Now This Family Belongs to My Mother Chapter 49

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It was the morning of the imperial palace tea party hosted by Marchioness Gent. When I arrived by carriage with Britlyn, Diane was already there waiting. What was surprising was that Hubert was there too.

 

“There are many things you need to be careful about in the imperial palace. You must have learned proper etiquette from your tutor, but still, be careful.” Hubert gave me advice with a concerned look.

 

“Don’t worry, Grandpa.” I tried to hide my trembling heart and responded with composure.

 

“You’re trembling, though.”

 

But it seemed Hubert could see right through me. My cheeks grew hot.

 

“Diane, take good care of Epirosa.”

 

“Of course. You can count on me, Father-in-law.”

 

“I’m only letting you accompany her because I can’t send Epirosa alone. Don’t cause any trouble this time.”

 

Diane flinched at Hubert’s warning.

 

The moment I arrived at the mansion, Diane had taken up a switch. Hubert, aware of that incident, had no trust in Diane.

 

“P-Please don’t worry. That won’t happen again,” said Diane, forcing a benevolent expression as she hugged me and patted my back. Her hand patted the spot where the poison pouch had been.

 

She’s checking if the pouch is still there. Last time, I’d gotten rid of the black magic symbol she had hidden in my shoe. She must have noticed that. Even Diane wouldn’t want to fall for it twice.

 

After making sure the pouch was in place, Diane withdrew her hand. “Let’s go, Epirosa,” she said with a broad smile. Though there was an undeniable slyness hidden in her gaze.

 

The imperial palace was so vast and grand that it couldn’t even be compared to the outer palace. Especially the garden that the emperor had given to Marchioness Gent. It was so lush it felt like being in a beautiful forest. Only the neatly trimmed branches, plants, and the delicate sculptures and ornaments revealed that this was an artificial garden. At the center, where the tea party table was prepared, fresh flowers sent by the emperor were lavishly arranged.

 

“This is nothing like the party Violet hosted at the outer palace.” Diane sneered at her absent relative.

 

“Well, well, look who it is!”

 

At that moment, Marchioness Gent appeared and rushed over to Diane and me.

 

“Epirosa!” She clasped both of my hands tightly, as if they were precious. “Welcome. It’s your first time in the imperial garden, isn’t it? Make yourself at home. His Majesty told me to make sure you do.”

 

Marchioness Gent blatantly focused all her attention on me, not sparing even a glance for Diane. It was because Diane was Violet’s cousin and part of the Gale family, who had mistreated my mother and me.

 

“It’s been a while, Marchioness Gent.” Unable to stand being ignored, Diane eventually greeted her first.

 

Marchioness Gent cast a cold glance at Diane. “It has been a while, Countess Diane.”

 

“I’m truly delighted to see you again. I hope we can meet more often in the future.”

 

“Yes. I plan to make more appearances in society from now on. By the way…” Marchioness Gent scanned Diane, who wore a fake smile, from head to toe. “How is Duchess Violet doing?”

 

“!”

 

Everyone knew that Marchioness Gent and Violet had been bitter enemies in the past. But to openly ask Diane about Violet’s well-being like this… It was clear she wasn’t hiding her discomfort toward Diane. Caught off guard, Diane couldn’t say a word.

 

Marchioness Gent smiled coldly. “Judging by your silence, she must be doing well. They say no news is good news, after all.”

 

“Ah, that, um…”

 

Marchioness Gent, as if she had never worn a mocking expression, gently stroked the back of my hand with a warm smile. “Epirosa, enjoy the tea party. I’ll introduce you to some remarkable ladies later.”

 

“Yes, Marchioness. Thank you for your kindness.”

 

Diane secretly glared at me and Marchioness Gent, who were chatting amicably. She seemed unaware that her piercing gaze was entirely noticeable.

 

Our seats were at the highest place of honor, next to Marchioness Gent’s seat. As soon as I took my seat, curious eyes poured onto me.

 

“Isn’t this the young lady who received a blessing on Saint Pabello’s Day?”

 

“Even in such an awkward situation, she gracefully accepted the award. It was impressive.”

 

Thanks to Marchioness Gent, who had always been kind to me, most of the reactions were favorable.

 

“Thank you for the kind words.”

 

The noblewomen, who looked at me as if I were admirable for my modesty, now turned their gazes to Diane. Their eyes gleamed like predators eyeing their prey.

 

“By the way, why didn’t Lady Stella come? Doesn’t she enjoy parties?”

 

“Exactly. Even though she hasn’t officially debuted in society yet, she seems to love parties.”

 

“Well, no matter how much she loves parties, in times like these, she can’t exactly show her face around.”

 

Diane’s expression darkened.

 

“Oh my, did I perhaps say something inappropriate?”

 

“Not at all. Stella is at home, reflecting and praying to God,” Diane replied with a forced smile. Everyone here was a noblewoman from a powerful family, so she couldn’t afford to lose her temper.

 

But I could see it. Beneath the table, Diane’s hand was gripping her skirt so tightly it looked like it might tear. It must be unbearable for her, knowing not only her own reputation but also that of her once-prideful daughter has been dragged through the mud.

 

Soon, Marchioness Gent took her seat, and the tea party began. As if she had never secluded herself, Marchioness Gent led the party with her characteristic lively demeanor. Laughter filled the table without pause.

 

“I’m so glad Marchioness Gent is active again. It had been so dull without you.”

 

“Honestly, the social scene has been a bit… vulgar in your absence.”

 

“Since the one leading is a person after all….”

 

The noblewomen spoke, sneaking glances at Diane.

 

“Such talk might be uncomfortable for Countess Diane.” Marchioness Gent said with a cold smile.

 

At that, Diane quickly shook her head. “No, it’s fine. Really.”

 

“How could it be fine? Even your lawsuit to your son was nullified because Duchess Violet spoke to His Majesty. Surely you feel a burden in your heart after receiving such a favor.”

 

Even as the sharp words kept coming, Diane maintained her smile. Amidst the atmosphere of surprise at her reaction, she hesitated for a moment before speaking. “There is a burden, of course. I’m grateful she resolved our issue, but you know Duchess Violet’s personality, don’t you? She’s so harsh with her hints…” Diane suddenly burst into tears, as if she couldn’t hold back any longer.

 

The noblewomen froze in shock.

 

“Oh dear, I apologize for this disgraceful display. I had just endured some harsh words from her recently.”

 

“My goodness, harsh words from a relative?”

 

“That’s nothing new. That’s why I’m so glad Marchioness Gent has returned to society.”

 

Some noblewomen, moved by Diane’s tears, began to look at her with sympathy. Having swayed them to her side, Diane pulled out a small gift box, as if revealing a secret weapon.

 

“I prepared a modest gift to thank you for the invitation.”

 

“I told you not to bother with such things.” Marchioness Gent turned her head as if refusing to accept it. But Diane opened the box anyway.

 

“You’ll change your mind once you see it.”

 

“Whatever it is—” Marchioness Gent, who had glanced into the box without much thought, froze in place. Inside the box was a small bust that perfectly replicated the face of her deceased older sister, the empress. She unconsciously reached out and picked up the bust. “It looks so much like my sister.”

 

“I had it specially crafted by an artisan with great care.”

 

Marchioness Gent stroked the bust endlessly, a satisfied smile spreading across her face. “Countess Diane, you have a surprisingly meticulous side to you.” For the first time, Marchioness Gent, who had been cold toward Diane all along, smiled at her.

 

“Meticulous, you say? Could I ever compare to our Epirosa? Epirosa has also prepared a gift.” Diane patted my shoulder as if to say, ‘Hurry, give it to her.’

 

Reluctantly, I handed over the tea that Diane had practically forced me to buy.

 

“Tea, is it?” Marchioness Gent murmured. She smiled as if pleased that it was a gift from me, but it didn’t seem like she was particularly fond of the present. Even so, Marchioness Gent looked at me as if I were endearing. “Since it’s from Epirosa, I must try it right away.”

 

At that, Diane quickly interjected. “There’s not much of it, so it might be difficult for everyone here to have some. Please, Marchioness, you should try it first. If anyone else wants some, I’ll make sure to give it to them later.”

 

In the end, a maid from the palace prepared only enough tea for Marchioness Gent. Marchioness Gent took a sip of the tea and smiled. “It’s certainly a high-quality tea. The taste is exquisite yet mysterious. I’ve never had anything like it before. It’s almost as if—”

 

Just then—

 

“Your Majesty the Emperor has arrived!”