[CHAPTER 62]
After Aizen ran out of my room as if escaping, my father cautiously opened the door, filling the empty space he left behind.
The moment he saw my face, he immediately said:
“I didn’t see anything earlier. My eyesight isn’t good because I’m getting old.”
“…I’m fine, Father.”
Thinking back, I had often walked in while Mother and Father were being affectionate.
So this must be how it felt. My cheeks still burn from embarrassment.
“Ahem. Then that’s a relief.”
“But Father, what brings you here?”
“Ah.”
Father hesitated and extended a hand from behind his back.
“…Take this. I picked it up on the way.”
It was a fairly large box with a ribbon. Could it be… a gift?!
I took it and checked inside. There was a charming little bag.
A slightly grayish sky blue with a ribbon decoration made of pearls and diamonds, and soft leather material.
“Oh my, what a pretty bag! Did you buy this for me?”
“Buy? No! I just happened to see it and brought it along!”
“Huh? You didn’t just take someone else’s without asking…?”
“No! It’s made by Maria-Weber!”
Father puffed up, embarrassed at being called out, then gestured for me to open it.
“Enough. Open the bag.”
“Yes.”
Inside were white and fresh flowers filling the bag.
“Wow…”
I loved flowers!
As I happily touched the soft petals, a small smile appeared on Father’s lips.
“Do you like it?”
“Yes! I love it! Thank you, I’ll use it well!”
“Don’t overdo it. If you get tired of it, tell me and I’ll get you another one.”
Father subtly hinted he would buy another bag by attaching a flower to mine.
Why was everything so good today?
I laughed genuinely with happiness.
* * *
Miriam woke me up at dawn, saying that for a party I needed to care for my skin and hair early.
Half-asleep, I let the maids work on me. Only when they were almost done did I fully wake.
I braided the side hair into a half-up style, secured with a floral pin, and wore chandelier-shaped earrings and a delicate necklace.
“Um, but these aren’t my accessories…”
“The Grand Dowager gave them to you. She said to wear them comfortably, so don’t worry.”
Miriam tucked stray hair behind my ear as she spoke.
I realized Mother owned such expensive earrings and necklace. Did she lend me her only set?!
Feeling grateful, I carefully adjusted the necklace.
“Now, let’s change into your dress.”
“Yes.”
With the maids’ help, I carefully changed without disturbing my makeup or hair.
The pale blue, floor-length dress with a full skirt was both bright and pure.
Sheer chiffon enveloped my body, and the neckline was decorated with a silver ribbon.
Diamond embroidery at the waist added subtle elegance.
Wearing it from head to toe felt different from the fitting—it suited me much better.
“You’re ready.”
“Thank you, everyone.”
I smiled in gratitude and stepped outside wearing a cloak to ride the carriage.
Naturally, a ring adorned my left hand and the bag hung from my right.
‘Alright, let’s go.’
Armed with Mother’s dress, Aizen’s ring, and Father’s bag, I headed to the party.
As a well-known socialite, the area near the Wagner Marquis house was bustling with guests’ carriages.
After visiting several times, the Marquis’s butler, recognizing me, guided me to a less crowded rear entrance.
The cold wind brushed my cheeks. Inside the specially made cloak, I felt warm despite the thin dress.
I walked with Greta toward the party entrance. Voices filtered through the slightly open door.
“Did you hear? The Marchioness of Kreutz signed a huge merchant contract in the capital!”
“Really? How can a humble family like Kreutz do that…?”
“Their family is incompetent, and the marquis is terminally ill. So the marchioness is known for making money on her own.”
Not true. My family was competent and never treated me badly.
There may have been minor conflicts, but I was never hated like Cinderella.
“Still, the marchioness is capable. Think about the people who recovered after taking her medicine.”
“Eh, that can’t be true. Probably just a rumor, or maybe the business failed and the story got twisted.”
“Oh, that could be! Maybe they spread false rumors themselves out of shame?”
Ah, so they were spreading bad rumors about me.
When I sensed it, I could no longer tolerate it. I handed the cloak to Greta and entered.
At my entrance, people fell silent. Countless eyes were fixed on me as I reached the center of the hall.
I tried to maintain the posture of a noblewoman.
Nelle, with a welcoming smile, approached.
“Welcome, Jena. You look so beautiful today! I’m really surprised.”
“Oh, really? Hehe, I tried harder because it’s your invitation, Nelle.”
Smiling proudly, I whispered to Nelle.
“Karin hasn’t arrived yet. Shall we greet others first?”
Nodding, she guided me to a group of noblewomen nearby.
These were the ones who had whispered about my supposed failed business.
They flinched and looked uncomfortable upon seeing me.
“Everyone, this is my friend, Jena, the Marchioness of Kreutz.”
“Hello, nice to meet you.”
I placed my hand on my chest and greeted them; they awkwardly bowed.
They didn’t want to talk to me but couldn’t, as Nelle was right beside them.
One of them glanced at my dress and asked rudely:
“Excuse me, Marchioness. The dress you’re wearing… did you buy it yourself?”
As others stared, I smiled proudly and replied:
“My mother bought it for me. She said it would suit me well.”
“Really? Can I take a closer look?”
She nervously touched the sleeve of my dress and gasped.
“Impossible…”
“What? Oh, my mother’s taste is incredible! I’m just grateful she always cares for me.”
Though not extremely expensive, the dress carried Mother’s affection.
Displaying it confidently, no one could speak.
Meanwhile, I had Greta retrieve the business cards from my bag.
One noblewoman’s eyes widened suddenly.
“That bag… is it made by Maria-Weber?”
“Yes, I think so. Father said he picked it up and gave it to me recently.”
I didn’t know Maria-Weber, but remembered Father mentioning the name.
I handed the bag back to Greta and distributed my business cards as the owner of the Jena Trading Company.
Self-promotion is always important; you never know who could become a client or partner.
Someone cautiously asked:
“Excuse me, Marchioness… is it true you signed a major contract in the capital?”
“Yes. I worked hard and secured it myself.”
Since rumors were already spreading, I calmly confirmed it.
“Of course, it’s just the beginning. Whether the contract succeeds or not is uncertain, but I took the chance myself.”
This subtly showed that I hadn’t failed and wasn’t suddenly wealthy.
Those who eavesdropped nervously cleared their throats and stayed silent.
The questioner’s gaze then shifted to the ring on my left hand.
“That ring…”
“Ah, this is my husband’s new wedding ring. Pretty, isn’t it?”
I smiled, showing proof that my husband was competent and loved me.
Now, everyone was completely speechless, staring at me.
It was clear that the contradictory rumors about me would finally die down.
* * *
Finally, Karin joined us. The three of us chatted with several guests, but I soon felt tired and stepped out to the terrace.
Socializing is fun but also stressful.
‘I’ll rest for a moment.’
But I couldn’t relax.
Someone opened the terrace door and disturbed my rest.
“Marchioness of Kreutz.”
“You are… the Viscountess Rotier.”
I scanned the girl glaring at me.
Ruby Rotier.
She was the former right-hand of the late Viscountess Hoffman and now seeking her position.
She had attacked me at the Calad banquet, sticking close to Viscountess Hoffman.
