# 22
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As the commotion subsided, Evelin glanced at Dyffrin calmly.
"Thank you."
“Why?”
“For standing by my side a moment ago.”
Evelin's eyes widened in surprise when Devrin asked Karina for evidence about the beating.
She didn't expect him to intervene for her at all. Not only was he an unfamiliar character in the original work, but he had also been cold over the past few days.
“I made it right because I know you're not the type to hit a maid.”
“And now you are part of our family too.”
added Dyffryn brusquely.
“Are you not angry anymore?”
“…I was never angry.”
'Liar.'
Evelin felt words on the tip of her tongue but decided not to bother him as the atmosphere became brighter.
A short while later, Noston came forward to deliver a congratulatory speech to the party.
As the dance music started playing, the party officially began. People gathered in pairs and moved to the center. Feeling happy with the familiar melody, Evelin took Devrin's hand and led him to the center.
“Let's dance.”
Devrin looked stiff as she pulled him along. Evelyn smiled and whispered softly.
“After all this hard training, we can't stand still.”
Devrin quickly put his hand gently on Evelyn's waist, held her hand, and began to dance.
Evelyn was not yet skilled, but Devrin was an exceptionally good dancer, allowing her to follow his lead.
As they danced and she found her rhythm, Evelyn turned herf over to Dyffrin and looked around. Many people's gazes were fixed on them.
“It's amazing, Devrin. You always get attention no matter what you do.”
Devrin slowly opened his mouth.
“At this moment, they are probably looking at you, not me. They are probably talking about you after the previous commotion.”
“Is that so… Now that I think about it, I seem to be getting stares from a lot of people.”
Devrin looked at Evelin and said.
“When I saw you defend your position earlier, I felt like I was looking at a different person.”
Evelyn quickly tried to explain herf.
“It's part of my effort to become a member of Leonok...”
“Don't try too hard.”
Evelyn almost tripped. Defrin grabbed her waist, making it look natural.
"Sorry?"
“I mean it. Forcing yourf too much will only cause problems.”
Evelyn blinked.
“Why are you looking at me that way?”
"You're not acting like yourf. You seem like a different person."
With Evelyn's words, the dance music was over.
“… This is nonsense.”
Defrin, who seemed unsure whether he was embarrassed or nervous, ushered Evelyn off the stage.
At that moment, Rikal approached and greeted them.
“Good evening, Lord Dyffryn, Lady Evelyn.”
“Rekal!”
Evelyn shouted with a smile, to which Rykal responded with a rarely seen smile.
“You look absolutely stunning tonight. It seems like the light from the chandelier is shining only on you.”
“Oh, Raikal, you're flattering me.”
Evelin laughed softly, covering her mouth. It was nice to hear comments like that now that I was closer to him.
In contrast to the cheerful duo, Dyffryn frowned.
Then Rykal spoke to Dyffrin.
“Lord Dyffryn, His Highness Noston awaits you.”
Dyffrin nodded gruffly. Then he turned his gaze to Evelin.
“And you...”
"Don't worry about me. Like I said, I've wanted to attend such social gatherings and get to know people for a long time. I couldn't do that in the past."
In the past, Evelin had neither the status nor personality to join the central social circle.
But now the situation was completely different. She was the daughter-in-law of a duke family and had just stepped on a beautiful poisonous herb.
“…Okay. I’ll be back soon.”
With a somewhat uncomfortable expression, Devrin left the dance floor with Rykal.
After being left alone, Evelin set about carrying out the task she had set for herf today.
'It's time to start looking.'
Today's task was to communicate with Mrs. Oakley.
This will not be an easy feat. Mrs. Oakley was one of the five most popular people in the Empire.
Rounding out the top five were Defrin and Rachel, but Oakley was a completely different popular character.
While both Defrin and Rachel were hidden and inaccessible figures, Oakley was extremely popular and difficult to reach due to her widespread fame.
Her secret was her exceptional intelligence and insight.
As previously mentioned, she ran a day trading company and was one of the few to survive the Rachel family's monopoly on Marquis Binford Port.
In the past, noble society despised trade, but now, realizing its profitability, even the most dignified nobles were actively engaged in trade.
Of course, Oakley's popularity was not solely due to its commercial success.
She was a fascinating character in her own right.
As Evelin quietly scanned the room, a loud laugh reached her ears.
“Ahaha, if you can beat me in a beer competition, I'll consider your suggestion, Count!”
The voice was of a woman surrounded by people, engaged in a conversation one might expect to hear in a bar.
That woman was Oakley, whom Evelyn had been searching for.
Among the men, a redhead stood out. Oakley was very tall.
Not only was she tall, but she also had a strong build. Her physique was strong, as evidenced by the strong arms visible through her gloves.
Oakley was happily talking to the people around her. It was an interesting sight, but for Evelyn, it was a big dilemma.
Even if you could pass between these people and talk to Oakley, you wouldn't be able to exchange more than a few words.
Evelin sat on a chair in the corner, hoping that the people around Oakley would disperse soon.
She was also worried that Defrin would return before she had a chance to talk to Oakley. If he came here, you wouldn't be able to talk to Oakley comfortably.
Of course, there were other opportunities if it wasn't today, but Oakley was usually busy and rarely attended social gatherings. She only appeared at very large parties.
When Evelin sighed and was about to take a sip of wine, her strength was inexplicably drained from her arm as if someone had pulled her.
In an instant, the wine glass was overturned, and the red liquid stained Evelin's dress.
“What…”
Her strength returned quickly, but the feeling was unforgettable.
Evelin's health had always been fragile, but to experience sudden symptoms like this, coupled with a random cough, was unusual.
In the original story, Evelyn lived a short life due to depression, but...
‘Hmm…’
As her fears deepened, Evelin tried to stop thinking about it. There was no way to immediately consult a doctor in this situation.
Instead, she looked down at her wine-stained skirt. The red spot was ugly.
She took a napkin from a nearby table, wet it, and rubbed the stain. It looked like it had softened a bit, but when it straightened, the stain was still visible.
Evelin sighed and put the handkerchief on the chair next to her, just as a voice came from above.
"It won't come out that way. Laundry soap won't work either."
The voice was hoarse but softer than a man's. It was a nice voice.
Evelyn raised her head. Oakley was standing there.
“If you sprinkle lemon and salt on the stain and rub it, it won't come out completely, but it will help somewhat.”
She had a refreshing smile on her face.
Seeing her speaking normally, Evelin once again realized why Oakley was so popular with everyone, regardless of age or gender.
“I see...”
“When you spend a lot of time with traders, you learn a little bit of everything.”
Oakley removed the crumpled tissue beside her and sat down in the chair.
“Nice to meet you, I’m Oakley Luium. I was curious because you’ve been looking at me with intense eyes for a while.”
'So she knew I was staring at her'
Evelin's face flushed for a moment. I felt a little embarrassed, then I spoke.
“So you noticed. Nice to meet you, I’m Evelyn Leonuk.”
"Yes, I know who you are. You're the talk of the town these days."
A playful smile appeared on Oakley's lips.
“Diffrin's famous wife and recent buzz star.”
“Ah, in a good way.”
Oakley added.
Overwhelmed by Oakley's cheerful antics, Evelyn almost forgot her main goal and finally got to the point.
“Mrs. Oakley, you are as charming as I heard. Perhaps it is because you have a very different personality from mine… I have been wanting to get to know you for a long time.”
Although it was a conveniently fabricated reason, Oakley seemed pleased, and let out her characteristic hearty laugh.
“Ahaha. For an elegant lady like you to want to befriend me is an honor. I’m usually surrounded by rough merchants and stilted male nobles.”
Even though she said that, the real reason she accepted Evelin's offer was most likely because Evelin was a member of the Leonok family.
As a skilled trader, she moved in her best interests.
That was actually a good thing, so Evelin responded with a graceful smile like a sly noble.
"I'm glad to hear that. I think we can develop a good relationship, Mrs. Oakley."
Evelyn, who had been watching Oakley carefully, brought up the main point.
“So, I was wondering if I could visit the headquarters of the company you run sometime? I’m very interested in business.”
“You, Lady Evelyn?”
“Of course. Is there a noble who is not interested in trade these days? It brings huge profits to the empire.”
Oakley seemed pleased by Evelin's words and immediately nodded.
“Since you put it this way, I can’t refuse. You can visit at any time. I will show you the different treated stones that we are proud of.”
'Mission accomplished!'
Evelin smiled softly, feeling satisfied.
"Thank you, Mrs. Oakley. I'll visit you soon then."