There are a lot of names...
Even with a rough count, the list seemed to include at least a hundred names. Of course, not everyone on the list would attend, but it was important to prepare.
“Can you copy this list for me? I know it's stressful, but I would be so grateful,” I asked.
“Eh? Oh, no, it’s okay, but… May I ask you why you need it?” Viscount Rochefort asked cautiously, watching my reaction.
"You know, it's been a long time since I've been to a party, let alone my husband's. I'd like to know in advance who we might meet that night, and be prepared," I said, smiling softly.
“Don’t worry, I don’t intend to interfere with the guest list.”
Upon hearing my words, Viscount Rochefort waved his hands dismissing the idea.
“Oh, no, I never thought of that. It will take some time to copy it, but is it okay?”
“Sure. I'll wait,” I replied with a smile, taking a sip from my cup of tea.
Power is definitely useful… If I wasn't Duchess Dumont, it would never have been this easy.
I did not intend to exploit my position, but there was nothing to prevent me from using the resources at my disposal. Especially given my current situation, I couldn't afford to be complacent.
“Oh, and one more thing. Can you hide that my husband and I will be attending the party until his day? You know, he doesn’t like to be in the spotlight.”
It would be annoying if uninvited guests decided to come over after hearing that Ethan was attending.
“Oh, yes, of course. I completely understand that. I will guarantee you complete confidentiality.”
Viscount Rochefort looked at his secretary, who was copying the guest list on the desk, and said, “Did you hear that?” The secretary quickly nodded his approval.
“Okay, one problem has been solved...”
***
Next stop was Grandbert Palace.
When the butler brought me into the reception room, a woman greeted me with a broad smile. Her full, round face gave off an air of friendliness.
“Duchess Dumont”
Wow, she looks exactly like her picture in the original story.
Viscountess Audrey Grandbert was introduced in the original story as a companion to the adult Elodie.
Viscountess Grandbert was known for her kindness, and had a reputation among the upper class. So Ethan asked her to be Elodie's companion.
Although she was not a major character in the story, Viscountess Grandbert was instrumental in ensuring that Elodie made her debut in society as a proper mademoiselle.
It looks smaller than I expected.
Well, this is six years before her first appearance in the story, so naturally. She is probably only a few years older than Camille.
“Please, sit down. How is your health now?” she asked me.
Officially, I was confined to home due to health issues.
“As you can see, I'm fine now. Thanks for the letter and the flowers you sent.”
“Oh, it was nothing. I had to visit her in person, but I didn't want to overdo it.”
Viscountess Grandbert was the only person, besides my brother Olivier, who had sent me a letter asking how I had been for the past two months. This was one of the reasons I decided to visit it today.
Another reason was one line of description when Viscountess Grandbert was first introduced in the original story:
“Viscountess Grandbert was kind even to Ethan's ex-wife, Camille.”
In other words, the writer wanted to show how good she is by showing her kindness to a hated character like Camille.
It was a bit annoying now that I was in Camille's body, but it was useful information.
“Thank you for your concern, I brought a gift. It is loaded in the carriage, so please have a servant bring it.”
"Oh, you shouldn't have done that. I was doing what anyone would do..."
“I'm doing what anyone would do. So please accept that, unless you want to make me seem rude,” I said with a teasing smile.
“Well, if you put it that way…thank you very much.”
"Thank you for accepting it. How are you, Viscountess? And your husband?"
“We are fine, thank you for asking. My husband is fine as usual.”
"And Louise? Is she okay?"
Then, Audrey couldn't hide her surprise.
“Do you remember my daughter’s name?”
"Sure. Louise is nine this year, isn't she? You mentioned earlier that she gets sick a lot."
“……”
Audrey was clearly taken aback, her mouth slightly open in surprise.
Louise was an intelligent and lively girl, despite her weak physique. In the story, she makes her debut in society at the same time as Elodie, and they remain close friends throughout.
“To the gift I brought today I added tea that is good for colds. It's getting colder, anyway.”
“Thank you so much...” Audrey said, still looking a little puzzled.
Thanks to her kind and fair nature, her reaction was conclusive evidence of Camille's usual behavior. It was clear that she was not used to this attention from Camille.
'Now let's get to the main point'
"Actually, the reason I came today is not just to thank you. I have a request I want to make."
“Do you have a request for me, Duchess? What is it?” I asked curiously.
“It has to do with my illness. Even though I said I'm fine now, I'm actually not completely recovered. I'm still experiencing some side effects,” I explained.
Audrey frowned anxiously, “Oh my God, what kind of illness have you got…?”
“At first, I thought it was just a normal fever, but as the fever continued, my mind became fuzzy, and my memory began to fade. If I look different today, maybe that’s why. Even the palace staff find me a bit strange.”
“Oh…” Audrey seemed to understand now.
“In particular, I have trouble remembering names and faces unless they are people I was close to or admired. That's why I look different today. I tried to hide it, but it's hard.”
I gave her a meaningful look, hoping to convey that I liked her.
“Uh...”
Whether Audrey fully understood my intent or not, she seemed sympathetic to my condition.
"The fever is easing, and my memory is gradually, but slowly, recovering. I'm worried about the upcoming ball at Viscount Rochefort's mansion this weekend. I'm afraid I won't be able to greet everyone properly," I said, taking out the guest list I had received from Viscount Rochefort and handing it to Audrey.
"This is the party's guest list. I asked for it from Viscount Rochefort. I was hoping you could help me remember the names of these people. Can you tell me a little about each person? What they look like, their personality, their family background, and how I usually dealt with them?"
Before Audrey could respond, I quickly added, "I know this is a big ask, but I have no one else to turn to. You were the only one who knew how I was doing while I was sick."
“……”
"It's not a criticism of others, of course. It just means that I wasn't likable. Maybe I didn't behave myself. If I caused you any inconvenience, I apologize," I said, bowing my head.
Audrey, horrified, quickly grabbed my hands, “No, Duchess. You have never bothered me. Please, raise your head.”
“…Really?” I looked at her with the most pitiful expression I could muster.