I will not giving up!

Cecilia wanted to cry. 

Somehow, the party was already started when she arrived. She felt so embarrassed when everyone gave her scornful glances.

The tea party was attended by seven people, including herself.

All of them came from among the Count and Viscount families. 

Only Cecilia who came from the Duke's family, which is higher position than anyone else at the party.

Even so, they treated her like she was an invisible creature. 

They do occasionally asked her but never include her to their conversation. 

Sometimes they threw a cynical glances to her.

The real Cecilia would usually get angry and walk away from this place.

But now, she didn't even have the courage to get up from her chair.

 She took another sip of the tea and cast her gaze towards the flower garden. Letting the six people chuckle while looking at her.

Right now, she didn't know who's the real bad guy here.

One of the invited guests named Karina Marcello, daughter of Viscount Marcello, said, "I was so shocked when I heard that Miss Lancia was coming to this party."

Ailleen, the party organizer, gave a kind smile despite the glint in her green eyes, "That's absolutely true. I am honored, Miss Lancia.

Cecilia forced a smile.

This was the fifth time, they said the same thing to her and Cecilia continued to give the same response, "Ah, yes. It doesn't matter. Thank you for the invitation, Miss Silver."

Somehow Aileen doesn't seem to like her answer. "I heard that the garden at the Lancia family residence is very beautiful."

Cecilia shook her head politely, "N, no. I mean, it's not as pretty as the garden here."

The six people looked at each other.  Aileen even raised an eyebrow.  She knew for sure that something was wrong. Cecilia was usually give a snappy answer.

Aileen started racking her brain to start provoking her enemy.

As the daughter of a Count, her chances of becoming a crown princess were almost impossible. Because the most strongest candidates is Cecilia.

Although Silver's family owned an influential mass media business in the empire, Duke Lancia had an abundant wealth with a long military history with the empire.

The reason for holding this party was, of course, to trap Cecilia.

The worse her reputation can get, the better her chances of winning this election.

Because of that she started to gather support from the nobles. 

Of course, Aileen's reputation of her flawless act and politeness was beyond reproach.

But why is that girl so quiet?

The five people around her began to wonder because Cecilia was not as bad as rumored to be. She seems timid, but polite..

"Ah, You think so? Actually, my mother likes flowers a lot. Thats why she arranged everything." Aileen said with her sweet smile.

 Cecilia nodded politely, "Countess Silver must have good taste."

Aileen's jaw started to tighten but she quickly smiled pleasantly, "Thank you for your compliment. By the way, without the Duchess, you must face any difficulties too, right?"

All the gazes move to Cecilia's direction as if they waiting for something. The sudden attention embarrassed Cecilia.

 "Well, we have a competent buttler,"

"Isn't it good to continue relying on them? I often heard that many household's head ran away with their master's property," This time it was Antoniette Lance voice

 She is Viscount Lance's daughter.  Her fake lashes moved up and down every time she spoke.

 "Ah, is that so? But, if I'm not mistaken, he has been working for a long time," She muttered.

 "But, it would be better if you learn about family administration," said Aileen with a friendly smile.  Then with artificial hospitality, she said, "Ah, sorry. I forgot that you kicked out all your teachers,"

"Eh? Is that true, Miss? Too bad, Duke must be disappointed with you," said a girl she did not know.  Her face was so white because of the thick tacky makeup.

 "Luckily you are born as a woman. Duke must hand over the title to your husband," said Karina, sipping her tea.

Antoniette nodded, "My father said the same thing. But, aren't you act a little bit reckless? After all, education is a privilege that only nobles families can get. At least you should be grateful,"

 "Ouch, Miss Lance. Your words are too much," commented Aileen again with a fake friendly smile.  "Of course Miss Lancia doesn't need to think about that. As the only child of Duke Lancia, can't she just act.. arbitrarily?"

Those words made the invited guests whisper to each other.  Their voice resembled the hum of the bees. Unconsciously, Cecilia grasped her tea cup tightly.

 "Oh, are you all right, Miss Lancia?"  Karina asked when she saw Cecilia's pale face.

"Please don't take it personally. We say this, purely, for your own good. We do care about you, Miss Lancia,"

 "Oh, yes. I know,"  Cecilia lifted her teacup but found it was empty.

Aileen swiftly took the teapot, "I'll fill your glass, Miss Lancia."

 "Th, thank yo-Ouch!"

 She scream at pain when the tea spilled on her bare wrist.

 "Ah, I'm sorry! How stupid of me!"

Cecilia didn't reply. Her hands were shaking.  Not because of anger but the hot tea had already burned her skin.

She hid her injured hand behind her back, "I'm sorry, but it looks like I have to go now. Thank you for the party. I bid you farewell,"

The girls were shocked when they saw Cecilia who was holding back her tears. Not even a single person said anything as the girl turned away.

One of the girls asked, "What did I just saw? Miss Lancia is crying, isn't she?"

Karina threw her suspicious gaze at Aileen, "You didn't do it on purpose, right?"

Aileen shook her head, "Of course, no! It's just an accident!"

But no one bothered.

 "I feel guilty." Said Antoniette with wary smile.

 Another girls nodded in agreement, "That's right. Maybe our actions have gone too far .." 

"I feel the same way. It seems, Miss Lancia is different from the rumors I heard."

 "Ah, I thought so. She looks polite and calm."

Aileen's hands clenched tightly when she heard that, 'That damn kid.  How dare you ruin my party!  Damn it!  Just watch, I will repay you!'

 ***

Cecilia wiped the tears with her index finger.  Her skin still felt sore even though she already smeared it with the ointment from his doctor.

Mary continues to grumble when she finds out what happened at the party.  Her anger and worry were mixed together.  Especially when Cecilia was skipping her dinner.

At first she insisted on accompanying her employer to sleep, but she refused because she wanted to be alone.

Mary looked so sad. And then, she said,

"Then, I will guard at the front door, Miss. If you need me, just call my name,"

The sky had darkened and she couldn't sleep.  She was absolutely sure that Aileen do it on purpose.

 If only she can, she don't want to meet Aileen or girls from the nobility.

But, of course, this is impossible. 

She still has to attend birthday parties, weddings, hunting events and even debutante.

They can even smirk in an elegant way, she thought sadly.

While she was being Ji Eun, harsh curses or painful beatings are a part of her daily life.

But who would have thought that her new life was not that different.

Although not beaten by physically, there are times when the words can gave a more painful effect.

"It might be easier if I could pretend to be deaf like I used to be."

She sighed again. The first day had failed. And yet, she still have long a way to go.

The moon shone so brightly tonight. As if it try to cheer her up.

She smiled when think about it. Well, it too soon to give up, she said to herself. I have to find a way to deal with this.

"Remember the river of fire. The river of fire," she muttered over and over until she fell asleep.