I know that feeling very well, and I hated it. But that's how harsh society is.

Welcome to the nobility where almost everybody is judgemental. They would laugh at you, scoff at you, if you aren't up to their standards and if they deemed what you do, wrong.

'I have enough of this...'

"I kept hearing barking sounds ever since earlier and got curious. Thinking that this shop has a cute dog as a pet now, it made me so excited," I loudly announced as I sauntered to them.

My steps were unhurried as my eyes were glued at Chiwa, who instantly soured when she saw me.

"Imagine my disappointment when I saw that it was you all along instead."

I then smiled at her full of mockery while she resumed killing me with her gaze.

You know, I don't fully understand why she hated me so much before. It only deepened as time went by, and the reason was that I was now civil with Rosamunde. It only made her loathing of me grow twofold.

Not that I care...

"Nadia..." she muttered on gritted teeth.

"What was that, Viscount's daughter?" I asked.

There was a challenge in my eyes, daring her to disrespect me, a lady from a Marquis household. Of course, I emphasized her rank as a blow to her face. After all, everything in nobility is decided by your family's status. If you're born as cannon fodder, you will always be treated as one. That's how nobility really is.

Those who were intently watching ever since earlier were surprised to see me there. I, the currently reigning noblewoman in terms of popularity, suddenly appeared. Their gossiping got even more obvious now.

I'm their so-called darling of society.

Whatever I do, every little action, and the simplest interests, it would always turn into such a big deal. It was honestly absurd how everyone seems to be so interested in me. Some even follow my lead like a fanatic.

For example, if I am seen in one shop, that shop would be teeming with people soon. If I show a hint of hostility on a person, they would always get the short end of the stick. In short, my words are like a religion to some. I just don't get it.

Do I like it? Hell no.

So as much as possible, I try to evade people's eyes. They're all too obnoxious anyway. I also don't associate myself with others, for they all only see me as a golden ticket to rise at the top.

Thus, I kept everyone at bay and snubbed them if I had the chance.

Chiwa must have understood that if she tried to stand up to me here, she would surely face backlash. Even now, the piercing eyes of the spectators are focused on us. She's not that used to it so it probably felt uncomfortable.

I heard her click her tongue as her eyes trained on me. She was sending a message but she could not be openly direct with it. How sad is that?

"I was just teaching someone some manners, Lady Nadia. Forgive me for ruining your leisure," she sucked up with hateful eyes.

Must be hard to spit that out, huh?

"Oh? I have no idea you're a teacher now. But I do think you should do this thing in some other places and not in public. Don't you think so too?" I careened.

The bystanders started whispering amongst them again and Chiwa was getting more warry.

I leveled my eyes at her.

"And also, you're not fit to teach someone else with manners when you're lacking it. Raising your voice in a public place, how unladylike."

I'm just hitting the nail on her coffin now. A presumptuous woman like her should only be put down in her place.

I hate the idea of pitting women against women, but I hate it more when women go against their fellow women. And she's the latter.

"You are right. It's my complete failure as a noblewoman. I will reflect," she uttered with complete insincerity.

"Great!" I answered while beaming at her.

I don't care if she doesn't mean it, I'm done with her.

Before leaving, I threw a glance at the still timid Estelle-- "Let's go, Uno," and resumed walking out of the establishment.

I could still feel the people's eyes on my back and Chiwa's hateful glare, but I ignored it all. I'm sure that it would be another talk of the town now.

'Phew. That was troublesome...'

But at least, I get to save Estelle. Eheheh~

She looked so down that I just couldn't help it! And because I really don't like what Chiwa had done. Why would you bring out someone's dead mother? Like what the heck...

"U-uhm... excuse me," a meek voice sounded behind me.

"Hmm?" I turned around to look at them and saw her instantly.

The person that I was just thinking of had appeared.

'Oh... Oh my goodness... It's Estelle!'

"Yes?" I replied, acting indifferently.

'Be cool Nadia. Act like you don't know her. Wait-- does she remember me perhaps? I mean, that supposed accident had only happened not so long ago.'

Estelle peered at me through her lashes as she played with the frills of her dress.

"T-thank you for helping me..." she then gave me a smile, an adorable one.

She was also blushing as if she's embarrassed and avoided my eyes.

'Oh gosh, she's so cute... Ahem!'

Can't you believe this? My favorite FL just thanked me right now... Me. She approached me on her own.

Now I feel embarrassed as well.

What do I say? What do I say?

That's unfair you know! Smiling so cutely like that... she aimed right into my heart!

"I-It's not like I did it for you..." I suddenly uttered out of awkwardness as I averted my eyes and looked at the shop. There were still people who were watching us even now.

'No wait--'

I clearly don't mean what I'm saying but my mouth just kept rattling off on its own.

"D-don't think as if you're special or... something..." and that's where I shut my mouth.

'Ah! Noooooo! That's not what I meant! Geez!'

I looked at Estelle who seemed to blanch from what I said, making me fall deeper into despair.

"Y-you're right. I'm sorry..." she murmured and gave me a timid smile.

'Why! Why?!'

Due to embarrassment, I quickly whirled around to get inside the carriage with flaming ears. I did not even reply to her, which I think is worse.

As soon as I was inside, my face flushed from mortification.

"Why did I say thaaaat. I didn't mean it that way," I grumbled while covering my reddened face with my hands.

I want to bonk my head with a hammer, I swear.

"Are we leaving now, milady?" The clueless Uno had asked.

"Yes please," I sniffed and avoided looking outside the window.

I want to go home and reflect.

I can't believe I acted like that in front of her like... what? What the heck...

Ugh. It's because she was so cute! I got flustered when she suddenly thanked me out of the blue while smiling like an angel...

But no! I just have to ruin it for me. Damn it...

"Stupid me. Stupid Nadia," I mumbled while lightly hitting my cheeks.

'How am I ever going to face her again?'