad is something else.”

Mom sighed at him and then turned back to me with a slightly more serious expression.

“By the way, Lari… did you know?”

Something about her tone felt off.

“Young Master Gregory and Lady Lopez are also down here in the south.”

“What?!”

Why are they here?!

“They’re staying at the Gusto estate, from what I heard.”

Mom gave a wry smile.

“They even sent invitations to you and Lady Evangeline for the summer party.”

“Ugh…”

I frowned deeply before I could stop myself.

Now it all made sense — why those cockroaches were down here.

‘Has it already reached that time of year?’

Just as the capital had its own social season, each region had its own as well.

And the south was no exception.

‘Seraphina always topped the social circles in the south…’

During social season, influential families would often host lavish parties.

In the south, this happened in the summer.

And Seraphina, cherished by the Gusto family and adored by Gregory, was always a favorite guest.

She never missed an opportunity to show off, so she always made time to appear.

‘She’s just playing queen in a lionless den.’

I clicked my tongue inwardly.

Even in the capital, she avoided events the princess attended so she could reign like a queen at smaller gatherings.

What would she be like in the south, where the princess didn’t usually show up?

“So, are you going to attend the Gusto family’s party?”

“Absolutely not.”

I answered with utter disgust.

I mean, really.

How long had it been since she embarrassed herself at that brunch café? And she already had the audacity to send me an invitation?

I’d never have the guts to be that shameless.

‘Well… I guess I understand the desperation.’

The Gusto family had been hit with blow after blow lately.

First, Gregory offended the Princess of Claudius.

Second, they weren’t even invited to the duke’s salon.

And since Gregory had caused all of this, he was probably feeling serious pressure from his own family by now…

‘Not that it’s my problem.’

I shrugged.

At least Seraphina and Gregory were staying put at the Gusto estate.

And we’d already declined their invitation, so we probably wouldn’t run into them.

Hopefully, they’d stay out of my life for good.

Now then, the next task at hand—

“Your Highness, just trust me.”

At my confident declaration, the princess tilted her head.

“Hm? What do you mean?”

“While we’re here, I’ll be your personal tour guide!”

Just one thing on my mind: Enjoyment!

And of course, the princess’s eyes sparkled with delight.

The next morning.

As soon as breakfast ended, the princess and I left the estate.

She was so excited that—

“Lady Ansi! Time to get up!”

—despite normally sleeping until the sun was high, she barged into my room at the crack of dawn.

She barely touched her breakfast and kept pestering me.

“When are we leaving? Huh? Huuuuh?”

And so, our southern adventure began.