After Connecting the Villainess and the Male Lead from the Original Story

15. The Countess’s Tea Party (2)

I initially thought that the lack of prior contact with the Countess would make our conversation awkward, but our shared interest in the garden kept our discussion flowing.

‘Perhaps she’s so popular in the social circle because of her lively and cheerful personality. I wonder if Adelia will become a woman like her when she gets a bit older?’

As the originally scheduled tea party time approached, the guests arriving in carriages from a distance soon filled the venue. While Lady Melisein went to greet the guests, I stayed in the greenhouse, surrounded by the flowers, and gradually, the noblewomen and young ladies made their way inside.

“Wow, it’s so beautiful.”

“I haven’t seen a garden this lovely in ages.”

As people gazed at the garden, they couldn’t help but express their astonishment and admiration. I couldn’t help but shrug my shoulders, somewhat unconsciously.

“Lady Melisein’s garden is so much more beautiful than before.”

“That’s right. Oh, look at this flower. It may look ordinary on the streets, but it really stands out among these vibrant flowers, doesn’t it?”

“Isn’t it? It’s just a wildflower that looks plain, but it doesn’t get overshadowed among the fancy ones. Oh? Helena Rosentia?”

One of the young ladies who had been admiring the flowers approached me, pretending to recognize me.

“Helena Rosentia, it’s been a while.”

“Veronica Seian, it’s been a while.”

I exchanged greetings with Veronica Seian, the daughter of the Seian family, a relatively wealthy family due to their gold mines in their territory. We were of a similar age, and we had crossed paths a few times at the academy, so I knew her.

“Oh, by the way, I heard that you’re very knowledgeable about flowers. Do you happen to know the name of this flower?”

Veronica Seian asked, pointing at a recently acquired Brelia in the greenhouse.

“The name of this flower is Brelia. I learned about it not long ago. It’s known for its strong vitality, as it blooms near the seashore.”

“I see. Indeed, Helena Rosentia knows everything about flowers.”

“No, I still have a long way to go. But thank you for your kind words.”

While I was engaged in conversation with Young Lady Seian, the Countess entered the greenhouse and signaled the start of the tea party.

In such tea parties, the seating arrangement was subtly important. Naturally, the best seat at the tea party was beside the host – that implied the host was paying special attention to that person.

The noblewomen and young ladies found their seats by checking the names on the chairs. As I looked around for my designated spot, my name was nowhere to be found on any table except for one.

With a sense of disbelief, I quickly scanned the chairs at the table where the Countess would be seated. There, right next to her chair, was my name.

“Helena Rosentia, come over here and have a seat,” the Countess gestured to me, bewilderingly.

As people around me expressed confusion at why I was sitting next to the Countess, I hesitantly took the seat beside her, still bewildered.

“Thank you for joining my tea party,” the Countess said as everyone took their seats.

“Despite the cold winter, it’s delightful to spend this meaningful time in the warm greenhouse with all of you.”

After her words, the Countess looked at me with a satisfied expression.

“As soon as people entered, they were admiring the garden. Yes, it’s incredibly beautiful. But to be honest, I’m embarrassed to admit that I didn’t arrange this garden. The one who created today’s garden is not me but Helena Rosentia sitting right here. Young Lady, thank you so much today.”

I smiled faintly and replied, “If the Countess’s garden hadn’t been magnificent in the first place, it wouldn’t have been so easy to transform it into this wonderful place. Still, I feel a little embarrassed that you’re giving me all the credit.”

“Please enjoy your time here as much as the esteemed guests have been coming together.”

After the Countess had finished speaking, the attendants started to bring in the tea and snacks for the guests. Noblewomen indulged in the delightful treats while engaging in lively conversations.

Most of the conversations were related to the recent social events, as expected from the invitations. Topics included who did what at the gatherings, what happened, and various stories from the events.

By the time tea time was halfway through, I, who was seated next to the Countess, brought up the most eagerly anticipated subject.

“Even so, the biggest issue at this gathering, without a doubt, is the discussion about Lord Laverion and Young Lady Rosentia, isn’t it?”

I was prepared to discuss this matter from the moment I arrived at the tea party.

“That’s right. I was genuinely taken aback when Lord Laverion and Young Lady entered together,” said one of the young ladies.

“Exactly. Moreover, Lord Laverion isn’t known for attending such events,” added another guest.

Mrs. Joydon, who had been seated next to me, initiated the conversation about what had been on my mind.

“Young Lady Rosentia, I have one question if you don’t mind,” she asked.

“It’s not what you think. I just wanted to confirm if the story I heard at the gathering was true.”

“What story are you referring to?”

“I never intended to eavesdrop, believe me. I happened to overhear it as I was walking by.”

She began speaking with a cautious expression even before she uttered the words.

“Anyway, is it true that Lord Laverion and Young Lady are getting married soon?”

“Oh, is that really true?”

“Are you finally marrying Lord Laverion?”

Before I could respond, questions and comments were already swirling around.

I stared at them silently, rapidly organizing my thoughts in my mind. As I prepared to speak, a distant voice was heard, and one Young Lady spoke out loudly as if for all to hear.

“Actually, I never thought that Lord Laverion and Young Lady would go so far as to get married. Didn’t everybody think that?”

Her words left the greenhouse momentarily silent. Seeing this, despite my own mixed feelings, separate from considering my separation from Kaelan, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of bitterness, knowing that even others perceived me in this way.

Even though I might consider myself unworthy, it was quite challenging to accept that others directly perceived me that way.

Still, I couldn’t afford to appear foolish at this gathering. So, as I was about to speak, someone else’s voice spoke out before mine.

“Dear Young Lady, it’s rather ill-mannered to discuss such matters in the presence of Helena Rosentia.”

This was the hostess of this gathering, Countess Melisein.

“Huh? I didn’t just think that. Right?”

As she embraced me, Young Lady Arian, asked for agreement from the people around her.

As the atmosphere turned strange all of a sudden, people began looking at each other. This led to no one responding to Young Lady Arian’s words, and they seemed to hang in the air.

‘Ugh.’

I sighed inwardly, feeling frustrated, thinking about how to salvage the situation. Even if I wasn’t at fault, since the conversation was related to me, it would look better if I stepped in and mediated.

Above all, I didn’t want to ruin the tea time arranged by Countess Melisein, who had come forward to protect me.

“Well, first, I’ll answer Mrs. Joydon’s question.”

As I started speaking, everyone’s attention turned to me.

“What you heard is indeed true. However, contrary to what Lord Laverion mentioned, the marriage may be postponed due to personal circumstances. And…”

I paused and glanced at Young Lady Arian, who was seated far away.

“Young Lady Arian, I can’t control or change your thoughts, but I believe it wasn’t necessary to make such comments, especially in front of the parties involved. Whether it’s true or not, it’s a bit inappropriate for the relationship with my fiancé, Lord Laverion, to become someone’s topic of conversation.”

With that, I ended my words and gave a relaxed, sweet smile.

However, my heart was pounding fiercely, threatening to burst out due to my uncharacteristic behavior.

Of course, soon enough, most of the people here, including Young Lady Arian, would find out. They would realize that their speculations about us parting ways had been correct. Despite that, I didn’t want to just let this moment pass without saying anything.