Chapter 81
The more Arjan obtained sympathy from the others, the further neglected Molitia would be from the conversation.
“If you don’t mind, may I join you at this table? It’s been a while since I’ve seen her, so I wouldn’t want to be away from her.”
“Of course, Lady Clemence. There are several empty seats right here, so please, do sit comfortably.”
Arjan deliberately settled next to Molitia. Arjan was sprightly gazing at Molitia, who was quietly lifting up her teacup gracefully.
When the balance of the sitting arrangement, which was thought up by Marchioness Nibeia had tipped over, the prepared refreshments happened to be naturally inadequate as well.
During that amiable atmosphere, someone had suddenly reached out for sugar. However, it was quite hard to make it even if she were to extend her hand due to the seats having changed. She looked around, looking puzzled, just to see that everyone else was busy talking about their own fairly interesting stories.
“Lady Nisser, it must be inconvenient for you. Do allow me to get it for you.”
Surprised by the voice that had called out to her, Baroness Nisser immediately raised her head. Molitia gave a warm smile before pushing a bowl of sugar right towards in front of her.
“Oh… do you recognize me?”
“Of course, I do. You came to my wedding before.”
“I didn’t think you would go so far as to remember me because we didn’t get to have a conversation back then.”
More than anything, she was just another baroness in the outskirts. The wedding was attended by a lot of people that it would have never been rude to not actually remember the faces of the many attendees.
The wife of the Duke of Linerio—the heart of the current heated conversation—had remembered her well. That alone had made Baroness Nisser take note of her kind temperament.
“No way. You are one of our precious guests who have taken the time to attend our important occasion. I felt rather apologetic towards everyone as I didn’t stay for such a long time due to my weak constitution.”
All of a sudden, the tables had turned when Baroness Nisser was seen to be talking to the Duchess of Linerio. Everyone at the table was suddenly paying close attention to Molitia herself.
“I heard that it was the Duke who carried you back then?”
“Oh my God, really? The Duke?”
“Yes, he carried her as though she was the most precious thing in the world.”
“I’m quite ashamed of myself… …just because I slightly hurt my foot which made it uncomfortable for me to walk, he had to carry me as he took me back to the mansion.”
Molitia, who was coyly blushing had emphasized on the fact that she was a newly married bride herself. Needless to say, all of the ladies who had witnessed the scene gleamed with interest.
“I think you’re blushing even more than you were back on the day. They always say that a woman would shine her brightest during the wedding, but it seems like the Duchess is much more attractive now, compared during the wedding.”
“Thank you for your gracious words.”
“Is the Duke—your husband—kind to you?”
“I’ve also heard that Countess Lyrit is a rather devoted wife as well.”
“Oh—by the way, is that rumor still going around these days?”
The ladies were of course, bound to have their own little stories. Moreover, if there was a newly fresh topic at hand, it was natural for one’s eye to light up curiously.
Arjan’s own sympathetic yet simple story had abruptly lost their previously keen interest. The tedious pattern was simply difficult to appeal to those ladies. Therefore, everyone had instantly switched to Molitia, rather than Arjan as they joined in the conversation.
‘Just, what is this?’
Arjan took a look at the scene—baffled. Molitia, who could have never shined more than herself was definitely glowing, even more than anyone else at the table.
Much more than Arjan Clemence, herself.
“Everyone.”
A single word from Marchioness of Nibeia immediately silenced the tumultuous hall. She looked around, feeling satisfied as the clinking teacups had already fallen still.
“I thank everyone who has taken the precious time to brighten up this event of mine.”
Then, Marchioness of Nibeia gazed straight at Molitia.
“Especially the Duchess of Linerio, who is here today.”
Molitia sensibly stood up before addressing her surroundings with a gentle greeting. There was a light round of applause dedicated to her.