Chapter 4
“How can you be so clueless?”
There was no polite greeting. The moment Sophia saw Aisha, she snapped. Aisha stared at her silently. Unlike when she faced Ian, her eyes were calm.
“It’s been a while, Sophia.”
Aisha greeted her first. Despite her red-rimmed eyes, her voice was composed. Sophia, clearly annoyed by the unexpected calmness, bit her lip and glared even harder.
“Is this really the time to exchange pleasantries?”
“I don’t understand why you’re so angry, Sophia.”
Despite Sophia’s sharp tone, Aisha remained unshaken. She straightened her back and spoke slowly. Sophia, with arms crossed, tilted her chin proudly. Her vibrant red dress complemented her golden hair and emphasized her natural arrogance.
“Hah! This is why nobles in name only are a problem. No sense of manners or consideration.”
Aisha’s expression hardened slightly. “Nobles in name only”—a phrase used by aristocrats to insult those from families with shorter histories.
Unlike the Lloyd Marquess family of Ian and Sophia, which had existed since the founding of the Caesar Empire, the Parden Count family that Aisha belonged to had only been listed in the noble registry for just over a hundred years. In the capital, where the aristocracy was deeply rooted, such a short lineage was often looked down upon.
However, the Parden family was one of the wealthiest in the empire and held significant political influence. Aisha’s father, Graham Parden, was an official in the Imperial Treasury and a respected member of the Central Aristocratic Assembly. Her eldest brother, Edward, served as a close aide to Crown Prince William, while her second brother, Daniel, was such a capable knight that he was considered commander material at the young age of 24. And her twin brother Arthur? He was a promising scholar, sought after by the capital’s most prestigious academy.
So while their lineage was short, no one openly insulted the Parden family. It was a house with clear potential to rise even higher—no one had reason to antagonize them.
But Sophia was different. Her Lloyd family was an ancient one, aligned with the imperial family since the founding of the empire. Although they had faced a temporary crisis after the sudden deaths of her parents, their position as one of the most prestigious houses remained unshaken. Accustomed to admiration and privilege, Sophia took immense pride in her lineage.
Her current outburst at Aisha stemmed from that pride. At this party, the spotlight was supposed to be on her and Ian of the Lloyd family. But because the Parden family had donated the most to the charity event, attention shifted toward them.
That infuriated Sophia. How dare a mere century-old family steal the spotlight with just a few coins? Her pride bruised, she dragged Ian into the matter to strike at Aisha.
“This was Ian’s and my first event after returning from our trip. But when your Parden family attends, including you, the attention gets divided.”
As expected, Aisha’s expression faltered at the mention of Ian. Sensing it, Sophia pressed further.
“Besides, Ian brought another partner tonight. If you show up, people might criticize him morally.”
“…”
“Don’t take this personally. It’s not like you and Ian are officially engaged. Sure, the topic has come up, but nothing’s been finalized. So showing up and dragging Ian into unnecessary gossip—it’s a disservice to him and the Lloyd family.”
Sophia knew just how much her words could hurt. She knew the state of Ian and Aisha’s relationship and how things stood with their engagement. But she didn’t feel even a twinge of guilt.
“Pretending to be noble. Trying to take a place that’s not yours. Hmph!”
Sophia had disliked Aisha since childhood. Their parents had urged them to get along, but she always found Aisha unbearable—especially after Aisha’s parents died and she came under the protection of the Parden family. As Sophia got older, she became more blatant in her bullying.
“…Yes. I was careless.”
Aisha muttered quietly as Sophia reveled in her superiority. Thinking she had won, Sophia decided to press even harder.
“That’s it? If you realize you were wrong, how about a proper apology? Lower your head, say sorry sincerely. Standing there all stiff just makes it more awkward. Do I need to teach you even that?”
Sophia wanted to see Aisha bow her head. That would help heal the pride she’d lost at the party. But after admitting her carelessness, Aisha simply stared at her. Sophia, frustrated at Aisha’s refusal to act humiliated, lashed out again.
“As if being involved with your family isn’t uncomfortable enough… You really think our noble Lloyd family should associate with a house that barely has a proper history? Parden has no class—whether it’s the people or the family itself.”
“I haven’t done anything to apologize for, Sophia.”
The more Sophia spoke, the calmer Aisha looked. Her sky-blue eyes held a quiet fury as she clasped her hands together. Her voice was firm.
“What? You just said you were in the wrong!”
“I’m sorry the situation caused discomfort. But I have no intention of apologizing to you, nor do I believe I should. And stop insulting the Parden family. It’s becoming unpleasant to listen to.”
Aisha didn’t back down, and that infuriated Sophia. Clenching her teeth, she went for the low blow again.
“Would you still say that if Ian were the one confronting you?”
“…Of course. The Parden family contributed significantly to this charity event. So everyone from our family, including myself, has every right to be here.”
Aisha hesitated for a second but then nodded. Ian had hurt her more than Sophia ever could in recent years, but at least he never insulted her family in front of her. That slight hesitation, however, was enough fuel for Sophia.
“As if. You can’t even breathe around Ian!”
“…”
“Does Ian know? That the girl who cries and begs for engagement in front of him dares to act so arrogant in front of me, his younger sister and the only daughter of the Lloyd family?”
“…”
“Aisha, you should get this straight. I will never recognize you as my brother’s wife or the mistress of the Lloyd family. A hundred years ago, you wouldn’t even have been good enough to carry my washbasin, let alone be my maid.”
Aisha didn’t bother responding—those words weren’t worth it. But the accusation that she begged for engagement stung. The issue had remained stagnant for three years, and she was the only one trying to move it forward.
As Aisha’s expression clouded with sadness, Sophia’s green eyes gleamed with satisfaction. She opened her mouth to strike once more, but just then, two men entered the lounge.
“What’s all this noise?”
It was Daniel and Arthur. Sophia flinched at the sight of them. Unlike Aisha, whom she considered easy to torment, she was terrified of the Parden men—especially Daniel.
Daniel, who was very protective of his sister, had personally retaliated against Sophia for bullying Aisha. Once, when they were younger, Sophia pushed Aisha into a puddle and Daniel shoved her right in after, making her fall in front of everyone. Covered in mud, she couldn’t even cry from the shock.
“…Long time no see, gentlemen of House Parden.”
Trying to hide her fear with pride, Sophia lifted her chin and greeted them first. But Daniel didn’t respond. Standing with a sharp gaze, he looked her up and down with open disapproval.
Embarrassed by his clear disdain, Sophia’s face flushed. Then Arthur stepped forward politely and bowed.
“Lady Sophia. It has been a while.”
Daniel gave his brother a displeased look, but regardless, Sophia managed to maintain her pride and gave a slight nod. Their eyes met briefly.
“It’s only proper that I give your family some space. Until next time, Aisha.”
Unlike her dramatic entrance, Sophia’s exit was graceful and polite. Aisha gave her a faint nod in return. Whatever she made of it, Sophia left with a scoff and a twisted expression.
“What did she say to you?”
Daniel, who had been on guard until Sophia left, approached Aisha. Looking at her brother’s worried face, she shook her head and replied with a drained voice.
“…Daniel. I’m sorry, but let’s go home. I just want to rest.”
