I Refuse To Be A Character In A Novel - Chapter 10

“Thank you for coming, Duchess Argentine.”

The countess who greeted her guests, received Erna’s gift upon her arrival with a bright smile.

She had heard that the duchess didn’t participate in social gatherings, and was reluctant to send her an invitation since the duchess did not attend her wedding. However, Erna was the master of the territory and Julia didn’t want to insult her by excluding her from the first tea party she was hosting, even if she was sure that the duchess wouldn’t attend.

“I’m honored to be invited, I hope you don’t mind my late wedding gift.”

Said Erna as she handed her coat to the maid. 

“I’m ashamed to have troubled you. Thank you for your gift.”

Julia handed over the package to her personal maid in a pleasant mood and led Erna to  join the other ladies, leaving her curiosity for the gift behind.

“I didn’t think Lady Heissentein would actually grace us with her presence.”

That voice.

Even before Erna could see her face, she could recognise its owner.

Alexie.

Now she was absolutely sure this was her real world.

Alexie was never mentioned in the novel, and so far she was the only person that Erna recognized from her own memories before she possessed Charlotte’s body.

Everyone else were people she had never met before her 17th birthday.

…Or at least that she remembered.

Heading towards the garden, Erna smiled at the ladies she encountered on the way and gave a light greeting before turning towards Alexie.

It was an insult to refer to the duchess by her title before she got married, but Erna decided to ignore it..She knew well that Alexie was only trying to provoke her, but they were no longer 16 and she could no longer entertain such behaviour.

Erna had already been prepared and had her mind made up to show a mature and carefree attitude, as Mielle had already informed her about the ladies who would be attending the tea-party. 

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“It’s the first time the Countess is hosting a tea party since she got married, she must be trying to make allies around here.”

Mielle combed Erna’s hair as she informed her about the hostess of the tea-party she’d be attending.

“I heard she’s from Kinhill, same as Rose. It’s a small town in the outskirts of the countryside in Tuba. They say the count fell in love at first sight when he went there during the last harvest season.”

Her hand about to fix the hairpin on Erna’ head, stopped in mid air as she exclaimed in an exaggerated voice.

“He even proposed in the town square in front of everyone. That is so~ romantic.”

“Mielle, how do you know all of this?”

“Oh madam, this is the reason you need to attend more gatherings. But mostly it’s because news travels faster amongst the servants rather than the nobles.”

Mielle exclaimed as she shook her head at her madam’s ignorance, then she resumed her work as her hands moved diligently, pinning Erna hair up with a blue diamond encrusted hairpin that matched the color of the dress she would be wearing.

“I see…”

I sometimes get tired of listening to all of Mielle’s endless chattering, but she was quite helpful at times like these.

Social gatherings were the battlefields for women, and one needed to know their enemies before going to war.

Although this tea party is only a small gathering, it would be a good opportunity to get back in the social circle.

“There will surely be lady Lavendet since she’s one of the most prominent figures who come to Massila. Madam might remember her from the capital.”

“Lavendet?”

Erna frowned at the foreign name, and stood from her seat heading towards the dressing room.

“Duke Weiten’s eldest daughter.”

“Oh, Alexie!”

Mielle, who followed along behind her, opened her eyes in surprise at Erna’s reaction.

‘Were they close friends?’

Unaware of Mielle’s misunderstanding, Erna smiled unconsciously before turning her back to Ellie motioning for her to help her undress.

Ellie, who was not as close to the duchess as Mielle was, could only listen to their conversation while serving the duchess in silence.

“I heard that Your Grace didn’t get along with lady Lavendet back then… but I guess it was just a rumor.”

“Actually. We don’t get along.”