A Summer with My Bitter Rival - Chapter 7 - The Rank Thief

Chapter 4.1 – The Rank Thief (1)

Emeline first truly got to know Zenon Trantium four years ago at the academy.

There was a time when admission to the academy was considered an exclusive privilege for male students only. However, after Queen Marcella, the previous monarch, referred to the academy as a “miniature socialite world,” it sparked a trend among noble families to send their daughters there to prepare them for high society.

It was an incredible opportunity for someone like Emeline, who loved learning. She saw it as a clear stepping stone toward achieving her big dreams.

Before they crossed paths at the academy, there hadn’t been much contact between Emeline and Zenon.

The only times she had seen him were at the occasional unofficial social gatherings she attended with her parents, where he appeared as the son of Marquis Trantium.

However, they had never spoken directly… but maybe they had exchanged glances once or twice?

Most of what she knew about him came from the mouths of others.

“Tsk, what a fool. Instead of acting so arrogantly, he should be focusing on preserving his son’s dignity. The boy’s been dragging their family name through the mud.”

“Are you speaking of Marquis Trantium?”

“Yes, I believe his second son is attending the same academy as you. He should have graduated by now, but I hear he keeps getting held back.”

“Oh, the marquis must dote on his youngest. It seems he indulges him quite a bit.”

“One cannot escape their roots. Just because he rose to success as a mere nouveau riche doesn’t change his nature. In fact, it’s made him even more cocky and ostentatious, completely unaware of his place. Goodness gracious.”

Emeline silently sipped her tea, listening to her father’s criticism.

Duke Delzeor and Marquis Trantium clashed frequently on many fronts, putting them constantly at odds with each other. Their biggest conflict stemmed from their differing political views, but their shared passion for the arts often led to power struggles over the artists they sponsored.

‘Though I think the main reason my father dislikes the marquis is because of his background.’

The marquis had once been a commoner before suddenly becoming wealthy and taking over the debt-ridden title of Marquis Trantium. He even arranged a marriage of convenience with a prestigious but financially struggling count family.

In other words, he used money to solve all his problems.

That’s why people everywhere looked down on him with disdain. Even at school, gossip about his family was widespread.

“I’ve heard about Marquis Trantium. He may appear respectable, but he can’t hide his true nature. Apparently, he just made a singer, whom his wife was sponsoring, his mistress.”

Emeline quietly sipped her tea, listening to her friends gossip, just as she did at home.

“Oh dear… the marchioness must be heartbroken.”

“If it were me, I would‘ve given up a long time ago.”

“Well, given how much trouble his son causes, I’m not surprised.”

Lady Larresa, the daughter of Count Larresa, added with a giggle as she waved her fan.

The conversation then shifted from Marquis Trantium to Zenon Trantium.

“He’s supposed to be in the same year as us, but I’ve never even seen him. He never shows up at school. If he keeps this up, won’t he be in serious trouble?”

“You’re right. But truthfully, I’m more curious… I do want to meet him at least once.”

“Really, how handsome must he be to have all these women wrapped around his finger? Count Betten’s daughter just recently made her debut, and I heard she’s completely obsessed with him.”

“Oh, I heard that rumor too. She pursued him so passionately and became his girlfriend, only to find out she was his eighth one…”

“My goodness…”

“Lady Betten was so shocked that she broke things off, but soon afterward, she pined away and eventually begged him to take her back…”

“Is that why she spared no expense in showering him with all those gifts?”

“Oh dear… how unfortunate.”

The noble young ladies, who had been chattering away, all let out a collective sigh. Though, a gleam of curiosity and amusement lingered in their eyes.

Emeline simply sat quietly, smiling politely through their conversation.

Lady Larresa, who had been leading the gossip, glanced around and then cautiously asked.

“What do you think of the young son of Marquis Trantium, Lady Delzeor?”

“The young son of Marquis Trantium…”

As Emeline trailed off, the young ladies around her nervously gulped, awaiting her response.

Without a doubt, she was the center of this “miniature socialite world,” and when she eventually made her formal debut, she was bound to become a leading figure in high society. Her elegant poise, which never betrayed her noble blood, combined with her royal lineage, made her naturally stand out.