"Lady Rosemary's words, I believe, are true. The history of the past will always be present, no matter how hidden it is. As a wife, you must be able to accept something as vibrant as your husband's past." Yvette offered sarcastic advice.
"That's correct. We should not be prejudiced as women."
"I concur."
Cheryl's ears were ringing from the women's chatter. She immediately recognised the ruse Yvette was attempting. This beautiful princess of the king's favour apparently wanted to attack her psychology, thereby severing her and Edgar's relationship.
Cheryl, however, was unaffected. She replied with a sweet smile,
"As a Marchioness and a legal wife, I certainly know what is worth seeing and what is not. The past is like damaged clothes; the only thing that can happen to them is to be thrown out and forgotten. Why keep thinking about damaged clothes when everyone knows there is no need, right?"
Cheryl lowered her face slightly, pretending to drink, a mocking smile hidden behind a teacup.
"I can do this kind of sarcasm, too!" her inner voice exclaimed.
The noble ladies, who had earlier laughed mockingly, were now silent. Cheryl's words effectively silenced them all.
Elena, in particular, blushed with embarrassment. She was embarrassed to be associated with soiled clothing. What a disgusting act.
Her sharp, hateful eyes were fixed on the young woman in front of her. Cheryl raised her face at the same time, and their gazes met.
"Do you agree what I said, Miss Elena?" Cheryl spoke clearly, emphasising each word.
Elena was becoming increasingly embarrassed. Her teeth were clenched. But because of her position, she had no choice but to respond to Cheryl's words.
"You are completely correct, Marchioness; I completely agree with your words." Elena's slightly parted red lips slipped those syllables out.
Elena had been repulsed, but there was still one more person waiting for her demise. Cheryl was well aware that Yvette's fierce gaze had never left her.
For a while, the stagnant atmosphere was uncomfortable. There were no more sneers from the noble ladies after Cheryl's sarcasm. They pretended to be distracted by the flowers surrounding the pavilion.
"So, what's the point of this awkward atmosphere? We've come to have a casual conversation over tea and snacks." Yvette's voice was clear and floated through the air.
Lady Rosemary seized the plan when she saw Yvette attempt to continue it.
"Of course, the third princess is very understanding. However, sitting around drinking tea does not appear to be much fun."
"Oh, Lady Rosemary, do you have any good ideas?" Yvette inquired.
"Yes. I've heard that the fifth Princess is an accomplished painter. The painting is stunning, even more so than the original object. Isn't it true that everyone wants to see it?" Lady Rosemary made one suggestion and then asked for another.
"I recently discovered that the fifth Princess is a painter. I'm excited to see the results."
"That's right, I'm one of them. We must be extremely fortunate to be able to witness the process of the finest painting."
Three poisonous words of praise were shot over Cheryl's head in quick succession. Of course, it's all a ruse. She couldn't even hold a brush, let alone paint. But these people said her painting was the best and bestowed the title "expert" on her. Cheryl was dizzy.
"It's not enough for them to irritate me; now they want to embarrass me?" Cheryl reflected to herself.
"What's the matter, Royal sister? Are you feeling unwell?"
Cheryl was reminded of yesterday's events by Yvette's question. She shuddered and decided she couldn't accept Yvette's offer to use the restroom no matter what.
Cheryl responded simply, "No, I'm fine."
"If Royal sister is okay, then you're okay painting for us, right?" Yvette's words came across as orders rather than requests.
Lady Rosemary continued, "Yes, Fifth Princess, you are well-known for your generosity and kindness... This minor detail will not bother you."
Yvette gave a faint smile. She had not misjudged Lady Rosemary's support today. Her mouth are razor-sharp and merciless, leaving no trace of escape.
Yvette secretly smiled as she called out to her personal maid, "Mithreene, go get the best quality painting equipment."
"All right, third princess."
Mithreene left and soon returned, accompanied by several other maids who brought painting supplies such as brushes, paints, canvases, props, and so on.
"It's ready, Royal sister, please paint something and let us admire it," Yvette said, attempting to rush Cheryl.
"Wow, your brain!" Cheryl grumbled to herself. She was not given the option to refuse. Honestly...
The Marchioness stood up, her face flushed.
The little maid who brought the paint box slipped and fell on Cheryl as she stood in front of the canvas that had been prepared on the support. Oil paint in various colours splattered all over the Marchioness' dress.
"Sister Royal! Are you all right?" Yvette approached quickly but not closely. She kept a safe distance of two to three steps, afraid that the spilled paint would get on her clothes as well.
The sound of the paintbox collapsing was deafening. Beth, who was standing on the ground, became aware right away. When she saw Marchioness' dishevelled appearance, her heart felt like it was going to burst.
She dashed up to the pavilion without a second thought. Judy and Mary came after.
"My Lady, are you alright?"
"Yes, Beth, I'm perfectly fine. It's just... can you get rid of this stain quickly? It stinks so bad that it hurts my chest." Cheryl was upset. Her face was wrinkled with disapproval, but her expression also concealed a sense of discomfort.
Yvette was standing nearby Cheryl. She heard what the young Marchioness said and offered her assistance once more.
"The royal sister's gown is dirty. You should change it as soon as possible so that you are comfortable. Don't worry, I have plenty of dresses that will work for you. Please accompany Mithreene to—ah!" Yvette screamed and ran as fast as she could.
Everyone looked up after being taken aback by Yvette's scream. The chandelier hanging from the pavilion's ceiling directly above Cheryl's head creaked, then swayed and fell silently.
The crashing of glass against the marble floor was deafening.
The crystal chandelier shattered into chaotically scattered fragments.
Fearing for their safety from splinters, the women rose from their seats and took cover behind the tables. While Yvette hid behind a pillar roughly the size of an adult.
Beth, who was closest to Cheryl, felt as if someone was pushing her away strongly. She had been thrown, but she was not in a dangerous situation. While Judy and Mary were standing a little further away, they were hit by some flying glass shards.
"Ah!"
"That's terrifying! What caused the chandelier to fall?"
"What a massive chandelier. The sound of it falling deafens my ears!"
"That crystal chandelier is so big and heavy, and while being hit by such a big object, the fear of the fifth Princess's little body..."
When the commotion subsided, they all emerged from their hiding places. When they see the centre of chaos, everyone's heart expects something different.
Don't ask what Yvette expected. Of course, she wanted a crystal chandelier to crush the tiny body of a certain young woman.
How surprised she was to see the back of the man in the black coat, bent down to protect the Marchioness's small body, rather than Cheryl's bloody body.
"Eugene!" Yvette grumbled quietly to herself.
Not only was Yvette taken aback, but Cheryl was taken aback as well.
She initially believed she would perish beneath the massive crystal chandelier that had fallen. However, someone broke through and pushed her body down, protecting Cheryl with his own back.
When Cheryl opened her eyes, she saw Eugene, who was covered in blood. His back and head were both injured, and blood was dripping down his handsome face and down Cheryl's cheeks and neck.
"Are you alright?" That was Eugene's first statement. His bloodied face was filled with concern.
Cheryl gave a stiff nod. "Yeah, I'm fine."
"Thank you, Heaven. I feel relieved."
Eugene's breathing became laboured. His body swayed in the direction of Cheryl.
"My Lady!" Beth screamed in terror at Cheryl's bloodied cheeks. She moved quickly to assist Cheryl in getting up from the floor, after Judy and Mary had previously assisted Eugene.
"Are you hurt?!" She inquired, terrified.
"I'm perfectly fine. However... the crown prince…"
The commotion naturally drew the guards' attention as well. When they saw the Crown Prince was bleeding all over, they rushed to help him return to the palace while the others summoned the palace doctor.
Cheryl is concerned and rushes to Eugene's house.
While the people in the pavilion stood there stunned by the unexpected event.
"Um... did the fifth Princess just walk over to the Crown Prince's residence?"
Nobody knows who started the conversation, so everyone else joined in on the cheap gossip.
"Since she was saved by the Crown Prince, it's only natural for her to be concerned and follow him back."
"Is it necessary for you to be so concerned? I don't see it as a grateful concern, but rather for another reason."
"What exactly do you mean?"
"I'm not sure, but I have a strong impression that something is wrong between them. Actually, the Fifth Princess was about to have an accident when the Crown Prince appeared out of nowhere to save her. Is anyone convinced it was a coincidence?"
"That is correct! After all, this park is not directly adjacent to the main road. There would be no coincidence like passing by accident if I hadn't come here on purpose."
"This is very suspicious."
Hearing the women's conversation, Elena and Yvette on opposite sides fell silent.
Previously, they were irritated that Cheryl had not been harmed by the crystal chandelier, but after the group of women's passionate gossip, another devious thought crossed the two women's minds.