Chapter 35

Everyone is sparkling, as expected at a grand tea party hosted by the royal family.

It's different, somehow, the level of enthusiasm.

For the unmarried gentlemen and ladies, this is the best place for matchmaking.

There are giggles and playful laughter everywhere.

Mainly from the ladies.

I wonder why they are so desperate.

And when they see me, they look surprised and even a bit frightened. Why is that?

That's odd, I'm meeting most of you for the first time, right?

Please don't be so scared.

"What did you do?"

"Nothing at all."

I guess my husband noticed too.

But let me make it clear, I haven't done anything!

After all, I'm meeting most of these people for the first time.

There might be a reason, but it's not just me, right?

Probably the members of this tea party have spread rumors about me in society.

Saying that if I get angry, I'll force unwanted marriages.

I wouldn't do something that cruel.

Well, sometimes misfortune does strike, but it's not my fault. Don't get it wrong, okay? There's a saying, "What goes around comes around."

I laugh softly behind my fan.

My husband knows exactly what I'm doing, but it's not a problem.

Hey, husband! Why are you looking at me like I'm a pitiful child?

That's rude!

My husband lets out a light sigh and gestures for me to face forward.

"The host is here."

Today's host is the royal family, which means Her Majesty the Empress.

It's impossible for the princess to not attend a tea party hosted by her mother, the Empress.

They have a good relationship.

Her Majesty the Empress has orange hair and eyes, and today she is wearing a beautiful blue dress.

Having managed social events for nearly twenty years, her influence is immense, and it's clear she has put in the effort to match it.

The princess, who appeared with her, has bright red hair and orange eyes inherited from the Empress. She is very beautiful, but her eyes look mischievous, as if she's hunting prey.

She's not wearing a deep crimson dress, but a similar shade of red.

The gazes of the surrounding nobles shift frequently between my husband and me.

They're challenging us!

Even though I'm not good at socializing, this is obvious.

Ah... So I'm going to be hunted like a small animal by the princess...

Well, maybe it's okay to play it safe and run once.

My husband is here, after all.

If anything happens, please be my shield!

"Let's go."

"Yes."

I step forward with determination.

My husband is wearing formal work attire for the castle today, but it's still quite elegant. His chest pocket has a deep crimson handkerchief, and his cufflinks and other accessories are the same color.

I'm wearing a deep crimson dress made specially for today.

Deep crimson dresses are typically worn by duchesses, and usually for evening events.

I wore this today to make sure everyone can see it.

After all, only a few nobles know what I look like now.

They might not believe it otherwise.

I walk with my husband toward the host. As we approach, people part to make way for us.

The princess has noticed us and is looking this way.

Oh, the princess is glaring at me so intensely.

When a beautiful woman glares, it's quite intimidating.

I try to maintain a calm smile despite the tension.

My husband is subtly shielding me from the princess's gaze, definitely for my sake.

We have a good relationship! He cares about me! It's a performance.

If our relationship were bad, he might interfere.

But no one really knows the truth.

"Thank you for inviting us today. Due to my work, I haven't had the opportunity to introduce my wife, and I apologize for that. This is a good opportunity to introduce her. This is my wife, Reisha Lindveld."

"I am Reisha Lindveld. I have come from the Verdigo Earl's family to the Lindveld Duke's family."

I bow and wait for a response.

"Raise your head."

With the Empress's permission, I lift my head.

I feel a bit nervous being so close to the royal family.

I did meet the Emperor when I came of age, but I was just one of many young nobles, so this is the first time I'm this close to a royal.

Well, my husband is also a royal, but I'm used to it.

The Empress looks me up and down, her gaze sharp.

I understand why she might be upset, as I am the one who took her daughter's husband.

It's a bit scary to be disliked by a powerful woman in society, but it would be more enjoyable if it were happening to someone else.

"Well, well. You seem to resemble your mother. In terms of appearance, you are a good match for the Lindveld Duke's family, aren't you?"

She evaluates me in a condescending manner, focusing only on my appearance! It's a critical comment, but thank you!

Thanks to everyone, I've transformed in a way that even surprises me. It's very nice to be complimented on my appearance by a royal and to be told I resemble my mother.

Especially since, when I was in the Verdigo Earl's family, I was often told I looked like my plain father, so this is even more gratifying.

"Thank you for your kind words. I will support my husband and work to strengthen the Lindveld Duke's family. I will also look to Her Majesty the Empress and other noble ladies for guidance and improvement. I humbly request your advice and support."

I praise my husband and respond modestly and appropriately.

This is how a newly married wife should behave.

For now, it's better not to make enemies with the more experienced noblewomen.

If I can greet them and say I want to be friends, it will spread through the crowd.

"Oh, will you be friends with me too?"

The princess suddenly interrupts our conversation.

Hmm, you know this is a bit rude, right?

This is a formal event.

Even as mother and daughter, they should maintain a certain level of formality.

As I hesitate on how to respond, my husband speaks up to the princess.

"Perhaps you should start by changing your attire. Wearing a dress that is almost deep crimson at a social event is like making a statement about the Lindveld Duke's family. Surely, a royal like you wouldn't be unaware of such common sense?"

Wow.

My husband really said that.

The surrounding nobles are shocked.

The tension in the room increases.

I feel a bit of nervous sweat.

To criticize a royal in a public setting is quite bold. Is it because he's the Duke of Lindveld?

"Well, Claude. My daughter, Lindette, didn't mean any harm. Besides, red suits her. It matches her hair color."

The Empress glances at my dress meaningfully.

Is she saying that deep crimson doesn't suit me, and that the Lindveld Duke's family is overstepping?

But, to be honest, I think this dress, and the one I wore before, suits me well.

Thanks to everyone's help.

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