Chapter 26

Since I had it checked in advance, I know everyone who is coming today.

Well, it'll be fine somehow. Indeed, there are some high-ranking people, but compared to me, their status is lower. After all, I am a duchess.

There are only a handful of people with a status that can match mine.

So, I boldly entered the scene.

I held a fan in my hand, covering my mouth. My eyes were cheerful, but I didn't forget to be intimidating.

It's a smile I've practiced extensively with Ragnarot.

I'm hiding the fact that my mouth is twitching with the fan, so I hope no one notices.

By the way, these specially made, high-heeled shoes are really hurting my feet.

I wonder who they're supposed to attack... Ah!

I just realized, I should have stepped on my husband's foot with these just now!

I mean, it would definitely hurt.

Hehehe, if there's a next time, I'll definitely do it!

Imagining that made me smile, and a considerate child offered me a seat.

Ah, it's Michelle.

You're quite a good child, aren't you?

I know all about you.

While I was a laughingstock in society, you only looked at me a bit unhappily, without trying to help or mock me.

I don't like socializing, but I love observing people.

"So? By whose permission are you doing this? Elise, I don't recall giving you permission, do I?"

I moved my skirt gracefully and confidently, showing that I have the authority over the household.

I glared at her with a smile, as if to say, "What are you, a mere lodger, doing here?" Elise seemed to realize that I was the maid from the other day.

My hair is several times more beautiful than it was then, so I wasn't sure if she would recognize me, but she did.

Her mouth twisted slightly.

"Oh, how dare you pretend to be the lady of the house! A maid like you has no right to speak to me like that... Know your place! You're not even a noble, and you think you've become one just because my husband is a bit kind to you? How disgraceful!"

She laughed, pretending to be calm, but her eyes weren't smiling.

"Elise, but this person is now—"

"She is a maid of the Lindvold Duke's household. I apologize for the disruption caused by this uncultured and uncivilized person. It's embarrassing, and I take full responsibility as the one in charge of the household."

Ugh, this is so troublesome.

I wish my husband would come to my rescue now.

I would be very grateful, my lord.

It's pointless to explain to someone who won't understand.

But since I said I would do it, I'll do it properly.

Besides, it's starting to be fun. Being a villain can be enjoyable too. I'll thoroughly punish her.

I changed my mindset and looked around at the nobles.

I need to make it clear to those who are watching with great interest.

If I'm underestimated here, it will have repercussions later. It's nothing like what happened with Lady Miriam.

Ah, it would be much easier if everyone were as perceptive as Michelle. Well, it doesn't matter if insignificant people don't understand. I won't have to deal with them again anyway.

I closed my fan with a satisfying snap and played with it in my hand.

"Elise, even if you're a bit slow, there are things you can and cannot say. I am the second daughter of the Verdigo Earl's family, who has officially married the Duke of Lindvold, Risha Lindvold. What did you just say to me, a mere lodger? Everyone heard it, didn't they? Associating with someone like this... It seems the people here are of the same kind."

There was a murmur among the crowd.

I understand.

They all know what I used to look like.

With the help of a maid with the divine touch and a very expensive dress, even someone a bit lacking can become a goddess.

Hehehe.

"W-What are you saying—"

"Even a pitiful existence like you daring to say such things to me... It makes me think. But perhaps it's for the best? There are unmarried men here, and I can arrange a marriage for you. Since the duchess herself is arranging it, you can't refuse, can you? My husband will surely be pleased."

"Don't joke with me! A mere maid daring to challenge me!? And your makeshift manners... It's truly disgusting. You're an eyesore to everyone. Get out of here!"

Really?

Even after all that, you still don't believe me?

What should I do? I'd like to peek into her mind, but it's probably filled with unrealistic dreams.

This is frustrating.

My husband is terrible. Why didn't he tell me she was this bad?

And makeshift manners.

Yes, they are, but I worked very hard to pass Ragnarot's test.

It was really difficult.

So it's understandable that I'm a bit irritated.

"Elise, if my manners are so unbearable, then you are an unbearable existence. Criticizing my manners, which are far superior to yours, shows a lack of discernment. And your clothing... It's so vulgar, it makes me question your taste. What do you think, Michelle?"

I asked Michelle, who was standing behind me.

I understand that she wants to get closer to influential people as a noble, but Michelle doesn't need to do that.

She already leads a major faction.

There's no need for her to team up with such a minor character, so she will surely speak clearly.

Of course, she cares about the host of the tea party, but it's only natural to care more about those of higher status.

"You're right. I think the same. The Duchess of Lindvold, Elise is a bit overconfident, but she is a viscount's daughter. It's understandable that she has dreams. Guiding such people to the right path is also the duty of those in higher positions."

I see.

So, you're not interested in being friends with Elise, and you came here to remind her of her place.

Let's leave it at that.

"Michelle, you!"

"Elise, for a mere viscount's daughter with no assets or backing, to call the daughter of a marquis by her first name... What kind of perspective do you have? It seems you don't understand the concept of status. Did you think you became a duchess's daughter just because you lived in the Lindvold household?"

It's really troublesome dealing with such an overconfident fool.

Even Michelle is exasperated.

Sorry for involving you.

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