TWOTCL༘ ೀ⋆｡

XLVll

⭑. ݁ ˖₊˚✩.𖥔 ݁ ˖๋ ࣭ ⭑.𖥔 ݁ ˖₊˚✩.𖥔 ݁ ˖๋ ࣭

As she walked down the narrow hallway and arrived at the lounge, the first thing that caught Elysia’s eye was the magnificent crystal chandelier. The sofas, adorned in blue with delicate gold trim, were complemented by mahogany round tables, around which a few people were already seated and conversing. They were all strangers to her.

“The train has come all the way up from the southernmost region.”

It had stopped at various points along the way to pick up passengers, making its way to the final destination, the capital. Elysia could feel the gazes of at least a dozen or so nobles who had appeared with Duke Lark, all directed at her, the human woman standing by his side. They recognized her as human, their expressions a mix of curiosity and slight shock. By now, she should have been accustomed to it, but Elysia’s eyes anxiously lowered.

“Ah, this won’t do. I’ll go back to my cabin.”

Elysia quickly changed her mind and caught his steps as he strode towards the lounge.

If the region had been confined to the south, Elysia wouldn’t have felt so intimidated. However, this place was practically a gathering spot for the upper class from across the entire empire.

Elysia couldn’t help but be conscious of the disgraceful rumors surrounding her.

In the south, it was nothing. The rumors had already spread far and wide, and she had become used to the harsh stares from people and the noble society. But the thought of encountering similar stares from new faces all the way up to the central region was another matter entirely.

The human mistress of a nobleman.

For the first time, Elysia discovered a deep-seated inferiority complex within her.

Blushing with shame, she avoided Hadeon’s gaze.

“After all, it would be better if I just quietly stayed in my cabin. I think just enjoying the view from there will be enough for me. As long as I can keep watching the scenery outside the window, this train trip will be meaningful to me…”

But Elysia’s lips, which had been speaking with a bitter smile, suddenly stopped.

Hadeon had swiftly pulled her body close, wrapping his arm around her waist. The lounge was open on all sides. She could feel the gazes of a few nobles, especially the ladies and young women, directed at Hadeon’s hand on her waist.

“Ha-Hadeon…”

“What’s the point of turning back now? Everyone has already seen us enter the lounge together.”

Hadeon asked in a calm voice, without any change in tone. Even so, Elysia’s expression did not brighten. After thinking for a moment, Hadeon spoke again, and Elysia’s eyes widened at his words.

“That woman sitting at the second table from the left, sipping on a glass of cognac, is Lady Marguerite from the Lavrene territory. Lavrene is famous for its top-quality wines. The Marguerite family is particularly known for their charitable activities and support of the arts, but historically, they’ve been at the center of court scandals. The platinum blonde woman sitting by the window is Lady Delmore. Her father is an entrepreneur who invested in mining. Recently, there’s been a fierce legal battle over the family inheritance. At the table across from them is the Earl and Countess of Silverton. They own a tourist destination famous for its forests and lakes. Their timber is distributed nationwide. There were recent allegations of smuggling, but they skillfully dodged them, thanks to connections in the royal finance department. At the small round table next to the bartender is Lord Astoria. His family has been rapidly growing through port-based trade. However, they’ve been embroiled in moral controversies due to illegal gambling dens and scandals with village girls. In short, he’s a piece of trash.”