Episode 100. Shine Party
Olivia carefully placed the candy the girl had given her into the clutch she was holding. The surroundings had become chaotic to the point of being noisy, but strangely enough, the Princess was surprisingly quiet.
"Are you alright?"
When the knight following her asked quietly in bewilderment, the Princess tilted her head instead.
"What is it?"
"...No."
The Princess was like the eye of a typhoon. She remained completely still, even after causing this massive department store to stir.
"Oh my goodness, she's truly beautiful."
“She is not only beautiful, but how can she be so kind?”
"Exactly. I thought she wouldn't accept the candy the child offered earlier."
People, busy stealthily following the Princess and peeking at her, whispered.
"It might be that because she is of commoner origin, she has no qualms about accepting what the child hands her."
Another woman nodded at one woman's words.
“Still... that is why I like Her Highness. For some reason, it makes me think that they are people just like us.”
Those who blatantly followed the Princess were mainly commoners, and most of them were favorable toward her.
Meanwhile, the noble ladies watching from a distance frowned and fanned themselves.
“The Countess Timberlin has been through so much hardship. Marchioness Letium, you should look after your sister-in-law.”
Marchioness Letium smiled awkwardly and narrowed her eyes.
If the department store offers to provide VIP service, they should just accept it. Why go through all that trouble for themselves?
“Don’t try to understand it. Her way of thinking naturally stems from the environment she grew up in.”
“That’s a great quote. Let’s go. It’s so noisy just watching that it gives me a headache. Why are there so many commoners coming and going here? It’s not really my taste.”
“I know, right. It’s just big, but there doesn’t seem to be much to see.”
The ladies clicked their tongues softly and turned away.
Meanwhile, contrary to what the ladies had said, the Countess Timberlin was in a state of great excitement. She felt a thrill down to her very nerves as every shop she visited welcomed her and brought out and displayed items that were rarely seen.
Especially when the crystal shop, famous for its high standards, presented a glass with a cut she had never seen before, she felt like her eyeballs were going to pop out.
These champagne glasses arrived last night and are works of art, featuring an organ bevel cut that slenderly adorns the glass from the foot to the bowl. When you pour clear champagne into them, the light adds to the three-dimensional effect of the cut, allowing you to admire a feast of exquisite colors.
Mrs. Timberlin was moved by the explanation given by the shopkeeper, who rushed out to greet the Princess, and Olivia had a mysterious experience where her native language sounded like a foreign language.
“This would be good, Your Highness!”
Mrs. Timberlin was intently examining the champagne glass from every angle, her eyes flashing.
“The Marchioness of Letium really likes this brand’s glasses. I have never seen organ bevel-cut glasses in her collection, so let’s go with these.”
The shop owner also quickly added.
"I see you intend to give it as a gift. I will pay special attention to the wrapping, Your Highness."
Olivia asked Mrs. Timberlin, who was distracted by the glass, again.
"Wouldn't it be just as good?"
"That's enough!"
"Yes, then. Please pack this for me."
The master bowed deeply at the Princess's choice, while Mrs. Timberlin, as if nothing had happened, wore an arrogant expression and puffed out her chest.
“Package it carefully and deliver it to His Highness the Prince’s mansion. I will instruct the head maid there, so come on that day to collect the payment.”
“Yes, I understand.”
The knights guarding the Princess's back turned cold at the sight of her acting as if she were the Princess herself.
After finishing her satisfying proxy shopping, Mrs. Timberlin left the store with the Princess leading the way. With knights in royal guard uniforms escorting them on both sides and everyone bowing their heads in awe, it couldn't have been more thrilling.
This is why positions as a close aide to royalty are so popular.
Mrs. Timberlin glanced at her watch, vowing that she would surely have the Princess under her thumb. The appointed time was imminent.
Mrs. Timberlin smiled warmly and looked back at the Princess.
“Your Highness, now that you have selected the items, how about visiting the cafe on the fifth floor of the department store? Unlike a salon, it has a rather light atmosphere, and it is said to be trending among noble ladies.”
However, around that time, Olivia's expression became increasingly subtle.
As Olivia followed Mrs. Timberlin to the cafe, she felt her physical condition rapidly deteriorating with each step she climbed.
There was no stabbing pain, but her chest felt strangely constricted. It was to a degree that could not be attributed solely to the corset.
In addition, even though she was wearing a fairly thick coat, she felt as if the wind was burrowing into her arms.
"I have to attend an event together tomorrow. I can't get sick..."
Olivia climbed the stairs blankly, her mind dulled by the sudden onset of pain. It was then that she realized she absolutely could not go on like this and was about to say that she had to go back.
“Your Highness, could there be such a coincidence?”
When Olivia snapped back to reality at the sound of such an excited voice, wasn't it Mrs. Timberlin pointing somewhere and smiling brightly?
The noble ladies, including the Marchioness de Letium, are gathered here.
As Olivia slowly turned her gaze following her fingertips, she saw women dressed like magnificent peacocks beyond the heavy cafe door, their eyes gleaming.
Everyone was looking at Olivia.
As one of them politely bowed his knees to greet them, the others also bowed their knees in unison.
“Let’s go, Your Highness.”
Her eyes ached from the rapidly rising heat, but she simply could not turn back in this situation. Olivia straightened her shoulders, composed her expression, and slowly walked into the cafe.
Leaving behind the pain that was gradually tightening around her breathing hole.
“Your Highness, this is Marchioness Letium, my sister-in-law, on a private note.”
As soon as Countess Timberlin finished speaking, an elegant lady in a splendid orange dress smiled gently and opened her mouth.
“Hello, Your Highness. My name is Veila Letium. It is an honor to meet you.”
"It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Marchioness Letium."
Countess Timberlin arranged a seat for Olivia and led her into the crowd, just as chaperones usually do.
"This is Countess Seymour."
As Olivia turned her eyes to the word Seymour, a middle-aged woman with familiar red hair was standing there. Mrs. Seymour, who looked exactly like Isabelle Seymour, bowed respectfully.
"It is an honor to meet you, Your Highness. My name is Emma Seymour."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Countess Seymour."
The blue eyes, calmly rising, were intense, as if they would pierce through Olivia.
Even after that, Mrs. Timberlin was busy weaving among the ladies like a fish swimming in the water, introducing Olivia to the people.
And once the greetings were somewhat over, Mrs. Timberlin led Olivia to a fancy table. As the waiter brought out some simple tea, several ladies quietly approached the table.
“Your Highness, may I speak with the Countess Timberlin for a moment? I ask for your permission.”
Countess Timberlin also smiled apologetically and whispered.
“May I, Your Highness?”
Olivia, finding it difficult to easily judge whether this situation was rude or not, had no choice but to nod.
"Go ahead."
"Then, just a moment. I'll be right back."
Mrs. Timberlin's expression, which had been smiling very affectionately, changed strangely the moment she turned her back on the Princess. Thick contempt and disregard were tucked into the corners of her crookedly rising lips, and uncontainable ecstasy seeped into her gray eyes.
The lady who had come to pick up Mrs. Timberlin also laughed quietly and exchanged glances with those nearby.
"Thank you for inviting me to the Shine Party, Countess Timberlin."
"You're welcome."
Also known as the 'Shine Party'.
The name sounds sparkling and beautiful, but in reality, it was a nasty party that openly mocked its targets.
It was a classic method mainly used to play a trick on people of high status, where they were seated as if they were the main character and isolated by being kept away from everyone.
Sure enough, the ladies, having exchanged only perfunctory greetings, showed no intention of rising from their respective tables. While they smiled sociably at one another, their gazes were incessantly fixed on the Princess.
“Look. She's flustered.”
"Let's see how long she can hold out. Soon, tears might well up in her eyes."
"Or she might suddenly stand up and run away."
“To think Herod’s wife ran away. What a disgrace.”
“Everyone, watch your mouths. You are speaking to Herod’s wife; how dare you speak such words?”
Mrs. Timberlin cautioned the ladies in a gentle tone, then kept a close eye on Olivia's expression.
She was the only one here to reach out to her. Just as a young child has nowhere to turn for help but their parents.
She intended to approach and comfort Olivia when her expression contorted from unbearable pain, and to approach and comfort her again when it contorted again.
Meanwhile, Olivia, left all alone, felt as though she could hear the ticking of a clock right beside her ears. Mrs. Timberlin, who had said she would be back in a moment, showed no sign of returning.
Whispering, whispering, whispering.
Malicious mockery and contempt drifted into Olivia's ears. Gazes filled with a sinister aura flew in and pierced her from all directions.
Olivia gazed with deeply sunken eyes at the Countess Timberlin, who was giggling to one side. She was completely absorbed in conversation.
Olivia thought slowly with her head dulled by the heat.
She did not know exactly what the situation was, but it was certainly not favorable. Whether Mrs. Timberlin intended it was a matter to consider later.
In that case, what would be the wise way to get out of here?
Is it okay if I suddenly jump up from my seat and walk out?
Or should I have a waiter call Mrs. Timberlin myself?
“...!”
Suddenly, a sharp pain struck her as if she had been stabbed in the solar plexus. The ragged breaths were so hot that her lips were parched with the heat.
She thinks it would be wise to have a waiter call Mrs. Timberlin. She needs to get up right away.
Olivia, having reached a conclusion, was looking around to call a waiter.
“May I interrupt for a moment, Your Highness?”
Mrs. Seymour, who had been sneering at her until now, stood at the table.
Olivia carefully placed the candy the girl had given her into the clutch she was holding. The surroundings had become chaotic to the point of being noisy, but strangely enough, the Princess was surprisingly quiet.
"Are you alright?"
When the knight following her asked quietly in bewilderment, the Princess tilted her head instead.
"What is it?"
"...No."
The Princess was like the eye of a typhoon. She remained completely still, even after causing this massive department store to stir.
"Oh my goodness, she's truly beautiful."
“She is not only beautiful, but how can she be so kind?”
"Exactly. I thought she wouldn't accept the candy the child offered earlier."
People, busy stealthily following the Princess and peeking at her, whispered.
"It might be that because she is of commoner origin, she has no qualms about accepting what the child hands her."
Another woman nodded at one woman's words.
“Still... that is why I like Her Highness. For some reason, it makes me think that they are people just like us.”
Those who blatantly followed the Princess were mainly commoners, and most of them were favorable toward her.
Meanwhile, the noble ladies watching from a distance frowned and fanned themselves.
“The Countess Timberlin has been through so much hardship. Marchioness Letium, you should look after your sister-in-law.”
Marchioness Letium smiled awkwardly and narrowed her eyes.
If the department store offers to provide VIP service, they should just accept it. Why go through all that trouble for themselves?
“Don’t try to understand it. Her way of thinking naturally stems from the environment she grew up in.”
“That’s a great quote. Let’s go. It’s so noisy just watching that it gives me a headache. Why are there so many commoners coming and going here? It’s not really my taste.”
“I know, right. It’s just big, but there doesn’t seem to be much to see.”
The ladies clicked their tongues softly and turned away.
Meanwhile, contrary to what the ladies had said, the Countess Timberlin was in a state of great excitement. She felt a thrill down to her very nerves as every shop she visited welcomed her and brought out and displayed items that were rarely seen.
Especially when the crystal shop, famous for its high standards, presented a glass with a cut she had never seen before, she felt like her eyeballs were going to pop out.
These champagne glasses arrived last night and are works of art, featuring an organ bevel cut that slenderly adorns the glass from the foot to the bowl. When you pour clear champagne into them, the light adds to the three-dimensional effect of the cut, allowing you to admire a feast of exquisite colors.
Mrs. Timberlin was moved by the explanation given by the shopkeeper, who rushed out to greet the Princess, and Olivia had a mysterious experience where her native language sounded like a foreign language.
“This would be good, Your Highness!”
Mrs. Timberlin was intently examining the champagne glass from every angle, her eyes flashing.
“The Marchioness of Letium really likes this brand’s glasses. I have never seen organ bevel-cut glasses in her collection, so let’s go with these.”
The shop owner also quickly added.
"I see you intend to give it as a gift. I will pay special attention to the wrapping, Your Highness."
Olivia asked Mrs. Timberlin, who was distracted by the glass, again.
"Wouldn't it be just as good?"
"That's enough!"
"Yes, then. Please pack this for me."
The master bowed deeply at the Princess's choice, while Mrs. Timberlin, as if nothing had happened, wore an arrogant expression and puffed out her chest.
“Package it carefully and deliver it to His Highness the Prince’s mansion. I will instruct the head maid there, so come on that day to collect the payment.”
“Yes, I understand.”
The knights guarding the Princess's back turned cold at the sight of her acting as if she were the Princess herself.
After finishing her satisfying proxy shopping, Mrs. Timberlin left the store with the Princess leading the way. With knights in royal guard uniforms escorting them on both sides and everyone bowing their heads in awe, it couldn't have been more thrilling.
This is why positions as a close aide to royalty are so popular.
Mrs. Timberlin glanced at her watch, vowing that she would surely have the Princess under her thumb. The appointed time was imminent.
Mrs. Timberlin smiled warmly and looked back at the Princess.
“Your Highness, now that you have selected the items, how about visiting the cafe on the fifth floor of the department store? Unlike a salon, it has a rather light atmosphere, and it is said to be trending among noble ladies.”
However, around that time, Olivia's expression became increasingly subtle.
As Olivia followed Mrs. Timberlin to the cafe, she felt her physical condition rapidly deteriorating with each step she climbed.
There was no stabbing pain, but her chest felt strangely constricted. It was to a degree that could not be attributed solely to the corset.
In addition, even though she was wearing a fairly thick coat, she felt as if the wind was burrowing into her arms.
"I have to attend an event together tomorrow. I can't get sick..."
Olivia climbed the stairs blankly, her mind dulled by the sudden onset of pain. It was then that she realized she absolutely could not go on like this and was about to say that she had to go back.
“Your Highness, could there be such a coincidence?”
When Olivia snapped back to reality at the sound of such an excited voice, wasn't it Mrs. Timberlin pointing somewhere and smiling brightly?
The noble ladies, including the Marchioness de Letium, are gathered here.
As Olivia slowly turned her gaze following her fingertips, she saw women dressed like magnificent peacocks beyond the heavy cafe door, their eyes gleaming.
Everyone was looking at Olivia.
As one of them politely bowed his knees to greet them, the others also bowed their knees in unison.
“Let’s go, Your Highness.”
Her eyes ached from the rapidly rising heat, but she simply could not turn back in this situation. Olivia straightened her shoulders, composed her expression, and slowly walked into the cafe.
Leaving behind the pain that was gradually tightening around her breathing hole.
“Your Highness, this is Marchioness Letium, my sister-in-law, on a private note.”
As soon as Countess Timberlin finished speaking, an elegant lady in a splendid orange dress smiled gently and opened her mouth.
“Hello, Your Highness. My name is Veila Letium. It is an honor to meet you.”
"It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Marchioness Letium."
Countess Timberlin arranged a seat for Olivia and led her into the crowd, just as chaperones usually do.
"This is Countess Seymour."
As Olivia turned her eyes to the word Seymour, a middle-aged woman with familiar red hair was standing there. Mrs. Seymour, who looked exactly like Isabelle Seymour, bowed respectfully.
"It is an honor to meet you, Your Highness. My name is Emma Seymour."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Countess Seymour."
The blue eyes, calmly rising, were intense, as if they would pierce through Olivia.
Even after that, Mrs. Timberlin was busy weaving among the ladies like a fish swimming in the water, introducing Olivia to the people.
And once the greetings were somewhat over, Mrs. Timberlin led Olivia to a fancy table. As the waiter brought out some simple tea, several ladies quietly approached the table.
“Your Highness, may I speak with the Countess Timberlin for a moment? I ask for your permission.”
Countess Timberlin also smiled apologetically and whispered.
“May I, Your Highness?”
Olivia, finding it difficult to easily judge whether this situation was rude or not, had no choice but to nod.
"Go ahead."
"Then, just a moment. I'll be right back."
Mrs. Timberlin's expression, which had been smiling very affectionately, changed strangely the moment she turned her back on the Princess. Thick contempt and disregard were tucked into the corners of her crookedly rising lips, and uncontainable ecstasy seeped into her gray eyes.
The lady who had come to pick up Mrs. Timberlin also laughed quietly and exchanged glances with those nearby.
"Thank you for inviting me to the Shine Party, Countess Timberlin."
"You're welcome."
Also known as the 'Shine Party'.
The name sounds sparkling and beautiful, but in reality, it was a nasty party that openly mocked its targets.
It was a classic method mainly used to play a trick on people of high status, where they were seated as if they were the main character and isolated by being kept away from everyone.
Sure enough, the ladies, having exchanged only perfunctory greetings, showed no intention of rising from their respective tables. While they smiled sociably at one another, their gazes were incessantly fixed on the Princess.
“Look. She's flustered.”
"Let's see how long she can hold out. Soon, tears might well up in her eyes."
"Or she might suddenly stand up and run away."
“To think Herod’s wife ran away. What a disgrace.”
“Everyone, watch your mouths. You are speaking to Herod’s wife; how dare you speak such words?”
Mrs. Timberlin cautioned the ladies in a gentle tone, then kept a close eye on Olivia's expression.
She was the only one here to reach out to her. Just as a young child has nowhere to turn for help but their parents.
She intended to approach and comfort Olivia when her expression contorted from unbearable pain, and to approach and comfort her again when it contorted again.
Meanwhile, Olivia, left all alone, felt as though she could hear the ticking of a clock right beside her ears. Mrs. Timberlin, who had said she would be back in a moment, showed no sign of returning.
Whispering, whispering, whispering.
Malicious mockery and contempt drifted into Olivia's ears. Gazes filled with a sinister aura flew in and pierced her from all directions.
Olivia gazed with deeply sunken eyes at the Countess Timberlin, who was giggling to one side. She was completely absorbed in conversation.
Olivia thought slowly with her head dulled by the heat.
She did not know exactly what the situation was, but it was certainly not favorable. Whether Mrs. Timberlin intended it was a matter to consider later.
In that case, what would be the wise way to get out of here?
Is it okay if I suddenly jump up from my seat and walk out?
Or should I have a waiter call Mrs. Timberlin myself?
“...!”
Suddenly, a sharp pain struck her as if she had been stabbed in the solar plexus. The ragged breaths were so hot that her lips were parched with the heat.
She thinks it would be wise to have a waiter call Mrs. Timberlin. She needs to get up right away.
Olivia, having reached a conclusion, was looking around to call a waiter.
“May I interrupt for a moment, Your Highness?”
Mrs. Seymour, who had been sneering at her until now, stood at the table.
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