Chapter 22

As the commotion settled, Evelyn glanced at Dyffrin quietly.

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For standing up for me a moment ago.”

Evelyn had widened her eyes in surprise when Dyffrin questioned Karina about the evidence of the beating. 

She hadn’t expected him to step in for her at all. Not only was he not such a character in the original work, but he had also been cold for the past few days.

“I just corrected it because I know you’re not the type of person to beat a maid.”

‘And you are now part of our family too.’ 

Dyffrin added gruffly.

“Are you no longer angry?”

“…I was never angry.”

‘Liar.’ 

Evelyn felt the words on the tip of her tongue but decided not to tease him since the atmosphere had lightened up.

Soon, Nosellerton stepped forward to deliver a congratulatory speech for the ball.

As the dance music began to play, the ball officially started. People paired up and moved to the center. Feeling delighted by the familiar tune, Evelyn took Dyffrin’s hand and led him to the center.

“Let’s dance.”

Dyffrin, pulled along, looked stiff. Evelyn smiled and whispered softly.

“After all the hard practice, we can’t just stand still.”

Soon, Dyffrin placed one hand lightly on Evelyn’s waist, took her hand, and started to dance.

Evelyn was not yet skilled, but Dyffrin was an exceptionally good dancer, allowing her to follow his lead.

As they danced and she found her rhythm, Evelyn entrusted herself to Dyffrin and looked around. Many people’s gazes were fixed on them.

“It’s amazing, Dyffrin. You always draw attention, no matter what you do.”

Dyffrin slowly opened his mouth.

“At this moment, they are probably looking at you, not me. They’re likely talking about you after the earlier commotion.”

‘Is that so… Now that I think about it, I do seem to be meeting the gazes of many people.

Dyffrin looked down at Evelyn and said.

“Seeing you stand your ground in the argument, it felt like I was looking at a different person.”

Evelyn quickly tried to explain herself.

“It’s part of my effort to become a member of Liwonoc…”

“Don’t try too hard.”

Evelyn almost stumbled. Dyffrin caught her waist, making it look natural.

“Pardon?”

“I mean it. Forcing anything too much will only cause problems.”

Evelyn blinked her eyes.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“You’re not acting like yourself. You seem like a different person.”

With Evelyn’s words, the dance music came to an end.

“…That’s nonsense.”

Dyffrin, looking unsure whether he was embarrassed or awkward, led Evelyn off the stage.

At that moment, Rykal approached and greeted them.

“Good evening, Lord Dyffrin, Lady Evelyn.”

“Rykal!”

Evelyn called out with a smile, to which Rykal responded with a rarely visible smile.

“You look absolutely stunning tonight. It seems the chandelier’s light is shining only on you.”

“Oh, Rykal, you flatter me.”

Evelyn laughed softly, covering her mouth. It was nice to hear such comments now that she had gotten closer to him.

Unlike the cheerful pair, Dyffrin frowned.

Then Rykal spoke to Dyffrin.

“Lord Dyffrin, His Highness Nosellerton is waiting for you.”

Dyffrin nodded curtly. He then turned his gaze to Evelyn.

“And you…”

“Don’t worry about me. As I said, I’ve wanted to attend such social gatherings and get to know people for a long time. I couldn’t do that in the past.”

In the past, Evelyn neither had the status to fit into the central social circle nor the personality for it.

But now the situation was completely different. She was the daughter-in-law of a duke’s family and had just trampled a beautiful poisonous weed.

“…Alright. I’ll be back soon.”

Dyffrin, with a somewhat uneasy expression, left the ballroom with Rykal.

Left alone, Evelyn began to carry out the task she had set for herself today.

‘It’s time to start looking.’

Today’s mission was to connect with Lady Oakley.

It would be no easy feat. lady Oakley was one of the top five most popular figures in the empire.

Among those top five were Dyffrin and Rachel, but Oakley was a different kind of popular figure altogether.

While Dyffrin and Rachel were intimidatingly unapproachable, Oakley was widely popular and hard to approach due to her broad appeal.

Her secret was her exceptional intelligence and foresight.

As previously mentioned, she managed the Loeom Trading Company and was one of the few to survive Rachel’s family’s monopoly over the Pinford Marquisate’s port.

In the past, noble society despised commerce, but now, realizing its profitability, even the most dignified nobles actively engaged in trade and commerce.

Of course, Oakley’s popularity wasn’t solely due to her business success.

She was a charming person in her own right.

As Evelyn quietly scanned the room, a hearty laugh reached her ears.

“Ahaha, if you can beat me in a beer contest, I’ll consider your proposal, Count!”

The voice belonged to a lady surrounded by people, engaged in a conversation one might expect to hear in a tavern.

And that lady was Oakley, the one Evelyn was looking for.

Between the men, a head of red hair stood out. Oakley was quite tall.

Not only was she tall, but she also had a sturdy build. Her physique was solid, as evidenced by the strong arms visible through her gloves.

Oakley was happily conversing with the people around her. It was a pleasant sight, but for Evelyn, it was quite a dilemma.

Even if she managed to squeeze through those people and talk to Oakley, she wouldn’t be able to exchange more than a few words.

Evelyn sat on a chair in the corner, hoping that the people around Oakley would disperse soon.

She was also worried that Dyffrin might return before she had a chance to talk to Oakley. If he were there, she wouldn’t be able to converse with Oakley comfortably.

Of course, there would be other opportunities if not today, but Oakley was usually busy and rarely attended social gatherings. She only appeared at very large parties.

Just as Evelyn sighed and was about to take a sip of wine, her strength inexplicably drained from her arm as if someone had pulled it.

In an instant, the wine glass tilted, and the red liquid stained Evelyn’s dress.

‘What…’

Her strength returned quickly, but the sensation was unforgettable.

Evelyn’s health had always been fragile, but experiencing sudden symptoms like this, on top of random coughing, was unusual.

In the original story, Evelyn had a short life due to depression, but…

‘Hmm…’

As her worries deepened, Evelyn tried to stop thinking about it. There was no way to consult a physician immediately in this situation.

Instead, she looked down at her wine-stained skirt. The red stain was unsightly.

She grabbed a napkin from a nearby table, wet it, and scrubbed the stain. It seemed to lighten a bit, but when she straightened up, the stain was still there.

Evelyn sighed and placed the napkin on the chair beside her, just as a voice came from above.

“It won’t come out that way. Laundry soap won’t work either.”

The voice was husky yet softer than a man’s. It was a pleasant, androgynous voice.

Evelyn looked up. Oakley was standing there.

“If you sprinkle lemon and salt on the stain and rub it, it won’t come out perfectly, but it will help to some extent.”

She had a refreshing smile on her face.

Seeing her speak so naturally, Evelyn realized once again why Oakley was popular with everyone, regardless of age or gender.

“I see…”

“When you spend a lot of time with merchants, you learn a bit of everything.”

Oakley cleared away the crumpled napkin beside her and sat down in the chair.

“Nice to meet you, I’m Oakley Loeom. I was curious because you’ve been looking at me with such intense eyes for a while.”

‘So she knew I was staring.’ 

Evelyn’s face flushed momentarily. Feeling a bit embarrassed, Evelyn spoke up.

“So you noticed. Nice to meet you, I’m Evelyn Liwonoc.”

“Yes, I know who you are. You’re quite the talk of the town these days.”

A playful smile appeared on Oakley’s lips.

“The famous Dyffrin’s wife and the star of the commotion a little while ago.”

‘Ah, in a good way. ‘

Oakley added. 

Evelyn, overwhelmed by Oakley’s cheerful demeanor, almost forgot her main purpose and finally managed to get to the point.

“Lady Oakley, you’re as charming as I’ve heard. Maybe it’s because you have a personality completely different from mine… I’ve wanted to get to know you for a long time.”

Though it was a conveniently fabricated reason, Oakley seemed pleased, letting out her characteristic hearty laugh.

“Ahaha. An elegant lady like you wanting to befriend me is an honor. I’m usually surrounded by rough merchants and pretentious male nobles.”

Although she said that, the real reason she was so receptive to Evelyn’s offer was likely because Evelyn was a member of the Liwonoc family.

Being a shrewd merchant, she moved according to her interests.

It was actually a good thing, so Evelyn responded with a graceful smile like a cunning noble.

“I’m glad to hear that. I think we can develop a good relationship, Lady Oakley.”

Evelyn, watching Oakley carefully, brought up her main point.

“So, I was wondering if I could visit the headquarters of the company you run sometime? I’m quite interested in the merchant trade.”

“You, Lady Evelyn?”

“Of course. Is there a noble who isn’t interested in the merchant trade these days? It brings such enormous profits to the Empire.”

Oakley seemed pleased with Evelyn’s words and readily nodded.

“Since you put it that way, I can’t refuse. Visit anytime. I’ll show you the various processed stones we take pride in.”

‘Mission accomplished!’

Evelyn smiled softly, feeling satisfied.

“Thank you, Lady Oakley. I’ll visit soon then.”