The End of Your Arrogance - Chapter 51

Since that day, Evelyn has found herself sleeping more and more. Today, once again, she fell asleep in the Two-Wallet Room after playing with Libe.

“Human, you’ve been acting strange lately. Always spaced out and sleeping.”

“The day you slept at the Marquis’s mansion, something must have happened, Your Highness. It’s all because of you!”

Arthur blamed Ilya again today. Bellina, who was standing nearby, nodded her head in agreement.

“But shouldn’t you get up now? If you’re going to the tea party hosted by Count Glen’s wife, you should start getting ready from now on…”

Sophie stomped her foot alone.

“Hmph! If it hurts, you can just not go! I don’t understand why humans live so exhaustingly.”

Everyone sighed at her irresponsibly beast-like words.

The corners of Evelyn’s mouth lifted slightly as she lay on the sofa.

“Nacir, I don’t feel alone anymore. I’m living well with confidence, right?”

“Well, to be honest, I’ve been sleeping so much because admitting that I’ve lost you is terrifying. I’ve slept enough, so I’ll wake up now.”

Evelyn threw off the blanket and got up. In an instant, the three people and one beast that had been huddled together scattered.

“Human, are you a child? Are you falling asleep while playing?”

“Madam, you’ve awakened.”

“Mommy, caw-caw.”

Libe ran up to Evelyn with a wide smile. Evelyn laughed as she lifted Libe up in her arms. While patting Libe’s back, Sophie hurriedly walked up to Evelyn.

“Miss, this is not the time for this!” Sophie exclaimed loudly. “Let Sophie choose the dress.”

As Evelyn gently placed Libe on the floor and spoke, Sophie dashed out as if she were flying. Among the dresses Sophie had brought, Evelyn chose a white dress with a simple design that wrapped around her neck.

Though it was a style that had gone out of fashion long ago, it suited Evelyn well with her long neck and elegant shoulder line.

“Madam, you look so beautiful.” Bellina exclaimed in admiration at the sight of Evelyn dressed up. Evelyn felt a bit embarrassed and lowered her eyes.

As she sat at the vanity, Sophie began gently combing through Evelyn’s hair. After loosely braiding the slightly tangled locks, she deftly twisted them upward. When the delicate neckline stood out even more, Sophie smiled with satisfaction.

“Miss, I’ll do your makeup beautifully as well.”

Sophie’s excitement led her to dab and brush various things onto Evelyn’s face.

The transformation from a somewhat pale and plain face to a radiant one was astonishing.

“Living my whole life as a pretty doll, and now after just two years of being a sinner, dressing up like this feels so unfamiliar. Life’s strange,” Evelyn thought, smiling wistfully as she looked at her reflection in the mirror.

“Mommy, you’re pretty.”

“Humans are always going around like this.”

Evelyn lowered her gaze at the innocent voice from below. The beast and the baby were looking at her with shining eyes. Chuckles erupted from Evelyn’s lips.

As Evelyn gently swept aside Libe’s soft hair, she felt someone’s gaze and raised her head. Sophie was looking at her with a reserved expression. Their eyes met, and Sophie hesitated before speaking.

“Miss, are you going to the Duchess’s chamber all by yourself?”

“Huh? I’m going with Bellina and Sir Arthur.”

When Sophie realized her young lady was planning to attend the tea party alone, she felt a pang of worry for her.

“Are you not coming to escort me? I heard that Count Glen’s wife invited both of us.”

Countess Glen had invited the couple to the tea party. Normally, in such cases, the husband would escort his wife, but they were not like the usual couples. A nonchalant voice flowed from Evelyn’s lips.

“His Highness and I are not meant to do that.”

“Then who will escort you?”

Evelyn raised her head at the deep voice coming from the entrance hall. The face of the man leaning against the doorway, dressed in a sharp black suit, was dazzling. Ilya walked confidently inside with long strides. He scanned Evelyn up and down with a dissatisfied look. It was the first time she had seen his face since that night. His eyes, which had been filled with desire at the mansion, were now as cold as usual, as if that passionate night had been nothing more than a dream. As he stared at her as if he could tear her apart, Evelyn lowered her head deeply.

“You insolent fool…”

Although he muttered something insulting, Evelyn couldn’t understand a word he was saying. After a moment, he extended an arm toward Evelyn. Evelyn placed her hand on his arm and whispered softly.

“I really didn’t want to go… but having you there makes it somewhat better.”

He lifted his lips into a slight smile as he looked at Evelyn.

“Let’s pretend to get along, at least in front of others.”

With determined steps, the two of them headed toward the battlefield.

Sinyang, the steward, came out to the main entrance to greet the Duke and Duchess. She bowed deeply to the Duke and Duchess.

“Your Highness, my lady. The Countess’s invitation awaits.”

Ilya playfully complained as he looked at Sinyang.

“Sinyang, aren’t we supposed to greet someone else rather than being greeted?”

Evelyn tilted her head and grinned. “Apart from us, who else got invited? Who could it be?”

The steward guided them to the Duchess’s room on the third floor. As the door opened and they entered the room, a spacious terrace with a clear view outside immediately caught their attention.

The terrace was generously covered with awnings for tea time. The chiffon draped over the awnings danced in the gentle spring breeze that blew in. Evelyn hadn’t been to a palace before, but she imagined that the chambers of queens and princesses would look just like this—luxurious and beautiful.

“Welcome.” Selice, who was seated in a white chair, stood up. Her heart raced as she met Evelyn’s gaze.

Escorted by her husband, Evelyn approached Selice.

“Thank you for the invitation, Aunt.”

When Ilya stood in front of Selice, he offered a polite greeting. “Thank you for having us.”

Evelyn also gave her a courteous greeting. As the Duke and Duchess appeared together in their affectionate demeanor, the maids behind Selice let out a murmur.

“The spring breeze is warm. The weather is perfect for enjoying tea. Please, have a seat.”

Selice invited them to take their places. From the terrace, they could see the Duchess’s garden at a glance.

Sitting down, Evelyn felt like the world had turned upside down. Before her husband returned, her seat had been empty at the tea party she was forced to attend.

“It’s all in the past, let’s forget about it,” she reminded herself.

Evelyn turned her gaze to the beautiful scenery outside the terrace.

“Hmm, when will the other gentlemen arrive?” Selice asked the middle-aged lady seated next to her.

“Isn’t there still some time? Are you in a hurry?” Who was that woman? Evelyn recognized her face and tried to remember it. Was she Lady Lusa, the Countess?

[If I were in her position, I’d have already run to the riverbank with my child in my arms.]

The woman with a knife in her mouth.

Countess Lusa was a prominent figure in northern social circles, known for her sharp wit and extensive connections. The moment Evelyn saw her face, she knew Selice was scheming something.

Calling that woman that woman was intended to spread rumors about what would happen today throughout the entire Duchy. It was blatant manipulation, but it was also a strategy that would work well.

Smart.

“A drink for Lord Lauren has been served.” A maid announced the guest’s arrival.

“Bring him in quickly.” The door opened along with Selice’s excited voice, and Nikolas walked into the room with confident strides. He had his usual single-minded smile.

“No way. Could the other gentleman be Lord Lauren?” Evelyn looked at him with a mix of delight and apprehension. Nikolas also noticed Evelyn and displayed a brief look of surprise.

“Lord Lauren has also been invited.” Ilya whispered from the adjacent seat. Her voice was riddled with discomfort.

“Please, come in.” Selice stood up to greet Nikolas warmly.

“Countess, thank you for the invitation.” Selice invited him to take his seat.

“Please, have a seat.” As Nikolas sat down, the maids placed teacups filled with hot water in front of them.

Soon, they arranged plates of dainty tea treats on the table. Plates filled with bite-sized sandwiches, scones, madeleines, and more tantalized their appetites.

On one side, the steward personally brewed tea.

“Lately, there have been unfortunate events and disturbances in the castle.”

Selice sighed, and Nikolas responded with a sheepish smile.

“Yes, I’ve heard. There’s always something happening in the world.”

“That’s true. Creating such chaos like a flock of birds… I’ve never seen such malicious people in my life.”

“Those events have even stirred up the capital’s social scene. It’s quite unfortunate.”

Ilyana, the leader of those malicious people, picked up her fork with an icy expression.

Seeing her reach for a Madeleine, Evelyn smiled.

“To be so fond of something, even with that cold expression, it’s really intriguing.”

As the steward poured tea into their cups, Ilya shot her an annoyed look. Evelyn thought he was consistently the same type of man.

The atmosphere was quite friendly. Whenever Nikolas spoke, Selice and Countess Lusa burst into laughter like young girls.

The only ones struggling to adapt to this atmosphere were Ilya and Evelyn.

With a teapot in hand, the steward poured tea into Nihillus’s cup. Nikolas held the cup gracefully and savored the aroma.

Seeing his noble demeanor, Evelyn couldn’t help but smirk. Nikolas caught her gaze and gave her a playful glance.

“Lately, my subordinates seem to be keeping my wife entertained. What do you think?” At the mention of Pia, Evelyn felt embarrassed.

“I sometimes call the child to see her mother’s apparition. It’s embarrassing that I still miss my mother at this age.”

“It’s only natural to miss your mother. There’s no need to be embarrassed.”

As Evelyn glanced at Nikolas, she felt a prickling sensation on her side. When she turned her head, Ilyana was holding a teacup, watching her.

After sipping from his cup, Nikolas placed it back on the table. Evelyn couldn’t take her eyes off him as his red tongue lightly touched his upper lip. As if sensing her gaze, one corner of his mouth quirked up slightly.

“Isn’t Lord Lauren’s birthday coming up soon? I’m preparing a gift, and I hope it will be to your liking.” Selice’s words drew Evelyn’s attention.

“May I inquire about the nature of the gift?”

“I’m thinking of presenting a portrait of the Duke. We had a conversation before that still weighs on my mind.” Nikolas’ face lost the breezy smile. Evelyn also tensed up.