Timid and Shy - Chapter 46

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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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46.

After a moment, Crown Prince Robert spoke with admiration.
“To scratch the Duchess like that. How did Sophia, who’s never set foot in society, develop such nerve?”
“It has nothing to do with society. Besides, I’ve only met the Empress and the Duchess one-on-one. And all I can really do is upset them or get on their nerves. If I actually had the power to stand against them or threaten them, I wouldn’t have dared approach them in the first place.”
The reason the Emperor treated Sophia with tolerance was the same reason the Empress and the Duchess of Wiscom refrained from taking direct action against her, despite their dislike: she was too weak to be their equal.
“Because I’m so much weaker than them, I can do what they want—which is to disappear from their sight. I hope this settles things, if that’s all they need.”
“And if they want more than just your disappearance?”
“That’s why you need to succeed, and why the Frontier Baron must as well. And Frederick’s failure is necessary too.”
“I’ll do what I can.”
Crown Prince Robert noticed Sophia’s exhausted expression and rose from his seat. He paused at the door, turning back to speak.
“I apologize again for the debutante incident. Please forgive me.”
Sophia accepted his apology. With the betrothal contract with Crown Prince Robert, she felt the wounds from her debut gradually beginning to heal.
‘This betrothal with Robert is turning out to be quite profitable.’
Still, Sophia reflected on her impulsive decision to return home alone rather than share a carriage with Robert and Isabel.
‘Was it because I disliked Isabel so much? Or jealousy? Surely not… It must have been remembering the debutante incident when I was at the Wiscom Estate. Yes, that must be it.’
Sophia reviewed the Duchess of Wiscom’s reactions in meticulous detail.
‘I suspect that after the betrothal between the Empress and House Gareis was decided, they pressured Wiscom to release Crown Prince Robert. But if that’s true, why was Frederick’s broken engagement so easy? I’m curious about who Gareis and his daughter really are. If my suspicion is correct, Gareis gave in far too readily. Or perhaps my suspicion is wrong altogether.’
Sophia had many questions for both Crown Prince Robert and Vian. She was beginning to suspect that the two of them already knew these facts, and here she was, struggling to deduce and piece them together herself.
After sitting in thought for a while and regaining some energy, Sophia sought out Pina and Helen to reassure them.
“I got angry at the Duchess and broke my promise with Crown Prince Robert to come home. He didn’t understand what happened and simply followed me. It was nothing serious.”
Pina asked, “What did the Duchess of Wiscom do to you, Sophia?”

A short time later, after hearing Sophia’s account, both women frowned. Helen spoke up.
“Even at school, we wouldn’t associate with girls like that because they had no class. For someone of the Duchess’s rank to behave this way… Why not publish an article in a magazine or something? ‘The Misconduct of the W Duchess’ or whatever?”
“No. Above all, there’s a risk it will devolve into criticism of people who’ve suddenly risen in status. I don’t want that. And I’m included in that category. When I think about it, the Duchess of Wiscom and I are quite similar. I can’t spread this around. I’d rather settle it by telling the Emperor directly.”
Pina and Helen exchanged glances and nodded. Despite increased interaction between classes, prejudices still lingered.
Among those who had climbed the ladder of rank, many failed to integrate into their new social circles. Most people attributed this to the fault of the individuals themselves—their lack of refinement.
If word of the Duchess’s conduct spread, Sophia would suffer as well. In others’ eyes, the Duchess and Sophia were ultimately the same kind of person.
‘In the end, people will see me as someone who’s succeeded through a advantageous match.’
There was relief in knowing it wasn’t a real betrothal, so she wouldn’t have to endure the scrutiny of the Imperial Court and society. Yet there was also a hint of disappointment.
‘How will people think of me later? As someone who seemed to rise suddenly, only to fall back to the ground?’
Sophia refused to dwell on such thoughts for long.
‘First, I need to focus on helping the Frontier Baron. There’s no point worrying about the future now.’

***

The next day, residents of District 3 witnessed a procession of carts overflowing with flowers lined up in front of Pina’s Residence. People had gathered at the entrance to gawk at the sight as flower baskets and bouquets streamed endlessly into the house.
Sophia watched in amazement as her guest room’s reception area and bedchamber filled with flowers, and as flowers piled from the entrance of Pina’s Residence all the way up to the second floor.
Asher personally handed Sophia a letter from Crown Prince Robert. It read as follows:

Not a lovers’ quarrel, but a renewed apology for the debutante incident. I am fulfilling one more item from the list. I believe this should be enough so that everyone knows.

Sophia looked at the flowers and the letter and smiled to herself.
‘Working with someone intelligent really is convenient and pleasant.’
She laughed and called for Helen. Helen came with a giggle and spoke.
“Shall I invite our friends?”
“Yes, do.”
That afternoon, Pina’s Residence bustled with visitors and onlookers.

***

In contrast, the Emperor’s office held three people seated in a somber atmosphere: the Emperor, the Duke of Wiscom, and Crown Prince Robert.
The Emperor feigned indifference while observing Crown Prince Robert’s exchange with the Duke of Wiscom. The Duke, sensing that the Emperor had not yet chosen a side and that he was not among the favored, chose his words carefully as the conversation proceeded.
The Duke of Wiscom spoke in a soft, measured voice.
“It was merely a servant’s mistake. If there was any distress, I offer my apologies for an unintended incident. Deliberate? The Young Noblewoman Ariel has misunderstood the matter.”
Crown Prince Robert spoke with a hard expression.
“A misunderstanding… Do you truly believe I would have arranged this meeting on Sophia’s word alone? How long have House Wiscom and I known each other? I have conducted my own investigation. That teacup incident from twenty years ago—it was something the Duchess of Wiscom herself suffered at the hands of the Creole Countess. There were very many witnesses. If you wish, I can provide their names. If you ask, I’m certain they would all be happy to explain the details to the Duke of Wiscom.”
The Duke of Wiscom was flustered. This was the first time he’d seen Prince Robert speak with such pointed irony. And the Emperor was watching the whole exchange.
“The Duchess of Wiscom treated your betrothed exactly as she herself was treated, I see. Sophia’s distress runs deep. Sophia is the Duchess of Wiscom’s niece, after all. Yet this is how she was received… Hardly surprising, given what happened with the debutante ball.”
The Duke of Wiscom spoke with visible discomfort.
“I’m aware that both you and Ariel harbor considerable grievance against Wiscom over the debutante ball. I understand you were wounded by the careless, indifferent handling of the matter. But to seek revenge through old grudges in this manner… I confess, I find it quite remarkable.”
Prince Robert let out a hollow laugh.
“Though Sophia and the Duchess of Wiscom are relatives, Sophia has accepted the inconvenience of staying at Pina’s Residence in District 3. The Empress herself mentioned it, and Ariel had been keeping watch over the situation.”
The Emperor observed the Duke’s furrowed brow and reflected.
‘Drawing in the Empress to provoke the Duke of Wiscom—quite skillful, indeed.’
Prince Robert continued with apparent sympathy.
“Ariel believed the Duchess of Wiscom had invited her to repair their relationship and went to see her with hope. Instead, she suffered this humiliation. When Sophia agreed to our betrothal, she anticipated many difficulties. But never did she imagine being insulted by her own blood.”
Prince Robert’s voice dripped with contempt.
“I seem to have misjudged the Duchess of Wiscom all this while. I thought her a gracious woman of refined taste who patronized the arts. Yet all she manages is…”
The Emperor suppressed a smile with a cough. The Duke of Wiscom fell silent, his expression strained. It was clear that if word of this spread, the Duchess’s reputation would suffer considerably.
With Isabel and Frederick’s betrothal imminent, this was precisely the wrong moment for such talk. The Emperor addressed the Duke directly.
“I dislike involving myself in the affairs of the ladies’ reception room. But this… Ariel has only just arrived in the Capital, and her acquaintances are few enough to count on one hand. The only household she knows well enough to invite to her betrothal ball is Pina’s Residence. For House Wiscom not to offer support—I found I could not remain silent on this matter.”
The Duke of Wiscom tensed under the Emperor’s gaze. The Emperor continued.
“Duke of Wiscom, convey my words to the Duchess. I am not asking her to grow close to Sophia, but she must refrain from summoning her only to deliver deliberate insult. Should such a thing occur again, I declare that the Duchess of Wiscom shall not set foot in the Imperial Palace as long as I draw breath. Will you relay this?”
The Duke of Wiscom answered with a troubled expression and took his leave. Once he had gone, the Emperor turned to Prince Robert.
“Well then. You wanted my definitive word on the Frontier Baron’s promotion?”
“Yes. It seems he was anxious because of all this. He was certain Wiscom would retaliate against Ariel in some form, whether directly or indirectly.”
The Emperor smiled knowingly.
“I delayed my answer, and the Duchess of Wiscom obligingly scratched where it itched. I shall send the Frontier Baron’s Seal to Ariel at once. The promotion ceremony will take place at next year’s Uranos Festival. Does that satisfy you?”
“Yes. Thank you.”
Prince Robert found it remarkable that the Emperor had granted the Frontier Baron’s Seal so readily and with such pleasure.
‘How does Sophia read the Emperor’s mind so perfectly?’
As soon as Prince Robert returned to his office, he sent word to Pina’s Residence.
Vian spoke.
“Ariel gains something from this as well. The Duke of Wiscom must be seething. Ever since he became entangled with Ariel, he’s done nothing but hand her victories.”
“Let him seethe. We’ve profited too—the Emperor favored me, so the Duke will surely try to manipulate Frederick into stepping down and pushing me forward instead.”
“Excellent. We must make the Duke of Wiscom regret abandoning you with every fiber of his being.”
Prince Robert looked at Vian and said,
“You’ve become more aggressive than before.”
Vian replied.
“It’s not aggression. It’s simply that the lines between ally and enemy are now drawn. Wiscom is the enemy.”
Asher shifted uncomfortably in the background. Vian and Asher left the office together. Once seated, Asher glanced nervously at Vian.
When Vian noticed Asher’s gaze and turned to face him, Asher spoke.
“Do we truly have a chance? No matter how I look at it, the opponent… against House Wiscom, really…”
Vian replied with evident exasperation.
“If Prince Frederick becomes Crown Prince, what do you think Wiscom will do to Prince Robert then?”
With that single statement, Vian returned to his duties. Asher swallowed a sigh and stared down at his desk with a conflicted expression.
Vian glanced at Asher and shook his head.
‘Why give me that look? If you want to speak, then speak. These young people today…’

***

The Emperor’s envoy from the Capital retrieved Baron Ariel’s Seal and presented the Frontier Baron’s Seal. Jon the Administrator and Alex gazed at it with expressions of profound emotion.
Baron Ariel, by contrast, remained composed. Jon spoke with a trembling voice.
“Baron—that is, Frontier Baron, I… forgive me, I shall grow accustomed soon enough. I bring good news. The salt mines contain sufficient reserves. Once development begins, we’ll have precise figures, but for now we can safely move forward with investment.”
Alex said,
“My father-in-law has already provided a list of mining development experts. We’ll begin contacting them shortly. What about Gunter? Should we inform him beforehand, or…?”
Frontier Baron Ariel replied.
“We must inform him. The more people coming and going, the more suspicion we invite. What we need now is trust, not suspicion. Tell him this: a salt mine has been discovered and we are in the survey stage. Development and sale are still far off. It’s fine to report the matter to the Emperor, but it must not reach the outside. Tell him this, and Gunter will understand.”
Jon the Administrator answered.
“Very well, I understand.”
The Frontier Baron looked at Jon and said,
“I’d like you to send Jack to the Capital. Let him see how Sophia is doing and also inform her of the salt mine’s progress.”
“Understood.”
Alex smiled and said,
“Jack has grown quite dependable lately. He’s becoming quite the young man. You’ve taught him well, Jon.”
Jon waved his hand dismissively and said,
“It’s all thanks to Miss Sophia, really. After she cornered Jack and spoke with him for quite some time, he became rather different.”
Alex let out an exclamation of surprise, tilting his head thoughtfully.
“Jack listened to what Sophia said? Surely she didn’t threaten him?”
The administrator John spoke with a smile.
“Whatever she did, Miss Sophia handled it beautifully.”

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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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