“Would the Countess care to teach Miss Tupper some royal etiquette?”

What was she talking about? I frowned in confusion.

“Miss Tupper came to this solemn occasion inappropriately dressed.”

I took a careful look at Laila from head to toe.

At first, her dazzling appearance made me think she might be overdressed. But upon closer inspection, I saw that Laila had chosen a simple outfit. Her long curly hair was neatly braided to one side without even a single flower adornment.

Despite her simplicity, Laila shone, not because of any embellishment, but because of her striking features, which no black fabric could overshadow.

“So, you want me to reprimand her for inappropriate attire?”

“Yes, exactly.”

Our eyes met. Laila’s eyes, brimming with moisture, reminded me of a wounded baby squirrel…

“But as far as I can see… Miss Tupper seems to be appropriately dressed for the occasion. Where exactly is she lacking in propriety?”

“Her outfit is not suitable for a funeral. Can’t you see that?”

I couldn’t believe her audacity. To me, it appeared that Laila’s attire, lacking any lace decorations and made from a non-glossy material, was quite modest. In fact, it seemed more modest than Teckla’s own dress.

“Me? Are you sure?”

“Yes, Countess Louijett. You mean Miss Tupper came inappropriately dressed, and you want me to scold her?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

As I locked eyes with Laila, her big brown eyes looked as if they were about to burst into tears. This felt like looking at an injured baby squirrel…

“But from what I see… it appears that Miss Tupper is indeed properly dressed for the occasion. What exactly is improper about her outfit?”

“Isn’t it obvious? Her dress is not suitable for a funeral. Can’t you see?”

Her expression was one of disbelief. And I was equally dumbfounded.

“Her dress is plain, without any lace trimmings. It seems to be made of a matte fabric, specifically chosen to avoid gloss… From my perspective, Miss Tupper’s attire is far more modest than yours, Miss Teckla. Don’t you think?”
Since the topic has come up, it seems to me that Miss Teckla is the one not dressed appropriately for a funeral. This is hardly a funeral attire, isn’t it? What’s the point of wearing black formal wear if you’re going to adorn yourself with so many jewels and accessories?

“What, what did you say?”

“I understand that you’re upset about not shining as brightly as Miss Tupper, despite your elaborate efforts… but openly showing jealousy like this isn’t a good look.”

Teckla’s face flushed with embarrassment. Half of her face was hidden behind the fan, but the visible half turned bright red.

And then another memory surfaced. Villain 3 willingly played the role of Villain 2’s lackey. So Teckla was the one who stuck closely behind Celeste, playing her maid and tormenting Laila.

Laila was undoubtedly a noble, but she lived a life no different from a commoner.

The reason for her lack of power, despite being a cousin of Fulcheria, the highest-ranking lady in the royal family, lies in the fact that she was not a direct cousin but a cousin by marriage.

I heard that Fulcheria had refused an arranged marriage due to its cold nature and instead chose a marriage of romance and love. The former Empress reluctantly allowed this marriage to Fulcheria’s stubbornness.

Fulcheria’s husband was the eldest son of the Tupper family. Although not extremely wealthy, the Tupper family was still a distinguished lineage.

The problem arose when the eldest son monopolized the title and all of the family’s wealth.