WARNING: SPOILER AHEAD, PLEASE FINISH READING THE PREVIOUS VOLUME FIRST BEFORE READING THIS CHAPTER. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK 🫶

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“What could cause someone working in a noble’s house to be driven away?”

“Someone working? Who?”

“Just anyone, for various reasons. Why would they quit?”

Palman deliberately didn’t mention being a governess while talking.

“There could be many personal reasons, and in the case of governesses, they might move when the child they teach grows up.”

“What about …… getting kicked out?”

“Well… for servants like maids or footmen, they could be caught having an affair with the master or mistress or getting pregnant while fooling around.”

Gloria casually mentioned rumors and gossip she heard at tea parties, not realizing how pale Palman’s face had become.

“Not all of them, but, oh, they could also be caught stealing jewelry or items. Or maybe secretly hitting the young master or miss of the house? Why?”

Palman forced a smile and shrugged.

“What happens if they’re caught after making such a mistake and run away?”

“They could be thrown in jail or punished as the master or mistress sees fit. When they decide to punish, it won’t be optimistic.”

Palman stood up, becoming paler as Gloria continued talking.

“I don’t think I can do this.”

“What?”

“I think we should go home.”

“What?”

Palman left the reception room and headed upstairs.

“What are you talking about? Going home? What about the tea party?”

Gloria hurriedly followed Palman.

“I don’t think I need to go. I’ve already been to high-society parties and imperial banquets anyway.”

Palman had been lucky enough to experience what most people only get to experience once. It was more than enough, and to some extent, she found it amusing, ignoring and being ignored in social circles, shattering the illusions of high society.

“But the tea party might be different.”

“It’s okay.”

Laura’s letter, which arrived by then, contained a concern for Ruby. A man had recently come to see her. She said he was obviously from the capital and looked like an aristocrat.

Palman had a gut feeling that this was related to the letter Emily Grit had taken.

‘She said it wasn’t a bad thing.’

But when she thought about it, Emily said it wasn’t a bad thing for her. She didn’t say it wouldn’t be a bad thing for Ruby. The thought made Palman’s heart race.

“Are you sure you want to leave?”

Suddenly, Gloria, who was also hastily packing beside Palman, became anxious.

“I’ll be fine.”

“What about the invitation from Lady Emily Grit?”

“You can go alone.”

Palman said it nonchalantly, as if it didn’t matter.

“I was a plus one, remember? A plus one!”

Gloria exclaimed. She didn’t want to admit it, but it was true.

“You were invited; hence, I was invited as well; why would I go there without you?”

Palman could leave and be done with it, but it mattered to Gloria, who wanted to continue her social life.

And it was embarrassing for Gloria to depend on Palman, who didn’t seem to have anything special.

“Because our house is in the capital, you were able to go to the ball. So, you should repay the favor!”

“There is a letter that Lady Grit is supposed to return to me; you can go there and retrieve it in my stead. Just don’t read it.”

That would be the least of her problems, as she would be inducted into the Marquisate of Grit, if only for a little while.

Palman, who finished speaking, started packing again. It was a statement saying that she wouldn’t change her mind.

“Do as you wish!”

Gloria also closed her door forcefully.

The next day, Palman rode a prepared carriage and headed for Zenfield.