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HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Kie]
[Proofreader - Starfall ]
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Chapter 40: Someone Else? Who?
“If you find it difficult to speak in front of Lady Arsene, it's alright. You can tell us later in private which merchant guild it was, and we'll make sure to avoid the Arsene Merchant Group.”
Observing a young lady raising her voice as if to ensure Selina could hear, Selina chuckled nonchalantly and said, "Why bother whispering behind my back? Even if I knew the merchant group, I have no right to stop your purchases. I'm merely asking because I'd like to learn something new. There are many fine merchant groups out there, and I'm eager to observe and learn from them."
"That's a commendable attitude towards learning."
"Perhaps you should start by learning basic manners."
"Exactly. You should learn not to resort to violence against others."
As if unaffected by such remarks, Selina turned back to Ingrid and inquired, "From which merchant group did you purchase it? Or could it be a gift from someone present here? Is that why you're unsure of its origin?"
Ingrid chuckled inwardly.
'For once, I thought she was trying to put me in a difficult spot. It seems she's just trying to play the villain again today.'
Ingrid, who had been at a loss for words, saw Selina's question as an opportunity and seized it.
"Actually, that's the case. It was a gift from someone who isn't here, so I don't know which merchant group it's from. I apologize for not being upfront earlier due to the many eyes watching."
However, her words caused the faces of the followers to harden.
Selina, maintaining her relaxed smile, said, "I see. I was hoping to learn something new today, but it's a shame. Still, let me offer a piece of advice. It would be best not to wear that accessory that reminds people of the color of your eyes."
Leaving those words behind, Selina moved on to greet others.
Despite the negative rumors surrounding her, only a few openly shunned Selina.
Some refrained from slighting her due to the influence of the Arsene County, but most adhered to the aristocratic code of conduct.
Yesterday's enemy could become today's ally, and today's ally ould turn into tomorrow's adversary.
Such was the nature of high society.
'That's one of the reasons I accepted the villain contract.'
When she first accepted Eric's proposal, Selina had faith in the people she interacted with.
She believed these people wouldn't turn their backs on her just because of a few rumors.
'Clearly, Ingrid is unfamiliar with the rules of high society. It's not a tribute since it lacks the imperial emblem, and I've clarified it's not from the Arsene Merchant Group, ruling out Eric as the buyer. Items perfectly suited to the imperial family's taste aren't common.'
Observing the followers' expressions from a distance, Selina pondered.
'But saying it's a gift from someone who isn't here...'
Seeing the hardened expressions of the followers, Selina was convinced that she had successfully planted seeds of doubt.
'People usually exchange such gifts between lovers, so they won't suspect she received it from a woman. I initially sent it without revealing myself as the sender.'
Lost in thought, Selina was approached by a young lady who said, "Selina, you're here."
"Petra, thank you for the invitation."
The host of today's salon gathering was Count Rondell's family.
Petra Rondell and Selina had crossed paths at various social events, but their bond had strengthened recently.
'I had no idea that the Rondell family belonged to the Grand Duke’s faction.'
Selina had anticipated that there wouldn't be much opposition to her participation in the competition this time.
This was because she knew she had the support of nobles in the Grand Duke’s faction who operated discreetly, like the Rondell family.
According to the information she received through Cathy, many families from the Grand Duke’s faction were military families.
Fortunately, Selina had built good relationships at the academy and had a fairly good reputation among the military families.
"Do you think it will go according to plan?"
"We've only just started to shake things up. We'll need to do it a few more times. If those young ladies and gentlemen from the noble families have any sense, they won't blindly follow Lady Hazel anymore."
Petra nodded as she observed Selina speak calmly.
'Father's judgment was correct.'
Some of the families of the Grand Duke’s faction were aware of Selina's marriage to Janus and acknowledged her as the Grand Duchess.
However, not all Grand Duke supporters offered such blind allegiance.
Many preferred to wait and see.
After all, if she were truly a good person, she wouldn't have done anything to tarnish her reputation in the first place.
'Surely Selina had her reasons. Perhaps the accusations of her pushing Lady Hazel are all misunderstandings. But if that's the case, why doesn't Lady Hazel step forward and clarify? It's as if she wants Selina to suffer.'
Petra's cold gaze shifted towards Ingrid.
Meanwhile, Ingrid sensed a subtle change in the atmosphere after Selina's departure.
"It seems they didn't like that I don't use the Arsene Merchant Group and yet own such luxurious items. I think I've earned their disapproval again. I don't know what to do now."
Ingrid said with a forlorn expression. Inwardly, she smiled, hoping that her followers would once again vent their frustrations at Selina on her behalf.
But then, she heard something unexpected.
"Lady, that's not what Lady Arsene meant."
'What? What did you say?'
Without even acknowledging Ingrid's bewildered expression, the young lady sighed deeply and left.
Then, a young gentleman mustered the courage to speak.
"I believe Lady Arsene's advice this time was sound."
'You should also consider the feelings of the Little Sun, Lady Hazel.'
Unable to fully express his thoughts, the young gentleman also departed.
Ingrid was taken aback.
This was a first for her since entering high society.
High society gatherings were meant for interactions among nobles.
Revealing who received what gifts from whom was a matter that required utmost discretion.
The nature of the gift and the giver could lead to inferences about relationships.
Such matters could significantly impact the reputation of unmarried young ladies, in particular.
Even Ingrid's actions of wearing a dress and accessories, claiming they were gifts from Crown Prince Eric, were not entirely proper.
However, thanks to the narrative of love transcending social status allowed Ingrid to maintain her image as a beautiful Baron’s daughter in the eyes of others.
For Ingrid Hazel, wearing an item likely received from a man other than Eric was a major disappointment to her followers.
'She's even worn that accessory multiple times.'
Ingrid's followers naturally kept track of her attire.
They'd often admire how Eric's gifts, such as the dress and accessories, accentuated Ingrid's charm or express surprise at how well a particular piece suited her.
The followers were always in awe of everything Ingrid wore.
The fact that she had already worn the accessory set Selina pointed out several times, and that she initially claimed to have bought it herself before admitting it was a gift from someone other than the Crown Prince, greatly disappointed Ingrid's followers.
'What's going on? Why has the mood shifted like this?'
Ingrid was clueless.
Typically, a chaperone accompanying a debutante would provide guidance on such matters, but Ingrid lacked such a figure.
Still, it hadn't been a problem at first.
This was because Ingrid had initially declined to attend gatherings, citing her lack of suitable attire and social standing.
However, the situation had now changed.
Whether she intended it or not, Ingrid had become the unofficial lover of the Little Sun, a figure of significant attention in high society.
As a result, people's expectations of her had naturally risen.
Ingrid had failed to grasp that with a change in status comes an increased need for learning and adaptation.
Observing the people around Ingrid quietly exchanging glances before dispersing, Selina took a sip of champagne.
'A heart as thin as ice is bound to shatter at the slightest impact.'
The thought of fewer complaint letters flooding the Arsene County brought a smile to Selina's face.
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HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Kie]
[Proofreader - Starfall ]
Join our Discord for release updates!
https://discord.com/invite/dbdMDhzWa2
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