Chapter 116

Marianne kept babbling about what she wanted to say like an idiot who was slow-witted, and on such occasions, the countess reacted curtly by clearly showing her that she was now responding against her will.

More than one hour passed like that.

Apparently exhausted, Marianne stopped talking and kept sipping tea quietly. The countess's chief maid, hesitating with an empty teapot, went out, saying she would bring new tea.

While another maid cleared the table, Marianne looked again at the countess.

"Madame!"

"Yes."

"Do you hate me?"

When Marianne asked blatantly, everyone turned their eyes at them at the tea table.

"Is it because I'm close to people you don't like?"

As far as those Mrs. Renault hated were concerned, the line was already clearly drawn. Anyone who had stepped into the capital's social circles was aware that she hated those who were uncooperative in the emperor's handling state affairs, including Mrs. Chester.