章節 7: Chapter 7- First Noble Gathering
Finally, the weekend had rolled around and it was time to get ready for Lady Rium’s gathering.
“What do I do, Reiré!? I don’t have anything fancy to wear to Rium’s tea party!!”
“LADY Rium,” I corrected her.
“That’s not important right now!!”
Alex was currently panicking as she was tossing shirts, dresses, and other fabrics of clothes around as she tried to figure out what to wear.
“Why not just wear your uniform?” I suggested. “It’s honestly the most expensive thing we own as commoners.”
“That won’t do! You know as well as I do that it’s rude to wear your school uniform as formal wear to a party!”
She ain’t wrong. “Well, look at you. Finally learning some etiquette, so proud,” I said as I did a small applaud.
“Stop joking around and help me!”
I sighed and got off of Alex’s desk chair. I walked over to her wooden wardrobe only to see plain clothes of no value whatsoever, exactly what commoners wear. “Just wear this turquoise dress. It matches your eyes.” It was just a short-sleeved dress with a turquoise color. It looked cute and the bright color will definitely catch other people’s attention. If it can compete against all those elegant dresses.
“But it’s so plain.”
“So are your other clothes,” I mentioned.
Alex didn’t deny, “Point taken. And you’re wearing that to Rium’s party?”
I groaned when Alex still does not use titles. “I give up. Just make sure to use titles when you are talking to Lady Rium. I don’t want you to suffer as I did.”
Alex chuckled, “Hehehe, I’ll make sure to.”
“And yes. This is what I’ll be wearing. I don’t have any fancy clothing either, so this was the best I could do.” I wore a white sleeveless dress with a red ribbon around the waist. The red ribbon was actually from Lady Rium since she thought a white dress was too plain.
“Alright, let me get changed.” Alex quickly stripped out of her pink pajamas right in front of me. This girl… Does she really have no shame?
“You do know we have private bathrooms, right?”
“Yeah, why?” she asked as she slipped on her dress.
“So why are you giving me a show? Shouldn't you be tempting Prince Leonhardt instead of me?”
Alex’s face turned bright red as she yelled, “I’m changing on the spot because it’s faster, pervert!”
I raised an eyebrow as I teased, “Oh, so you're calling me the pervert when you were stripping in front of me?”
“Shut up!” She grabbed a pillow from her bed and threw it at my face.
Oof. A very soft pillow at least. “Alright, enough playing. Let’s go to the courtyard.”
Alex was still pretty grumpy at me, but honestly, she was kind of cute when she got all flustered like that.
We made our way to the courtyard in the back, where the rose garden was. There were multiple small tables set around the garden and a buffet table of sugary sweets as well. All the female noble students were dressed in high-caliber clothing. Some wore fancy casual dresses, others wore heavy puffy dresses to show off their wealth and some wore a thin dress that clung to their legs. Overall, they still wore expensive clothing with expensive jewelry when compared to Alex and me.
“Wow, so this is a noble gathering.”
“It’s called a social gathering, Alex,” I corrected.
“Welcome to Lady Rium’s party, Lady Reiré.” A familiar blonde-haired maid walked up and greeted me.
“Miss Abigail.”
Miss Abigail was Lady Rium’s personal maid. Each student had the choice to bring one servant with them to the academy to help with their daily needs. This academy has an establishment near the girl’s dorms and the boy’s dorms created for the servants. Oh, and the rule for bringing an attendant is that only maids are allowed, so there’s no co-ed in the establishments.
While their master’s are attending their lectures, Miss Abigail and the other maids work. They would wash their masters’ clothes, contact the parents’ houses, and the other stuff. Since I don’t own any maids, I would have to clean the clothes myself and other stuff, but I have found Miss Abigail doing some of the laundries for me. Even though she doesn’t serve me, she still helps me. She’s such a sweet soul. I should tell Lady Rium to up her pay.
“Who’s the young lady with you, Lady Reiré?” Miss Abigail asked.
“Oh, let me introduce my friend. This is Alexandra Bailey, she’s in the same year as Lady Rium and I. We also have a few classes together.”
“It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Alexandra.” Miss Abigail bowed her head to show respect.
“Oh, ah!” A bit panicked, Alex quickly bowed her head as well. “The pleasure is all mine!”
I couldn’t help but giggle at her reaction. “Where’s Lady Rium?”
“Lady Rium is currently entertaining the other guest. I will go inform her of your arrival.”
“Thank you.”
Miss Abigail bowed once more and left to go find Lady Rium.
“She’s such a pretty maid…” Alex voiced.
“Hey, stop falling for the maid and get working on Prince Leonhardt.”
“I’m not falling for her! Stop being a big meanie, Reiré,” Alex whined.
“What is this?”
“Why is there a cursed child here?”
Turning around, we were met with more noble girls. Ones that I have no recollection of, so in other words, more side characters.
“Do you know them, Reiré?” Alex whispered to me.
I whispered back, “Do I look like someone who would know these self-conceited girls?”
“Don’t you lowlives know it’s rude to whisper in the presence of others?”
“Who invited these rodents to the party anyway?”
“Oh, please watch that mouth of yours will you?”
Ah! I know that smooth mature voice anywhere. “Lady Rium!”
“Sorry, I didn’t greet you sooner,” she apologized.
I smiled, “Don’t worry, I understand you were busy with other guests.”
Lady Rium was wearing a light green dress with beautiful amber designs. It really suits her, and her hair was so glossy that it was glistening in the sunlight. It looked like it was straight out of an anime. Ah, Lady Rium is life.
“Just like an ojou-sama…”
Peaking over at Alex, I could see her eyes gloss over as she admired Lady Rium. She’s probably stuck in a trance by Lady Rium’s beauty just as I was, except I easily got a hold of myself. Alex will take some time before she comes back from dreamland. Being surrounded by beautiful women and handsome men, us otakus could easily be stuck in dreamland for an eternity. What a truly terrifying world. It’s a good thing I got my memories back at a young age because I’ve gotten used to these magnificent human beings. Honestly, are we even the same species? Why are they all so good looking?! What kind of evolutionary adaptation is this?! It puts all of the human species in my past life to shame.
“As for you three.” Lady Rium turned to the nobles that confronted us. “This here is Reiré Norman. She’s a precious friend of mine and an important business partner. I won’t tolerate any rude behavior towards her and her friend during this gathering. If any of you have a problem with it…” Lady Rium narrowed her eyes as a teasing grin appeared on her face. “Then I shall contact my father and you can personally complain to him.”
Oof, I got chills from that. Truly a dark beauty. She was nicknamed the Dark Princess throughout the fandom. I can understand why everyone gave her that title.
While the three noble girls looked calm, there was a tingle of fear shown through their eyes. They all didn’t dare to go against the daughter of a duke.
“I-Is that so? I had no idea. Please excuse my rudeness, L-Lady Reiré…”
Must have been hard to call a commoner by a title. She clearly had to swallow her pride in order to do it.
“No need for the title, I'm only a mere commoner. Just call me Reiré.”
“Nonsense. A friend of Lady Rium’s must be showered with just as much respect as her.”
She’s just trying to use me to get close to Lady Rium. As expected, all nobles are just a bunch of ass kissers. Oops. Should watch my language here.
“I hope you hold up those words once I leave Lady Rium’s side. It’d be a shame if I have to report to her if you start to disrespect me right when this gathering ends.”
“O-Of course…” she forced out.
“Then I hope to see you ladies at school. I feel like we could be good friends.” I gave them an empty smile. Like I’m gonna be their friend, but they could be useful. “By the way, I have yet to know your names.”
“O-Oh there's no need.”
“The girl with the wavy blonde hair in the blue dress is Viola Elmeier. Her family holds the Earl rank. She’s also in her second year.”
“L-Lady Rium!?”
“What is it, Viola? Since you don’t seem like introducing yourselves to Reiré, I’ll do it for you. Or perhaps…” Lady Rium glared at the blonde. “You think I wouldn’t recognize you once you leave my party and start bullying my friend after a week or two?”
Lady Viola turned pale. “O-Of course not…”
Lady Rium smiled, “Then I shall continue. The one with light brown hair in a pink dress is Lilia Glowe. Her family holds the Viscount rank. And lastly, the one with the short blonde hair is Jessica Letsya. Her family also holds the Viscount Rank.”
“Is that so…” Other than Lady Viola, the other two are low in ranking. Not sure if I can use them. Well, better than Baron rank I guess. I should be able to do some stuff even with Viscounts. I should be able to use Viola to get rid of more bullies considering most of my bullies are of Viscount ranks, but what am I gonna do with the Earls and higher? I can scare them with Lady Rium’s status but that’s just asking for a slap in the face. After what happened with Lady Laura I don’t ever want to be slapped again. It hurt a lot after all. I need more connections.
“Now that you are acquainted with these lovely ladies, I feel a bit better that you have more friends by your side. I’m sure you’ll make good use of them?”
I was a bit shocked by what she said, but it looks like she already knew my intentions. I couldn't help but smirk. “Of course, Lady Rium. I shall use all of your teachings. After all, making friends is making connections that benefit you, isn't that so?”
Lady Rium giggled, “I see the student has finally become the master. All those years of drilling the way of the noble into you have not gone to waste.”
“Like I could forget all of your lessons. If I did, I’d get an earful from you once more.”
“You both are quite scary…” Lady Viola voiced.
Lady Rium giggled, “Why don’t you three hurry on in. I’m sure there are many people you would like to meet.”
“Then we shall, thank you for the invitation.” Lady Viola and the other two girls bowed before walking deeper into the gathering.
“I hope to see you in school, Lady Viola!” I called out, catching a lot of attention from the other nobles.
Viola turned back to give me a hesitant smile and a small wave before quickly running away. Now that everyone here knows of my connection with Lady Viola, my mission is done. I wonder who else I can get under my hands through Lady Rium? So much to choose from!
“That was quite fun wasn’t it?”
“Yes, teasing noble ladies are indeed fun,” I agreed.
“I wonder if it’s my fault that you became like this?”
“I wouldn’t say entirely.” I enjoy teasing people in my past life too.
“Then shall we get going?”
I gave her a puzzled look. “Hmm?”
“There’s someone I’d like you to meet, Reiré.”
“Is that so? Who is it?”
“Someone that would be of great help in the future.”
“Should I be worried?”
“Of course not. I’m sure she’ll warm up to you. If you're uncomfortable, you may bring your friend.”
Ah! I forgot Alex was here from how quiet she was being. “Thank you, Lady Rium.” I turned to Alex to see her still staring at Lady Rium with a goofy face. How has she not gotten out of her daze yet? A bit annoyed, I snapped my fingers in her face. “Alex, come on! Stop staring at Lady Rium like a doofus!”
Alex snapped out of her daze as she stumbled back. “Huh?! Wha-What?!”
This girl… I swear…
“Were you not paying attention as to what had happened at all?”
Alex bashfully giggled, “Hehehe… N-Nope…”
“You have quite the interesting friend there,” Lady Rium said.
Alex gasped, “She praised me!”
“Please ignore her, Lady Rium.”
Alex cutely pouted, “Reiré, you’re so mean!”
I only sighed, “Yes. Yes.”
Alex and I followed Lady Rium into the garden. Lady Rium smiled at every guest that she passed. I wonder if she ever gets tired of this because I certainly would. My cheek muscles would ache.
As we maneuvered around, a girl suddenly bumped into Lady Rium. She quickly bowed her head and apologized. “So sorry.”
Lady Rium smiled, “It’s alright. Just watch where you are going next time.”
“Thank you.” The girl quickly scurried away.
I couldn’t help but noticed that she looked a bit like Alex. She had the same strawberry blonde hair and her facial and height were about the same. I couldn’t see her eyes, since she was bowing, but she could honestly look like a twin to Alex. Since Alexandra never had any siblings, that can’t be.
“Reiré, why’d you stop?” Alex asked.
I looked back and smiled, “Sorry, I’m coming.”
Lady Rium guided us to a round table in the back where three ladies were present. I was surprised to see Lady Claudia there considering how Lady Rium and Lady Claudia were on bad terms in the novel, but what surprised me even more was when I laid my eyes on the tall wavy brown-haired girl. I quickly felt my muscles tense as my blood ran cold. The one person I hoped to avoid in my school life has appeared before me.
“Lady Sophia, Lady Charlotte, I want to introduce my friend from my hometown. This is Reiré Norman. Next to her is her friend Alexandra Bailey,” Lady Rium introduced.
I bowed before the two girls and said, “It’s a pleasure to meet you Lady Sophia, Lady Charlotte.”
Alex also followed after my lead. This girl was finally learning some manners after spending some time with me. Thank goodness.
“Reiré… What do I do?” Alex whispered to me. “All of the rival characters are right before me!”
Ah… This does look like a bad scenario for Alex, doesn't it?
“Just act normal and follow my lead,” I whispered back. “This will make your progression for Prince Leonhardtt easier if you befriend them all, especially Lady Claudia.”
“You!” Lady Claudia glared at me.
Chills went down my back from the icy cold gaze. How refreshing.
“Don’t you know it's a rude whisper about someone right in front of them?”
Ah, she must have heard me say her name. To think that she was listening that intensely to catch it. I see an opportunity. “My, I was just telling Alex how magnificent you looked in your beautiful blue dress. It matches your eyes quite well. I was too shy to voice it out, but to think that Lady Claudia was listening that closely to hear me when I’m whispering…” For extra material, I squealed like a schoolgirl, “Kyaa! I feel so embarrassed! I didn’t know you paid so much attention to me! Could it be that you're finally fond of me as well?”
Lady Claudia’s face turned bright red as she stood up and slammed her hands against the table. “Wrong! That was not my intention! There’s no way I would ever be fond of you!”
“Don’t be so modest, Lady Claudia. I don’t mind people knowing of our relationship. The way you held me so tightly close during Dance class made my heart flutter.”
“That was because we were dancing! Don’t word things that would have people misunderstand!” Lady Claudia demanded.
Lady Charlotte giggled, “You have quite the interesting friend. I’ve never seen Lady Claudia so flustered in my life.”
Charlotte Holger, daughter of an Earl and the rival of Alexandra when Lord Philip took interest in the protagonist. She was Lord Philip’s childhood friend and they both often rode horses together. She speaks calmly with a soothing voice and doesn’t get jealous that often like Lady Claudia. In the novel, she respected Lord Philip’s choice when he started to ignore her and she had entrusted Lord Philip to Alex, but in the end, Alex chose Prince Leonhardt, so Lord Philip lost everything. If anything, I think Lady Charlotte should have fought for Lord Philip more if he was gonna have a bad end from the start. It was obvious that Alex would end up with Prince Leonhardt. Maybe I should intervene and set those two together since Alex has no intention to go for Lord Philip.
“Is there something on my face?” Lady Charlotte asked.
Snapping out of my thoughts, I quickly apologized, “My sincere apologies. I was deep in thought. It was not my intention to stare at you.”
“Oh dear no, I wasn’t asking you. Actually, I didn’t even notice you were staring at me too.”
“Too?”
“I was actually asking your friend, Alexandra Bailey, was it?”
“Huh?” Turning to look at Alex, she was staring at Lady Charlotte with a dazed look. This time it was worse since she started drooling. “Alex!” I grabbed her by the shoulders and roughly shook her. “Snap out of it! I would forgive you if you looked at Lady Rium like that because I am familiar with her, but I don’t know Lady Charlotte personally! I won’t be able to save you if you offend her!”
“Ah!” Alex finally got out of her trance.
“Are you back to your senses?” I asked.
“I’m sorry, there were just too many beautiful girls in front of me that I slipped away.”
Lady Claudia grumbled, “I see she’s also a sweet talker like Reiré.”
“Eh! Lady Claudia thinks I’m sweet!”
“No!” she yelled at the top of her lungs. “Haa, I can’t deal with you!”
“Now, now Lady Claudia, it was you that wanted us to meet Reiré, was it not?” Lady Sophia voiced.
“I’m beginning to regret it,” she mumbled.
“Eh? Lady Claudia?” I turned to Lady Rium and she nodded.
“Yes. She was actually complaining a lot about you. I was a bit upset from the way she was insulting you, but she did praise you for your etiquette. Thanks to her ranting, it ended up piquing Lady Sophia’s and Lady Charlotte’s interests. They asked me to introduce you to them. Lady Claudia wanted to, as I quote,” Lady Rium began to speak in a high pitched yappy voice to impersonate Lady Claudia, “Bring that rodent over and punish her for how disrespectful she was towards me! Never in my years have I felt so insulted by the mere presence of that girl! I want her to be tied up and given fifty lashes!” Lady Rium returned to her regular voice, though the impersonation was quite hilarious. “And so we’re here now.”
“That is not how I speak!” Lady Claudia said.
“Eh? Tie me up?” I slightly turned my head and acted bashfully. “Are you into that kind of thing, Lady Claudia? Is that why you bully me? I didn’t know. If it brings you pleasure, please, tie me up as much as you want. In fact, it would please me if I can bring you such pleasure!”
“Stop! Why are you twisting my words!? And I’m not into that stuff!” Lady Claudia denied.
Lady Rium laughed, “The teasing aside, I was afraid when Reiré became your dance partner, but I’m glad to see you guys getting along.”
“We do not get along!” Lady Claudia claimed.
“Lady Rium, I apologize for interrupting when you’re having fun.” Miss Abigail bowed as she said, “A few of the senior guests would like to speak with you.”
Lady Rium sighed, “I see. Sorry, Reiré. It seems I have to go.”
I gave her a smile, “Don’t worry, Alex and I will just be by the dessert bar instead. We don’t want to cause a ruckus at your gathering.”
“Then just stay with us,” Lady Sophia suggested. “With me, I doubt anyone would try to hurt you.”
Ugh. The reason I want to get away is because of you. “Thank you for your hospitality, but I don’t want Alex and my presence to disturb your afternoon with the other nobles.”
Lady Sophia giggled, “Lady Claudia wasn’t joking. You really are a sweet talker, but if you don’t stay then maybe Alexandra can entertain us.”
“Eh!? Me!” Alex was shocked that she was suddenly brought into the conversion. Alexandra was never a good talker in the novel, but it looks like this Alex is the same. “I-I think Reiré could entertain you more than I ever could. I’m not that adapted to high society like Reiré is.”
“Well of course! I did groom her myself after all,” Lady Rium proudly stated.
“You make me sound like your pet,” I voiced.
“But it would make me feel better if you stay by Lady Sophia’s side. I trust her very much so,” Lady Rium said.
Seeing that Lady Rium has taken Lady Sophia’s side, I could only sigh. “Alright, Alex and I will stay here, but I still want my luxurious sweets that you used to bribe me into coming.” Yes. The reason why I attended Lady Rium’s gathering that’s full of nobles isn’t because I am her friend. It’s because she promised me there will be delicious pastries and sweets that I will never get in my commoner life.
“Of course. I’ll get the butler to send the sweets over to the table. You sit tight and help me keep these ladies busy.”
“Now you’re talking my language, Lady Rium.”
Lady Rium sighed, “Honestly, I feel like anyone can take you away if they offer you candy.”
I only smirked, “That’s only if they have luxurious candy!”
Alex muttered, “I worry for your safety…”
“You and me both, Alexandra. Anyways, I can’t keep these guests waiting anymore. Play nice alright.”
“Have fun, Lady Rium.”
Lady Rium bowed and left the area with Miss Abigail. Turning to the table, I was met with Lady Sophia’s mischievous grin. I could feel every fiber in my body tell me to walk away and never speak of this day ever again, but that would be rude. Especially with my commoner status.
“Reiré, what should we do?” Alex whispered.
I really have no idea. Two rabbits have been left with three vicious tigers. Exactly how will Alex and I survive?
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