Some of the noble ladies in their group couldn't help but let the giggles fall out of their mouths.

Rienne's face reddened due to embarrassment. Alice's expression wasn't any better. Her face too was flushed crimson.

'Lady Arianna truly has a poisonous mouth...' Alice whined and exclaimed defeatedly in her heart. She knew she was not the type of lady that was cunning or clever with her words. Which is why many people don't respect her.

Her family had a decent standing, so she was not picked on too much. Luckily, with Angelina by her side, who had an excellent reputation and a powerful status, she was able to finally be left alone and respected. But of course there were still some who deemed her unworthy and dumb.

Meanwhile, Rienne was glaring at Arianna. But Arianna merely smiled back.

"......." Rienne was forced to put aside her pride and admit defeat.

*********************

"T-thank you for taking me out and accompanying me" Angelina thanked Charles. Slightly stuttering. She came off the horse carefully.

"Mhm. Don't be shy to write to me, Lily. Be careful." Charles smiled charmingly and waved her goodbye. A faint blush still remained on his face.

Angelina gave him one more glance before turning around and walking back to the ballroom.

**********************

When Angelina entered the ballroom, she realized that nothing changed. Everyone was still surrounding Chase and Evelina, and for the ones who aren't, were merely chatting groups.

From the corner of her eye, Angelina spotted someone approaching her. It was the duchess.

"Lina, where have you been? I have been looking for you." the duchess asked worriedly.

"I was taking a stroll outside. Sorry for worrying you mother." Angelina smiled reassuringly and patted the duchess on the shoulder.

If Angelina was still in the body of Lilith, and she sneaked out for a 'stroll', marchioness Bailey would probably scold her for ' trying to cause trouble.' She now understood how nice it felt to have a mother that's more lenient and caring.

"Oh right. Lina, you have not congratulated your sister have you? I'll take you to her." the duchess smiled gently and took Angelina's hand. Not knowing how much of Angelina's mood has plummeted due to her actions.

Angelina sighed and followed the duchess to the center of the ballroom.

Seeing the duchess approach them, with Angelina behind her, the nobles stood back and created a path for the two.

"Eve, congratulations." the duchess spoke in a warm tone. A loving smile graced her lips.

"Thank you mother." Seeing Angelina standing behind the duchess, Evelina purposely wrapped her arms around Chase's and pulled him closer. Her expression showed a young lady in love, but her ocean eyes showed a hind of a smug smirk.

Naturally Angelina frowned. But she quickly forced a smile on her face. She grabbed Evelina's shoulder and tightened her grasp of it.

"Congratulations you two. I'm so happy for you." Angelina exclaimed with a joyful expression. Everyone watching could only stay quiet and admire the perfect sisterly bond between the two young ladies. Only Chase who stood near them could feel the tension in their sweet smiles.

*************************

The sun has begun to set and the party has finally ended. Eventually, Angelina and Evelina arrived back at the Skyler estate.

"Welcome back, masters." The servants greeted them at the door. Angelina didn't wait and immediately returned to her room.

"Miss, your finally home!" Marie greeted her first and rushed to hug Angelina.

"Um...sister Marie...isn't that too ill-mannered of you...? We're merely maids, we shouldn't act so discourteous to our master..." Lia said cautiously. She didn't think it was right for Marie to suddenly run up to Angelina and hug her. They were only servants after all...

"Well miss lets me do this. After all, I am miss's favorite maid!" Marie proudly proclaimed.

"......" Lia immediately shuts her mouth.

"Welcome back, miss." Serina bowed and respectfully greeted Angelina. She is much more intelligent than Lia. Most importantly, she knew her position. Marie was Angelina's first rank maid and their senior. They had no right to speak up to Marie.

"Mm." Angelina smiled and nodded. She lets her three maids help her take a bath and dress her into a more comfortable attire.

"Knock knock knock!" the sounds of knocking came through the door. Since Angelina was already dressed, Lia opened the door to find a young man.

"Eric." Angelina called out to him.

"I ran out of books to read." Eric said.

"Wah? That fast???" Marie was dumbfounded. Eric had a total of 9 books! How did he finish them so fast? Marie didn't know if she was supposed to be impressed...or scared...

"I'll ask Marie to buy you more from the capital library." Angelina was quite proud. Even she couldn't read and finish a book as fast as Eric.

"Mhm." Eric nodded. But he seems to have no intentions of leaving.

"...?" Angelina thought he would leave once she confirmed she'll get him more book. But why isn't he leaving...?

Marie, however, understood. 'Those are the eyes of someone who wants to be praised.' Marie thought. Marie gave her lady a look.

Angelina took a few seconds to catch on.

Eric, seeing that Angelina didn't praise him, he was quite disappointed. But his dim eyes lightened up immediately after Angelina said, "Excellent work, Eric. You truly have impressed me. I knew you wouldn't disappoint."

Eric nodded enthusiastically. "Thank you, m'lady"

"Lia, go and tell the kitchen to prepare Eric's dinner. Make sure it has the same quality as my own meals. He deserves a reward." Angelina ordered. Lia obediently bowed and left the room.

Hearing that he'll be rewarded with a delicious meal, Eric's eyes sparkled and brightened even more. He thanked Angelina and quickly left to return to his own room. He couldn't wait to eat his dinner. He felt even more motivated to work hard.

***************************

During dinner, the duke brought quite 'surprising' news.

"I heard the Bailey family has a adopted a commoner girl and her debut will be held in 6 days." The held his glass of wine and stated.

"Oh my. Really? That's quite surprising..." the duchess gasped and carefully put down her fork and knife. She never expected them to adopt someone. "How kind of them." the duchess exclaimed.

"Heh...don't be fooled. Their probably only using that girl." the duke scorned. He despised the Bailey family. The Skyler and Bailey family had a long history of conflict. For generations they've been at odds.

"......" Angelina decided not to say anything. She merely stayed quiet and ate her dinner peacefully.

She used to think the Bailey family adopted her due to the kindness of their heart. But as she grew older, she started to understand the real reason. It's actually not that complicated. It was merely because of her face.

Marchioness Bailey had an accidental miscarriage, which caused her unable to become pregnant. But the marquess deeply wanted to create an alliance with a powerful family. So he needed a daughter. A political marriage tool. So when he saw Lilith's breathtaking looks as he passed by the streets, he did not hesitate to take her in.

He needed a daughter, a pretty one. How else was he supposed to get the attraction of a certain young master of a influential family.

He focused and pressured Lilith to study hard. He wanted to raise her to become the most eligible lady. He wanted her to be able to marry into any kind of family, so he allowed her to learn swordsmanship and many other things.

Angelina lowered her head and sneered.

So all this time, she was merely a tool for marriage.