Guidelines for the Perfect Goodbye - Chapter 156
“She can’t even smile freely on such a day. She must have been mistreated a lot.”
“One can’t choose their birth, but that doesn’t mean the sin disappears.”
“Did that girl commit the sin? There’s a passage in the scriptures about not blaming those who repent and not pointing fingers at those who feel shame.”
“Are the hearts of saints and common people the same? As someone narrow-minded, I can’t stand the fact that she’s here.”
As expected, opinions were sharply divided. Some criticized Cecilia, while others looked at her with pity.
The common point between both groups was that they were all paying attention to Cecilia.
Regardless, Cecilia was now the most noticeable woman at this ball. It was a different start from her previous life, where she had been abandoned by her chaperone, left to stand in the shadows.
If opinions were divided now, by the end of the ball, they would inevitably lean one way or the other.
Until then, Cecilia had two tasks.
First, to leave a lasting impression by the end of the party.
Second, to sway public opinion in her favor.
“If you’re not going to smile, at least maintain good posture.”
Guinevere sighed as if giving up and said. Cecilia nodded. She was confident she could stand tall and handle their gazes.
* * *
Guinevere was not inherently a good person, but she was thorough in her duties. She did not forget her responsibilities as a chaperone.
She first greeted the duchess and naturally introduced Cecilia.
“…Oh, you said this is your first time in the capital? Mannheim has a lot to see, so enjoy your stay. It might be your last.”
Despite Cecilia’s impeccable demeanor, Duchess Pierce clearly drew a line. She turned away without giving Cecilia a chance to speak.
Guinevere silently smiled at the duchess and then nudged Cecilia.
“Don’t shrink back. Just being acknowledged is a big favor.”
Cecilia didn’t shrink back. It wasn’t her first encounter with the Duchess of Pierce. She had known her to be arrogant and high-handed since that day in court.
She remembered the duchess occasionally shaking her head as if she were on the plaintiff’s side, not the defendant’s.
“She’s been like that ever since she rose from a viscount’s daughter to a duchess. She thinks she was born a duchess,” Guinevere whispered.
‘Look who’s talking… What about yourself…?’
Cecilia silently nodded.
Guinevere then approached a group she was leading and introduced Cecilia.
“It’s a pleasure to see so many familiar faces on such a sunny day. How have you all been?”
After exchanging the usual pleasantries, she looked at Cecilia.
“This is a relative of mine I cherish. It’s her first time at a capital ball, so she hasn’t met many people yet. I hope you all can look upon her kindly.”
The noblewomen in the group smiled awkwardly, looking a bit uncomfortable. But they couldn’t reject Guinevere, known for her sharp tongue.
“Cecilia, greet the ladies.”
Cecilia greeted them flawlessly.
“I am Cecilia of the Lasphilla family. It’s an honor to meet such esteemed ladies in my youth and inexperience.”
Guinevere widened her eyes. Cecilia’s speech and tone were so refined that it was impressive.
The noblewomen who had been uncomfortable with her also looked at her anew with her unexpected composure.
Guinevere was both surprised and satisfied as a chaperone.
“Since she’s dear to me, please look upon her favorably.”
A few noblewomen then asked questions, and Cecilia answered skillfully. Many topics of interest to them were discussed, but there was no question she couldn’t answer.
Her answers were concise and humble, never coming off as boastful. Seeing how she handled the conversation smoothly, the noblewomen’s gazes softened.
It was a stark contrast to her previous life’s beginning.
In this life, Cecilia debuted in the central high society more adeptly and gracefully than any other noble lady.
