Dangerous Fiancee

Chapter 116

Marianne kept babbling about what she wanted to say like an idiot who was slow-witted, and on such occasions, the countess reacted curtly by clearly showing her that she was now responding against her will.

More than one hour passed like that.

Apparently exhausted, Marianne stopped talking and kept sipping tea quietly. The countess's chief maid, hesitating with an empty teapot, went out, saying she would bring new tea.

While another maid cleared the table, Marianne looked again at the countess.

"Madame!"

"Yes."

"Do you hate me?"

When Marianne asked blatantly, everyone turned their eyes at them at the tea table.

"Is it because I'm close to people you don't like?"

As far as those Mrs. Renault hated were concerned, the line was already clearly drawn. Anyone who had stepped into the capital's social circles was aware that she hated those who were uncooperative in the emperor's handling state affairs, including Mrs. Chester.

"Do you hate me because you think I'm a temptress weighing Ober against the emperor, while currying favor with them, as the rumors say?"

No one asked such straightforward questions like her. It was the first time that a noblewoman like her disgraced herself by quoting dirty rumors that were getting around on the streets.

Reflecting on what they just heard, everyone except Marianne could not hide their extreme embarrassment.

Even the maid who stepped back after cleaning up the table almost fell after missing her step and left the room, holding the tray.

But it was the countess who coped with the tense situation quickly.

"I don't believe in rumors."

She continued, "And it is just unthinkable for me to express my likes and dislikes about you. I totally follow His Majesty's decision to have you as his mate, and I don't have any intention to disobey the emperor's order. No matter who you hang around, I don't think I have the right to get involved."

At first glance, her reply seemed to be a humble excuse. But upon closer examination, she didn't deny that she was not clearly opposed to those who were uncooperative with the emperor. Nor did she have anything to do with those people who Marianne was hanging around with. In other words, she stuck to her original position with a firm conviction of her own.

"Really? I think I asked you some difficult questions earlier. Sorry."

Marianne smiled awkwardly with a sullen expression.

Cordelli looked sullen as if she had been hurt too.

Mrs. Charlotte looked at Marianne and Mrs Renault and looked a bit worried.

The atmosphere quickly became heavy. Whatever the situation, the countess virtually rebuked Marianne, an immature lady about the same age as her daughter.

Did the countess feel she was excessive? Thinking so, she let out a sigh.

At that moment Marianne said, "If you don't mind, can I have a look at your garden? Instead, I won't ask you to show me treasures. Of course, if you're uncomfortable with my request, you can refuse it." She awkwardly asked her a favor with a downcast voice. Her green eyes, which looked lonely at the moment, sparkled as if she was begging.

Mrs. Renault was confident that she had a discerning eye when sizing up people.

Although she was not as good as Mrs. Charlotte, well known for her accurate appraisal of people's characters, Mrs. Renault was the wife of a nobleman who had two merchant vessels. She was also a woman who had years of experience of serving the imperial family.