Chapter 48: Value (2)
yKhNumerous societies, salons, academies, and groups operated within the aristocratic district of Ebelstain, each with distinct goals—but in reality, they all shared a single grand purpose.bBSQtd
nAkQvrhTo gather the standout figures from this dazzling social world in one place for the game of connections.AJe
DVH5ZqOf course, the lesser nobles who frequented these circles solely to network were usually easy to spot, so most pretended genuine interest in the group’s topics. Whether it was magic, tea ceremonies, history, art, or cultural refinement, one needed at least basic knowledge to maintain decorum. That was why noble ladies spent their days studying.3RO
MFX6B4MThus, competition among these groups was fierce—noble connections were always limited.5uq
eqLWhenever rumors circulated of someone from a prominent family arriving in Ebelstain, various academies and salons rushed to invite them.j7e
jwONAnd in Diella’s case, already starting to shine in the art world, several art academies were eagerly competing to recruit her.itm89
tivUCAmong these social circles, Salon Rose reigned like a queen—and it too was making efforts to receive Diella. It was an unspoken rule among the ladies.0aKkbj
nLmYgFbDescendants of the three most noble families in the empire’s southwest attended Salon Rose. That premise had never been broken.vjP
0WJSvdxIt was the reason Salon Rose could exert maximum influence among so many social groups.b6HGB
zjwcwT“Lady Diella doesn’t attend any salon or academy, nor does she show interest in social activities,” they said.kpT
vXMFG“I’ve heard there are many such figures among frontier nobles, but what’s the point of coming to Ebelstain’s social circle?”2JhF
aZE9IGS“Indeed… I’d love to share a cup of tea with Lady Diella if she’d agree…”GYwVvrM
9KUSp4Aiselin overheard these conversations among her followers at a Salon Rose gathering after some time away. Her dear younger sister, Diella, supposedly showed no interest in social activities.3kz
s2wIShe thought: who could object if Diella herself admitted it? But as her elder sister, she couldn’t help but worry; after all, connections and culture were a noble lady’s social power.FVBILuc
QUpThe Duke of Duplain cared deeply about aristocratic authority.7vrsC2Y
D2tYFBLikewise did their mother, Miriella, and other family members. Even if someone became a housewife and left her paternal home, she would never escape that social role.Ebba4N
wUdJUvEven lazy Denise attended all basic gatherings. Her numerous greetings and this grand mansion weren’t in vain.5P2
huRlAiselin sat at the large tea table with a worried expression.z2k
2UzenAt every important meeting, this table received admiring gazes from many ladies.pJXK
KsIwv0SSeated at the large round table with Aiselin were Ellen of the Belmierd family and Denise of the Beltus family.lvh0m
YRKiTiiEllen, with her striking red hair, seemed somewhat displeased as she pushed it aside. It appeared she’d heard the rumors en route to the gathering.BH9
AtNfffB“Lady Diella’s behavior is the talk of the town. What do you make of it, Lady Aiselin?”PfJP6
9bcui9W“Well… Diella has always been very firm in her opinions within our family, so once she decides, no one can dissuade her.”E6EQj
5RB“I am not one to question Salon Rose’s traditions, but if the unspoken rule that ladies from the three noble families must attend the salon is broken… visitors won’t be pleased.”ELbh
4f7RcBreaking a rule once was hard. For the second and third times, the challenge weakened.PlH
0NEIf Lady Diella decided to ignore all social activities, Salon Rose might face a threat to its unique position as the gathering place for nobles of the three great families.TyGSz
toHFor this generation, with Ellen, Aiselin, and Denise present, the salon still held great influence and power—but in the long run, Diella’s deviation could be seen as a bad omen.iNrCA
7FTF6GThough they pretended otherwise, a strange current flowed among Salon Rose’s members. The three ladies sensed it.MJTn7p
p3j8Only if Diella joined Salon Rose would that unique position be maintained. However, those who had seen her in that gathering sensed otherwise.C9TP
1SUCBAThe Duplain younger daughter was not someone anyone could persuade.UP8
rOFShe kept minimal decorum, but her spirit was fiercer than anyone could imagine.HpIuiMU
AgHeAEven Denise, on their first encounter, had shown a reckless disregard for consequences, challenging anyone who stood in her way, regardless of who they were.wax5Hp
8L3GAD3This person, more like a wild beast or fierce dog, had only socialized so far due to the deliberate intervention of a mentor named Dereck. Without his influence, integrating her into society would have been impossible.64VI5
ZjOHzDXConsidering that, Diella’s social debut was worthy of celebration—but many issues remained unresolved.fM8e
LgJSIn the end, the only person Salon Rose could trust was Aiselin.X1cpODS
jsXAHShe was someone Diella respected and regarded—the most recognized lady of the Duplain family… in other words, the only one who could try to control her.mkq8xaF
WJaBut even Aiselin couldn’t breathe easy.uSFq6t
RGYeDiella respected Aiselin, but did not act on her orders or requests.0Pi9l8
3B1Vyy“Speaking of Diella, I heard she was rude to you, Lady Denise. As her sister, I’d like to apologize.”Oz3
WF5W“Me?”Syf
0eiC5Denise, who seemed distracted for some reason, responded quickly.FbR5ff0
6xnTOO7Since taking Dereck as her mentor, she appeared more exhausted every day.cmob
xm9Both Aiselin and Ellen seemed to perceive the chronic fatigue she suffered. Of course, Dereck wasn’t just any mentor, and Ellen silently prayed for her.MlA07G0
GfrVvC“Don’t worry too much about it.”k3tl
mP1h“Diella may have that temperament, but deep down she’s not a cruel child. I hope you can let go of any resentment toward her—for my sake.”LiVTeei
g7rT“Resentment? I have none.”991Q
MLDzLDenise even considered Diella almost like a savior. While others around her looked for signs whenever Diella was mentioned, Denise didn’t care. Thoughts about how to thank that charming, lovely little doll—who was the only one who could rescue her from Dereck’s grasp—made her calm demeanor paradoxically enhance her reputation in social circles.yGKMFh
7AXMaintaining dignity in front of that wild lady was no small feat.KUP
WebIt didn’t stop with neglect during tea; occasionally afterward, Diella flung discourteous remarks at Denise. If they crossed paths, she brazenly ignored her greetings or frowned.koREV6
mDluc5NFinally, one of Denise’s followers, weary, reprimanded Diella for showing more dignity and propriety, saying she was disrespectful to Denise.l8ml
SOeqFYYet rumor had it that Diella had poured wine over the follower’s head, reproaching her for forgetting their difference in status.avL
evmGLsThe rumor seemed true, for the noble ladies began to view her as an uncontrollable natural disaster.ot6yE
wbDez“I’m not sure Diella can adapt properly if presented to Salon Rose like this.”Gf6x2
JH5DfAiselin sank into such thoughts.kVC
b1tX7FEven if it meant asking Ellen and Denise for help, it seemed necessary to take drastic measures to control Diella.aRX7VKx
FeUThen, Aiselin looked at Denise seriously. Denise inclined her head, uncomfortable under her gaze.oxzioc
lQJG“I’d like to ask you a favor, Lady Denise.”pWm
yZbkDp***5wPWYf
yjHXOn Ebelstein’s main street, a grand mansion stood out.AvJ
VbyDiella, meticulously inspecting its interior, was silently assisted by maids who followed her.6LCI
L6IDmw4Her ruffled dress, reminiscent of peacock feathers, accentuated her delicate charm, but imagining her ruling like a tyrant in this mansion made her small frame seem giant.yct
paVpvDiella was busy overseeing the mansion’s final touches and preparing her debut party for the coming month.3osvsZ
xVMLkMEven while being dressed in the fitting room, her gaze scanned every corner, searching for anything that might have been overlooked.G8nV
nzGwUUAll the maids trembled under the intense stare of the little girl.b8RX
zN9ncV0“Lady Diella, a letter from the Rose Salon has arrived. It contains the schedule for the next meeting.”Y5t
9hjD“Wasn’t showing my face once enough? What more do they want?”chZ
pYrQHM“It seems the salon wishes to formally welcome you, Lady Diella.”z15ArK
sME2Kf“Once again, trying to tie me down with their unwritten rules. I won’t go to a place that doesn’t interest me.”1373Ve
IpODiella refused firmly. Not even her sister Aiselin could sway her decision.zdRl3
jR92eOJIn her wild youth, her capricious nature had been arrogance and annoyance. But with some social grace and a grasp of reality, that uniqueness became an untouchable personality, and her temperament that of an unyielding ruler.VcNfCF
WwT8Despite her young age, she was already beginning to gather followers within the Duplain family.X6u3
G3pA2DIn time, she seemed destined to become someone who could even challenge Valerian or Leigh. Kind and considerate, always mindful of others—such a person could win everyone’s heart. That would make a good leader.roB
e4gIOOBut someone fit to be king was different.s3xw
GT5VThey knew how to rule, weren’t swayed by subordinates’ moods, made grand decisions without fault, and had the world underfoot.52cHhQ
9D8UJd“I’m the best in the world, hands down.”sqkLI6
4ZY2zh5It was the perfect description of the little tyrant, Diella.YgeXpW
djke7b“Since I started inspecting the mansion the day before yesterday, I wonder if rumors have spread—so many visitors now. They bring gifts, claim to be distant relatives, profess hidden admiration. Everyone’s so eager for connections, yet their magic hasn’t changed.”rfBgJcU
nE4mC“Today’s visitor schedule is also packed. Preparing the reception might take more time.”KH1jItZ
IC29yq“Do it quickly. Honestly, I don’t even know who I need to see. All of them reek of ambition in their eyes, acting like their thirst for status isn’t obvious. When will they realize the stench of their inner darkness?”UO04V
xuzFUeHigh officials from Ebelstein, prominent merchants, academic colleagues, and veteran mages all tried to impress the Duplain family’s youngest daughter—but none managed to move Diella.5PkZ8
A6f9Eventually, a minor frontier noble, claiming to be a supporter of Denise, made such a bold remark that Diella had no choice but to dump a glass of wine on his head.Kz5Eb5
Cn0Sy3For a time, rumors spread about her tyrannical temperament, but Diella didn’t care. She only regretted wasting good wine.2Li
oPrwmThe maids and butler could only swallow dryly. Who could possibly tame this rampaging lioness and bring her to the Rose Salon?AZF2
ptHM5It would be a relief if she didn’t bite and devour them in the attempt.yJrr8z
UmJCY“Today we’ll be visited by a high-ranking official from Renpel Trade and the four-star mage from Adlan Magic Academy, Master Odette.”0aeD7
l5jg“Pathetic. Well, I can smile and greet them in the reception room… but it feels like a waste of time. Ow! Do you want to die?”nuYfkuU
U8jDiella let out a deep sigh, and when the comb snagged in her tangled hair, she lost her patience.2Fg
bJBNsAThe maid brushing her hair flinched, trembled, and dropped to her knees.PRma5g
8Cp“I’m sorry! Lady Diella…!”cwkwCV
hkP6XHer icy gaze pierced the maid, who shrank before her. In her rowdy days, she would’ve dismissed her without hesitation.U8Lg
x5CyBut Diella knew well the difference between maintaining charisma and senseless bullying.cMi
P7fG“Don’t make another mistake.”WoWz
ZLRxBiWith those cold words, the maid held back tears and apologized repeatedly.4qrGw1N
tbzFear was the most efficient weapon for handling people. But firing it aimlessly only made someone a careless bully.Dw4
tHdqKNWThe girl had intuitively understood this since she was young.SKOM
Fu3Ub“Yes, they all gather to win a spot in the Duplain family… but it’s not bad to meet them. There might be a good one among them, like a bean in a drought… Don’t cancel the morning schedule.”NpO
S9Z1OBT“There’s another appointment before breakfast. Not very important, but a messenger from the Beltus family has arrived.”QYO5
T5f“The Beltus family?”yMj
b2nZvyDiella fixed her stare on the butler. The messenger was innocent, but had to swallow nervously. The Beltus family was a curse to the girl named Diella.k1yY88
CxXpp“Why should I entertain someone from that side? Don’t open the door. Just take the letter and send them away.”RNYYS
qzZ6g“Is that alright? The person from the Beltus family might represent Lady Denise…”0YNpNU
I2KQBzk“Do I need to repeat myself? Be glad I’m not throwing cold water at you. Why is this taking so long? Finish the brushing already.”hZ3mr
FFa2F5Diella shook her head and sat back down in front of the mirror. She wanted to finish this ritual quickly, see those miserable faces, and then practice magic.mZhWDqy
NEIy24It was then, under the maids’ care…YpL
w2ibfl“It’s just that… a mage named Dereck from the Beltus family is coming in person… Is that alright?”DepV
KXtvy1o“What?”u45gUWt
3roYIn that instant, a chill ran down Diella’s spine. The maids held their breath as they saw the girl’s sudden change. Just moments ago, the expression of the small tyrant, so cold toward the world, reverted all at once to that of a girl her age.sZk
bTtQC6“What? Dereck is coming in person? But isn’t it rare for him to show his face in public since he’s busy with Beltus family matters?”RXnUZ
KZtWRg“We… don’t know the real situation with the Beltus family…”gVoSe
4iuPl“Why didn’t you say so sooner?! Wait… seeing him out of the blue?”S2j
oIqDiella quickly looked around. Only the maids who helped with her daily routine were present.k4Fom
bnNv1IP“Is Katarina… at the main house? And Laila’s not here? She’s the best at makeup…!”WbKfQTh
prQlx“She’s preparing breakfast in the kitchen.”zaw
ErI4PIV“Bring her immediately! And I’m wearing this old lace dress… No, all my luxurious cosmetics are at the main house… What am I going to do?!”V8eOgA
jS0Suddenly, Diella was flustered. Just receiving a letter from a Beltus messenger had her sweating profusely—more nervous than with any other important visitor that morning.7idCU
UBbOLo5“What kind of schedule is this, so rushed before breakfast…!”AB0WF
PWdmfWe“It’s… just to receive a letter… It’s not like a noble is visiting…”usNRZ
Jiwu“You should’ve asked me before deciding something like this! Before breakfast means… wait… What time is it…?”hpt0Qvt
3X6LXLooking out the window, she saw the Beltus family’s carriage already rolling down the street.lES3bM
7sa0zDiella’s face went pale as she quickly sat back down at the vanity. Her restlessness was like that of a small animal facing a predator—a stark contrast to her usual demeanor.6djl9hZ
ahHNThe maids around her turned pale.CutxoV0
XpZTotIt was the first time they had seen Diella like this.TQzaE
What did you think of this chapter?
Report comment
Please select the reason for reporting this comment. False reports may result in account suspension.
0 Comments
There are no comments yet. Be the first!