Chapter 86

And so, the day of Charlotte's tea party arrived. I put on the dress and accessories that Lord Zain had given me and was being jostled in the carriage.

"Miss Grace, you look absolutely beautiful! As expected of my brother, he really understands you well."

Across from me, Mariabel clasped her hands and smiled happily.

Today's dress was a soft lemon color, with elaborate lace and delicate floral embroidery that accentuated its cuteness. The hair ornament and earrings matched the dress, adding to its elegance.

At my neckline, the yellow diamond necklace that Lord Zain had given me earlier sparkled.

"Thank you, I'm glad you think so."

—Since I decided to stop trying to make Lord Zain dislike me, I no longer needed to pretend to be a villainess. I intended to stop wearing garish primary colors and applying makeup that made my face look harsh.

Just that change alone significantly altered my impression, and since I had decided to live by Lord Zain's side, I hoped to gradually erase the bad image I had in society.

Eventually, we arrived at the Clive Viscount's residence, and I stepped out of the carriage, looking up at the charming, all-white mansion that seemed to come straight out of a fairy tale.

Thinking that it was perfect for the heroine's family, I entered the grounds with Mariabel, guided by a maid, feeling nervous.

"Wow..."

The garden was also charming and beautiful, fitting Charlotte perfectly.

As we moved further in, a white table was set up with a lavish spread of dishes and sweets, and about fifteen young ladies were already present.

It felt more like a garden party than a tea party, and I was surprised by the larger scale than I had imagined.

"Oh, Miss Grace, you really came."

"You seem so different... I almost didn't recognize you."

The young ladies, who had been chatting happily, noticed me and frowned noticeably. Their expressions clearly showed their dislike for Grace Sentsberry.

I had been subjected to such looks before, but feeling it from everyone present made me break out in a cold sweat.

Perhaps the rumor of my affair with Ranhart while dating Lord Zain had worsened my image even more.

"That's Miss Dana over there. She's very kind and has been helping me for a long time."

"Is that so? I'd like to greet her later."

The angelic Mariabel, noticing my unease, pointed to a beautiful woman in a pink dress standing a little away.

Her lavender hair suited her well, and she was a young lady of a marquess family like me.

If Mariabel said she was kind and wonderful, she must be, and I decided to try to befriend her. I resolved to muster the courage to speak to her later.

"Miss Grace, Miss Mariabel, thank you for coming!"

In the midst of this, Charlotte, with an adorable smile, ran over. As always, she was so cute and dazzling, the very image of a novel's heroine.

At the same time, the loving expression she used to have for Lord Zain flashed in my mind, but I gripped my hands tightly and forced a smile.

"Thank you for inviting me today."

I offered a formal thank you for the invitation. Mariabel, who followed me in greeting, bowed beautifully, and I couldn't help but admire the dignity of a duchess's daughter.

"I've always admired the beautiful and dignified Miss Grace! I'm so happy you could come!"

Her unexpected words surprised me, but from the way she clasped her hands and spoke with enthusiasm, it seemed genuine.

She had also said "beautiful" and "admired" when I was with Ranhart before, perhaps drawn to someone completely different.

I immediately found the answer to my biggest question: why I was invited.

"Thank you."

"There's no need for formalities. Please call me Charlotte."

I remembered that I used to pretend to be a villainess, speaking without formalities and in a strong tone. My sudden change in attitude might have seemed strange.

"Please enjoy yourself."

I was curious about her feelings for Lord Zain and the power of the saint, but I couldn't ask directly. All I could do was watch as she went to greet others again.

Hoping for another chance to talk to her later, two young ladies approached us.

"Miss Mariabel, it's been a while. I'm so happy to see you."

"Yes, it's been a while."

"You're so lovely, I thought you were a fairy."

They completely ignored me and continued talking only to Mariabel.

"Today, I came with Miss Grace Sentsberry. Would you like an introduction?"

"No, I know Miss Grace very well."

"Yes, yes. We were very much in your debt before."

Mariabel tried to introduce me, but it seemed they had had trouble with Grace in the past. Their prickly words and attitudes clearly showed they didn't want to be involved.

Grace must have been entirely at fault.