Chapter 76: I took away Yeju's first love.
After taking a break outside, the butler greeted me with a worried look.
"Are you feeling better?"
"Yeah. I thought I was completely fine now..."
Right after graduating from the academy, or more precisely, after being abandoned by Andrew in front of everyone, this kind of thing often happened.
When I was in crowded places, I would sometimes feel suffocated, dizzy, and find it hard to stand.
As the child of a noble family, this kind of illness could easily become a weakness, so I tried to hide it.
'Iâm lucky the butler came with me.'
If it had happened with someone else, it would have just caused more trouble.
He started comparing the documents and the items without making a fuss.
I also pretended to check the documents and items without showing any concern.
How much time had passed?
"The quantities are correct, but there are quite a few items of different brands. The ledger says higher-quality items were used, but in reality, lower-quality items have been delivered."
"Do you mean someone switched the items?"
"Yes... But itâs strange. I heard that he was thoroughly investigated at the time, and with the amount involved, he would have only received a minor punishment."
Hearing the butlerâs words, I rubbed my forehead.
"I heard that Professor Gregory had many enemies due to his stubborn personality. He managed to keep his position because he used funds transparently and had good performance."
The chancellor disliked Gregory, who spoke his mind without filtering his words.
It was a well-known fact, even to someone like me who wasnât particularly interested in academy affairs.
"The chancellor probably thought it was his chance."
Seeing the real evidence of document tampering, I fell into deep thought.
Robert had maintained his stance of handling the accounting to protect Alison.
If I revealed everything, it wouldnât end well.
"Alison doesnât seem like the kind of person who would lie so brazenly."
The butler shrugged at my words.
"I canât be sure. People can change at any time, as you well know."
"If the person who tried to trap Robert was Alison, she wouldnât have asked me separately to help Robert."
It would have been much easier for her to just cut off contact and pretend she no longer cared.
In this matter, Alison and Robert each lost their lover and their reputation.
But Eric Foreman did not.
He seemed to have stepped back reluctantly and then taken the professorâs position.
I needed to get back and check something as soon as possible.
Tatiana looked out the window.
Carriages were entering the garden one by one.
Watching the people get out of the carriages, Tatiana took a deep breath.
They were all on Karinaâs side.
'I canât keep losing people like this.'
She never imagined that even Raymond would betray her.
She had reflected on this for a long time.
How complacent she had become. During her academy days, she was much more proactive in getting what she wanted.
After the incident with Andrew, she had been too cautious.
Karina was not the one she feared.
Tatiana touched the bracelet on her wrist and descended the stairs.
She smiled warmly at the newly arrived guests.
"Welcome, everyone. Iâm so grateful that you accepted my invitation."
The guests approached her, enchanted by her smile, and thanked her.
"We are the ones who should be grateful. Itâs wonderful to finally be invited to the duchessâs residence."
Tatiana had secluded herself for a few years after marrying Andrew.
There were only a handful of people who had been invited to this duchessâs residence.
This was the first time she was opening it up fully to guests.
Everyone marveled at the beautiful duchessâs residence, which they had only heard about.
"Itâs truly beautiful."
"Indeed, the duchess has excellent taste."
Tatiana smiled at them but kept an eye on Philia and Helen, who were slowly following behind.
She guided the other guests to the tea party venue set up in the stone pavilion and waited for them.
"Welcome, Lady Enriqueta, Lady Gwen."
"Thank you for inviting us today."
Philia bowed in greeting to Tatiana, but Helen only nodded slightly and took her seat.
Tatiana felt uncomfortable but forced a smile as she looked at Philia.
Above her head, a silver number indicated her affection level.
In a world where people were generally kind to Tatiana, this was considered low.
Tatiana skillfully moved her hand to create a choice.
Although some of the letters were broken, they were still readable.
"Lady Helen seems to dislike me."
She whispered, pulling down the corners of her eyes, and Philia waved her hand, laughing.
"Thatâs not true. Lady Helen is just very reserved. Sheâs probably just uncomfortable with you."
Her characteristic relaxed smile made Philiaâs affection level rise a bit.
In the past, it would have risen much more, but after Andrew broke the bracelet, the speed of increase had slowed.
'Even if itâs several times harder to pretend to be close, I have to do it.'
First, she needed to win over Philia, who had a higher affection level for her.
"Then, please sit close to me with Lady Helen."
Philia felt unusually burdened by Tatianaâs overly friendly behavior.
Even though Philia didnât attend the academy with them, she knew about the conflict between Tatiana and Karina.
She could sense that Tatiana had some ulterior motive for being so close to them.
She didnât want to get in the middle of their conflict.
So, she decided to maintain a proper distance.
Helen sat quietly, listening to the conversation between Philia and Tatiana.
At first, Tatiana had tried to talk to her, but when she didnât get the desired response, she seemed to lose interest quickly.
She seemed to be focusing all her efforts on building a relationship with Philia.
"Really? The duchess is truly amazing."
At first, Philia had been playing along, but she gradually became more engaged with Tatiana.
Helen had seen many people like this before.
'Lord Wilhelm changed like this too.'
Tatiana seemed to have forgotten her, but Helen remembered Tatiana.
It was strange to see someone fall in love right in front of her, and it seemed that Tatiana even wanted to gain her affection.
Then, she felt a strong sense of rejection.
Helenâs mood sank, and she stood up.
"Excuse me for a moment."
"Lady Enriqueta, are you not feeling well?"
Tatiana stood up and placed her hand on Helenâs shoulder.
Helen nodded involuntarily.
"Wait a moment. Iâll go get the doctor..."
Suddenly, an overwhelming feeling of nausea rose up.
Helen pushed her hand away and stepped back.
Tatiana looked at Helen with a hurt expression. Helen remained silent for a moment before managing to apologize.
"Iâm not feeling well, so Iâll be leaving now."
She immediately turned and left the garden. Philia, who had been watching her, came to her senses and bid farewell to Tatiana.
"Iâll be leaving too. See you next time, Duchess."
"Please be careful on your way home. It would be nice if Lady Enriqueta could join us at the store next time."
Philia nodded to her and quickly followed Helen.
Under a large tree nearby, Helenâs black knightâs coat was visible.
Helenâs face was pale when she looked up.
"Goodness, are you feeling very sick?"
"Are you not affected? Being next to her..."
Philia realized that Helen was referring to Tatiana.
"Even if you dislike her, itâs too much to vomit because of the duchess."
"Itâs not because of her."
She wasnât good at explaining things to people who wouldnât understand.
"Then, why are you feeling like this...!"
Suddenly, Philiaâs body shook violently.
She felt a headache that seemed to be splitting her head, and nausea was an added bonus.
She clutched her head and sat on the ground.
After a while, Philia, who had regained her senses, was supported by Helen as they headed towards the carriage.
"Is there something strange in the food?"
"It doesnât seem like it. Iâve felt this way around the duchess before."
Helen stroked her chin and mumbled.
She thought she needed to meet Karina.