Chapter 136: Chapter 136

TL: Zimming

All of the guests have witnessed Elizabeth’s rudeness firsthand. So all of them are on my side.

‘Ah, what a perfect party.’

I giggled inwardly as I saw Princess Ingrid blushing without even looking at my dad.

***

“Elizabeth!”

Back in Nodelli’s mansion, Ingrid knocked on her daughter’s tightly closed door.

“Won’t you come out right now?!”

“What’s with the fuss?”

Marquis Nodelli frowned and said after seeing his angry wife.

“She’s crying as soon as she gets back from the party. What the hell did that Dubbled girl do to my daughter……!”

“It’s your daughter who did something. Or else, why would the children flip their teacups?”

“What? How dare those girls—!”

Marquis Nodelli, who is a grumpy man, naturally roared. A large number of families who had good relations with the Nodelli attended the Dubbled party after all.

‘Those ignorant children.’

All they understand is how to sip tea, how stupid. He’ll have to tell them who their father is under.

‘I need to sort this out to them.’

“Elizabeth’s whining didn’t happen only today, but you’re her mother, you should have protected her…”

Princess Ingrid’s face hardened when Marquis Nodelli clucked his tongue.

“You didn’t even see anything. Do you have any idea what a terrible thing your daughter has said to Lady Dubbled?”

“I don’t know, but I’m sure it’s the harsh truths.”

“It’s because you never properly discipline her, in front of Theodore I……!”

“What did you say? Theodore?”

Marquis Nodelli’s face hardened. Princess Ingrid bit her lips and turned her head.

“Why? Do you want to break up with me this time and become the mistress of Dubbled? Like 10 years ago, begging the Duke of Dubbled for his wife’s seat? So you put Theodore Dubbled’s daughter before yours?”

“Philip Nodelli!”

Princess Ingrid glared at her husband, her face red due to humiliation.

“I guess so. It’s my fault again, I shouldn’t have been born!”

Marquis Nodelli turned his back as if he didn’t want to talk anymore.

“Where are you going! You’re always like this. If you love me with all your heart……!”

“Didn’t I say it was all my fault? The princess is right, so the scum is leaving. Damn it.”

Marquis Nodelli left, Ingrid sank to the ground and covered her eyes with one hand.

At that time, Elizabeth, who was in the room, threw whatever she could grab.

Crash-!!

The child became even more irked hearing the sound.

‘It’s all because of these insensitive idiots. How dare they do that in front of me……no, no. This is what a vicious orphan girl made all of them do.’

Elizabeth, who gritted her teeth, went to her bedside table.

She grabbed a small medicine bottle which was given by his father’s friend that wore a black hat

‘You’re in trouble. Leblaine.’

The child’s gaze became wicked.

****

A week later, I looked at the invitations from the ladies who attended my party happily.

“There is an invitation from Hadeloro and Ragnos family.”

When I wrapped my hands around my red cheeks, the chairman, who was looking over documents on the other side, smiled.

“Do you like it that much?”

I could see a beautiful future in front of me as my eyes sparkled.

‘Suwon, hurry up and come here into my hands.’

I took out the most luxurious envelope out of the invitation and put it down on the table.

“Huh, it’s an invitation from the empress.”

The chairman, who squinted, added in a low voice.

“……Virtual Battle Winner Perks.”

“Yes. It must be about the prince’s enlistment, I’m starting to see what they’ve been postponing due to the Vallua incident and the attack on the nobles.”

“Since you chose Prince Adrian, Empress Yvonne must be anxious.”

“I’m not the only one who is invited. Other nobles were also invited. Of course, Nodelli as well.”

“Of course, if they invite you, you and I know what they’re trying to do.”

I tapped the invitation and giggled with a mischievous look.

Days flew by and finally it was the day for the empress’ tea party.

I started getting ready early in the morning, and at the request of the empress, I visited the palace earlier than others. It was Johann who came with me.

Before getting off the carriage, Johann warned me of a few things.

“No matter what the empress says, don’t give her a definite answer.”

“Yes.”

“Alright.”

“But do I look like a good kid today?”

I twirled in front of Johann, shining my eyes. For today’s ‘purpose’, I should not look too haughty or simple.

Johann narrowed his eyes.

“Same as usual.”

“Really?”

“You look cute as usual.”

Johann smiled slightly and patted my head.

Somehow my face became red. Looking at Johann like this, I could see why a “Loving Johann Society” exists.

Johann reached his hand out to me, as we entered the palace together.

‘It’s very luxurious.’

The splendor of the Imperial Palace is a little overwhelming, even though I’m used to the luxuries of the Dubbled family.

“Welcome Lord and Lady. My name is Audrey Noshae, the maid of the imperial palace.”

“Hello, maid Noshae.”

The smiling maid bent her knees a little.

“You’re a lot more lovelier up close. I admired your outstanding performance in virtual battle.”

‘I’m familiar with her.’

It’s a great thing to have someone familiar in this place.

But that doesn’t mean I have a good feeling towards her.

Audrey is an elegant and beautiful middle-aged woman yet I didn’t feel good when I saw her even though she treated me respectfully.

Then again, It’s not like I get this feeling suddenly, I also met Audrey in my previous life.

I hid my true feelings and said cheerfully, “Thank you!”

Me and Johann headed to the empress’ drawing room, guided by Audrey.

As we went inside, I saw the empress sitting in a luxurious chair.

Johann greeted her first.

“I greet the empress.”

“Welcome, children of Dubbled. I’ve been waiting. Come on, sit here.”

The empress shook our hand, so we straightened up and sat in the seat she pointed to.

‘Six teacups?’

We arrived much earlier than tea party time at the behest of the empress. But there are six teacups. Is there anyone else who would come?

While I was wondering, I heard a knock.

“I greet the Emp…… Lord Dubbled.”

Marquis Nodelli, who was coming in with a big smile, frowned as soon as he saw Johann, who was so similar to father that he is considered father’s miniature.

‘Ugh.’

Why are they here so early? Princess Ingrid and Elizabeth, as well as Marquis Nodelli, were coming in together.

“Sit down here.”

The Nodelli family members, Johann and I looked at each other with a sour look.

Marquis Nodelli’s face was completely distorted, though we did not express our displeasure.

“Lord Dubbled, if I had known you wanted a meeting in advance, I wouldn’t have come so early.”

Despite her words, the empress kept a smile.

“I called the lord early on purpose. I heard there was something going on between Lady Nodelli and Dubbled. Her Majesty is very worried.”

Elizabeth was trying to smirk and snort, but when she saw Johann, she held it in.

‘She must have been ashamed of what happened last time, huh?’

She didn’t chase him blatantly like before. But she still couldn’t erase her shy expression. Elizabeth hurried up and sat next to Johann. As it was a round table, it was possible to take the next seat.

“Miss Nodelli looks very cute today.”

“Call me Elizabeth as usual, empress! You’re always so friendly!”

Elizabeth glanced at me proudly. I shook my head inside.

‘Stupid, the empress knows everything and is blaming you.’

Please don’t embarrass yourself.

Elizabeth smiles knowing nothing, but the Nodelli couple’s expression is not good.

I covered the rising edge of my mouth with the teacup.

“Both of you are the same age. Miss Nodelli and Dubbled should have a nice relationship.”

The empress wanted to reconcile me with Elizabeth. She must have thought about it. But even though I hate Elizabeth, I won’t hate the people associated to her when they did nothing.

‘It must be related to Prince Andre’s enlistment.’

I bowed my head, unlike Elizabeth, who had an unpleasant expression.

“I’m ashamed to have troubled the empress, who must have been busy with your affairs.”

“Oh my god, how can Miss Dubbled be so polite? The more I met you, the more I like you.”

Elizabeth jerked, turned her head and stared at me. I guess she’s surprised that I get a compliment from the empress.

“I want to go to the bathroom.”

When Elizabeth rose from her seat, Marquis Nodelli also got up.

“Me too.”

Princess Ingrid, who was left alone, was in a bad mood the whole time. Her expression was so bad that Empress Yvonne even said.

“Princess, let’s talk separately.”

“……Yes.”

The empress asked Johann for understanding and rose from her seat with Princess Ingrid.

‘Now, let’s find a way to completely destroy Marquis Nodelli.’

“Brother, I want to go to the bathroom too.”

“Alright.”

After sneaking out of the drawing room, I pretended to go to the bathroom and headed to the place where the Marquis Nodelli is.

‘The Marquis is a fool, so if I provoke him a little…… ah, I’m so excited.’

While I was thinking so,

“Hey, what if someone saw us?”

I could hear the voice of Audrey, the empress’ maid.

“Let’s do it before someone come here.”

“Alright.”

I watched Marquis Nodelli stroking Audrey’s waist as he said so.

‘As expected, it’ll be easy, isn’t it?’