NIYTR 43

Chapter 43

Rude Behavior

When Edelweiss emerged from the study, her eyes were so red she had to redo her makeup.

By the time she finished soothing the puffiness and getting ready again, the sun had already begun to set.

Outside, carriages lined up in a neat row, one after another.

Edelweiss greeted the arriving guests alongside the Marquis of Blossomweaver.

The marquess had suddenly taken ill and was resting briefly.

I hope Aunt is all right.

With quiet concern for her, Edelweiss greeted the first guests—Count Scherna and his daughter, Lady Scherna.

“Count Scherna, and Lady Scherna. Thank you for coming to my daughter’s coming-of-age ceremony,”

said the Marquis of Blossomweaver as he warmly shook the count’s hand.

The next guests were Lady Chedil and her older sister, the young marchioness.

“Congratulations on your coming of age, Lady Blossomweaver.

My younger sister is still young, so I accompanied her. I hope our presence won’t be a burden.”

“Please, think nothing of it and enjoy yourselves.”

The guest list was clearly different from past ceremonies.

Most of the attendees had come with family—parents or siblings.

“Marquis, regarding the investment matter I mentioned previously—”

The young Marchioness of Chedil brought up her real agenda, barely disguising it as a congratulatory visit.

Lady Chedil looked flustered, pressing her lips together apologetically.

It was only natural to covet the exclusive railroad construction rights near the naval base that they’d obtained through Damian.

There are also several mining projects under House Oberlin…

Of course, the Marquis of Blossomweaver gently drew the line.

“Young Marchioness of Chedil, let’s discuss that at a later time.”

“…I apologize. I failed to read the room.”

Realizing he was politely calling out her inappropriate timing, the young marchioness forced a strained smile.

“Young Marchioness Chedil, thank you for coming today.”

Edelweiss, not wanting The Marchioness Chedil to feel too embarrassed, added a few more kind words. Thankfully, the young marchioness Chedil’s expression soon brightened again.

After they left, the Marquis of Blossomweaver murmured under his breath.

“The young Marchioness of Chedil is still so immature. She’s impatient and can’t hide her greed. The younger daughter would have made a better successor.”

By “younger daughter,” he was referring to Lady Chedil.

He’s right. Lady Chedil is definitely calmer, Edelweiss silently agreed—right as she saw the marquis’s face suddenly tighten.

“So he really came because I asked, huh.”

“…I’ve come to see Lady Edelweiss.”

The comment was aimed at Count Belzer and his wife, who had just arrived. The Marquis of Blossomweaver and Count Belzer exchanged thinly veiled glares of mutual displeasure.

Edelweiss smiled as she met the gaze of the countess.

So Count Belzer really did come.

Count Belzer awkwardly avoided Edelweiss’s eyes as he gently held his wife’s shoulder.

“Lady Blossomweaver, I will never forget what you did for my sister,”

the countess said, eyes brimming with tears as she bowed her head.

“And I won’t forget that you came today,” Edelweiss replied with a gentle tone, then gave Count Belzer a subtle look, signaling him to take his wife to the terrace and let her calm down.

As the Belzer couple stepped out, the Marquis of Blossomweaver gave Edelweiss a proud look.

“You’re showing me that Blossomweaver has been too closed off all these years, Edel.”

“Pardon?”

“I mean I look forward to the Blossomweaver you’ll lead from now on.”

He seemed to approve of the thawing relationship with Count Belzer.

“Edelweiss.”

Just then, she locked eyes with someone who had been standing alone—Tessen. He strode toward her.

“Happy twentieth birthday.”

“I didn’t send you an invitation. How did you get in?”

“They let me in even without one.”

Tessen still called her by name, no matter how many times she asked him not to.

Well, he is blood of Blossomweaver after all. The staff wouldn’t have kicked him out.

Edelweiss clamped her mouth shut. It was easier to just accept it.

It was strange, almost laughable. The same Tessen who once couldn’t even bother to say happy birthday had now come all the way here.

Just then, the entire hall quieted, and everyone turned wide eyes toward the entrance.

“Rosie, lean on your father a little more. You shouldn’t be pushing yourself yet.”

“I’m fine, Father. You’re the one who looks tired.”

Rosemary entered, limping while clinging to Duke Stern’s arm, her shoulders held high in pride.

Looks like she overexerted herself to come here.

Next to Duke Stern, Rosemary looked smug, basking in attention.

“Why did you come in separately? Weren’t you in the same carriage?” Edelweiss asked, realizing something didn’t add up.

“I came in a different one,” Tessen replied.

“Why?”

“Because I didn’t want to breathe the same air as them.”

Edelweiss couldn’t help but smirk.

Tessen must’ve meant both Duke Stern and Rosemary.

After all, Rosemary wasn’t his real sister, and he hated the duke.

One day, they’d all have to face the consequences—

The day he realizes that all his children have turned away, and he’s been left completely alone.

“Edel! Father, hurry! Come over to Edel already!”

Rosemary’s tone turned syrupy as she tugged on the duke’s arm, urging him forward.

Duke Stern’s discomfort was obvious.

“I didn’t think you’d dare come to my daughter’s coming-of-age ceremony.”

“…Your daughter?”

My daughter.

“Edelweiss Oberlin Blossomweaver, is she not?”

“…That’s ridiculous.”

Marquis Blossomweaver put extra emphasis on that word, and Duke Stern made no attempt to hide his hostility.

“Well, it’s nice to see that the cheerful disposition runs in the family. A lovely sight.”

“…Pfft.”

At the marquis’s comment, Tessen turned his head and openly scoffed.

When others, who had been watching, chuckled as well, Rosemary flushed red.

“Tessen Stern!”

“Apologies. I must be itchy—spring must be on its way.”

When Duke Stern raised his voice, Tessen gave an absurd excuse.

It was only December—spring was still far off.

Thanks to Tessen, Duke Stern and Rosemary had instantly become “unwelcome guests.”

More precisely, everyone whispered about their shamelessness for not knowing where they should or shouldn’t be.

Boniel newspaper, anonymous tip, Baroness Benel.

The same words were whispered again and again.

Lady Scherna and Lady Chedil exchanged knowing glances.

‘Thanks to those two, everyone must’ve found out that Rosemary was the one who gave the anonymous tip to Boniel.’

Marquis Blossomweaver moved closer to Edelweiss, as if to reassure her that she was safe.

“Sister.”

“…Huh?”

“Is your ankle okay? The last time I saw you, you could only sit. I’m glad you recovered quickly.”

“Mhm, I’m fine. Thanks for worrying.”

After answering, Rosemary hesitated.

Since she’d faked her injury and pretended to limp, the looks thrown her way were now full of contempt.

“Announcing the entrance of the shining star of Rejenoel, His Highness the First Prince Damian Rejenoel, and Her Highness the Second Princess Charlotte Rejenoel!”

At the announcement of Damian and Princess Charlotte’s arrival, everyone placed their hands over their chests and bowed their heads.

“Sis! Sorry we’re late! Elba overslept!”

“You’re the one who overslept, you little rascal.”

Princess Charlotte ran up to Edelweiss and hugged her.

Then she giggled, having once again charmed Damian.

Everyone smiled warmly at the princess’s affectionate behavior toward Edelweiss.

“Your Highness, thank you for attending my sister’s coming-of-age ceremony. It’s an honor to see you—”

Rosemary spoke as if she were the hostess of the event.

“Who are you?”

The same Princess Charlotte who had just been showering Edelweiss with affection now snapped sharply.

“R-Rosemary… Benel.” Rosemary answered awkwardly.

“Ah, so you’re Rosemary Benel.”

“…Your Highness?”

Princess Charlotte pointed toward those who still hadn’t approached or bowed.

“Looks like Baron Benel didn’t teach you.”

“…”

“It’s rude to speak to a royal without permission.”