Chapter 80 - Isn’t That The Stench Of A Rag? (2) (2/2)

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The day of battle finally arrived. Elena stood in front of the mirror wearing an elegant dress as Mirabelle looked on with pride.

“Hehe, I did it myself, but it really suits my sister.”

“Thank you for attention. I really needed your strength today.”

“Why? What’s happening?”

Mirabelle, who was little involved in social gossip, was completely oblivious about the rumors spreading about Elena. At her sister’s curious look, Elena smiled.

“Nothing. I was chosen as Madonna at the ball and it would be silly if I attended another party in a shabby dress.”

“Oh, of course! Yes!”

Mirabelle’s innocent smile filled Elena with an indescribable energy. This was all to protect her family. To maintain this happiness, Elena would walk along any thorny path in the future. Elena slipped her hand around Mirabelle’s slim shoulder and spoke in a low voice.

“Wish me luck, sister.”

“Yes, cheer up!”

With Mirabelle’s firm support behind her, Elena smiled and closed her eyes. She would not take the slander lying down. Elena had a family to protect. There was no time to hesitate.

*

This was her first social event after the ball. Although she was dressed just as beautifully then, the gazes on her were different from that night.

Kkiigg–

As soon as she opened the door and entered the banquet hall, she could feel everyone’s repulsive stares all over her body. Although Stella had started spreading rumors about Helen, the abuse about Elena had been more intense by far. She felt self-conscious by the men’s encroaching gaze, but she kept her head upright.

At the center of the hall was the largest crowd, including two faces that Elena was familiar with. Helen and Sophie. Elena had two plans, as she was unsure whether they would attend or not, but she wanted the pleasure to deal with Helen personally.

Next to Helen was Sophie narrating loudly to the crowd.

“…so I went into Lady Elena’s room, and there was a man right there!”

Ttogag, ttogag.

As Elena strode towards Sophie, the nobles’ eyes turned towards her. When Elena stood in the center of attention, Helen noticed and lifted the corner of her mouth. Then she held her finger to her nose and said,

“Oh, isn’t that the stench of a rag?”