I Picked Up the Trash Others Threw Away - Chapter 34.2

Chapter 34.2

Thanks to Stefan’s help, it didn’t take long for me to narrow it down to five parties and quickly send out my replies.

The only thing I was worried about was that I had never attended a proper social party before marrying Trish.

My family was poor, so I couldn’t even make a proper social debut. Since I was never introduced to anyone, I was rarely invited to anything aside from banquets hosted by the royal family. I could count on one hand the number of parties I had attended.

Still, I had read my fair share of romance fantasy novels, so I could imagine how parties worked and how to handle being faced with a villain.

“I’m worried if I can do it well…”

“While I think the Young Lady is more than capable, I suggest you ask an older member of the family who has more experience in the social world to guide you.”

“By an older member of the family, do you mean Mother?”

“The madam must have had the same worries once.”

Stefan smiled brightly as if it were the right answer. As if the answer to my problem had been right in front of me all along.

So, on a drizzly afternoon, I invited the countess to tea.

She accepted with a bright smile, and we sat at a table in the greenhouse, sharing a cup of tea while looking at the view outside.

“It’s a lovely scent, isn’t it? It’s a kind of tea used by the royal family.”

“Yes, it has a very deep scent. It goes well with snacks without being too overpowering.”

“Yes. So, you wanted to ask me for advice? I think I have a vague idea of how burdensome it is to attend a party not as a lady, like before, but as a new member of the family.”

The countess got straight to the point, as if I didn’t need to say anything.

I nodded and carefully told her what I was worried about.

“I’m embarrassed to tell you, but I haven’t been active in the social world. I didn’t have a chaperone to teach me properly, and I’ve only attended a handful of parties. I’m lacking in many ways.”

“It’s important to be taught by a good teacher, but if you’re not a gem to begin with, no amount of polishing will make you shine like one.”

“The Malekiah family has such a rich history. I was fortunate enough to be married into this family, so I don’t want to be seen as a weak link.”

“A weak link? When my son is already acting as this family’s Achilles’ heel?”

I bit my lips, not knowing how to answer. The countess smiled as if she were joking.

“It’s true, though. As a parent, I don’t want to speak ill of my own son… But when your expectations of the other person are low, even the basics look impressive. You’ll be recognized enough if you just act the way you are now, sweetheart.”

“Is it because I have Trish as my husband?”

“To be honest, I was worried if there would be a woman who would truly love that boy and accept him as her husband. I did give you my consent in a moment of confusion, but I was impatient until the day before the wedding.”

The countess’ reason for worrying about the marriage falling apart was her son. She feared that Trish’s cheating might trigger him to leave the woman he had promised to marry and meet another woman yet again.

Surprisingly, however, Trish showed a trustworthy side. That must have been the big factor that stirred the hearts of the count and countess.

“I thought that if you were the one who helped him change, I wouldn’t have to worry. But if you think you’re lacking, I’m more than glad to help you.”

“Mother… Thank you.”

“I should be more grateful. Audrey, did you know that you’re changing the atmosphere of our household for the better?”

Countess Malekiah smiled and looked around the greenhouse.

The interior of the glass greenhouse was very beautiful as she had hand-picked the flowers and took care of them with the gardener.

The flowers, which did not freeze despite the midwinter coldness, bloomed beautifully regardless of the season.

“When you’re alone, no matter how pretty a greenhouse is, there are times when it feels quite lonely. It’s nice to have someone to talk to without having to schedule anything special.”

“The pleasure is mine.”

“I’m so lucky to have such a charming daughter-in-law.”

The countess looked at me and gave me a lovely smile, placing the empty teacup down on the table.

“I heard that Duchess Alish will soon hold a banquet. I think it would be helpful if I accompanied you and examined the atmosphere in person. Instead of a chaperone, I’ll teach you, Audrey.”