049. Each's own world
Here we go again.
Emilia swallowed a sigh and answered, “No.”
“Oh, of course, I thought you would have read it. You really like books.”
Laughter was heard from somewhere.
“So, what’s the story? It’s about ‘Lady Camellia.’”
“Unfortunately, it was a tragedy. Both the Count and the maid died.”
The surroundings began to become as quiet as a mouse.
“The two love each other, but they can’t overcome the wall of reality. The Count is disappointed by the maid’s shallow habits that are secretly revealed, and the maid can’t let go of her inferiority complex due to her status. Her jealousy grows worse and worse. To the point of being ugly.”
“Oh my...”
“Isn’t this a really realistic story? I was worried that foolish and stupid women would have strange fantasies, but it’s a masterpiece. Reality is different. What do you think, Miss Bern?”
Surprised gazes poured back to Emilia.
“I agree that it is a realistic story.”
People's eyes widened again at the sight of her shrugging her shoulders as if it was nothing. Emilia continued speaking calmly.
“But I can’t agree with the phrase ‘stupid and stupid woman.’ That’s called prejudice. It’s a narrow-minded idea that everyone dreams of rising in social status. One more thing to point out is that I don’t think we should distort it into ‘inferiority complex about social status’ just because we can’t break down the walls of the world.”
“Well, that argument doesn’t really make sense. Anyway, you should definitely read the book.”
“Unfortunately, I have no intention of reading it.”
The surprised eyes turned back to Sheila. Unlike Emilia, who was calm, her face was flushed red.
“That’s unexpected. I thought Miss Bern liked such beautiful love stories.”
“Why do you think that? While we’re on the subject, can I ask you a favor? I’d like you to stop being interested in me from now on.”
Emilia had an annoyed look on her face, as if she were chasing a fly, and it made her feel uncomfortable.
“Take it easy, Emilia.”
The sudden downpour threw a chill into the warm atmosphere. The onlookers gradually froze.
“Why don’t you pretend not to? Everyone here knows how much you want to fit into our world. Don’t get me wrong. I’m rooting for you on your difficult path. Instead, just pick one. Either Meyer or Malvin.”
“Do you realize that you are now making unfounded accusations?”
“Why is there no basis?”
Sheila shrugged her shoulders teasingly.
“You showed up wearing Meyer’s ring as if it was nothing and made Malvin laugh. I saw it all before. Aren’t you embarrassed?”
It's so overwhelming. It's hard to breathe. Emilia tried to catch her breath and not get carried away by her emotions.
Sheila is a person who doesn't understand logic, so she has no choice but to accept it in kind.
“Why do you keep having strange thoughts?”
“...Strange thoughts?”
“Jealousy. You look like a jealous child.”
Sheila turned pale.
“...Jealousy?”
“Yes. It just looks like you're dying of jealousy.”
“Ha! This is incredible... You’re the one who’s completely twisted. It’s all because of your inferiority complex.”
Emilia's eyes settled calmly like the eye of a storm.
“Don’t misunderstand. I always wanted you to succeed in marriage. The fact that I allowed you to act like a mouse for five years is proof of that. It’s all thanks to my family that you’re not here to embarrass yourself by pretending to be a noblewoman. Isn’t that right?”
The last bit of composure disappeared from Emilia's eyes. Sheila also lost her senses.
“Of course, there are some things that cannot be achieved through education. Things like bloodlines.”
Someone noticed that Sheila was about to cross the line and gave her a warning.
But the boiling anger completely blinded Sheila's eyes and ears.
“Blood doesn’t change. No matter how generous and tolerant the Meyer family is, they can’t stand the tainted blood in their bloodline. The Malvin family is no different. This man, that man, they’re all just talking about the government.”
“...”
“I really feel sorry for Prince Meyer. Even though it is only a formal engagement, how can someone with the blood of a cripple like you...”
Squeak!
The sound of chairs scraping against the floor pierced the silence. Everyone's eyes turned to one place.
Emilia was looking down at them with a cold face.
Her mind was full of thoughts of slapping that disgusting woman's cheek.
Come on, Emilia. Do it!
But all Emilia could do was clench her fists.
Her fingernails dug into her flesh. Her heart felt like it was going to explode.
It was an unexpected voice that cut through the suffocating silence.
“Miss Cavendish, you are being too harsh.”
Josephine continued in a calm, yet firm voice.
“I hope you realize how much my mother has taken care of this place today. No matter how I think about it, Miss Cavendish’s actions were wrong. I think you owe Miss Bern an apology.”
Some were silent, others nodded. Sheila, her face flushed red, suddenly burst into tears. The sound of her sobs echoed eerily.
Hold on. For now, holding on is the way to victory.
Emilia suppressed the anger boiling over her body like an active volcano as she watched Sheila's shoulders shaking as if she was struggling, her face buried in her hands.
“Excuse me.”
The upright body, without any hesitation, slowly came out of the salon.
Emilia, who came out, walked like a ghost. Unable to move her weak legs, she ended up collapsing against the wall of the back hallway.
She fell to the ground in a squatting position, resting her forehead on her knees.
She desperately hopes that the storm that is raging in her chest will calm down soon.
“Hey, Miss Bern...”
When she looked up, she saw Josephine Luen looking at her with compassionate eyes.
“I’m sorry, but I want to be alone right now...”
“Here you go. Let’s have a drink first. When things get tough, nothing comforts you as much as alcohol.”
Emilia stared at the glass of champagne she had handed her. Then she met her eyes again. Strangely, the strength to refuse disappeared in an instant.
Emilia accepted the glass with a resigned expression and drank the champagne in one gulp.
Her tongue has become numb, so the once sweet drink now tastes too bitter.
Josephine crouched down next to Emilia without asking. Emilia became a little upset by her bold actions.
“Did Master Meyer tell you to do this? To take my side?”
"... Yes?"
Josephine looked very embarrassed as she asked again.
I guessed wrong again, Emilia thought bitterly.
“I’m sorry. I’ve had similar experiences at the salon before. That’s why I’m always wary of whether your kindness is genuine or not.”
Emilia answered a little coldly.
Josephine blinked her large eyes several times, then suddenly stretched out her arm and pointed somewhere.
On the podium, musicians were diligently tuning their instruments.
“Do you see that over there? There, there, there’s the pianist.”
Emilia followed the tip of her finger, and there really was a pianist. He was a man with very white skin and a gaze full of excellence.
“His name is Tiffin Lewanski, a rising star pianist from Nowak. His mother was a prostitute, his father was an alcoholic, he grew up in the slums, and he hid that fact so he could become my piano teacher. And a month ago, we finally became lovers.”
Her wide eyes turned to Josephine.
“Miss Bern is not the only one who has been blocked by the wall of status. That’s why I wanted to talk to Miss Bern more. I always wondered what kind of mind Tiffin had when he met me.”
Josephine was looking down at the man she had become lovers with eyes that were mature beyond her years.
“I’m sure Tiffin will have to endure the same insults and accusations as Miss Bern, for daring to look down on the Count’s daughter. That’s why our relationship is a total secret. There are too many people like my mother and Sheila Cavendish in the world.”
Is it true that you have to talk to people to know them?
The bright and innocent eyes of the girl disappeared without a trace, leaving behind only an overly mature girl.
“I just hope that Tiffin doesn’t go through the same thing as Miss Bern. If that happens, he’ll eventually want to leave me. His life as a pianist will be ruined.”
A thought suddenly crossed Emilia's mind.
“But didn’t you say that you were getting married next year? You said it earlier in the salon. You’re in talks with a certain Count of Gronosso.”
“Oh, that guy? Of course, I have to marry him.”
Emilia felt dazed again in front of the immediate and clear answer.
“Then... with that pianist..”
“Tiffin will be my mistress. He knows that I am going to get married soon. If possible, I want to marry someone powerful. It will help his career as a pianist.”
Josephine chuckled as Emilia couldn't close her mouth.
“I will continue to support his music activities, and our love will continue.”
But what about your husband?
Emilia, who was about to ask, just kept her mouth shut.
Her tongue feels stiff and tingly, as if she's swallowed something she shouldn't.
“Anyway, you were really great earlier. It was really good that you didn’t take it any further and just responded coldly. I told you I could tell right away. Miss Bern is more noble than nobles.”
“No, that’s not true.”
Emilia shook her head vigorously. How surprised the child would be if he knew how choleric she was.
“There is another reason why I endured it. It is not a very elegant reason. I was actually at Lord Cavendish’s house...”
Emilia was about to say that she was thinking of working as a bookkeeper, but her mouth suddenly closed.
No matter how poor the money was and how secretive it was... She wasn’t sure if she could work at Cavendish’s mansion while enduring such humiliation.
“Anyway, I appreciate you thinking of me favorably. And thank you. For this.”
As Emilia raised her glass, Josephine smiled and clinked her glass with her own. The two laughed as if they had made a promise and brought the champagne to their lips.
“You drink pretty well, don’t you?”
Josephine giggled and raised her hand to the servant. The servant appeared again with champagne. Emilia hesitated for a moment, then took the new glass, vowing that this would be the last.
“Anyway, forget about Sheila quickly. She’ll soon be completely ostracized from society anyway.”
“Why?”
“She dared to touch the Malvin family. Spreading such dirty rumors in public. There’s nothing you can do about the behavior of country bumpkins.”
“What do you mean? A rumor?”
Josephine looked at Emilia silently and then said, “...You didn’t know?” and started telling her about the rumors.
It was quite a shocking story for Emilia.
“Sheila dug her own grave. She was so blinded by the thought of tormenting Miss Bern that she didn’t even realize she was disturbing a sleeping lion.”
Unlike Josephine, who was excited, Emilia felt her heart becoming more and more complicated.
She was so careful, but eventually the rumor spread. Even the word ‘government’ came out...
Hardius must have already known, right? That's why he pressed her like that, asking if it was because of 'that guy'.
She thinks she knows why Nathan had turned away with such a dark expression when they made eye contact earlier.
Scared.
Emilia felt disillusioned and afraid of all these things that were happening against her will. Josephine Luen, who spoke of government and love at the same time with a bright face.
The world of Hardius becomes more complex and difficult to understand the more she learn about it.
Emilia took the ring she had been fiddling with from her finger.
Granting her a special indulgence makes no difference.
Each person has his or her own territory, just as fish that live in the river cannot live in the sea.
Emilia clutched the ring tightly.
Meanwhile, with her other hand, she was gulping down the glass she had put down.
Why has champagne become so bitter? As if it had never been sweet...
Here we go again.
Emilia swallowed a sigh and answered, “No.”
“Oh, of course, I thought you would have read it. You really like books.”
Laughter was heard from somewhere.
“So, what’s the story? It’s about ‘Lady Camellia.’”
“Unfortunately, it was a tragedy. Both the Count and the maid died.”
The surroundings began to become as quiet as a mouse.
“The two love each other, but they can’t overcome the wall of reality. The Count is disappointed by the maid’s shallow habits that are secretly revealed, and the maid can’t let go of her inferiority complex due to her status. Her jealousy grows worse and worse. To the point of being ugly.”
“Oh my...”
“Isn’t this a really realistic story? I was worried that foolish and stupid women would have strange fantasies, but it’s a masterpiece. Reality is different. What do you think, Miss Bern?”
Surprised gazes poured back to Emilia.
“I agree that it is a realistic story.”
People's eyes widened again at the sight of her shrugging her shoulders as if it was nothing. Emilia continued speaking calmly.
“But I can’t agree with the phrase ‘stupid and stupid woman.’ That’s called prejudice. It’s a narrow-minded idea that everyone dreams of rising in social status. One more thing to point out is that I don’t think we should distort it into ‘inferiority complex about social status’ just because we can’t break down the walls of the world.”
“Well, that argument doesn’t really make sense. Anyway, you should definitely read the book.”
“Unfortunately, I have no intention of reading it.”
The surprised eyes turned back to Sheila. Unlike Emilia, who was calm, her face was flushed red.
“That’s unexpected. I thought Miss Bern liked such beautiful love stories.”
“Why do you think that? While we’re on the subject, can I ask you a favor? I’d like you to stop being interested in me from now on.”
Emilia had an annoyed look on her face, as if she were chasing a fly, and it made her feel uncomfortable.
“Take it easy, Emilia.”
The sudden downpour threw a chill into the warm atmosphere. The onlookers gradually froze.
“Why don’t you pretend not to? Everyone here knows how much you want to fit into our world. Don’t get me wrong. I’m rooting for you on your difficult path. Instead, just pick one. Either Meyer or Malvin.”
“Do you realize that you are now making unfounded accusations?”
“Why is there no basis?”
Sheila shrugged her shoulders teasingly.
“You showed up wearing Meyer’s ring as if it was nothing and made Malvin laugh. I saw it all before. Aren’t you embarrassed?”
It's so overwhelming. It's hard to breathe. Emilia tried to catch her breath and not get carried away by her emotions.
Sheila is a person who doesn't understand logic, so she has no choice but to accept it in kind.
“Why do you keep having strange thoughts?”
“...Strange thoughts?”
“Jealousy. You look like a jealous child.”
Sheila turned pale.
“...Jealousy?”
“Yes. It just looks like you're dying of jealousy.”
“Ha! This is incredible... You’re the one who’s completely twisted. It’s all because of your inferiority complex.”
Emilia's eyes settled calmly like the eye of a storm.
“Don’t misunderstand. I always wanted you to succeed in marriage. The fact that I allowed you to act like a mouse for five years is proof of that. It’s all thanks to my family that you’re not here to embarrass yourself by pretending to be a noblewoman. Isn’t that right?”
The last bit of composure disappeared from Emilia's eyes. Sheila also lost her senses.
“Of course, there are some things that cannot be achieved through education. Things like bloodlines.”
Someone noticed that Sheila was about to cross the line and gave her a warning.
But the boiling anger completely blinded Sheila's eyes and ears.
“Blood doesn’t change. No matter how generous and tolerant the Meyer family is, they can’t stand the tainted blood in their bloodline. The Malvin family is no different. This man, that man, they’re all just talking about the government.”
“...”
“I really feel sorry for Prince Meyer. Even though it is only a formal engagement, how can someone with the blood of a cripple like you...”
Squeak!
The sound of chairs scraping against the floor pierced the silence. Everyone's eyes turned to one place.
Emilia was looking down at them with a cold face.
Her mind was full of thoughts of slapping that disgusting woman's cheek.
Come on, Emilia. Do it!
But all Emilia could do was clench her fists.
Her fingernails dug into her flesh. Her heart felt like it was going to explode.
It was an unexpected voice that cut through the suffocating silence.
“Miss Cavendish, you are being too harsh.”
Josephine continued in a calm, yet firm voice.
“I hope you realize how much my mother has taken care of this place today. No matter how I think about it, Miss Cavendish’s actions were wrong. I think you owe Miss Bern an apology.”
Some were silent, others nodded. Sheila, her face flushed red, suddenly burst into tears. The sound of her sobs echoed eerily.
Hold on. For now, holding on is the way to victory.
Emilia suppressed the anger boiling over her body like an active volcano as she watched Sheila's shoulders shaking as if she was struggling, her face buried in her hands.
“Excuse me.”
The upright body, without any hesitation, slowly came out of the salon.
Emilia, who came out, walked like a ghost. Unable to move her weak legs, she ended up collapsing against the wall of the back hallway.
She fell to the ground in a squatting position, resting her forehead on her knees.
She desperately hopes that the storm that is raging in her chest will calm down soon.
“Hey, Miss Bern...”
When she looked up, she saw Josephine Luen looking at her with compassionate eyes.
“I’m sorry, but I want to be alone right now...”
“Here you go. Let’s have a drink first. When things get tough, nothing comforts you as much as alcohol.”
Emilia stared at the glass of champagne she had handed her. Then she met her eyes again. Strangely, the strength to refuse disappeared in an instant.
Emilia accepted the glass with a resigned expression and drank the champagne in one gulp.
Her tongue has become numb, so the once sweet drink now tastes too bitter.
Josephine crouched down next to Emilia without asking. Emilia became a little upset by her bold actions.
“Did Master Meyer tell you to do this? To take my side?”
"... Yes?"
Josephine looked very embarrassed as she asked again.
I guessed wrong again, Emilia thought bitterly.
“I’m sorry. I’ve had similar experiences at the salon before. That’s why I’m always wary of whether your kindness is genuine or not.”
Emilia answered a little coldly.
Josephine blinked her large eyes several times, then suddenly stretched out her arm and pointed somewhere.
On the podium, musicians were diligently tuning their instruments.
“Do you see that over there? There, there, there’s the pianist.”
Emilia followed the tip of her finger, and there really was a pianist. He was a man with very white skin and a gaze full of excellence.
“His name is Tiffin Lewanski, a rising star pianist from Nowak. His mother was a prostitute, his father was an alcoholic, he grew up in the slums, and he hid that fact so he could become my piano teacher. And a month ago, we finally became lovers.”
Her wide eyes turned to Josephine.
“Miss Bern is not the only one who has been blocked by the wall of status. That’s why I wanted to talk to Miss Bern more. I always wondered what kind of mind Tiffin had when he met me.”
Josephine was looking down at the man she had become lovers with eyes that were mature beyond her years.
“I’m sure Tiffin will have to endure the same insults and accusations as Miss Bern, for daring to look down on the Count’s daughter. That’s why our relationship is a total secret. There are too many people like my mother and Sheila Cavendish in the world.”
Is it true that you have to talk to people to know them?
The bright and innocent eyes of the girl disappeared without a trace, leaving behind only an overly mature girl.
“I just hope that Tiffin doesn’t go through the same thing as Miss Bern. If that happens, he’ll eventually want to leave me. His life as a pianist will be ruined.”
A thought suddenly crossed Emilia's mind.
“But didn’t you say that you were getting married next year? You said it earlier in the salon. You’re in talks with a certain Count of Gronosso.”
“Oh, that guy? Of course, I have to marry him.”
Emilia felt dazed again in front of the immediate and clear answer.
“Then... with that pianist..”
“Tiffin will be my mistress. He knows that I am going to get married soon. If possible, I want to marry someone powerful. It will help his career as a pianist.”
Josephine chuckled as Emilia couldn't close her mouth.
“I will continue to support his music activities, and our love will continue.”
But what about your husband?
Emilia, who was about to ask, just kept her mouth shut.
Her tongue feels stiff and tingly, as if she's swallowed something she shouldn't.
“Anyway, you were really great earlier. It was really good that you didn’t take it any further and just responded coldly. I told you I could tell right away. Miss Bern is more noble than nobles.”
“No, that’s not true.”
Emilia shook her head vigorously. How surprised the child would be if he knew how choleric she was.
“There is another reason why I endured it. It is not a very elegant reason. I was actually at Lord Cavendish’s house...”
Emilia was about to say that she was thinking of working as a bookkeeper, but her mouth suddenly closed.
No matter how poor the money was and how secretive it was... She wasn’t sure if she could work at Cavendish’s mansion while enduring such humiliation.
“Anyway, I appreciate you thinking of me favorably. And thank you. For this.”
As Emilia raised her glass, Josephine smiled and clinked her glass with her own. The two laughed as if they had made a promise and brought the champagne to their lips.
“You drink pretty well, don’t you?”
Josephine giggled and raised her hand to the servant. The servant appeared again with champagne. Emilia hesitated for a moment, then took the new glass, vowing that this would be the last.
“Anyway, forget about Sheila quickly. She’ll soon be completely ostracized from society anyway.”
“Why?”
“She dared to touch the Malvin family. Spreading such dirty rumors in public. There’s nothing you can do about the behavior of country bumpkins.”
“What do you mean? A rumor?”
Josephine looked at Emilia silently and then said, “...You didn’t know?” and started telling her about the rumors.
It was quite a shocking story for Emilia.
“Sheila dug her own grave. She was so blinded by the thought of tormenting Miss Bern that she didn’t even realize she was disturbing a sleeping lion.”
Unlike Josephine, who was excited, Emilia felt her heart becoming more and more complicated.
She was so careful, but eventually the rumor spread. Even the word ‘government’ came out...
Hardius must have already known, right? That's why he pressed her like that, asking if it was because of 'that guy'.
She thinks she knows why Nathan had turned away with such a dark expression when they made eye contact earlier.
Scared.
Emilia felt disillusioned and afraid of all these things that were happening against her will. Josephine Luen, who spoke of government and love at the same time with a bright face.
The world of Hardius becomes more complex and difficult to understand the more she learn about it.
Emilia took the ring she had been fiddling with from her finger.
Granting her a special indulgence makes no difference.
Each person has his or her own territory, just as fish that live in the river cannot live in the sea.
Emilia clutched the ring tightly.
Meanwhile, with her other hand, she was gulping down the glass she had put down.
Why has champagne become so bitter? As if it had never been sweet...
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