While Katarina was quietly wearing a satisfied smile, the tea party commenced as Lady Patrice, who had just finished receiving her guests, took her seat.

Servants set the tea table efficiently, and cheerful conversations began over tea.

Just as the atmosphere started to warm up, someone spoke.

“By the way, have you heard that Countess Mura is filing for divorce?”

“Ah, I’ve heard. Her husband had an affair with his own younger sister.”

“How could someone even think of stealing their husband from a blood relative…”

As the conversation built up, Lady Patrice clicked her tongue as if sympathetic.

“Some people in the world just have no shame. I think such a person shouldn’t be allowed to walk freely in high society.”

Then, she turned her head to look at someone who had been quiet all along.

“Don’t you agree, Your Highness the 4th Princess?”

The moment had come.

‘It’s actually a bit late.’

When Lady Patrice’s gaze turned toward me, Odette calmly set down her teacup.

She had sensed the subtly sharp atmosphere for some time.

Not because Odette was familiar with social circles, but rather—

‘Because I’ve lived with prying eyes.’

—she was specialized in sensing such atmospheres.

The saving grace was that the people in the room were mostly older, well-mannered noblewomen.

Those who were not skilled in beating around the bush, and more importantly, those who are young and fervent would bluntly attack without considering consequences.

‘Like Elody or Lize, for instance.’

But these noblewomen knew that going too far would backfire.

So they would talk in circles like this, keeping it at a level where they wouldn’t embarrass themselves.

‘Countess Mura.’

Her divorce wasn’t actually much of a topic.

Issues like infidelity were so common in society, they were basically trampled underfoot.

However, they wanted to bring this topic up to frame Odette as ‘the woman who stole her sister’s man.’

‘Creating a narrative where Lize becomes the victim and I become the perpetrator.’

Using the scandal between Odette and Walter, they aimed to deploy their best defense, as Lize’s reputation had already been damaged.

And if Odette agreed with Lady Patrice’s words here, she would never be able to shake off that framing.
“If getting mad about being targeted would only make me look foolish.”

Odette had effectively cornered herself into an inescapable position.

However.

“Of all things, bringing up Countess Mura’s story.”

Bad luck.

Odette inwardly snickered and then opened her mouth.

“As far as I know about Count Mura… It seems a bit different from what you know.”

“…What do you mean?”

“As far as I know… The original fiancée of Count Mura was not his older sister but his younger sister.”

The faces of the others present shifted subtly at Odette’s words.

“Was there such a thing?”

“I haven’t heard anything. Count Mura’s marriage wasn’t so famous to begin with…”

“Oh, come to think of it, I vaguely heard that the sisters had some disputes over the suitor. I’m not certain, though…”

“So if what I’m saying is true, then the older sister stole her younger sister’s fiancé?”

Everyone added their two cents, and the tea table was soon abuzz.

This was not the picture Duchess Patrice had wanted.

“Do you have firsthand knowledge of this? Can you take responsibility for your words, Your Highness, the 4th Princess?”

“Of course. My nanny was Viscountess Inaia, who also happens to be the maternal grandmother of Countess Mura’s sisters.”

Of course, Viscountess Inaia had not directly discussed Countess Mura.

She had merely overheard this discussion while other maids were engrossed in their worries.

[Dash] It’s worrisome. Fighting over one man will bring no good to the sisters… If it’s their family, they would surely cover it up and marry the older sister.

[Dash] But you said the younger sister was originally the fiancée?

[Dash] Yes. I heard they had been long-time lovers. However… the older sister had been of marriageable age for a long time and yet couldn’t find a suitable match. There’s nothing I can do about such matters, so I can only watch.

Soon after, news of Count Mura’s wedding came out, and she naturally learned of the whole story.

However, others who were not well-informed would naturally be unaware of this background.

“Viscountess Inaia may have refrained from speaking out of consideration for Countess Mura’s reputation… but I couldn’t stand by watching innocent people suffer, so I had to speak.”

Besides, Odette rarely socialized, so even if this became an issue, it could be overlooked as a novice’s mistake.

“I think it’s a celebration that Count Mura has found his ‘right partner’ even now. Overcoming such hardships for love is really wonderful.”

Odette spoke as if she were truly envious, her voice filled with admiration.

“Recently, I’ve been in such a romantic relationship myself… It really does seem romantic, doesn’t it?”

And at the end, her cheeks even turned a little red.

In summary, Odette was saying this:

“Whatever the relationship was between Rizaina and Walter, the one getting married is me. And we are both in love, so don’t add your comments.”

The tea table fell silent as soon as she finished speaking.

Odette had won her case.