Chapter 41
Mrs. Camille Emerson, formerly known as Miss Camille Arle before her marriage, was very popular because of her beautiful appearance and lively, fun-loving personality.
Her parties were always praised for being fun and in keeping with her vibrant personality. However, Idell never attended any of her own gatherings, because, more often than not, the "fun" involved making a fool of someone.
“I’ve heard of Mrs. Emerson before. She’s outgoing and loves making new friends, isn’t she?”
"Really? So can I be her friend too? She looks so young."
It seems that Linnea was already infatuated with Camille. Or perhaps she thought that associating with a popular socialite would improve her standing.
Edel spoke cautiously as she wondered how to keep Linnea away from Camille without upsetting her.
“…it might be better to wait until the third invitation. Usually, the first two meetings are just for getting to know each other.”
"Oh really? Good thing I asked you. Maybe I got too friendly too soon."
Seeing Linnea trying to laugh at her embarrassment made Idell feel a little sorry for her.
'How desperate is Linnea to have a boyfriend now? She's probably too worried about being ridiculed at every party.'
At least she didn't seem skeptical of Edel's advice, which meant that Edel could back out before Marsha got her attention.
“True friendships take time to grow. I’m glad you’re feeling better about this, ma’am. If you’ll excuse me…”
"Oh, wait."
"Yes?"
Idil's heart beats for victory once again.
Linnea avoided eye contact for a moment, and murmured quietly.
“Maybe… if you have the time…”
"I'm sorry, ma'am, I didn't quite understand that."
“No, nothing! Please.”
With that, Linnea turned around quickly and disappeared into her room.
"What was that about...?"
Idell shook her head in confusion and moved on. For now, she needed to focus on Marsha more than Linnea.
* * *
“A small star shines wherever he goes.”
“Proof that beauty and charm can coexist.”
“The best party hostess in the Pisfera Empire.”
All this praise was directed at Mrs. Camille Emerson. This year, she intended to maintain her reputation.
"Any problems?"
Camille asked her head maid, while she stood so that her maids could adjust her dress.
“Nothing at all, ma’am. The guests have started arriving and are taking their seats according to your instructions.”
"Good, good."
Camille smiled, admiring herself in the mirror, sparkling with jewels and wrapped in a beautiful gown.
"This year's party will be the best ever."
Since getting married, Camille has held a three-day party at the beginning of March, to mark the end of the gloomy winter and the beginning of spring.
Her birthday was on March 3, and her husband, Viscount Emerson, celebrated his birthday on March 4, which was also a common time for small tea parties, so she combined everything into one big three-day event.
For years, this party has been known as "the best".
“Ma’am, Ms. Angela Bliss has arrived. May I let her in?”
“Oh, Angela’s here! Yes, please bring her in.”
Camille, who was now almost ready, happily welcomed her distant cousin and dear friend Angela.
With her fiery red hair and golden eyes, Angela's sensual personality made her the object of affection for many men.
Naturally, Camille, who had flourished thanks to her popularity on the social scene, remained close to her.
"Hello Angela!"
"I haven't seen you in a long time, Camille."
The two were very well compatible, sharing similar tastes and ideas.
“This year’s party decorations are amazing! How did you come up with such a great idea?”
“Thank you, Angela. But don’t get too excited just yet. I’ve planned better things, so enjoy yourself over the next three days.”
“Can’t you give me a hint about what to expect? I don’t want to be too shocked!”
Angela's playful teasing made Camille smile even more.
“Can I tell you one thing? Angela, do you know Linnea Crisis?”
“Lenia… Oh my God! You don’t mean the sister of the mercenary who became a count, do you?”
“That’s right. It will make the party more fun.”
At that moment, Angela had no idea what Camille had planned. She was simply annoyed that someone like Linnea, from a commoner background, had been invited to a party known to be exclusive.
But when Linnea Crisis arrived that afternoon, Angela realized how skilled Camille was at hosting a truly remarkable event.
"Oh my God, what is she wearing? Is she even noble?"
"Leave it as it is. What could the general public possibly know?"
"How embarrassing..."
Whispers of annoyance rose from the crowd surrounding Linnea.
Camille deliberately positioned herself among the gossipy women, knowing they would tear Linnea to shreds. Linnea entered wearing heavy makeup, an odd headdress, and a dress more suited to a mistress—just as she usually dressed.
"Camille, is this what you were talking about?"
“Pffft! Isn’t this amazing? That girl grew up spending the money her mercenary brother earned, and acting like she belonged in noble society. I wanted to give her a reality check.”
Camille was annoyed by Linnea's constant presence at every party, so she decided to humiliate her once and for all by sending her an invitation.
A few months earlier, during a tea party, Camille had played a charming role while observing Linnea. Once she realized Linnea was naive, she identified her as the perfect target for the day's amusement.
Today, Linnea appeared exactly as expected, giving everyone the pleasure of making fun of her.
“But with the growing influence of Count Crisis… is this really a good thing?”
“Count Crisis doesn’t even care about his sister. Just look at her. She doesn’t even have a proper tutor, which says it all. It seems he only threw her some money after his work as a mercenary.”
“These uneducated common people who rise to fame only serve to pollute the social landscape…”
“Who would disagree? Look, even after this humiliation, she’ll continue to appear at parties.”
Angela shook her head in disapproval at Camille's statement.
Linnea realized no one was speaking to her, so she sipped her tea nervously, seemingly oblivious to the mistake she had made. Perhaps this was why she had continued to attend these events.
"Do you think it will be a source of entertainment for the next two days as well?"
“Who knows? After all the talk about it today, it will disappear from the conversation, and perhaps hide in a corner. But don’t worry, tomorrow will bring new entertainment.”
For them, Linnea was nothing more than a disposable toy.
Although Linnea had heard the mockery and sarcastic whispers directed at her all day, she broke down in tears as soon as she got into her carriage to go home.
* * *
Today was the day Linnea had been eagerly awaiting: Lady Emerson's ball.
But Edel had been worried about her ever since Linnea, dressed up in a cheerful outfit with Marsha's help, had left the house early that morning. To be honest, she looked awful.
'If only I could help her with her appearance…'
But Marsha would never have allowed Edel to take on that role, since she would have reaped some benefits herself. A mere kitchen maid like Edel couldn't possibly be expected to help the lady of the house dress.
As expected, Linnea returned home much earlier than planned, having suffered a severe attack, unlike anything they had seen in a long time.
"Oh my God! Who put this here?"
The moment Linnea picked up the hearth wick, which was always in the same place, and threw it across the room, all the servants became tense.
“It’s already March, and you still have winter decorations? What will people say if they see this? Take them down immediately!”
“And this? There’s dust on the window frames! If I don’t bother you, you won’t do your job?”
“Marsha! When are you going to hire a new gardener? Other houses' gardens are already bursting with flowers!”
Linnea began to vent her frustration on everything she saw, from invisible dust to hiring decisions over which the housekeeper had no authority.
Even Marsha, who usually calmed Linnea's outbursts of anger, cried out at this time:
"silent!"
After that, everyone stood in silence, overcome with unease.
When Linnea's throat became hoarse from all the screaming, she retreated to her room, where she began breaking things.
From the second floor, the sounds of crashing and smashing filled the palace, causing the maids to exchange dismayed glances. Someone would have to go up and clean up the mess once Linnea's rampage was over.
“Ah, this is driving me crazy.”
"Seriously. What's wrong with her today?"
“I don’t know. Maybe I was insulted at another party.”
“It’s not like this is the first time. Shouldn’t she be used to it by now? Why is she taking it out on us?”
Hearing the maids complaining of frustration made Idil's heart ache.
'How can anyone get used to that...?'