About Becoming My Ex-Husband's Mistress - Chapter 67

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 67. I Cannot Regret the Invitation
One carriage, two carriages, three carriages….
The procession of coaches passed before Melissa in succession.
As if they had no intention of stopping here whatsoever.
Though it was night, the brilliantly lit grounds illuminated the emblems carved into each passing carriage with perfect clarity.
Which made it all the more bewildering.
These were clearly families I had invited, yet why were they passing before my destination?
Moreover, every window of the carriages had their curtains drawn.
After the procession of coaches had passed, silence settled before the house.
“What is….”
Melissa turned to look at Count Veloda Genoma and Matilda Bilsty standing behind her, utterly bewildered.
The two of them were equally at a loss for explanation.
Then Matilda pointed to the road again.
“Look, His Highness is arriving.”
Matilda was right.
A magnificent carriage drawn by six white horses came into view.
Melissa hastily checked that her appearance was in order.
The party atmosphere was rather dull, but if only the most important person would arrive….
Yet the royal carriage too swept past before Melissa.
“….”
It was truly shocking.
The three of them, their mouths agape in utter bewilderment, called for the Butler.
“Why are all the carriages of the families I invited passing by without stopping?”
The Butler drew out a handkerchief and wiped the cold sweat from his brow at Melissa’s undisguised displeasure.
“I am not entirely certain, but I did mention that an unusually large volume of correspondence arrived over the past few days….”
Now that he mentioned it, the Butler had indeed said something to that effect.
But I had not checked the correspondence. I had not entered the Library after hearing the Butler’s report.
I had spent time in the shopping district purchasing dresses and jewelry, played at the Casino drinking late into the night, and only returned as dawn broke to retire to bed—I had given no thought to the letters.
Melissa immediately made for the Library.
The desk in the Library was piled high with correspondence the Butler had left there.
Upon opening the first letter, its contents stated that due to poor health, attendance at the party was impossible, and apologized for the inconvenience.
Melissa immediately grew furious and crumpled the letter in her fist.
“They call this a reason? Do they take me for a fool?”
I had seen the carriage of the family that wrote this reply pass before my eyes just moments ago.
Melissa opened the next letter.
Its contents stated that an urgent matter had suddenly arisen, making attendance impossible, and requested understanding.
As Melissa opened another letter, she had Count Veloda Genoma and Matilda open the rest.
The letters all reached the same conclusion, though each was phrased differently.
‘How can this be? What on earth is the reason for this?’
Every conceivable thought raced through my mind.
Was it because I didn’t win the Royal Elegance Contest? Or was it because Zerox has turned his attention to Olivia instead of me?
At that moment, Count Veloda Genoma handed a letter to Melissa.
“Look at this.”
Melissa took the letter and read it.
I’m sorry for the invitation to your party. I’ve decided to attend Countess Dora’s party instead.
It was written by a lower-ranking noblewoman’s daughter who didn’t particularly care for Melissa, yet lingered around hoping for scraps of favor.
So the clue emerges from here.
Just then, the Butler entered and bowed his head.
Melissa crumpled the letter in her hand, her teeth grinding.
“Mother, please attend to the guests. Countess Dora’s Town House isn’t far from here, so I’ll go and investigate it myself.”
Melissa and Count Veloda Genoma quickly donned their cloaks and retrieved opera glasses for reconnaissance.
* * *
The moment Madame Laber, Olivia, and I descended from the carriage and stepped into the garden where Countess Dora’s house party was being held.
A small cheer erupted among the women scattered in small groups conversing.
“Oh my, she’s arrived!”
“Eek!”
Count Dora and his wife, who had been waiting at the entrance, greeted us personally.
“Welcome, Madame Laber, Olivia, and our darling.”
Countess Dora called me “darling” without hesitation even in a place crowded with people.
Since Madame Laber called me that, she said she wanted to do the same.
It was such a warm expression of affection that I gladly permitted it.
“Thank you for the invitation.”
After greeting them, three young noblewomen who appeared to have only recently come of age gathered behind Countess Dora.
Countess Dora glanced back, and the corners of her mouth rose with amusement.
“My, how eager they are. Youth, I suppose. Hehe.”
At her words, one noblewoman clasped her hands together.
“Forgive us, Countess Dora. But please understand—when I heard that the Raber Salon ladies were coming, I even cancelled a prior appointment with Count Bilsty’s daughter.”
At the sweet voice, Countess Dora lifted her chin proudly.
“Oh my, well then, that’s unavoidable. Yes, Lady Barona. Allow me to introduce them to you first.”
And so Countess Dora began introducing Olivia and me to them. All three were daughters of families of considerable standing.
Just then, another carriage arrived.
“Oh, we have another guest. I’ll introduce the rest of you more leisurely later. Olivia, would you mind singing for us if you’re ready?”
At Countess Dora’s words, Olivia bowed respectfully.
“It would be my honor, Countess.”
“Come along, Olivia. Now, do enjoy yourselves, our darling and Madame Laber.”
Countess Dora led Olivia away while gesturing to one side. The Butler promptly appeared and began greeting the guests.
“Countess Dora is quite taken with you. How did you manage to enchant her in such a short time?”
Madame Laber laughed and lightly touched my arm.
“I have some business to attend to, so do enjoy your conversation with the others.”
With that, Madame Laber promptly approached some of the other noble gentlemen and began conversing with them.
On the way here, he had mentioned investments to expand the Salon throughout the Kingdom, so it seemed he intended to discuss related business ventures.
In the meantime, Lady Barona, whom I had just been introduced to, and the other young ladies eagerly took my hand and pulled me along.
“Priscilla, would you come this way? Let’s have a cocktail together.”
I followed where they led, sipping a cocktail while responding to them gracefully.
Then suddenly, Lady Barona’s gaze turned toward the entrance.
“My goodness!”
The other young ladies with her also looked toward the party entrance, hastily covering their gaping mouths with their fans.
At the same time, everyone in the garden stirred with excitement.
I too turned to look at the entrance.
An elegant and magnificent carriage had come to a stop. I could see Count Dora and his wife hurrying toward the entrance.
They bowed respectfully to the person descending from the carriage.
In that moment, my heart seemed to drop, and I held my breath quietly.
The one who descended from the carriage was Luderne Sellen and Brissel Mohr. Judging by their nodding, they seemed to be returning the welcoming greeting.
Soon Luderne Sellen began conversing with other male nobles in one corner of the garden.
The young ladies around me whispered among themselves.
“What’s the occasion? Doesn’t Prince Wintem usually not attend house parties?”
“That’s right. What’s happening today?”
“If we go greet him, do you think he’ll acknowledge us?”
“Oh my!”
The commotion grew even louder, and the young ladies covered their mouths with both hands.
A carriage drawn by six white horses came to a stop.
As the royal coachman opened the carriage door, Count Dora and his wife looked flustered and stood to attention.
“The Sun of the Arde Kingdom, His Majesty King Zerox of Arde!”
Just as Count Dora and his wife were about to bow deeply toward the carriage, I saw Zerox descending and gesturing to them to refrain.
He then looked around and raised his hand, signaling that they should not mind him and simply enjoy themselves.
The nobles, who had been tense for a moment, resumed their conversation in a relaxed atmosphere.
Zerox said something to Count Dora and his wife. They then guided him to the center of the garden and instructed the butler about something.
Soon the butler positioned the orchestra and Olivia to one side.
Presently, singing began.
As I was captivated by Olivia’s beautiful voice along with the young ladies, Madame Laber approached.
“Pardon me, beautiful young ladies.”
Madame Laber led me to a secluded corner of the garden.
“You know, dear.”
“Yes?”
“Do you remember what I said before?”
“What did you say?”
Madame Laber whispered.
“I said I would carefully introduce you to a wealthy man, preferably a young one.”
It was something she had said while drafting the contract aboard the Quindle. That I should become a nobleman’s mistress.
I had not responded then because it was absurd, but thinking about it now, finding new love was something I needed anyway to break the curse.
“I dislike the idea of a fiancé. But if there’s a decent man, I wouldn’t mind meeting him.”
“Oh my, how perfectly wonderful!”
Madame Laber, her face flushed with delight, pointed toward a brown-haired man standing at a distance.
His complexion was pale, and though he appeared somewhat lean, his frame seemed sturdy and well-built.
“That’s Viscount Berlbering. He’s already expressed interest in you, I hear. What do you say? Shall the two of you have a conversation?”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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