The Puppet Villainess’s Splendid Rebellion - Chapter 84

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 84

Despite the early winter weather, the inside of the pergola was filled with warmth.

A fireplace burned warmly inside the white cloth tent, and silver teacups and refreshments were neatly set on the table. Plush sofas were adequately arranged with fur blankets and cushions scattered everywhere.

“Please, everyone sit comfortably.”

At my generous invitation, the ladies and young ladies each took their seats. Well, they did sit down, but….

“….”

It was too quiet, far too quiet.

‘Hmm.’

Anyone looking would think this was a funeral rather than a social gathering.

Usually when this many people gather, even if it’s not bustling, there would be small conversations going back and forth, but now no one was the first to speak up. Most of the ladies and young ladies were even subtly competing for seats to sit as far away from me as possible.

…Except for the young ladies who had participated in the previous tea party.

‘Well, this was my image after all.’

I had briefly forgotten since I’d been spending time only with Demian, who’s always pestering me, and Sion, who clings to me all day long.

I consciously put on a gentle smile and walked inside.

“Thank you all for coming such a long way. I hope the journey wasn’t uncomfortable?”

“N-no, Your Highness….”

One lady answered hesitantly. Even while bowing her head before a mere thirteen-year-old princess, her nervousness was evident.

It’s not like I was going to eat them.

…Wait, did I used to try to eat them before?

It was a moment when I felt newly dismayed by my past days of trying to act befitting the position of ‘princess.’

Ahem, I cleared my throat and spoke.

“Please sit comfortably. Today, let’s not worry about formalities and just enjoy ourselves.”

“Thank you for your generous welcome.”

What’s so generous about it.

I shrugged and walked across the pergola to sit at the prepared head seat. Sion, who had been following behind me the whole time, naturally plopped down next to me.

At the same time, the gazes of all the nobles in the pergola turned toward Sion in unison.

“Um, Your Highness. That person is…?”

One lady asked cautiously.

“I’m Lorea’s friend. We’re close.”

“…Pardon?”

Before I could answer, Sion intercepted with a nonchalant expression.

The lady who had asked the question widened her eyes in bewilderment.

Her expression showed disbelief that someone had called the great princess by her name without using the title ‘Your Highness.’

“Fr-friend?”

“Yeah, doesn’t it seem that way?”

Sion tilted his head sideways and asked innocently.

Of course it doesn’t.

I don’t keep things like friends.

From their perspective, this must feel like the world turning upside down.

“But I’ll be leaving soon. Even for me, being stuck among women is a bit…”

The questioning looks from the ladies and young ladies toward Sion showed no signs of diminishing, but the person in question kept his gaze fixed on me as if he didn’t care about such things at all.

“Still, if you call me, I’ll come right away. I’ll be nearby.”

“Yes….”

“Aren’t I nice?”

I looked awkwardly at Sion, who was pushing his head forward as if asking to be petted.

“Sion.”

“Just kidding. I’ll be going now. Have fun.”

Sion, who quickly smiled mischievously and straightened up, lightly patted my head. I could clearly hear gasps from around us.

“See you later.”

With those words, Sion left the pergola. Normally he would have disappeared with magic, but it seemed he was conscious of the gazes even if he didn’t seem like it.

After he disappeared, an awkward silence settled inside the pergola. Seeing the nobles exchanging glances among themselves, I quickly waved my hand.

“You don’t need to worry about it. He really is my friend.”

“I-I see.”

The lady who had initially asked the question looked at me with an awkward smile. Her expression showed she wasn’t convinced at all, but she didn’t ask any more questions.

And rightfully so, since who in this place could interrogate me with curious questions?

‘Thank goodness I’m a princess.’

However, what came next was the problem. The tea party had clearly begun, but no one spoke up first. Only the occasional sound of teacups clinking could be heard.

‘Even a funeral wouldn’t be this quiet.’

The Jeongjesa and House of the Duke matters aside, this atmosphere was quite troublesome for me as well. I had just succeeded in renewing my image with the people of the House of the Duke, but if the nobles found me this intimidating, I clearly wouldn’t be able to escape from that previous princess position.

Then I spotted some familiar faces. They were the young ladies I had met at the previous tea party.

“Keinz Countess, Baroness Benian.”

At my call, the two young ladies looked up in surprise. I smiled brightly at them.

“It’s been a while. This is the first time I’ve seen you since the last tea party.”

“Ah, yes! Your Highness, hello.”

Keinz Countess quickly answered. Though she seemed nervous, she appeared much more relaxed than last time.

“Did the walnut cookie recipe I gave you back then turn out well?”

“Huh? Oh, you remembered that letter?”

“Of course. You said you’d share it with your younger sibling too. Did they like the taste?”

Keinz Countess’s eyes widened. She looked surprised that I remembered.

“I made them! My sibling really loved them.”

“That’s a relief. I’ll give you some walnuts as a gift when you return this time.”

At my suggestion, Keinz Countess’s cheeks turned slightly red.

“What about Baroness Benian? You seemed to enjoy the rose tea last time, so I prepared some again today.”

“Ah…”

Baroness Benian nodded shyly.

“It tastes even better than last time. Did you prepare sugar separately for me?”

“Of course, you liked sweet things.”

The expressions of the surrounding ladies subtly changed. It seemed unfamiliar to them that the princess remembered the young ladies’ names and even brought up trivial conversations first.

The unsettled glances lasted only briefly before the atmosphere gradually began to relax.

“Your Highness, I actually have some tea I prepared. Would you like to try it?”

One lady asked cautiously.

“By all means.”

At my cheerful agreement, the lady lifted the teapot and poured tea into my cup. Her hands trembled slightly, but less than before.

“This tea has a lovely fragrance. What kind is it?”

“Oh, this is made from tea leaves grown in our domain. I’m honored that Your Highness finds it to your liking.”

A smile spread across the lady’s face.

She seemed pleased to have her domain’s specialty praised.

“Really? Could I perhaps obtain some later? I’d like to drink it at the Duke’s Mansion too.”

“Of, of course! I’ll send some to you!”

The ladies who had been watching our conversation widened their eyes, then exchanged glances again.

“Your Highness, our domain is famous for its honey…”

“Our domain has excellent wool. Shall I gift you a blanket?”

“We have wine…”

The noble ladies began competing to introduce their domains’ specialties. Their earlier tension had completely vanished. It seemed their desire to attract attention had overcome their nervousness.

“Your Highness.”

Then suddenly, one lady spoke up.

“Your atmosphere seems much gentler than when you were at the Imperial Palace.”

“Does it?”

“Yes. You look much more comfortable. Your complexion has improved too.”

I smiled slightly.

“The Dukedom is truly a wonderful place. Many things have changed since I came here. The air is good, and the people are good too.”

The ladies nodded.

“This place is certainly different from others. It’s easier to breathe, somehow.”

“That’s right. There seems to be less miasma.”

“Perhaps His Grace the Duke manages the domain well?”

Murmurs continued.

I glanced toward Countess Harper.

The lady was sitting in a corner seat. She appeared to be barely sitting upright with support from her maid. She seemed to lack the energy to converse with the other ladies.

After being lost in thought for a moment, I rose from my seat.

“Excuse me for a moment.”

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