Chapter 25

The annex is now a scene of splendor.

Guests arrive one after another, and the tea party has already begun.

"Lady Elise, what a beautiful garden this is."

"Yes, I chose this garden for today, but the main residence has an even more magnificent one. I would like to invite you there sometime."

Everyone laughs, hiding their mouths.

Though they may have various thoughts behind the scenes, they are carefully probing to determine who is the true mistress of the Lindveldt Duke's household.

Everyone knows that the head of the Lindveldt Duke's household has not even approached the main residence since his marriage.

And they also know what kind of person his marriage partner is.

Elise, the viscount's daughter, took on the attitude of the Lindveldt Duke's official wife the moment the princess's anger shifted to the official wife after she appeared.

The fact that Claude Lindveldt, the head of the household, does not stop her is seen in society as proof that he loves her.

However, in reality, no one knows the truth.

Elise herself does not know much about the daughter of the Berdigon Count's family, who has become the official wife, and has no information on what is happening inside the mansion.

The only true fact is that her mother still manages the household, and Elise benefits from this.

Otherwise, it would be impossible for a viscount's daughter with no fortune to host such a tea party, which requires a considerable amount of money.

Moreover, the fact that she has no hesitation in using the Lindveldt Duke's name suggests that she has a certain relationship with the head of the household, as everyone naturally assumes.

For this reason, they consider who to flatter.

The princess, in the end, did not marry Lord Claude, so even if she were to marry into a lower-ranking family than the Lindveldt Duke's, she would likely refuse and marry into another country.

This means that her influence in society will eventually decline.

Nobles consider who to flatter in such a situation.

Intrigue, strategy, and betrayal are the norms of the nobility.

Those invited to this tea party observe Elise carefully.

Today, she is wearing a deep crimson dress, which, by unspoken agreement, only the official wife of the Lindveldt Duke's household can wear.

She seems to love showy things, and her attire is so elaborate that it seems out of place, with a deep neckline.

It is rather vulgar, but no one says anything.

On the contrary, they all praise her, saying how beautiful and suitable it is.

Of course, Elise is pleased.

"Hehe, Lady Elise, I would love to see the garden at the main residence."

"Of course, I will invite you there next time."

Elise says this as if it were a given.

The tea party at the main residence is the domain of the official wife.

The fact that she is in a position to be allowed to do so will soon be known.

Perceptive nobles judge that it is best to maintain some connection and invite Elise.

"That's right, Lady Elise. I would like to invite you to our ball next time. If possible, with Duke Lindveldt."

The young lady who suggested this is a viscount's daughter like Elise, but her family's wealth is considerable.

"Oh, then I would like to invite you as well. I would like to become friends with you."

The next to speak was the daughter of a marquis.

Though she clearly does not genuinely want to be friends, it is best to have more allies. Even if the enemy is, as rumors suggest, an unremarkable woman, it takes a certain amount of influence to silence her. After all, she is a former count's daughter and is now officially recognized as Claude Lindveldt's official wife.

Elise, of course, smiles.

"Me too, me too," the others chime in, as if trying to outdo each other in praising Elise.

"Oh, thank you all. I would like to invite Lord Claude as well."

She smiles without a trace of unease, hiding her mouth with a fan.

As the tea is served, the conversation shifts rapidly.

Elise smirks, thinking she has successfully established her presence.

She was robbed of what she should have gained by a woman of no consequence, but she believes this is only temporary and looks forward to the future.

However, her thoughts soon turn dark as she thinks of that woman, a mere servant who dared to seduce the head of the household, a truly audacious woman.

Feeling the need to dispose of her soon, she is startled by the sound of someone approaching from behind.

Smiling, she turns around, but her movement stops.

"Oh, what is this gathering? I haven't heard anything about it?"

Her accusatory tone makes Elise's mouth open in shock and freeze.

Of course, the invited guests are also wide-eyed, just like Elise.

No one can do anything but fall silent at the sudden appearance of the person.

"Good afternoon, everyone. I was drawn by the cheerful voices and decided to join in. But what is this gathering today? I haven't received any reports at all."

Her shining golden hair is beautifully styled, and her clear, captivating blue eyes scan the room.

When their eyes meet, all the men invited to the tea party sigh in admiration, as if worshipping a goddess.

Her dignified presence and beautiful manners are on par with royalty, and her beauty is unmatched in society.

At the very least, if someone possessed such beauty, it would be impossible for it not to become a topic of gossip.

Amid the commotion of wondering who she is, everyone immediately notices the color of the dress she is wearing.

The top, starting from white, gradually darkens to a deep crimson.

Her elegant yet striking attire, along with the finest rubies adorning her neck and ears, leaves everyone in awe.

"Elise, is it? I haven't received any greetings from you, a servant's daughter, since I came here. What is this all about today? Who gave you permission to do this?"

The goddess of beauty stands tall, looking down at the seated Elise.

It is as if their positions are clearly defined.

Elise, still overwhelmed by the presence of this formidable figure, can only stare up in a daze.

"By the way, do I not have a seat?"

The marquis's daughter, who was sitting in the place of honor, quickly moves as if suddenly realizing.

"H-here..."

"Oh, thank you."

She sits down gracefully, as if it is her right.

Normally, it would be the host's duty to deal with an uninvited guest.

However, Elise can only follow the beautifully adorned noblewoman with her eyes.

In contrast, the marquis's daughter is truly impressive.

Even without knowing who the person is, she immediately recognizes that she is of a higher rank and acts accordingly.

"Oh, but I'm sorry to have taken your seat. Elise is so thoughtless, don't you think?"

"My name is Michelle of the Andret Marquis family. Please don't worry about me."

"Oh, Michelle? I like thoughtful people. We are about the same age, so please be friends."

Her greeting, which could be seen as arrogant, is acceptable from her.

"You might know, but I am Risha Lindveldt. Please be kind to me, everyone."

Everyone gasps and holds their breath at her beautiful smile.

They all notice that she is directing a sharp gaze at Elise, as if targeting her prey.

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