I Refuse To Be A Character In A Novel - Chapter 12

“She got married to count Edgar Lavendet last year, he’s one of the duke’s knights and comes to Massila every winter to escort His Grace on his expeditions around the northern territory.”

Mielle suddenly approached Erna and whispered in her ear.

“Madam, I heard that Lady Lavendet was interested in the duke before she got married, so you should be careful.”

“Is that so?”

Fiddling with her necklace, Erna answered in a dull voice. 

When Mielle saw her madam’s careless attitude, she rebuked her.

“You really shouldn’t be so relaxed, madam. There are countless women looking for a chance to seduce the duke. I mean, it’s understandable since his grace is very handso-”

“Mielle.”

Ellie raised her head at Erna’s low tone, even though she wasn’t addressing her.

“Yes, Madam?”

Unlike Ellie, Mielle was relaxed and replied in a cheerful voice.

“Would you like me to write you a letter of recommendation?”

However, Erna’s words made her stiff for a moment.

“You’re the only one I’d like to serve madam, I hope you keep me by your side for a long time.”

Her voice sounded pitiful but Mielle’s face as she stood beside the duchess showed a mischievous expression, She was well aware that Erna favored her. 

However, she knew her boundaries well enough not to overstep them and decided to drop the subject.

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With a few last touches, the duchess was all set for her first tea party.

“It’s all done Madam.”

Ellie, the maid who was recently hired by the butler after being fired in an unfortunate accident from her last job as a seamstress, felt proud to see the duchess looking beautiful in a dress she had personally made for her.

“Oh my. You look so beautiful, madam.”

After packing the gift Erna asked her to, Rose came back in haste to help Mielle and Ellie prepare the duchess for her outing. 

But she found the duchess all ready.

“Thank you, Rose.”

The long dress made of ocean blue satin fabric with blue lace inserts on the upper half all the way to the short sleeves, fluttered in a circle as Erna gave a turn in front of the mirror.

“Your work is remarkable, the dress is more comfortable to move in and suitable for a small tea-party, the undergarment is equally efficient as it is innovative. Truly, a great alternative to corsets.”

“I’m very happy that you like it, Madam. You look wonderful in it. I will do my best to make you even better dresses from now on.”

Encouraged by the duchess’ praise, Ellie bowed her head after expressing her gratitude.

“I only agreed because you said you had a stomach ache Madam, please don’t encourage her to make such dresses in the future.”

Mielle followed her words with a murmur. 

“… Even though it’s actually beautiful.”

Ignoring her words of dissent, Erna thought back on Mielle’s earlier warning

I’m not worried about Zachary.

He values his family’s honor enough not to engage in worthless scandals.

More importantly, I knew the plot of the novel.

Zachary was faithful to Erna and never got involved with another woman until his second wife, Leona.

The novel only vaguely described their relationship as a good one despite being a political marriage.

Recalling that memory, the purple eyes sank.

There was a brief emotion of unfairness but Erna firmly convinced herself.

That’s none of my business.

The only reason I got excited over Alexie’s name was because she was the only person that I actually knew from before I possessed Charlotte, so I wanted to confirm it with my own eyes despite our relationship.

Erna soon came to regret  her thoughts.

✰✰✰✰✰

“Long time no see, Countess Lavendet. It was hard to refuse the countess’ invitation after reading her thoughtful note.”

Said Erna in reply to Alexie’s earlier sarcasm as she turned her gaze back at the Countess with a smile.

“O-oh. I only showed you the respect you deserve, but I’m glad your grace has accepted my good will.” 

Countess Delaro shyly said.

[I hope my invitation doesn’t come as a burden considering what I had heard about the duchess’ poor health. 

However, I will be very honored if you could find the time and strength to brighten my humble tea-party with your attendance. I’ve always wanted to properly meet your grace and get acquainted with you. 

Regardless of the reply, I look forward to meeting you in future events.

Julia Delaro]

“Is that so? I just thought you wouldn’t be able to attend since I had heard you were becoming even weaker in recent years.”

‘How extreme are the rumors about my health?’

“Thank you for your concern.”

In order to avoid any further sarcasm from Alexie, Erna turned towards the other ladies again and introduced herself formally this time.

“Erna Argentine, Nice to meet all of you.”

After their short greetings, the ladies headed towards the countess’ garden.

Upon entering the garden, the four ladies all shared the same thought in their minds.

Maybe because it hasn’t been long since she got married, so she didn’t have enough time to arrange it … Or perhaps it was due to the north’s unfavorable weather that made it hard to grow plants and flowers outside of a meticulously maintained greenhouse.

The countess’ garden was plain and lacked colors.

Still, everything else was properly arranged and the weather was suitable to have tea in the open air.