For Aizen, the social world was a minefield.
Even if the Kalad Ducal family avoided public events, there must still be gossip circulating in noble circles.
If Jena ever heard any of it, that would be a problem.
Not only that, but if she mingled too much with other nobles, someone might start questioning the existence of the fake Viscount family, the “Kreutz” household.
‘The problem is, the social scene isn’t something I can directly interfere with.’
Fortunately, there was one reliable person who could help him.
Aizen looked up as a woman with black hair entered his office.
“It’s been a while, Marchioness Wagner.”
“Have you been well, Your Grace?”
Nelle Wagner bowed politely.
Before marriage, her name had been Nelle Schmidt — she was the sister of Ralph Schmidt, Aizen’s most trusted aide.
Looking closely, one could find traces of resemblance between the two.
“There’s something I need to ask of you.”
“Of course. Please, go ahead.”
“Have you ever heard of Jena Kreutz?”
“…Ah, the Viscountess who sold tea leaves and essential oils at the recent banquet?”
When Aizen nodded, Nelle said she’d heard good things about her from her friend, Countess Fischer.
That alone was proof Jena had begun to gain a foothold in society, which made Aizen’s brow crease faintly.
“The truth is, that woman isn’t a real noble. She’s a spy sent to kill me.”
“What? A spy…?”
Nelle covered her mouth, shocked by the revelation.
Aizen went on to explain that he was living as her “husband” under the guise of amnesia, to learn how much she knew about the ducal family’s secrets and who was behind her.
“My goodness, that’s terrible. Are you all right, Your Grace?”
“…I’m fine.”
His answer came half a beat late.
It had been three months since he stopped taking the medicine.
The symptoms of the Iceblood Disease were slowly returning, but since Nelle didn’t know about it, he couldn’t show any signs.
Even to those who did know, he made a point to hide it.
Aizen spoke with a grave expression.
“Can you make sure that woman doesn’t gain a place in the northern social circles?”
“If that’s your command, of course I will.”
Nelle bowed deeply.
She had once worked in the ducal household before her marriage, which made her all the more trustworthy.
For the first time in a while, Aizen allowed himself a faint smile, feeling hopeful that things might finally go his way.
* * *
I kept visiting the Fischer household, trying to strengthen my friendship with the Countess.
It had been about two weeks since we became close.
While we were sharing some of the trending cakes one afternoon, she suddenly asked,
“Viscountess Kreutz, are you free the day after tomorrow?”
“Yes! Why?”
“Would you like to come with me to the new social circle gathering hosted by Marchioness Wagner? They said we can bring a guest.”
“Of course! I’d love to!”
I clasped my hands together in delight.
Finally, I was getting closer to my goal.
Two days later, filled with excitement, I prepared myself and headed to the Wagner mansion with Countess Fischer.
When we entered the drawing room, several attendees had already arrived.
At the head of the room sat the host herself, Marchioness Wagner.
As I stepped forward to greet her, I froze.
‘Wait, what?’
Her neatly arranged black hair, her brown eyes — her face looked familiar.
It was the same noblewoman I had met in the restroom at the Kalad banquet.
The one who had been throwing up in the far stall.
I never imagined she was Marchioness Wagner.
Smiling brightly, I greeted her.
“Wow, fancy meeting you here! We met at the Duke’s banquet—”
“Welcome, Karin. Viscountess Kreutz.”
She cut me off before I could finish.
Her smile was polite, but her eyes were cold.
Ah, so she doesn’t want people to know we’ve met before.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Nelle Wagner.”
“…Yes. I’m Jena Kreutz. It’s nice to meet you all.”
I should’ve been more considerate. She probably has her reasons for keeping that quiet, especially since she was hiding a medicine bottle that day.
I’ll play along.
But even though I smiled and greeted everyone warmly, their reactions were… chilly.
Not a single person even returned my gaze.
“Everyone seems unusually quiet today… Anyway, please have a seat over there.”
“Okay…”
Countess Fischer whispered softly, and I obediently took a seat at the end of a long sofa.
‘Did something bad happen today? Why’s everyone so gloomy?’
No sooner had I sat down than the last guest arrived.
And that person was none other than—
“Hehe. I’m here, everyone. Long time no see.”
Oh no. The lady from the last banquet.
Lady Hofmann.
I blinked in surprise as she strutted in, tossing her hair arrogantly.
Our eyes met.
“…!”
Her delicate brow furrowed instantly, and her fan snapped open with a sharp flick.
She lifted her chin like a hedgehog bristling its quills at the sight of a predator.
“My, I thought today’s gathering was for refined and cultured people. I must’ve been mistaken.”
Some looked puzzled, but those who had attended the previous banquet understood immediately.
The atmosphere turned tense.
Everyone’s eyes flicked between me and her, but Marchioness Wagner just smiled faintly, not stopping her.
Someone gestured for Lady Hofmann to sit — and by sheer misfortune, it was directly across from me.
I found myself staring straight into her blazing eyes.
‘Wow. That’s intense.’
With that uncomfortable tension in the air, the meeting finally began.
It wasn’t just a tea party — it was meant to be an intellectual discussion.
Today’s topic: Which of the two popular pianists was more talented?
“I rate Andreas higher. He performs his own compositions. A true artist should have that level of creativity.”
“But Andreas’s playing is technically lacking. Ulrich, on the other hand, has such emotional depth that even a single note of his can make you cry.”
As they passionately debated, I sat quietly, listening.
Of course — I’d never even been to a concert, let alone heard of these two pianists.
“But Viscountess Kreutz, why so quiet? What’s your opinion?”
“I’m afraid I lack your artistic insight. I was just enjoying listening to everyone’s thoughts.”
I tried to stay polite and not interrupt.
But Lady Hofmann wouldn’t leave me alone.
Her lips curled into a mocking smile.
“Have you even heard Andreas or Ulrich play?”
“No, not really.”
“Ha! I knew it.”
She scoffed and looked me up and down.
“If you don’t even have basic knowledge, what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be home taking care of your household?”
“It’s fine, I’m not busy. Besides, I’m learning a lot just by listening to you all.”
“Viscountess, there’s no need to pretend. I’ve heard some things about you.”
‘Heard… things?’
Confused, I looked at her.
Lady Hofmann smiled slyly.
*Snap!*
She folded her fan with a loud crack.
“I heard the Kreutz family’s finances are terrible. Your husband can’t work, and your in-laws are unhappy with you.”
‘Huh? How does she know that?’
Aizen really was too sick to work, and… well, my father-in-law probably wasn’t thrilled about me.
And yes, we were broke.
I stared at her in amazement.
She pointed her fan at me.
“And that dress you’re wearing — so plain and humble it breaks my heart.”
She pulled out a handkerchief and dabbed her eyes as if wiping away tears.
‘My dress? It’s clean and neat though.’
“I truly sympathize, and I want to help. Please, just go home and tend to your family. Before you lose even that dress.”
“Wait, that’s a bit harsh…”
Countess Fischer frowned and was about to intervene, but I straightened up and spoke seriously.
“Lady Hofmann.”
Her shoulders twitched, but she didn’t look away.
I met her eyes squarely.
“You’re absolutely right.”
“…What?”
“Our household isn’t doing well financially. Thank you for your concern. But there’s actually a better way for you to help me!”
I winked and aimed my fingers like a pistol.
Lady Hofmann blinked, caught off guard.
“You can buy my new products — essential oils and tea leaves! I even started making scented candles!”
They were all-natural, herbal candles that smelled lovely and helped boost immunity.
Lady Hofmann was one of the most influential young noblewomen in the northern social scene, second only to Marchioness Wagner.
I had planned to wait until I was better established to make this pitch, but hey, what a lucky opportunity!
“I’d be honored if you became my very first customer.”
“I don’t—”
“Thank you so much! I’ll make sure to spread the story of your generosity far and wide!”
‘Ah, so she was just misunderstood. She must’ve been worried about me all along.’
‘Maybe she’s just bad at expressing herself. She’s still young, after all.’
I grabbed her hands warmly and smiled with my eyes.
Lady Hofmann’s lips trembled as she made some vague motion — I couldn’t tell if she was nodding or shaking her head.
I chose to see it positively.
‘She nodded!’
‘Yes! A new customer secured!’
