Chapter 72: A Woman of Her Word
Aracila frowned. She had been wondering who kept leaking these strange rumors—turns out, it was Nora White.
It wasn’t exactly surprising, as Nora had been one of the most likely suspects from the start, but it was still enough to give her a headache.
The fact that she was trying the same tactic again only made it worse.
“What is she saying this time?”
Aracila sighed as she asked. The last time around, she had been the last to hear about the gossip, so she wasn’t quite up to speed on what was currently circulating beneath the surface.
“They’re saying you didn’t contribute anything to the business and just used your husband to profit from it.”
“…Do people actually believe something that absurd?”
It wasn’t just any business—it was a magical airship project. To think that Aracila had done nothing was an insult to common sense.
At the celebration party for the project’s success, Damian himself had clearly credited her contributions. Had they not heard that? Or had they heard it and simply twisted it to suit their own narrative?
Iris set down her teacup and looked seriously at her sister.
“Aracila, what matters more than the content of a rumor is who says it. No matter how ridiculous or outrageous something is, if the person saying it is respected or powerful, people tend to go along with it—at least on the surface.”
Half of society gossip was rooted in truth, but the other half existed solely to slander others. People spread lies even when they knew they were false, simply because they were juicy and entertaining.
Or, if the person spreading the gossip was a powerful noble with a large following, others would pretend to believe it just to stay in their good graces.
“Is Lady White really that influential?”
“She’s definitely one of the most influential among our peers. And the White Marquess family holds significant sway in social circles.”
The Hugo family, to which Iris and Aracila belonged, held more prestige and influence as a noble house overall than the Whites. But within the social sphere, the situation was a little different.
The women of the Hugo family were known for being well-mannered and amiable, but also generally reserved. By contrast, the White family seemed almost obsessed with dominating the social world, relentlessly proactive.
As a result, their influence in society was markedly stronger.
“The one thing the White family has over ours is connections. That’s why so many young ladies follow Nora.”
Iris sighed, a trace of worry in her breath. In society, it wasn’t always your family name that mattered most—it was how many allies you had.
In that regard, Aracila, who had spent most of her time immersed in magic and distanced from her social peers, was at a clear disadvantage compared to Nora.
Most young ladies probably found it more enjoyable to chat with someone like Nora, who was well-versed in the latest fashions and gossip.
‘But that doesn’t mean I can just stand by and do nothing for Ari…’
With a heavy gaze, Iris looked at her sister. Then, as if making a firm decision, she spoke.
“Ari, I’ll try expanding my influence in society. If more people start aligning with me, the number of people who talk carelessly about you will start to dwindle.”
If enough people respected Iris, they wouldn’t dare to speak ill of her family. And Nora wouldn’t be able to act so freely, either.
Aracila considered her sister’s words for a moment, then slowly opened her mouth.
“No, sis. I’ll do it.”
“…What?”
“This is a fight Nora White picked with me. That means I need to step forward.”
The one Nora was desperate to tear down in society wasn’t Iris—it was Aracila herself.
To put a stop to her attacks, Aracila would have to face her and win.
‘I can’t just keep taking hits like this while I’m married to Damian.’
She was already sick and tired of it. The thought of having to endure the same nonsense over and over again in the future filled her with exhaustion.
There was only so much she could do by simply attending parties with Damian to silence the rumors.
The more the pattern repeated, the less people would care about the truth—and the more they would indulge in the fun of spreading lies.
It would be better to uproot this problem properly now and spend the rest of her married life in peace.
“But… could you help me, Sis? How do I go about building a presence in society?”
“What? Ari… Are you serious?”
Iris looked at Aracila with astonishment.
This was the same sister who had always said things like, “One or two friends are enough,” or “Socializing isn’t going to make me a better tower master.” She had spent most of her life shunning the social scene.
And now that very sister was readily declaring she’d take on Nora in society? It was hard to believe.
“You really think you can do it…?”
“Of course. I’m a woman of my word.”
Aracila’s eyes shone with rare determination. Realizing her sister meant it, Iris nodded resolutely.
“Alright then. I’ll help you.”
“I knew I could count on you.”
Aracila reached out and pulled her sister into a hug. Iris gently stroked her sister’s soft hair.
“Since this is basically your first real step into high society… it might be good to find someone to back you.”
“A patron?”
“Yes. If an influential noblewoman in society supports you, you can build your network quickly without spending too much time.”
With Nora never letting up in her attempts to slander Aracila, time was of the essence.
To gain allies as swiftly and efficiently as possible, a sponsor who could draw others in was essential.
“Hmm… Which noblewoman should I approach?”
“It would be best to aim for one of society’s flowers.”
“Society’s flowers” referred to the three most powerful and influential noblewomen in the capital’s social circles of the Setron Empire:
The Duchess of Lester, the Countess of Turner, and the Grand Duchess of Keyston.
If Aracila wanted strong and dependable backing, winning the favor of one of these three would be ideal.
Though the House of Vandemir held tremendous authority, the current Duchess was a second wife and wielded little social clout in the capital. The dowager duchess, once a social icon, now resided mostly in the duchy and was no longer among the most active influencers.
That, at least, was a small stroke of luck for Aracila.
“The Duchess of Lester is close with the Marchioness of White, so she’s likely out of reach. The Countess of Turner isn’t in the capital at the moment—she’s in her estate caring for her youngest daughter, who’s unwell.”
That left only one option.
“Her Grace the Grand Duchess of Keyston has reigned over society for years—she’s a former imperial princess. If you can win her support, there’s no better ally.”
Moreover, each of the three “flowers” commanded distinct followings. Nora, being part of the Lester faction, had little connection to the Grand Duchess—meaning Aracila would have a clear path to make her move.
“Alright. Then I’ll do my best to win over the Grand Duchess.”
“I’ll look into her for you.”
“Thanks, Sis. Really. Will you stay for dinner?”
Iris shook her head and rose from her seat. She knew their mother would be eagerly awaiting her report on how the meeting with Eric Roberts had gone.
Waiting by the door for the carriage to arrive, Iris bit her lip, releasing and biting down again.
Oscar Vandemir’s persistent advances… meeting Eric Roberts earlier today… the quiet truth inside her that she didn’t want to marry at all.
She wondered if she should share all these swirling thoughts with Aracila.
But as Iris hesitated, the carriage arrived.
“Take care, Sis!”
Watching her sister wave with a bright, carefree smile, Iris swallowed the words that had been lingering on her tongue.
As the older sister—always the pillar her younger siblings leaned on—she couldn’t bring herself to show weakness.
“Alright. See you next time, Ari.”
Iris smiled gently and stepped into the carriage. Sensing something unusual in that smile, Aracila blinked.
‘Her expression… did something happen?’
There was something about it—some weight in her gaze, some trace of weariness—that made Aracila think she’d better ask about it later.
With that thought, she turned and headed back into the house.
***
As Damian speared a neatly cut piece of meat with his fork, he suddenly felt an intense gaze from across the table and set his utensils down without taking a bite.
Aracila was chewing her food while staring at him, eyes locked in unwavering focus.
Unable to withstand the sheer persistence of her stare, Damian finally spoke.
“Is there something you’d like to say to me?”
“Yes.”
“…What is it?”
Damian tensed slightly at the grave, serious look on Aracila’s face.
Ever since the success of the magical airship project, their days had been peaceful, so he couldn’t quite guess what could be troubling her now.
He was, by nature, insensitive to gossip—and lacked the kind of friends or family who kept him updated on the latest rumors from society. That didn’t help either.
Aracila propped her chin in her laced fingers and deliberately lowered her voice.
“Before we got married… did you get around a bit with your looks?”
“…Excuse me? What exactly are you implying?”
“I’m asking whether you used your face to make women cry.”
“I did not. And even if someone did cry over me without my knowledge, I wouldn’t care.”
The cold reply, devoid of even a hint of sympathy, made Aracila click her tongue quietly.
“With an attitude like that, I don’t get why Lady White won’t stop coming after me. Are you sure there was never anything between you two?”
It was a question she had already asked once before, back when they were engaged. Hearing it again made Damian furrow his brows deeply.
Nora White had been a woman who trailed after him for years, claiming to be in love and constantly being a nuisance. The very mention of her name now felt unpleasant.
He had never felt even a flicker of romantic interest in her—and not even a shred of personal affection. His response was cold as ice.
“I can’t even recall what Lady White looks like. I’ve never once looked at her properly. That’s how perfectly irrelevant she is to me. Do you understand?”
The response was so definitively detached that one might almost feel sorry for Nora White. Aracila gave a small nod.
“I figured as much.”
“What do you mean she keeps coming after you?”
“She’s been spreading ridiculous rumors that I used you to profit off your name.”
Damian’s expression turned icy in an instant. Whatever her reasons, such behavior was an outright disruption for him as well.
If it led to their contractual marriage being exposed—or worse, if it wore Aracila down and caused a rift before she could inherit the duchy—it would be a serious problem.
He spoke in a stiff, resolute voice.
“I’ll submit a formal letter of protest to the House of White.”
“…What?”
“I’ll demand a proper retraction of the false rumors, and warn them that if Lady White targets you again, I won’t stand idly by.”
“That won’t be necessary. I’ve already decided not to stand idly by.”
It wasn’t that she didn’t appreciate the idea of Damian issuing a formal warning—it wouldn’t be a bad move. But the effect would be greater if she delivered the blow directly.
Ever since agreeing to the marriage, Aracila had faced all kinds of trouble related to society. This time, she intended to step forward and put things in order once and for all.
“When the time comes, you just follow my lead. Understood?”
“Understood.”
Though her face hinted at some kind of hidden plan, Damian replied obediently.
Just as they were about to resume eating, Aracila suddenly remembered something and asked,
“One of the people we were negotiating airship contracts with—wasn’t His Grace the Grand Duke of Keyston among them?”
“Yes. He wanted a private airship for trade purposes. But our terms didn’t align, so the deal fell through. It seems he’s still not quite ready to let it go, though.”
“Hmm. Got it for now.”
Aracila gave him a bright, knowing smile. Damian found himself wondering what on earth she was scheming—but seeing that she clearly had something in mind, he didn’t press her for details.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ✧: *. ꕥ .* :✧ﾟ. ───
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