Living in this world, in this era, as a woman, there were many inconveniences. Especially these long, cumbersome dresses were the worst.

They might have been aesthetically pleasing, but in terms of practicality, they were utterly lacking. Every step required someone to attend to the dress’s hem to prevent tripping over it.

Noticing my heavy footsteps, weighed down by the dress, Hanna started to add various comments.

“……When Emperor Alexander passed away, there were opinions suggesting that Duke Albrecht ascend to the throne since the then Crown Prince, our current late Emperor, was too young. Of course, since the Crown Prince was very much alive, those discussions quickly dissipated.”

According to her, now that the imperial throne was suddenly vacant, Karl was the most likely candidate to succeed. With the young emperor having no children, the throne would go to the person highest in the line of succession after him.

Considering this, Duke Albrecht, the cousin of the late Emperor and the legitimate grandson of the previous Emperor, was said to be the most likely next Emperor.

Even though he hadn’t ascended to the throne yet, Karl was already acting as the Emperor’s regent, handling state affairs. He must be incredibly busy, managing both his duties at the Imperial Investigative Service and as the Emperor’s regent.

Hanna, having heard from her younger sister working in the palace, said Karl was so busy he barely had time to eat or sleep.

“It’s true, status does make the person. The higher you climb, the less personal time you have.”

I wasn’t overly disappointed. Feeling let down usually comes from unmet expectations, and I realized it was wrong to have expected Karl to acknowledge me in the first place.

Even if I felt disappointed, ‘I’ had no reason to feel so. Maybe the original Celeste might have, but not me.

“Look, who is that over there?”

I was about to leave, following Hanna’s guidance to avoid unnecessary encounters with others, when I saw a group of women in black dresses gathered in a circle in a quiet corridor.

“Isn’t that the woman from earlier? Teckla or Pickle or something.”

Indeed, the primary antagonist who had earlier caused trouble for me was standing upright among the women.

Upon closer inspection, it became clear that the women weren’t just huddled together; they had circled someone, creating an intimidating atmosphere.

Considering turning back, I then noticed what had caught their attention.

“They’re ganging up, ten against one.”

“Pardon, my Lady?”

“Look, over there. They’ve cornered one person and are all attacking her.”

“Ah…”

The target of the women, standing in a circle as if playing a game, was none other than the beautiful female protagonist who had captivated my attention throughout the funeral.

Her hair, shining in the sunlight streaming through the corridor windows, was a magnificent presence. So that’s what they call platinum blonde. She looked almost like an elf.

“Lady, let’s not get involved, please.”

Hanna tugged at my arm, cautioning against getting entangled in what could be a troublesome situation.

Recalling the earlier confrontation, it seemed these women pounced on any opportunity to prey on someone.

“It doesn’t suit you to be here in such a state,” I thought, recalling the encounter.

Living in this world, it’s hard not to notice such scenes, even if one wishes to remain uninvolved.
As they were talking about postpartum care and the paleness of her face, I recognized the same tone from when Teckla had confronted me earlier. Involuntarily, my legs halted at her grating, unpleasant voice.

Teckla. She always has such an annoying way of speaking.

The term “beauty is a curse” wasn’t just an empty phrase. According to the original story, the female protagonist had many enemies, especially among the noble daughters, the so-called ladies. The reason for their hatred and scheming against her was simple: she was excessively, overwhelmingly beautiful. Of all the times, I had to remember that part now.

With a sigh, I turned and approached the group. Hanna held her forehead and shook her head in disbelief.

“What’s going on here?”

Suddenly, twenty eyes turned to look at me.

Half of them, upon recognizing me, stepped back in confusion, five others just rolled their eyes in panic, and one, along with Teckla, glared at me.

“Why is the Countess of Louijett here…”

Trying to hide her confusion, Teckla quickly pulled out a fan and covered her mouth.

“I saw a crowd on my way and thought something interesting might be happening.”

“Interesting? We have our matters to discuss, so please leave us be.”

“What interesting matters are you discussing that you need such a crowd? I’d like to join in too.”

Teckla’s eyes seemed to say, “Why are you interfering out of nowhere?” Her face expressed her inability to understand why I would intrude uninvited.

“Well then…”

Teckla stepped aside, revealing a slender woman behind her. Laila Tupper. It was a historic moment, facing the protagonist of the original story.