Chapter 4 – Part 9

“Welcome.”

“Ruby.”

As soon as Lynn got out of the carriage, she hugged Ruby. As a result, Ruby’s body was pushed back a little, but soon she also faced Lynn.

“Have you been well?”

“I have.”

Lynn let go of the hand that hadn’t hugged Ruby and faced her. Ruby’s face did look more relaxed than when Lynn had last seen her. Now Lynn could feel a bit relieved.

“Countess Chain, welcome as well.”

“Thank you for the invitation, Lady Grit.”

Ianna bowed politely and said, “I’ll save the hugs for when we get to know each other a little better.” Ruby nodded, ushering them in.

“It’s so beautiful.”

Both of them said the same thing as they entered the room.

“Baccara said these are the rooms where you can see the most beautiful scenery. I’m glad you like it.”

From Ruby’s personal experience of staying here, every room in this mansion had its own beautiful view.

“We prepared a light refreshment since it seems a bit early for a meal. Is that alright?”

“Yes.”

“Good, then come down when you’re ready, the maids will show you where to go.”

Ruby gave them time to settle in and went ahead to prepare the tea.

“I don’t think she knows, do you?”

As Ruby’s footsteps moved away, Iana sighed quietly and spoke.

“It looks that way.”

Lynn’s expression wasn’t much different from Iana’s.

The two exchanged glances for a moment, and then both sighed simultaneously.

As Ruby prepared the tea that had been arranged, Lynn and Iana looked around.

The garden they entered to drink tea in was neatly arranged, and red roses adorned the surroundings.

“You have a boat?”

In the garden, the lake located within the villa was clearly visible, and naturally, a boat located on the outskirts of the lake was also discovered.

“On a nice day like this, it would be wonderful to ride the boat together.”

It was a nice day, shaded by a parasol, and the cool breeze from the water was a welcome relief from the heat. The simple leisure felt like heaven, making one think that if there was paradise, it would feel like this.

“You don’t have to worry about falling off, it’s the sturdiest boat in the world,” Ruby added playfully, recalling Eli’s words.

“Is that what Lord Grit said?” Iana asked, and Ruby glanced at Lynn before answering.

Although Iana claimed not to know about the divorce, Lynn was aware. However, Lynn simply sipped her tea.

“Yes. By the way, it would be perfect to have tea right now,” Ruby replied, deliberately changing the subject.

Whether Iana understood her efforts or not, she did not ask further questions, just glancing around the villa once more.

***

The Grit Manor was lively for the first time in a while.

“Lady Grit, it’s been a long time since you hosted a party. You don’t know how much we’ve been waiting for this.”

“Thank you for coming. Please have a seat.”

Marie guided people to the prepared seats in the garden of Grit’s mansion.

“This garden is always beautiful.”

“Perhaps it’s because of the deep history of the family, giving it a dignified atmosphere.”

The conversation praising Lady Grit’s garden could be heard from those who had taken their seats.

“Lady Grit, how do you manage the garden? It’s truly beautiful.”

Someone asked Marie.

“Oh, thank you for the compliment. These days, I only do simple maintenance, not anything special.”

Marie said modestly. The garden of Grit’s mansion had hardly changed since Marie had extensively redesigned it. Fortunately, Ruby, lacking aesthetic sense, hadn’t touched the garden. Although Eli recently planted roses in the inner greenhouse, they weren’t visible from here, so it didn’t matter.

“I often remove the troublemakers who disturb the order in the garden.”

Marie added, and someone couldn’t help but let out a laugh. All eyes turned to Lady Starlet, who was looking around.

“Do you have something to say, Lady Starlet?”

Marie asked, pretending not to have heard the laughter. Lady Starlet harbored some resentment due to a previous incident where Eli took Ruby to her tea party. Regardless, she was not a noblewoman of refined character.

“I have a question I’d like to ask.”

She said, not showing regret but rather seeming to have been waiting for attention.

Marie nodded with a gentle smile, inviting her to speak. Despite her composed appearance, Marie couldn’t help but wonder what provocative question was coming, as such deviations were usually prompted by hidden motives.

“You mentioned removing those who disturb the order. Wouldn’t it be best to also remove nobles who tarnish the dignity of nobility? What do you think?”

Lady Starlet suddenly diverted to another topic, and Marie held back her response. It was not wise to answer too quickly in this kind of atmosphere.

“If it’s embarrassing as a noble, then it’s better left unsaid.”

Lady Starlet added, and someone quietly gasped. Looking at the participants, everyone was subtly avoiding Marie’s gaze while still observing her reactions.

Apparently, there was something Marie didn’t know.

“As someone who always spoke about the dignity and pride of nobility, I thought I’d ask. Please share your broad perspective.”

She said, waiting for Marie’s response, seemingly pleased with herself.

“You can’t judge based on just one thing, can you? People might misunderstand it as being narrow-minded, so I don’t think I can give a specific answer by comparing it to a tangible thing like a garden.”

Marie evasively teased Lady Starlet about her narrow-mindedness.

Some people nodded appreciatively at Marie’s vague yet seemingly reasonable words.

Finally, Marie managed a faint smile. It seemed like it was time to stop, she thought.

“Then, Lady, how about removing nobles who associate with the lower class, something you despise so much?”

But Lady Starlet had no intention of stopping.

There were audible gasps at her direct expression. This time, those who couldn’t hide their expressions were clearly watching Marie, anticipating her reaction.

“Oh, my God, haven’t you…… heard from the Marquis of Grit?”

Lady Starlet’s exaggerated concern for Marie’s obvious lack of knowledge was almost laughable.

“I suppose you haven’t heard the rumors that he’s been fooling around with women of low class.”

“That’s… impossible.”

Unable to contain her shock, Marie’s face froze. No, to say it froze was an understatement; it turned cold.

“Well, if Lady Grit knew, she wouldn’t have left him be. It’s a pitiful thing for the heir of a prestigious family to end up like that.”

Now, she was openly ridiculing him. No, not just him—she was condemning the entire Grit family, including Eli.

“I don’t think it’s polite to bring such unwarranted speculation to such a pleasant occasion.”

“Oh, my God. Speculation. It’s more like a guess that a lot of people know as true.”

Marie turned her head once more, scanning the partygoers, who all averted their gazes as if to agree with Lady Starlet.

“I hear he purchased a mansion in the capital, and a woman has been coming in and out every day for some time now…… I wonder how the Dowager Marchioness was the only one who didn’t know.”

Lady Starlet drove in the final nail.

As if her position as Lady of Grit was all there was to it. Marie stood up, slapping the table in frustration.

“I’ve been looking forward to this party for a long time, but I’m afraid it must come to an end. Damon, see our guests off.”

As Marie barked out the order, the guests scurried out of the room.

And the last to get up, slowly, was Lady Starlet.

“Lady Grit, how did you end up like this? If you had paid attention and managed your family properly, it wouldn’t have come to this.”

She said, walking slowly.

“But isn’t it amusing? You used to insult the new nobles, saying they were of low standards, but now your son ended up with someone not even worth discussing standards with.”

Marie’s hand, clenched into a fist, trembled.

“I guess that’s the difference in discernment, huh?”

Lady Starlet strode out of the garden as Marie uttered her usual words.

“How dare… a mere Viscountess…”

Alone, Marie, overwhelmed by humiliation, trembled with anger. Then she threw a few teacups on the table.

“What on earth is my son doing?”

Shouting at Damon, who had returned after escorting the guests, Marie’s emotions intensified at the thought of the recent humiliation. The fact that she knew nothing and couldn’t respond properly fueled her anger even more.

“I am just a butler in charge of caring for Grit Manor. I apologize for not being able to provide proper information.”

Damon subtly conveyed his lack of intention to speak further.

“If you can’t say it, I guess I’ll have to ask him directly. I need to go to the mansion where Eli stays!”

Marie stood up, calling for a carriage.

Damon, who had been warned beforehand, did not stop her, and Marie, whose emotions were running high, had no time to realize it.