Chapter 93

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 93

Chapter Title: Camilla's Invitation

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All eyes turned to Duchess Ballua's hat.

"W-We... we're..."

The duchess, her face drained of color, stammered without finding any excuse. She quickly yanked her son Nils along by the wrist.

Nils shot me a murderous glare as his mother dragged him away, but I waved at him brightly and sweetly.

"I'm Michaela George. It's nothing grand, but I do tutor children."

"Candira Dimonte here. I served as a lady-in-waiting to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager in my youth."

The famous godmother candidates surrounded me, introducing themselves one by one.

Their eyes gleamed with obvious greed.

And who could blame them? Even as an adopted daughter, I was still a lady of House Duvered. I'd even taken the late duchess's surname as my middle name.

Plus, after the Luminous potion incident, the Empress Dowager had taken a huge interest in me.

And with me deciphering a passage from the scriptures that even the temple didn't know? My value had naturally skyrocketed.

I forced a bright smile, trying not to show how overwhelmed I felt.

'Knowing how to read ancient script? Yeah, that's gotta stay a secret.'

Even now, they were swarming me. If word got out about that, it'd be utter chaos.

As the crowd of noble ladies started wearing me down, a booming voice rang out from the entrance.

"Grand Lady Camilla has arrived!"

The clusters of people parted to the walls, bowing their heads.

I hurried over to my aunt's side, gave a slight bow, and looked toward Grand Lady Camilla.

Even in my past life, I'd seen her, and she still exuded tremendous dignity. Her elegant steps held not a hint of wasted motion.

The hostess, Countess Wiltro, approached with a warm smile.

"What an honor to have you here, Grand Lady."

"A splendid party. I can tell you put great care into every detail."

"Your words delight me."

The grand lady glanced around the room.

"Since it's such a fine gathering, everyone, enjoy yourselves without regret."

Only then did the guests—hands over hearts, bowed a bit deeper—straighten up.

The buzz of the party resumed.

Grand Lady Camilla took a seat at a table that was neither in the corner nor the center—perfectly positioned for people to approach.

'Truly the queen of high society.'

It was a far cry from the Empress Dowager at the Flower Festival.

She tolerated factions but reined them in before fights got out of hand.

She let society revel freely, but never allowed order to break down.

'No wonder so many still want her as their godmother.'

Young ladies and their parents crowded around her.

Grand Lady Camilla was a towering figure. Not just because of her influence, but because she treated everyone fairly. She hadn't become anyone's godmother.

'She doesn't even let anyone approach first.'

That was when it happened.

"Lady Duvered."

I startled, seeing her staring right at me.

'Huh?'

Though I'd carefully laid the groundwork to ask her to be my godmother, I hadn't expected her to call me out like this, in public.

I glanced at my aunt, who nodded. So I headed toward Grand Lady Camilla.

"It's an honor to meet you, Grand Lady Camilla."

"Come, sit."

She then addressed the crowd around her.

"I have private matters to discuss with the lady. If you wouldn't mind giving us some space."

Their shock was obvious. As they retreated, they snuck curious glances our way.

"It's only been a few days."

"Yes, Grand Lady."

"What have you been up to?"

"I've been on walks and reading books."

"The book with that passage you mentioned last time?"

"Yes! It's my favorite."

"I'm glad to hear that."

She gazed at me with gentle eyes.

"I'd like to give you a gift, young lady. I pondered what children these days like most, then decided on something useful instead. Is there nothing you want?"

I blinked innocently to avoid raising suspicions.

"A gift for me?"

"Yes. I'm grateful to you. Thanks to you, I didn't miss out on something precious."

She must have decided to take in Leticia and Lionel.

'Soon to be grand duchess and young lord.'

I said nothing more, just smiled warmly.

"Aren't you curious what that precious thing is? You're at that curious age."

"Coming from someone as wise as you, Grand Lady, I'm sure there's meaning behind it. And since you haven't shared details, it must be something I shouldn't pry into now."

The way she'd treated me like a mere child shifted in her eyes.

"You're a clever one, aren't you? Very."

"You're too kind."

"No, truly clever. I mean it."

She stared straight at me. I met her gaze without flinching.

"I'm thankful for your words, but I don't really want for anything."

"Want and need are different things."

"If it's something I need..."

I trailed off, pretending to think, then shook my head.

"But that's something even you can't give me, Grand Lady."

"If there's almost nothing I can't provide, doesn't that mean you're underestimating me?"

She asked with a playful edge. I shook my head firmly.

"You can't give people."

"People? Do you need people? You must already have more than enough. A handsome, capable father. Outstanding brothers. An aunt who's the capital's most popular figure. They say you're surrounded by talent."

"What I need is someone to teach me how the capital works. Daddy said that as Lady Duvered, I'll have to stand in for Aunt someday. But I'm still too young and know nothing, so it's frustrating."

"...Surely many would love to be your godmother?"

"But I can't just pick anyone. You said a godmother isn't just someone who teaches etiquette. She's like a second mother."

"..."

"So I need someone I can truly trust—someone I can follow like a mother."

Grand Lady Camilla tapped the table twice. Tap, tap.

"I see. You're right."

Just then, the chocolate fountain was wheeled in—a gift from the hosts for the children.

I stared blankly at the excited kids rushing over, then caught myself.

'Oh right! I need to act excited too!'

I thought, then shouted, "Wow!"

"Go on, then."

At her words, I jumped up, gave a quick bow, and headed to the chocolate fountain.

Even as I walked, my focus stayed glued to Grand Lady Camilla's back.

Baroness Bakila, reflected shiny in the fountain, beckoned her maid and glanced my way.

'Duvered... look into her... how far along in education... quick.'

I barely made out the lip movements in the fountain's gleam. As I transferred biscuits to a bowl, I lifted the corners of my mouth.

It looked like the day I'd be summoned to the grand lady wouldn't be far off.

'And right on cue!'

I swung my legs idly as I gazed out the carriage window.

Grand Lady Camilla had invited me for a meal—an unprecedented event that left the Duvered household flustered.

The family debated what it could mean, but I quickly chimed in, "I want to go!"

Father eventually agreed to send me—to Grand Lady Camilla's residence.

"Sit properly, or you'll get hurt."

...With Yohan.

"Yes..." I replied, straightening up obediently.

A guard (aka babysitter) was fine. I'd get my private talk with the grand lady anyway.

Smartly dressed men in tailcoats greeted us as we stepped from the carriage.

"We greet the esteemed ones of House Duvered."

They led us inside.

Yohan was shown to the parlor to wait, while I was directed to the room right next door.

"Call me if she asks anything tricky."

Yohan whispered. I nodded and entered the room.

"She received word from the palace and stepped out briefly. Please wait; she'll be along shortly."

"Of course."

Once the butler left, I sat carefully on the sofa.

'So this is the VIP parlor where Grand Lady Camilla invites only a select few to share her heart...'

A high temple priest, close friend to the grand lady, had once mentioned it.

I let out a soft, "Wow..." and looked around.

Not outrageously opulent, but every ornament and carpet gleamed with polish. It brimmed with refined, aged charm.

The parlor opened to a terrace. Sunlight poured through the large windows, illuminating lush green trees and vibrant flowers outside.

'Wait, is that haro flower?'

Seeing the blue bloom layered in seven petals, I screamed inwardly.

It was the flower that triggered my allergy after that honey tea last time.

Even the scent made my stomach churn, so I headed to the terrace to confirm—and close the window if it was.

'The terrace connects to the outer parlor.'

As I leaned over the railing, a voice calling someone drifted from afar.

"...where are you!"

"...young master."

"Prince Adrian!"

And then—thud.

Something dropped from above with a soft thump.

I whipped my head around in surprise. What I saw was—

"You..."

"...!"

A cool breeze scattered his radiant golden hair, revealing vivid red eyes.

'Adrian!'

As I gaped in shock, the stiff prince finally spoke.

"Ishak, why are you..."

He'd just started muttering when—

A creak echoed from the window of the next parlor.

'Yohan's in there!'

I yanked him close and ducked behind the curtains. Then I grabbed Adrian's shoulder, forcing him to crouch.

If I could, I'd have crumpled him up and stuffed him in my pocket.

My heart pounded wildly.

Adrian and Yohan were like sworn enemies, each waiting for a chance to slit the other's throat.

Thinking Yohan had opened the door, I pressed against the wall and peeked out cautiously.

But all I saw were the swallowtail tails of a tailcoat.

'The butler must've opened it for him.'

I sighed in relief, scanned the room again, then looked straight ahead.

His narrowed pupils stared right at me from breath-close distance.