kscans

Chapter 49 - Great Fury [Part 2]

An invitation to a tea party from the Crown Princess is an honor for any noble lady. When did that sentiment begin to take hold? While it was true that it had been a kind of status symbol, whispers had begun to circulate that this might change with the current generation. If asked whether it would remain an honor, the recent answer was a resounding 'no.' The cause, of course, was Falty, but those still living in a happy illusion failed to understand. Nevertheless, Falty was the current Crown Princess. That was reality, and thus, an invitation from her could not be refused.

"At present, an invitation from that Crown Princess could become a stain on one's reputation... but this will be the first and last time, I suppose."

Vernella murmured this as she put on her accessories. Her personal maid, offering a wry smile, presented several fans she always brought to tea parties.

"My lady, which fan will you take?"

"Let's see..."

Just as she finished putting on her earrings, her maid posed the question. Vernella stared intently at the three fans presented to her. One was a gift from Rupert. It was very simple, light, and fit perfectly in her hand, so she was fond of it, but she cherished it so much that she rarely used it. It was usually on display, though Rupert himself had chided her, saying, "Use it." As for the reason, she was too embarrassed to tell him just yet. One was from her parents. It strongly reflected her mother's taste, but since Vernella and her mother had similar preferences, she often carried this one. And then, there was the last one. A gift from Lupia, adorned with a small magical tool as a charm, it was a trick device that looked like a simple piece of jewelry. A common feature among them was the use of silk or lace. The ones with silk as the main material were trimmed with lace. As they were all made with Vernella in mind, their colors were all a deep navy blue. Some had embroidery in silver thread, a sapphire adorning the pivot where the ribs met, or decorative cords attached to the ribs. Whether open or closed, they exuded an air of elegance.

"...I know."

She rotated through these fans when attending evening parties, so Vernella's acquaintances knew which one was from whom and how much she treasured each. In particular, the ladies who were Lupia's true friends were well-versed in the details, having been introduced by Lupia herself. If what Falty said was true, then if she brought this one, she would surely take the bait. After all, the sender was Falty's 'friend.'

"I think I'll take the one from my sister-in-law."

"Very well."

"It's so beautiful, no matter how many times I see it."

"Indeed. It is overflowing with Lady Lupia's consideration, wanting it to suit you perfectly, my lady."

When opened, it revealed an intricate pattern of black lace. Though it looked delicate, the frame was made of a lightweight metal to prevent it from being easily broken, and it featured a multi-functional, compact magical tool disguised as a fan charm. As a bonus, she recalled Lupia telling her with a smile, 'This part that holds the ribs together... if you press it, a small hidden weapon is concealed in the ribs, so if the worst should happen, use it to stab your opponent.'

"To think she not only made it with me in mind and ensured it suited me, but also made it usable for self-defense...!"

"My lady, please compose your expression."

"Oh my, forgive me."

Whenever Vernella thought of her respected and beloved sister-in-law, her expression would immediately become embarrassingly soft. But once she composed herself, what stood before her was the dignified daughter of the Alcioni Count Family.

"...Well then, shall we go?"

Her lustrous black hair was left down rather than put up, adorned with a silverwork hairpiece shaped like a flower to complement her dress. The dress itself was a sheath-style with a maxi-length hem. It was sleeveless, but as she disliked showing too much skin, she wore lace gloves that reached above her elbows. It was made of a special fabric that appeared black, deep navy, or navy blue depending on how the light hit it. It was, of course, a present from Rupert. He had sent it to her one day with the simple comment that he thought it would suit her. It was a perfect fit and exactly to Vernella's taste, so she had been saving it for a day she would need to be at her best. That day had come sooner than expected. Her accessories consisted of the flower-shaped silver hairpiece, a pair of dangling earrings with teardrop diamonds, and a matching necklace.

"Well then, I shall be on my way."

She informed the butler and boarded the prepared carriage, heading for the royal palace, a silent vow of 'Just you wait' in her heart.

◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇

The tea party she was invited to was for ladies only, so Vernella, of course, came alone. It seemed the guests were nobles of various ranks, or commoners with considerable wealth. Vernella could recognize most of the high-ranking nobles by face, but if she didn't, they were likely lower-ranking nobles or commoners.

(Hmm...)

Vernella observed her surroundings and noticed another noble lady who was doing the same.

(That lady is...)

"Pardon me."

Just then, the lady approached her. Standing before Vernella, she smiled gracefully. Vernella smiled back, and they curtsied to each other.

"I am Vernella-Alcioni."

"Yes, of course, I know who you are. My name is Carla-Dustead."

"My, from the Dustead Count Family! ...Which means..."

"You've guessed correctly."

Carla laughed softly. As one of the few people known to be Lupia's close friends, Vernella had heard her name before. Lupia had mentioned that she should greet her sometime, but to think they would meet today—Vernella was overjoyed.

"Lady Carla, are you still... in this country?"

"I'll be leaving eventually, but I thought I'd make one last memory... yes."

"The same goes for me."

As the two spoke quietly, they were met with nothing but cold stares. Vernella was known as Rupert's fiancée and for her adoration of Lupia, so she could feel the animosity, as if they were thinking, Why the hell did she show up at the Crown Princess's tea party? She hadn't come because she wanted to; she was here by invitation from their esteemed Crown Princess. She mentally stuck out her tongue and cursed them. Similar gazes were directed at Carla, but she wore an equally cool expression. One lady, her face filled with anger, started to approach them, but whether the timing was good or bad, the Crown Princess herself arrived.

"Your Highness, the Crown Princess!"

All the ladies except for Carla and Vernella flocked to Falty's side with a great clamor.

Today's tea party was a standing buffet, with the concept being 'something anyone can enjoy casually.' 'Anyone can enjoy casually' seemed to be a big hit with the ladies Falty had invited, but Carla and Vernella had no intention of staying long.

Spotting Vernella and Carla observing from a distance instead of rushing to her side, Falty broke away from the circle and approached them. She was smiling brightly and, at first glance, looked completely harmless, but that didn't change the fact that this person had stolen one of Lupia's futures.

"Good day to you both. I'm so happy to meet Lupia's precious child and her precious friend!"

"...Thank you for the invitation, Your Highness."

They both replied in a flat, monotone voice, causing Falty to stiffen for a moment.

"D-Don't be such strangers..."

"..."

"Carla, you're Lupia's friend, so that means you're my friend too, right?"

"...No, you're mistaken."

"! A-And Vernella! Vernella is a precious child that Lupia holds in special regard, so I want to treasure you too!"

"I appreciate the consideration, but I must decline."

The two of them rejected the Crown Princess in unison. Carla, in particular, looked utterly disgusted. "How dare you speak to royalty like that!" the other ladies began to clamor, but Vernella simply let out a quiet sigh. She was once again certain that a woman of this caliber could never have brought down her sister-in-law on her own. It must have been the otherworldly 'System' that helped her rise this far. As she sighed internally, Falty suddenly grabbed Vernella's hand.

"...?!"

A shiver of disgust shot through her.

"Vernella, no, Nera!"

Who on earth is she talking about? Vernella wondered. Carla seemed to be thinking the same thing, her expression one of shock.

"Come now, Nera. Don't look so scary. Show me the same cute smile you showed me and Lupia!"

What is she talking about? Vernella was certain the three of them had never met. In response to Falty's exaggerated behavior and words, the ladies on her side were watching with benevolent smiles. This was too much, too disgusting. This thing is the Crown Princess of our country? A woman who tells such blatant lies! She was about to open her mouth, but Carla beat her to it.

"...Your Highness, were you truly friends with Lupia?"

Her sharp gaze fixed on Falty, Carla's quiet question made her freeze.

"...It's true that you and Lupia suddenly started spending time together in our third year, but how, where, and when did you get to know her?"

"Well, that's..."

"...Until then, you were in different classes, and more importantly, I never once heard Lupia herself speak of you, Your Highness."

"...! Th-There are things she wouldn't want to talk about, aren't there!?"

"And Lady Vernella, 'Nera' isn't your nickname, is it?"

"Indeed."

"...Wha-!"

It seemed Carla was even more furious than Vernella had imagined. She couldn't hold back any longer and spoke up before Vernella could. Falty turned deathly pale at her words, while the ladies on Falty's side looked on in confusion.

"...Your Highness, please let go of my hand."

Falty was gripping Vernella's hand so tightly, it was more like she was being restrained.

"'N-Nera' is a nickname that only Lupia used! S-So it just rubbed off on me!"

How pathetic, Vernella thought. At the same time, another wave of disgust washed over her.

"Lady Lupia would never call me something like 'Nera.'"

"I'm telling you! It was a name she only used when it was just the two of us!"

"That woman does not call people by nicknames."

"Wha...?"

"And you said you 'hold her in special regard,' Your Highness."

"That's not it! It's because Nera has no connection to the Calmond family!"

The shouted words made Carla's expression twist in shock. Even some of the ladies on Falty's side were looking puzzled. Their faces seemed to ask why Falty wouldn't know she was connected.

"...My, so even someone like you tells lies, Your Highness."

Everyone's attention turned to Vernella, who had murmured this in a quiet, matter-of-fact tone.

"Lies, you say!?"

Falty shouted, glaring daggers at Vernella. Oh, you shouldn't do that, both Vernella and Carla thought, their lips curling into smiles. The contrast between the furious Falty and the smiling pair captured everyone's attention.

"I am very much connected to the Calmond family."

"Don't lie!"

"I am Rupert's fiancée, after all."

"...Rupert...? Wh- ah!"

Something seemed to click in Falty's mind. Having become a member of the royal family, did she have no interest in the engagement circumstances of other houses? Or was it simply that she had stolen someone's life at the behest of the 'System,' playing with it without any real intention of her own?

"Allow me to ask you something as well."

Her smile deepening, Vernella questioned Falty.

"If you are friends with Lady Lupia, what did she tell you about me?"

She set a very simple trap. Anyone close to Lupia would know that Vernella calls her 'sister-in-law.' But Vernella deliberately didn't use the term. If they were truly friends, Falty should have immediately called her out on it.

Well? You're such good friends, aren't you?

Her unspoken question hung in the air.

"A-About, Vernella..."

Wrong. You fail. With this, she had confirmed it. This woman was her enemy. Vernella thought this anew, exchanged a quick glance with Carla, and opened her fan. No one noticed. No one realized that Vernella had activated a magical tool. But it wasn't dangerous. She had only activated the recording function.

"R-Right! That you're Rupert's prized fiancée!"

Thank you for failing yet again, she added. Carla seemed to feel the same way. She took her own fan and sharply struck Falty's hand, which was still refusing to let go of Vernella's.

"Ah, huh?"

Startled, Falty finally released Vernella's hand. She turned to complain to Carla, but paled at the sheer force of her presence.

"You... no, a commoner like you! How dare you impersonate Lupia's friend!"

Her furious shout made the air tremble, and the ladies on Falty's side all turned pale.

"...Lady Carla, please don't be so angry. But this has made things perfectly clear, hasn't it?"

"Indeed.... I'm sorry, Lady Vernella."

"It's quite alright. Let us take our leave now. After all..."

"...You're right..."

The two of them shared a sinister grin.

"We can't possibly stay in the same room as a liar who impersonates my sister-in-law's friend."

"The nerve, calling herself Lupia's friend. She doesn't even know what Lupia calls Lady Vernella, nor that she's Lord Rupert's fiancée. This is just like..."

Falty gasped and tried to rush forward, but Vernella summoned a simple shield, blocking her path.

"Stop!"

The final blow came from Carla. The two nodded at each other and turned to face Falty, who had raised her hand to strike the shield. As a special student at the academy, Falty could surely shatter such a simple shield in an instant, but all they needed was a moment.

"You just got close to Lupia because you were after the Crown Prince, didn't you!"

"Stooooooooooop!!!!"

They didn't care if the tea party descended into chaos. They didn't care if they were accused of disrespect and exiled from the country. The unshakable fact was that Falty had invited Vernella and Carla out of her own volition.

With a swing of her raised hand, Falty shattered the shield with ease.

But the expressions on each side were polar opposites.

Neither Vernella nor Carla looked the least bit concerned. They stood tall and dignified, their gazes fixed on Falty. Falty, on the other hand, stared at them in stunned disbelief.

If she was going to invite Lupia's 'friend,' if she was going to invite her 'sister-in-law,' she should have been far, far more careful than she was when she was trying to win over Liam. And if she was going to keep pretending to be Lupia's 'friend,' she should have been prepared to be exposed like this.

A crack had formed here as well.

Forged by the hands of those who knew the 'truth,' by those who were truly friends with Lupia and had built a proper relationship with her.