PHATFO 09

[Chapter 9]

“Huh? Excuse me?”

Though she was one of Camilla’s followers, she was attending the event as a promising young historian. It was only natural for her to be angry at Charlotte for mocking her area of expertise.

“That was too much. How could you mock something Amy carefully chose to bring?”

This time, Lady Myla spoke up.

“I didn’t mean to offend anyone. I was just worried that if the auction items weren’t up to standard, it might reflect badly on the host, the marquis. That’s all. But more importantly, my lady…”

Charlotte gently fanned herself, lowering her voice like she had found an interesting new prey.

“So, what item did you bring?”

“Huh? Why do you want to know?”

“I’m just curious.”

“…Fine, if you’re that curious—I brought a piece from the Carmiel Collection.”

In the Empire, some craftsmen were as famous as nobles. Carmiel was one of them. His accessories were so valuable that one could trade them for an entire estate.

“Well… it’s certainly expensive. But honestly, I don’t think it’s that impressive. I mean, anyone with money can get it, right? So…”

Charlotte tilted her head and tapped her chin with her fan.

“Entering something like that in an auction just feels… a bit cheap. Like you’re saying money is everything.”

That was an insult. Lady Myla’s father, Count Myla, was also the head of the massive trading company Hellemion.

“So you’re picking a fight now—?”

“That’s enough.”

Camilla, who had been observing quietly like a bystander, stepped forward.

Though she didn’t raise her voice, there was power in her tone. Everyone around her fell silent.

Even Charlotte. Though just for a moment, it stung her pride to be intimidated by Camilla. She glared at her.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Because I heard something ridiculous. How else am I supposed to look at you?”

Camilla clicked her tongue openly.

“From what I heard, it sounded like you’re saying only your efforts are valuable and everyone else’s aren’t. But everyone has different ways of showing effort.”

“She’s right—not every lady can paint.”

“This isn’t an artists-only event.”

“Making money is a skill too! Honestly, I think that’s even more impressive.”

The other ladies all chimed in. Though not directly attacking Charlotte, their comments were clearly critical.

“I was just expressing an opinion—for the sake of the marquis who’s hosting this event.”

Neither Camilla nor the others accepted that excuse.

“Lady Charlotte. No matter how nicely you dress up your words, if others felt offended, then what you said was inappropriate.”

“So what do you want me to do?”

“Apologize.”

“Why should I apologize when I did nothing wrong—?”

Charlotte had spoken boldly, but when Camilla’s shadow fell over her, she bit her lip.

Was it because she realized she was wrong?

No. Or maybe because she realized she couldn’t win against Camilla?

Also no.

“I was willing to let your rudeness toward me slide. I don’t mind setting aside my pride. But insulting the others just because they’re close to me? That’s crossing the line.”

Charlotte was just… overwhelmed.

Camilla was tall, strong, and imposing—like a man. Those who carry power don’t need to speak loudly to dominate a space. Charlotte had never faced someone stronger than herself before. She was terrified.

“I know you don’t like me. But if you really care about being a ‘lady,’ then maybe try acting like one and keep it to yourself. Don’t you think?”

Charlotte flinched but managed to regain her senses after a few moments.

Like a cornered animal, she suddenly shouted back and turned away.

“F-Fine! I’m sorry! Happy now?!”

It was like she had just realized staying here any longer would only hurt her pride.

“Stupid nobodies…”

But retreating with her tail between her legs wasn’t a great look either. So she threw out one last insult to salvage some shred of dignity.

Unfortunately, that final comment only made her look more pathetic as she stomped off toward the opposite wall—though she had no idea.

I didn’t follow her. I stood quietly where I was.

I had to show clearly that what she just did had nothing to do with me, and that I didn’t support her behavior.

A few minutes passed. I looked over at Camilla, who still hadn’t left, and gave her an awkward smile.

“Um… excuse me.”

Though she was currently stuck in the East, in just two years Camilla would rise to become the most famous knight in the Empire—backed by the emperor himself, and controlling the imperial army.

I had no intention of getting on her bad side.

“I know my apology can’t make up for Charlotte’s actions. And I know just saying sorry doesn’t erase the offense. But still…”

More than that, I really did feel a bit guilty and ashamed about what happened.

“I’m really sorry. For not stopping Charlotte earlier.”

“You…”

Camilla’s expression was difficult to read. But only for a second. She soon waved her hand.

“It’s fine. I’ll accept your apology. You can go now.”

“Thank you, Sir Aphella.”

I knew that she preferred being called ‘Sir’, not ‘Lady’. She even kept her relationship with the young duke secret for that reason.

“A powerful person’s lover rarely gets to keep their own name.”

Camilla looked surprised for a second, but said nothing as I walked away.

I returned to Charlotte.

“What took you so long? You should’ve followed me the second I walked off!”

She had left me behind, yet was snapping at me as soon as I came back.

She must’ve been rattled—running away like a defeated soldier had left her on edge.

“I was just… worried.”

“About what?”

Dragging out my words on purpose to provoke her a little more, I glanced toward the ladies.

“Um… the other ladies. Don’t you think you should be careful?”

“You’re taking their side now?”

“No, I just had a feeling…”

I mumbled for a bit, then shook my head like I’d made a mistake.

“No, never mind. Forget it.”

Of course, it wasn’t a real mistake. I just wanted to plant a seed of doubt in Charlotte’s mind.

And it worked.

“AAAAAH!”

Before the charity auction even began, Charlotte had gone to retrieve her painting from the storage room—only to find it ruined.

“My painting! My greatest masterpiece…!”

She immediately blamed Camilla’s followers for the sabotage.

“It was them! They ruined my painting! They did it to get back at me!”

The canvas was a total mess.

The frame was still intact, but the painting was torn from side to side. There were holes poked through it, and paint was smudged everywhere. It was obviously done on purpose.

Naturally, the accused noble ladies were outraged.

“Don’t be ridiculous. Why would I do something like that?”

“I can vouch for Amy. She was with me the entire time.”

“I was also with them,” Camilla added.

But Charlotte scoffed.

“And why should I believe you? You’re all close friends!”

“…What?”

“How do I know you didn’t all work together to destroy it?!”

“You’re being unbelievably rude!”

“Lady Charlotte, do you realize how insulting your words are?”

And so, the argument erupted. Even Camilla—normally composed—was visibly angry.

Eventually, all the noise drew in the young duke.

Seeing his lover involved in a messy situation, he approached to see what was going on.

“What is happening here?”

Charlotte ran straight to him, teary-eyed.

“L-Look at this, young duke! This is what happened to my painting! I spent so long working on it…”

“…”

“And yet they ruined it and are pretending they didn’t! How could they be so shameless?!”

Tears welled up in her eyes as she pleaded.

Charlotte was hoping the young duke would find the culprit—or at least stop the auction. If a scandal broke out around the charity event, she’d gain even more attention.

But the young duke just stood there, staring at her silently.

He was clearly remembering everything that had happened at his mansion.

To him, Charlotte was nothing but a liar—and nothing that came out of her mouth could be trusted.

“The young duke will never do what Charlotte wants.”