~Chapter 47~
The woman who had been asked the question lowered her voice and leaned forward, glancing around as if checking her surroundings.
“You know the rumor, right? Hagenz is the only Western Empire-style café in the capital.”
“Yes.”
“Apparently, the imperial princess loves that Western aesthetic. But as an Eastern Empire princess, it’s hard for her to show that publicly.”
“So there’s a rumor that the princess is secretly running Hagenz?”
Another woman gracefully set down her silver spoon and joined in.
“I heard it’s owned by a noble from the Western Empire.”
“Right, the ice cream recipe is totally Western. The real owner is a noble from the West, and someone in the East is just managing it on their behalf.”
Though their conversation had only made one full round, all their ice cream was already gone.
Now only the clinking of spoons scraping the empty bowls could be heard.
Someone gestured for a server and looked at the menu again.
As they placed their second order, they moved on to a new topic.
“By the way, did you hear what happened at Hagenz recently?”
“That thing with Baron Florence? The one who got chewed out by the duke’s eldest son?”
One of the women sparkled with interest as she replied.
“Yes, and the woman involved was the young lady of the McKerry family…”
She tilted her head slightly, as if trying to remember.
‘Ack—me?!’
Riden had to open the right side of her bonnet too.
“But I’ve never seen her face before, have you?”
“I heard she was frail and only lived in the McKerry territory until now.”
“Apparently, the baron was trying to hit on her and got dragged off.”
“Ugh.” One woman shivered and adjusted her silk scarf.
“But someone else said the baron was just saying hello and the duke’s son overreacted.”
“Really? The Kenwolf duke’s eldest son?”
“Aren’t all the Kenwolf sons sworn bachelors?”
“Come on. That’s just what they say when they’re not interested.”
“And anyway, both of them are at the age where they’d want someone.”
“So people are wondering if something’s going on between the two—according to my friend.”
“Ah, so jealous.”
The woman who said she was jealous looked like a girl again, recalling her own debutante days. The others laughed.
“Oh my, are you planning to debut again, madam?”
“Even at my age, I’m jealous. That count is so kind and handsome—just keeps his distance from women.”
“Well, the duke’s sons are handsome.”
One woman turned to the young noble girl seated nearby.
“Wouldn’t you like that? Being with the eldest son of a ducal family?”
The girl blushed and gave a small nod.
“Oh my, she doesn’t dislike the idea.”
“What’s the point though?”
One woman looked around before whispering:
“Her mother-in-law would be the Kenwolf duchess.”
“Haah…”
Everyone, including the young girl, sighed deeply.
“She’s terrifying.”
“Right? Being married into the duke’s family with a Western princess as your mother-in-law—feels like you’d be kicked out in a year.”
“I guess we’re talking like this because it’s debutante season. Brings back memories. Oh, did you see this? Got it yesterday.”
One woman pulled an invitation from her bag.
Another woman gasped.
“I got that too. I’m in the Mother’s Association.”
‘The Mother’s Association?’
Ah!
“Milady, this invitation came for Countess McKerry from the Mother’s Association. Would you like to see it?”
That morning, Glen had handed her something from the association as she was heading out. She’d shoved it carelessly into her bag.
Riden quickly pulled it out and opened it.
[You are invited to Madame de Florence’s Salon.]
[What should we consider in order to become good mothers-in-law? Don’t we all hope that your daughters—and ours—will live a happy married life? As the social season approaches, this is a topic we must discuss. Let us share these thoughts together.]
“Huh?”
Sniff sniff. Sniff sniff sniff!
Suddenly, Riden’s nose twitched like a dog near a sweet potato.
‘What is this smell… I know this smell!’
Though it was her first time seeing the invitation, it carried a familiar scent from her past life.
‘It’s like the smell of a fake listing!’
‘This is the smell that comes when bad mothers-in-law pretend to be good just to marry off their sons!’
“Ugh.”
The nausea came so suddenly that Riden covered her mouth.
Sensing eyes turning toward her, she yanked down her bonnet again.
Sure enough, the women turned to look.
“Oh my, are you okay over there?”
“Y-Yes, I’m fine.”
“She looks young. Even if you like ice cream, eating too much cold food early in the day is no good!”
“Yes, thank you. I’m really fine.”
One woman called a staff member.
“Bring her some warm water or a refreshing tea. I’ll pay for it.”
Riden turned slightly and nodded.
“Thank you, madam.”
“Skipping breakfast and eating ice cream first thing… just like my own daughter!”
Once Riden had quieted, they resumed their conversation.
“Baron Florence is that infamous harasser, right? What’s the real goal here?”
“Well, he does have two sons. I heard the second one is especially mysterious and beautiful—said to look just like the baron.”
“Oh right! Wasn’t he the diplomat?”
“Yes! They say he negotiates with just his face.”
“Oh my!”
Laughter erupted, and then someone reignited the conversation.
“But a salon like this—it’s kind of needed, isn’t it?”
“Yes. How long do mothers of daughters have to tiptoe around mothers of sons?”
“Should we go? I’m curious about that harasser baron.”
One woman considered seriously.
“Honestly, Baron Florence isn’t a bad match. It’s not like the only good men in the world are princes and dukes.”
As Riden’s nausea settled, she pondered their words.
‘Baroness Florence was a villain. I remember her crimes from the original novel clearly.’
‘Still… why do I hate her this much?’
She wasn’t the type to dislike people easily. But just hearing the name “Baroness Florence” filled her with rage!
Probably because, in the novel, she never hosted a salon.
And her sons weren’t even mentioned.
‘Don’t tell me… she’s doing all this because I didn’t give her any villainous tasks?’
She’s supposed to earn money through wicked deeds. But since Riden never triggered them, there’s no income stream.
So now she’s trying to get dowries through marriage?
‘This is like a butterfly effect from my transmigration…’
If someone falls for the Baroness’s trap at that salon, would it be Riden’s fault?
She shook her head.
‘Everyone’s responsible for their own choices.’
‘Anyone smart enough won’t fall for that shady bait.’
‘Even if they do, it’s not my fault.’
As she tried to reassure herself, a soft voice caught her attention.
“Shall we go together?”
It was one of the older women speaking to the young noble girl.
The girl nodded with curious eyes.
‘No! Mother, you’re sending your daughter straight into the fire!’
Riden screamed inside, but said nothing.
‘If a kid like me said something, they’d accuse me of spreading rumors.’
Better to stay quiet.
But just then, a familiar name surfaced.
“By the way, Adelle, do you like the outfit we got tailored?”
‘Adelle?’
Riden glanced over at the mother and daughter, her face full of concern.
