A Summer With Bitter Rivals - Chapter 65

Chapter 65: Zenon’s Fiancée

Emeline had finished preparing for bed long ago, but she remained in front of her bookshelf, unable to sleep.

She kept replaying Angel’s words from earlier in her mind, contemplating them deeply.

Had she truly never given up on her dreams? Did she still long for them?

Perhaps it was because her wings had once been clipped—Emeline found it difficult to answer.

Maybe that experience had stripped her of her will entirely.

More than anything, one question weighed on her the most.

‘…Is it truly alright for me to keep holding onto this dream?’

She might end up with nothing but frustration and heartache. She might only be hurt again.

She closed her eyes and then slowly opened them again.

“Opportunities will always find their way.”

As she recalled Angel’s words, a certain book suddenly came to mind.

Since she was already standing before the bookshelf, she naturally turned to search for it.

Hidden in the corner, wrapped in a white cloth as if to keep it concealed, she found the book.

It was a book Zenon Trancium had once given her unexpectedly as a gift before disappearing.

Kaven Shotrimmer’s novel.

The Usurper of a Perfect World.

A book that criticized many of society’s injustices.

‘It said something similar to what Angel told me.’

Tracing the book’s edge with her fingers, Emeline finally pulled out the long-hidden novel. Opening it without hesitation, she was soon puzzled.

‘…Didn’t I finish reading this book?’

Looking closely, she noticed that behind the last chapter she had read, a few pages remained untouched.

Flipping to that section, she came to an abrupt halt.

In the wide margins, a few lines of text stood out, drawing her gaze as she slowly followed the words.

[My will still breathes, even amidst countless injustices, oppression, and coercion.

Even in a world that tramples me beneath its feet.]

She involuntarily held her breath. Those few simple words left her frozen in place for a long moment.

Her dreams and will had never truly disappeared. They had been quietly breathing inside her all along.

Not even once had she wished for her dreams to vanish.

Realizing that, Emeline finally felt her heart swell with something akin to fulfillment. She ran her fingers over the book’s cover.

Curiosity crept into her mind once more.

Why had Zenon Trancium gone through the trouble of obtaining this book from another country just to gift it to her?

***

Time flowed like a swift current. As the languid afternoon arrived, Emeline began preparing for the long-awaited day.

“I will assist you with your attire, miss.”

She received the help of the maids as she dressed for the social gathering. Since today was somewhat special, her outfit called for more elegance than usual.

Though the gathering was a regular occurrence, today felt different because Labore would be attending.

“Is this sufficient?”

“Do I look pretty?”

“Pardon?”

Perhaps because Emeline rarely asked such questions, the maid appeared momentarily flustered.

As she tilted her head expectantly, the maid finally gave the correct response.

“Yes, miss, you look truly beautiful.”

“More than usual?”

“Of course.”

“Then that’s good.”

Satisfied, Emeline smiled lightly and left the mansion.

Even if she and Zenon were no longer anything to each other, it wouldn’t do to meet his fiancée looking the same as usual.

Gathering her dress slightly, she stepped into the carriage and gave the order.

“Head to the place I mentioned yesterday.”

The scenery outside the window began to shift as the carriage moved. The chosen meeting spot was a coffee house located in the bustling city center.

While her curiosity and suspicions had led her to invite Labore to the gathering, she wasn’t comfortable enough to invite her to the mansion.

After all, she belonged to a rival faction—who knew what she might do?

She still didn’t understand why Labore was reaching out to her and the other ladies.

It didn’t take long to arrive at the venue. Right on time, Emeline stepped into the coffee house and immediately spotted her friends, greeting them warmly.

“It’s good to see you all. You arrived early.”

“Welcome, Lady Delzeier.”

“Oh my, you look even more beautiful than usual today!”

At Lady Philia’s compliment, Emeline offered a shy smile, feeling quite pleased.

As she glanced around at those present, her expression subtly shifted. Two seats remained empty.

“The meeting time has passed, but it seems we’re still waiting for a couple of people.”

“Indeed… Ah! There’s Lady Rimont arriving now!”

One of the missing attendees hurriedly entered the coffee house.

After scanning the room, she quickly spotted them and rushed over.

“You all must have been waiting. I’m sorry for being late. My younger sibling tried to pick a rose with bare hands and ended up getting hurt…”

Lady Janice of the Rimont Marquisate arrived, repeatedly apologizing as she took her seat. Emeline reassured her that it was fine.

Now, only one seat remained empty. As she confirmed the attendees, Emeline couldn’t help but let out a quiet scoff.

Including Emeline, there were seven in attendance today: Angel, Lady Henburton, Lady Philia, Lady Rimont, Lady Amberwine, and Lady Donner.

And, Labore Fendine.

‘…The last one again?’

Zenon’s fiancée had yet to arrive.

Even though she had personally requested an invitation to this gathering.

“Lady Fendine is late.”

“Could it be that she’s changed her mind at the last moment?”

“She has every reason to be nervous. But this is a rare opportunity offered by Lady Delzeier—would she really disregard such kindness? That would be terribly rude.”

“Well, her family is nothing more than upstarts comparable to the Marquis of Trancium. Their lack of manners is hardly surprising.”

Apart from the few who had already been in contact with Labore, most of the attendees weren’t pleased with her tardiness. Some even seemed uncomfortable with her presence altogether.

As the criticism began to fade, Emeline smiled lightly.

“Let’s believe she has a reason.”

Though Emeline herself had begun to suspect Labore’s true intentions, she chose to wait patiently.

Being late to an appointment was certainly impolite, but just like Lady Rimont, there could have been unforeseen circumstances.

That didn’t mean she wasn’t irritated by the discourtesy. The moment she realized the empty seat belonged to Labore, her mood had already cooled significantly.

“Shall we begin with refreshments in the meantime?”

At Angel’s suggestion, the ladies agreed and started chatting amongst themselves.

Not long after, Labore finally appeared.

Despite supposedly hurrying to arrive, she showed not a single trace of sweat in the summer heat.

As soon as they noticed her, the conversations ceased, and all eyes turned toward her. Lady Amberwine fanned herself disapprovingly and spoke.

“Oh my, Lady Fendine. You’ve finally arrived.”

“I’m so sorry! I’m terribly late… I was on my way here, but my carriage wheel suddenly broke…”

“On the way here? Oh my, were you hurt?”

Lady Rose Philia, who had previously been in contact with Labore, asked with a shocked expression. Noticing her reaction, the others hesitated and watched cautiously.

Labore clasped her delicate hands together and spoke softly, “No, I was fortunate. The carriage miraculously came to a stop just in time, so I was able to arrive safely. It truly felt as if divine intervention had protected me.”

“Ah, what a relief. It must have been a miracle, just as you said, Lady Fendine.”

Rose clasped her hands together and echoed Labore’s words with genuine sincerity.

Considering she had nearly been in an accident, it seemed inappropriate to criticize her lateness. Even Lady Amberwine, despite her initial disapproval, ended up nodding in agreement.

Labore smiled graciously as the ladies expressed their concern, then turned her gaze toward Emeline.

The moment their eyes met, Labore’s expression instantly softened, like that of an innocent lamb.

“I’m sorry for being late. But there was nothing I could do… You’ll forgive me, won’t you?”

Her eyes drooped slightly, giving her a pitiful air as she anxiously watched Emeline’s reaction.

The room fell silent again.

Emeline had initially intended to make a simple remark about her tardiness and move on. After all, she was the host of this gathering, so it was only natural to acknowledge her guests.

However, Labore’s excessive display of submission made it appear as though she was the victim and Emeline the oppressor.

‘No matter how I respond, won’t it look like I’m the one bullying her?’

She quietly set down the teacup she had been holding.

As a hush fell over the gathering, Angel took the initiative.

“Lady Fendine, there’s no need to be so—”

“Wouldn’t it be best to forgive her? She did say she had an accident on the way here…”

Another voice interjected, prompting Emeline to turn toward the speaker.

Once again, it was Lady Rose Philia.

Emeline studied her for a moment before letting out a small chuckle and responding.

“There’s no need for forgiveness. No matter the reason for the delay, you are still a guest, and it is only right that we extend our understanding. I’m truly relieved you weren’t hurt, Lady Fendine. Please, take a seat.”

“Ah… Thank you, Lady Delzeier.”

Labore’s expression subtly shifted before she smiled.

Emeline watched her find a seat, her gaze calm but calculating.

Though Labore’s attitude subtly grated on her, she chose not to nitpick.

After all, she had personally invited this guest.

And she wasn’t about to dismiss her before uncovering what she needed to know.