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Lucia Chapter 71 [part 2]

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< — Duchess Vivian — > (2)

 

In order to survive in the bloody social world that was no different from the wild, it was necessary to have a discerning gaze and to be able to grasp the trends. The minds of the noblewomen quickly leaned towards the Duchess.

The Duchess who had begun social activities for the first time was not a princess that knew nothing about the world, nor was she a hollow container called a Duchess.

Without raising her voice and without changing her expression, she easily brushed off the past woman of her husband. It was not the composure of the 19-year-old young lady who hadn’t been married for long. There had been a common curiosity in the minds of all the women who had attended the party today.

‘Let’s see how beautiful she is.’

But now, there were almost no women who cared about that. The Duchess was not as beautiful as the rumors depicted but one couldn’t say she was ugly. If she turned out to be barely beautiful, they would have said, ‘psh, as expected of a rumor’ and laughed it off, but the reception of the Duchess’ beauty varied from person to person. Some were indecisive while some thought it matched the rumors. Either ways, their impression was favorable.

Not all women could have the latest standard of beauty which was a glamorous body and luxurious features. Ordinary women envied beauty and couldn’t help but feel a sense of loss. But the appearance and atmosphere of the Duchess made them think, ‘what if I try doing it this way?’. The dresses with different styles from the current fashion suddenly seemed elegant.

The women seated at the same table as Lucia were people with a line of connections in high society. They had considerable influence but it was not lopsided and their influences were about the same. It was very important to them how good their connection was. They were very skillful and naturally transformed into followers of the Duchess.

The atmosphere was harmonious. The noblewomen diligently chattered away, providing a topic of conversation for the Duchess and continued to make the Duchess the center of the conversation.

Lucia only had to listen to their conversations and give an appropriate answer to their questions. With just that alone, Lucia was the center of the table. It felt like she had become a queen. As she entertained her position, Lucia made sure to stay away from becoming too drunk on the atmosphere.

If you got carried away by the atmosphere in high society, you could end up disgracing yourself. Lucia had seen people compromise themselves in that manner, several times. It was very clear from the outside but when one’s sight was narrow, it was impossible to see.

If Lucia had a high reputation in the social circle and made a mistake, people would likely overlook it but she had only just begun. It was better for her to be careful and be even more careful.

“I heard a rumor from somewhere. Apparently, His Grace the Duke purchased all the jewelry on display at a jeweler’s for the Duchess.”

“Ah. I heard that as well. It was Sepia Jewelry.”

“Is the necklace you’re wearing also from Sepia Jewelry, Duchess?”

Lucia nodded slightly and gave a smile. The women interpreted that as a positive answer that the Duke had swept the display of jewelry clean. Lucia’s necklace was evidence in of itself. The women who were somewhat doubtful of the rumor whispered amongst themselves saying, ‘wow, it’s really true.’

“And earlier, I saw His Grace the Duke escort the Duchess all the way here.”

“I also saw that.”

“Oh my. Really?”

The woman who had witnessed the scene nodded and the woman who had discovered a new fact showed amazement and regret that she was not there to witness the rare sight.

What is this all about? Lucia was puzzled when she was met with the gazes of the noblewomen that was filled with curiosity. She didn’t know that this would become the center of attention.

When he told that he would see her off, she had thought that he didn’t have to go that far but she didn’t go out of her way to refuse. He said that he would casually escort her there and because Jerome didn’t say anything, she assumed that it wouldn’t matter too much. She reasoned that it was similar to the case where men escorted women to balls.

The noblewomen were more amazed at the point that the man was the Duke of Taran rather than the fact that a man escorted her.

“He was quite worried because I was going to my first tea party. He pays a lot of attention to things that are ordinarily meticulous.” (Lucia)(1)

The noblewomen responded dramatically to Lucia’s simple reply.

“How affectionate.”

“How romantic.”

Chattering came from all over the place. The women who had personally seen the scene earlier did not think that the Duke escorting was the Duchess was simple. Like Queen Beth, they realized that the ‘beauty of the century’ part of the rumor was not important and ‘the Duke was smitten’ part was the core.

At the table, Sofia was isolated and alone by herself. No one gave Sofia a glance as she sat down with her mouth shut. Sofia looked at the women who were trying to squeeze in a word in order to catch the Duchess’ eye.

Not long ago, Sofia was the woman that they were sucked up to. They flatteringly called her Countess, Countess but in an instant, they changed their attitude. Even though Sofia was well aware that this was how the high society worked, it left a bitter taste in her mouth.

It was not the betrayal of the noblewomen that annoyed Sofia. She had replayed the scene from earlier more than a dozen times in her head. The Duke of Taran looked at the Duchess with a warm and affectionate gaze as he kissed her cheek and held her hand. Their skinship was natural. A devastating sense of misery and defeat took hold of Sofia.

‘He…has never looked at me with such eyes.’

The Duke of Taran did not attend most parties unless it was necessary. Sofia had only attended parties as his partner a couple of times. They always met in the bedroom and when she woke up in the morning, he was never there. When she asked for a gift, it would quickly land in her hands but it was always through a messenger. He had never given it himself. His expression was always cold and he seldom truly smiled. However, Sofia liked his dazzling cold red eyes looking at her. She also liked his blunt and cold appearance. She liked everything.

He was a man that could look at a woman with such a passionate gaze. He was a man that could give a woman such a warm smile. The Duchess was not as beautiful as the rumors said but she was brimming with confidence as a woman who was loved.

Compared to the confident Duchess, Sofia felt very pathetic. Her heart hurt like it was being squeezed. As the subject of the Duke escorting the Duchess became the topic of conversation and the women fussed dramatically, something suddenly rose up from deep within Sofia. The ill desire to see the Duchess’ composed expression get shaken.

“He is a more affectionate person than he is known for. When we met some time ago, he was just as before.”

The moment Sofia opened her mouth, the atmosphere froze. The noblewomen could not open their mouth in the cold atmosphere so they lowered their voices and whispered irritatedly amongst themselves.

“What is up with her?”

“Tell me about it. Even when one is quiet, one gets attacked.”

Lucia’s gaze froze over. Sofia’s intention to humiliate her by sitting at the same table was shameful but Lucia tried to let it pass. She tried to understand it as the lingering regret of a harshly dumped woman. The scene of Sofia being cruelly rejected by him had planted a seed of compassion in Lucia’s mind. However, Sofia was crossing the line.

No matter how generous the society was to an affair, it did not approve of putting it out in public. Even if the whole world knew, one had to shut their mouth. For the nobility, face was a serious matter and it was as valuable as their life. The act of mentioning a private affair in front of the spouse concerned was a foolish action that had no excuse.

“I know my husband’s schedule but seeing as he is extremely busy with official duties, I do not know when he could have had the time.”

Lucia did not believe Sofia words. She had faith in him and looking at it objectively, he had no time to. The noblewomen looked at Sofia, their gazes saying, ‘it seems to be a lie…’ and Sofia’s face burned in response.

“We met when I went into the palace.” (Sofia)

“Then, it is not ‘meeting’ but ‘greeting’. Be careful with your choice of words, Countess.” (Lucia)

Sofia flushed intensely. She opened her mouth as though to say something but eventually kept her mouth shut and lowered her head. Seeing this, the noblewomen clicked their tongues. Nobles hated wretchedness and messiness. As a noble, Sofia’s attitude was very dirty and messy.

“Ah, come to think of it, last time…”

When someone began to talk, the mood became relaxed again. Sofia was left sitting alone and biting her lips. Before, the noblewomen were occupied with focusing on the new main character so they did not pay any attention to Sofia but now their gazes were critical of Sofia.

There were quite a lot of women who could only seethe inwardly about their husband’s women problems. Men having an affair was more common than women. Even if they acted composed on the outside, they were displeased on the inside. Sofia’s attitude of mentioning an old relationship was unpleasant to the eye.

“Countess of Jordan. You have stayed here for too long. You have to fulfil your duty as the host.” (Lucia)

The Countess of Jordan had not realized that she had stayed at Lucia’s table from the beginning of the tea party till now. When Lucia pointed it out, her face reddened and she stood up. The Countess of Jordan had an uneasy expression throughout. Some noblewomen looked at the Countess of Jordan with gazes saturated with accusation. It was the women who had been hurt before by the Countess of Jordan who pretended to be a good person but only cared for her benefits.

It was drawing to the end of the tea party. At appropriate intervals, maids served tea and snacks, a total of three times. And when the last snack was served, it was a sign that the tea party was over.

After Lucia tasted the last cake, she placed her fork down and stood up. As though it were a signal, people began to stand up all over the place. Rather than discussing among themselves, the other tables kept looking at Lucia’s table with interest and envy.

“Next time, you have to come to my tea party, Duchess.”

“When do you plan to have another activity?”

The women flocked around Lucia.

“Duchess.”

One voice conspicuously interrupted them. Lucia turned towards the voice. It was Sofia.

“It was an honor to meet you today. I hope I have the chance to meet you again next time.” (Sofia)

“I’m not sure. Would it not be better for us to part and not see each other?” (Lucia)

A couple of the noblewomen giggled. Sofia clutched her bag tighter. She pulled out a handkerchief from her bag and held it out to Lucia. It was a silk handkerchief that men usually carried.

“When we met last time, His Grace the Duke gave me this as comfort for my tears. I was looking for an opportunity to return it but I do not know when we will meet again so I would like for Duchess to convey my gratitude along with it.”

The noblewomen nervously alternated glances between the Duchess and the Countess. At some point, it had gotten really quiet.

Lucia knew as soon as she saw the handkerchief.

‘She is lying.’

Hugo was not a gentleman that would give a handkerchief to a crying woman because they had a relationship in the past for a while. If he was such a man, he would not have been able to shake the woman off by threatening to kill her on the day of the victory party.

Is it arrogance? Or is it spite? Lucia couldn’t tell what was in Sofia’s mind but she felt that the woman was truly foolish. And at the same time, it occurred to her that Sofia did not know him that well. Oddly, it was a good feeling.

Lucia took the handkerchief and carelessly looked it over then she locked eyes with Sofia and let it drop to the floor. Lucia spoke coolly as she watched Sofia’s eyes widen slightly.

“Countess. You are looking down on me with your lies. This is not an item of his.”

Sofia’s eyes quivered intensely.

“A wife will naturally know about her husband’s handkerchief. Isn’t that right, everyone?” (Lucia)

For the nobility, servants were entirely responsibility for waiting on them. One did not start taking care of their husband’s clothes or handkerchiefs because one became a wife. So, of course, the noblewomen did not know what kind of handkerchief their husbands carried. Nevertheless, the noblewomen hid their momentary embarrassment and began to reply in succession.

“Of course. Naturally.”

“That is a matter of course. How could a wife not know their husband’s handkerchief?”

Lucia also did not know what kind of handkerchief he went around with. But she was sure that the handkerchief Sofia had, was not his.

“Countess, your actions have crossed the line that I can tolerate. I will not simply overlook this incident today.”

Sofia turned white. She finally realized the stupidity of her actions. She was blinded by jealousy and envy and was not in her right senses. The faces of her family: her husband, her parents and her brothers, came to mind.

Even if her husband, the Count of Alvin, could not be dealt with easily, her father, the Baron of Lawrence was powerless. If the Duke were to step on him, he could only crumble like an ant. Her husband would protect her but he would not protect her family at the risk of damage.

“Du-Duchess. Please forgive me. I was foolish…”

Sofia quickly sank to her knees. Lucia’s eyes were cold as she looked at Sofia below. Sofia’s shoulders heaved as she sobbed but Lucia was unable to feel any emotion. It was repulsive conduct to make a mess all over the place and try to fix it with tears. The fact that Sofia tried to publically disgrace her was not the problem. Lucia had experience being disgraced many times in her dream so she was past the stage of getting hurt.

However, Sofia tried to break her trust in her husband. The trust that the two of them had to resolve between themselves, a third person tried to ruin it. Lucia could not forgive that.

“Go home and pull yourself together. I hope I do not see you in the social circle for the time being. Think for yourself as to what extent is ‘for the time being’. Think about it very carefully.”

Lucia indifferently turned around and left the party venue. Some of the noblewomen remained, clicking their tongue as they watched Sofia who was still crying on the floor but the majority of them rushed to follow after the Duchess.

 

*.*.*

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63 thoughts on “Lucia Chapter 71 [part 2]”

  1. Thanks for the update
    To be honest I personally dont know wether I should feeel sorry or not for sofia for being dumped and Thats beacuse Im a guy who hasnt been on a relationship

    1. Well Honnestly i saw my sister being dumped and i did dump some guy too. Normally its not easy for either party . You realise that what you whant or expect from the other person is not there and you are sad that it isn’t because you did hope that it will work out . It is a faillure on both side being the one that being told that it doesnt work out or the one that voice is opinion……the more deeper you go in a relashionship the harder it is ….So yes you can feel sorry for her a little…. ( he was kinda harsh afterall i dont think anyone what to be compared to a crushed flower after their first time)

      But after 2 years of the guy being married and that he never talk to her…. i only have one thing to say …. she need help (psycologicly)
      It a little to much obsesive to me it okay not to be in an other relashionship if your not ready or to have only some one night stand but please get over it after 2 years …. i understand its an other culture and if he wanted he could to return to her bed …. But he made a clear breack up and didn’t even talk to her in 2 years …. I mean take a hint girl . I hope she will have a familly to help her and fast

      1. This was not about the break up. She wanted to harm Lucia. and to go that far she deserves what ever happens. At most I hope her husband is angry with her. Maybe even sends her back home. She didn’t even care for his position.

        1. Well i think she acted because she was jealous because Lucia had evrything that she wanted ….. So yes she wanted to crush the perfect happiness that was rubbing on her face …. So Yes i believe you’re right she wanted to harm her to destroie her happiness and such act should be condem. I only spoke about the break up because of the comment of DaBear who said he was not sure how to feel about the break up and i share my opinion on the previous break up and the follow up.

    2. Yeah, I understand your feelings. After all, it seemed she really liked him and it must be indeed very hard to have been dumped after having slept with him but also to see that this man who’s always been so cold and indifferent, even with his mistresses, is now so loving, obsessed and passionate with ONE woman. Anyone would feel very sad (moreover, let’s be honest : Hugo was far from being correct)
      However, her reaction to Lucia… she literally made a show of herself and embarrassed everyone with her jealousy and her pettiness. Moreover, although I get she can’t like Lucia, Lucia doesn’t owe her anything so she had no right to try to humiliate her

    1. What are you talking about? In this chapter, Lucia was able to know that Hugo wasn’t as affectionate to Sofia from the fact that Sofia didn’t know much about Hugo as Lucia does, and she was glad about that. Her anger isn’t directed to Hugo, it’s towards Sofia who pulled such stupid stunt.

      1. No silly. I was thinking about the future. How would Hugo react knowing this event? Knowing Lucia, she probably wouldnt blame him for his past, since she’s looking into the future. But it’d still leave a bad taste for Hugo.

    1. We dont have to feel sorry for her (in this chapter i did feel sorry for her when she got dumped) but i fell like this is not going to be the end …. i am the only ont that think she may comeback to try to kill lucia??????? ………….. she feel a little too obsessive for me
      ps this is not a spoiller i did not read the book in advance but it seam to me like she act like a vilainess in each reincanated story ….

      1. 😲 I agree. This was almost a suicidal mission here. She didn’t expect to meet any opposition from Lucia. Now that she has failed I don’t think that she will back off and let Lucia live with Hugo happily . Too bad.. she should get the worst of it , whatever she attempts.

      2. I beg to disagree, if ever she’ll just be a cannon fodder, the true evil villainess in this story will be the countess of falcon, remember her? Haven’t read the whole story but, as the normal route goes the big boss appears on the climax to liven out the story 🙂

        1. Maybe but i believe Hugo or Hugh had a lot of lover and she doesn’t feel like a danger to me the other countess feel more treatening in my opinion since she have a compagnie she also used to have 3 husands so she have 3 time more connections and she also have the brain to it where it hurt

  2. She should write a book ((How to cause your own ruins)). She got burn but only by her fault…. SHe first invite herself to the party get herself a place on the middle table, then she did not take the world of Lucia as a way to bring a peacefull understanding between them ( she litterally say it a past relashionship so i dont care neither should you)… she provoque her twice and twice she got turn down as a vilain personnage … It like putting oil on yourself and lighting a match .Not the best idear

    But Lucia can be seens as a overconfident person i wonder how they will react when they will learn abour Damian or the contract ……. it may become crazy not just for the noblewoman but for Hugh too

    1. But those noble see how smitten Hugh with Lucia.. So whatever the beginning .hugh definitely smitten now with Lucia in the eye of other..so Hugh still definitely protect her (If those noble have brain) besides for people close enough to Hugh..he is selfish and self-centered person that won’t accommodate other person… So he won’t accommodate her way over the top like ‘sending her to her first party’ if duke not smitten.. He himself doesn’t care with his own bad reputation.. Why he care about her wife reputation if it’s not real feeling from Hugh? Sure.. maybe they ridicule Lucia in private but never in public because she still have husband protection /feeling… What important to that noble and royal is how Hugh feeling and behavior towards Lucia not Lucia herself…

      1. You know what they say : Hell is paved with good intention
        So I don’t think the protectionfrom Hugo is going to be bullet proof ….

    2. What do you know, Hugo is also seen as an overconfident person. One kills people with a sword, the other kills with words. A match made in heaven indeed.

  3. First party.. Success… Face slapped felt good… Maybe if Sofia knew that Lucia watched her breaking up with Hugh she will more devastated….

    I really want to know.. How to control jealousy to potential partners (in romance).. It’s seems to easy to lose yourself… Because I never felt it.. So I don’t know..

    Thanks for the chapter

    1. Control jealousy 101
      first dont date psyco person
      second tell the truth about what you whant from the relation (dating , sex only, friends with benefit, finding a partner for life, exlusif or not ect) if the girl is not on board she will tell you and you will break up before she start to show jealousy symptome
      third try to know the girl before sleeping with her ….. its stupid but the jealous is worst after the act then before

      fourth but not last
      best trick ever dont keep contact with you ex …. a clear cut is harder but better for both party

      1. 👀👀👀 You laid it out so anyone can understand it. The key is honesty no matter what you want . It is best for your partner and you to know what the relationship really is all about,” FIRST.”

        1. XD yop but i kinda find it funny to put dont date psyco first XD
          I like this kind of humor
          ps i also really like your comment their fun to read

    2. That depends on one’s emotional quotient. Some people with high eq are able to reign on their emotions, such as jealousy, and thus are able to think logically, leading to them being able to deal with and solve their problems.

  4. I love how Hugh thinks Lucia is a little rabbit that needs protection… *Throws her into a pack of women* *Lucia transforms into Alpha Wolf* Nope, she’s fine. Lol

  5. Thanks for the chapter.

    I really wish Sophia could find love too, preferebly with her own husband, of course. Even if she is behaving poorly is so awful seeing someone you love having this feeling for someone else and beeing reciprocated, right?
    Personally, I believe is much easier to be the ‘good’ one, the ‘kind’ one when everything is going okay, but it is so hard beeing like that when everything you see seems so gloomy.

    Unfortunately, i don’t think Sophia will have her ‘happpy ending’ (novels are not so complex).
    Why can’t we all have happy endings?
    It would be great.

    I find it kinda of a pity that Lucia and Sophia turned (and will until the end) against each other for a man, granted Lucia didnt want to or even cared enought about the second, still, a pity.

    If someone read, i wish you hapiness and lots of love with all my heart. Peace. ❣

  6. Thank you dear translator. 🤗

    I wonder what face Hugo would make when he sees Lucia getting all domineering and cold. Haha..

    Go Lucia! Show em who’s da boss. 😁

    1. That she did.😀😀😀 She was surrounded like a lamb ready to be ripped apart. Putting aside Sofia for a moment , the hostess who sat and allowed Sofia to act out her rage has a few things to be answered for. She set the table for carnage.She sat there and didn’t do anything to help Lucia.Baby girl did not take any tea for her fever. Lucia let it boil until she turned to be a cold blooded beast.It reminded me of someone(Hugo)

  7. Lucia is soooo cool! Of course these noble women would become her fangirls!!!
    I did feel bad for Sophia at first. Even after the first lie i could have forgiven her, the the handkerchief shit took it to far! She only remembers her family afterwards?! Does the love you never received from a man you haven’t seen in two years and was then so cold to you more important than the lifelong love they havd given you? And what of your husband Sophia? Prehapse you do not love him, but there must be some affection for a man you have spent over a year with. Surely there was at least some respect between each other. You will loose his respect and any trust he had of you. With the time you had, you should have thought of this before trying to screw with the house of taran. Because even if you had managed to humiliate her, did uou not think there would be consequences?

  8. There will be consequences. I wonder how many spies Hugo had at the party? fabian will be very busy in the next month.
    But Hugo will be over the moon when he hears of Lucia’s performance.

    Thanks to prior dream experienc and Madame Antoine. She prepared Lucia very well.

  9. So that is how you get repulsive. Maybe her obsessive is a bit exaggerated but I really feel sorry for Sofia that many of the comments only look at her particular side, not all of her sides. I hope Ruby was not translating her while looking at her for someone bad or evil. She is indeed a jealous. But… she too was someone that has loved and been dumped harshly. Ah my heart 🙁

    Translating fiction text is really tiring 😢 i had taking translating general text and now specific text course. We should selective about words we use so the original feeling would transferred to the reader thoroughly. Ah i dont know how Ruby do, but whenever I translated some text to complete the assignments. I always felt exhausted… emotionally and physically. Thank you so much Ruby for translating this with fun inside of exhausted :”) I really enjoy the story! Fighting!

  10. Lol, I remember Hugh thinking to himself how would his gentle and sweet wife survive the law of the jungle that is the high society when in reality his wife is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Now that I think about it, Hugh could be a sheep in wolf’s clothing, with how cute and childish he is with Lucia. <3

  11. I really feel sorry for Sofia, she got too carried away with her feeling and can’t move on
    It did her harm, and no good at all

    When i read how Hugo being a bastard and dump her, just like Lucia, i feel Hugo is not the only man in the world.
    She try to gain hope from something that did not even exist
    Sometimes we learn lesson the hard way

  12. We Stan a duchess.
    Also poor Sofia, gurl why you doing this to yourself? Self destructive tendencies aren’t a good look

  13. Love that backbone Lucia! And I’m always happy that she TRUSTs Hugo… Can’t say of other fmcs… Thank you for the hard work!

  14. I can’t wait for this chapter to be in the manhwa. To be honest this is one of my favorite scenes. I have felt bad for Sofia when she was dumped but to act out and try to harm Lucia? Lmao guuuuurl wrong move. I mean she’s already married. They both are. What was she trying to prove? She should have just let go.

    Lucia and Hugo’s relationship has it’s flaws but for the most part up to this point they have trusted each other and have gained confidence in each other and some ex-lover tries to ruin that? Ha! She deserves it .

    Good job Lucia! You handled that with a lot of class .

  15. I think one point at the start of the novel I could slightly feel sorry for Sophia, but now I can’t. It’s clear that Hue was honest in the relationship he had with Sophia, since its said Hue didn’t have to lie or hide anything because of his status that he had. So naturally Sophia knew what is was getting into, just by his character we can see he never tired to hide anything in past, but he does for Lucia here and there now. But Sophia most likely would have known what she was to him, which was just sex. And its consensual so its her fault.

  16. I must say, I really admire Lucia for being able to keep her cool and deal with such a situation like a queen. If it were me, I wouldn’t be able to pull it off 😅
    But this Sofia really asks for a beating… it’s normal to feel bitter and jealous but to make such a spectacle of herself and her jealousy (despite now being married)… she really showed no dignity or shame.
    And now I wonder how Hugo is gonna react when he’ll know about that, I can’t wait to see that ! 🤣

  17. Kkaebssong! STAN DUCHESS LUCIA! HAHAHAHAHAHA. Sofia got roasted from her own fire. Lolol.

    Seriously, our Lucia deserved a standing ovation. starts slow clapping

  18. that’s what a classy woman should do, great Lucia, she deserves it, why doesn’t she try to focus on her husband instead of someone else’s husband? you should try to move on, Hugo doesn’t even love you😜😜😜😜

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