A Summer With Bitter Rivals - Chapter 11

Chapter 11: Direction to Follow

‘Fortunately, it seems like he hasn’t noticed anything.’

It was only the next morning that Emeline could finally let go of her anxiety.

Unlike usual, Duke Delzeier had suggested having breakfast together, which left her tense throughout the entire meal.

She feared that Zenon Trancium might have blabbed about what happened the previous day, and that word had reached her father’s ears. Emeline trembled with anxiety until the end of breakfast.

However, her father did not inquire about anything or show any signs of suspicion toward her.

‘Am I being paranoid…?’

No wonder she felt that way. Ever since being confined to her room due to angering her father over her studies, Emeline had developed an obsessive fear of displeasing him.

It had been an utterly suffocating time.

The window had been bolted shut, with blackout curtains sewn tightly closed, and the attendants were only allowed in at designated times.

Normally, Emeline would have left the room after deeply regretting her actions, but that time had been different.

The dreams and ambitions she harbored weren’t things she could simply give up after a bit of remorse.

When she was engrossed in the world of knowledge, she felt as though she had escaped from the tightly controlled world her father had constructed, and she could finally breathe freely.

It was the only time Emeline Delzeier could exist as herself.

Everything else in her life was dictated by her father’s will, but studying was the one thing she pursued with her own determination, throughout her entire life.

If her father found out even once more, she knew he would take away her dreams and everything else from her. Still, she wanted to take the entrance exam for college, even if it meant deceiving her father.

That was why she found Zenon Trancium’s interference so unbearable.

With him as a disruptive variable, the risk of her getting caught by her father was also increasing. He even hindered her ability to maintain the grades she needed to apply for university.

‘That’s exactly why I can’t afford to pay attention to Zenon Trancium.’

Emeline had spent the morning trying to calm her unsettled mind, finally releasing a long sigh.

As she leaned back in her chair, an attendant behind her spoke, “Miss, I’ll start doing your hair now.”

Emeline nodded lightly and closed her eyes.

Unlike usual, her father hadn’t left early for work; instead, he had stayed to have breakfast with her to prepare for the upcoming royal birthday banquet.

“You look absolutely stunning, Miss!”

The attendants, having finished their preparations, lavished praise upon her.

Emeline opened her eyes, refreshed. Sitting gracefully in front of her vanity, she checked her appearance in the mirror.

Her ebony-black, voluminous hair was styled in an elegant bun adorned with pins, and her naturally bright face, enhanced with light makeup, gave her an elegant look that would make anyone passing by turn their head.

Her clear blue eyes blinked slowly.

She looked more graceful and dignified than usual.

‘The event commemorating His Majesty’s birthday usually draws most of the prestigious nobles.’

As a member of the royal family, Emeline, the king’s niece, had to demonstrate royal dignity.

Satisfied with her appearance, Emeline rose from her seat.

“Is Father downstairs?”

“Yes, he’s already prepared to go and is waiting for you.”

“I must be a bit late then.”

Emeline, who was never one to keep her father waiting, hurried out of her room. As she descended the stairs, she saw Bernard waiting in the hall of the mansion.

“Father, I’m sorry for keeping you waiting.”

When she quickly approached to apologize, Bernard turned his head to look at Emeline with sharp eyes.

Standing there, holding his cane with both hands, he exuded an aura of solemn authority.

Emeline tensed up instinctively.

“It’s alright, but don’t be late next time.”

“Yes, Father.”

“But… for a banquet, your attire is quite modest. I told you before that your tastes should change according to the social trends.”

Emeline, who had felt reassured by his gentle attitude, now felt uneasy again.

The duke clicked his tongue as he rubbed the silver and diamond-crafted handle of his cane, as if displeased.

“Was it your maid who suggested that dress? It shouldn’t be too flashy, but you must also know how to display the wealth of our family.”

“…This time, I chose the outfit myself because I liked it. It seems my judgment was lacking. I’ll pay more attention to my attire next time,” Emeline responded calmly with a soft smile.

In truth, the dress had been chosen by her attendant. Yet, she claimed it as her own decision.

The attendant had merely dressed her according to her preferences. Strictly speaking, it was her fault for not following the trends and wearing what she liked, just as her father had said.

‘I’d rather take the blame myself than see her fired tomorrow.’

Emeline, though she acted indifferent, was soft-hearted toward others.

Pretending to be repentant, she clasped her hands demurely. She knew exactly what her father wanted from his obedient daughter.

‘He likes a daughter who doesn’t cry unnecessarily, knows her own mistakes, and reflects on them obediently.’

Seeing Emeline’s gentle smile, Bernard’s cold expression gradually softened. Thankfully, it seemed he was willing to let it go.

“It’s late, so let’s hurry.”

Emeline breathed a sigh of relief and boarded the carriage bound for the royal palace with her father.

Emeline’s thoughts, as she gazed out of the carriage window, were filled with worries about possible dangers lurking ahead.

The biggest threat was Zenon Trancium.

‘Their family will attend His Majesty’s birthday banquet too.’

Emeline began to worry about the possibility of running into Zenon. She feared he might try to act friendly with her again.

‘No, surely he wouldn’t be foolish enough to approach me openly in a place like that.’

Like her father, the Marquis and Marchioness of Trancium were also likely to disapprove of their son getting close to a family rival. No matter how reckless he could be, he surely wouldn’t dare behave as he pleased in front of his parents.

Feeling a bit more at ease, Emeline stared out of the moving carriage, setting aside the thoughts of Zenon that had been troubling her recently.

The summer sun shone brightly over Elvarto, beautiful as ever. Blissfully unaware of the upcoming events, she awaited her arrival at the royal palace.

The royal birthday banquet was set to be lavish, extending from afternoon into the evening.

Emeline arrived at the ballroom with her father.

She took a light breath and scanned the interior. The expansive ballroom of the palace glittered with the chandelier lights, and the outdoor scenery visible through the tall windows was stunning.

While Emeline looked around, noblemen and women dressed in splendid gowns and expensive formal attire approached them with expressions of delight.

Emeline turned her head toward them, sighing inwardly. She was tired of this.

‘It’s starting again.’

The time had come for her father to receive his fill of flattery. Suppressing her disgust, Emeline put on a welcoming smile.

After crowding in and blocking their way for a moment, the nobles greeted Bernard first and then turned their attention to Emeline.

“Oh, it’s been a while, Lady Delzeier. You grow more beautiful by the day, just like your mother.”

“Thank you for the compliment. I’m glad my efforts were noticed,” Emeline replied softly.

Bernard, who was listening to the compliments directed at his daughter, chuckled and patted her on the shoulder, as if proudly displaying his treasure.

Duke Delzeier was a well-regarded figure who was not only close to the king but also highly influential politically.

Naturally, the prestige of Delzeier was elevated. Many people tried to befriend him in hopes of forming valuable connections.

Recently, the duke had expressed ambitions regarding a business venture, making it an opportune moment for those present to gain favor for future investments. If they got into his good graces, who knew what benefits they might reap.

Emeline, observing the nobles gathered around her, felt indifferent. To her, they looked like a flock of pigeons gathering to scavenge crumbs.

Just when Emeline was growing tired of the act, a voice suddenly called out from the other side.