I Don't Know the Original, I'm Too Busy Trying to Make a Living-Chapter 186

Emily was brimming with excitement as she recounted the past month of Ivetta's disappearance, seemingly unaware that she was repeating herself.

“...So, you have no idea how much people in the capital are looking forward to the opening of the Halo Appliance Store.”

Penelope kept a smile on her face, pretending to listen attentively. She had already heard about the Halo Appliance Store at least five times from Emily. Yet Emily spoke with the same enthusiasm as if it were the first time, her eyes sparkling.

When Penelope glanced sideways, she noticed Ahwin’s indifferent expression. Like a true magician, he seemed utterly bored by mundane conversations. Moreover, he had little interest in others and had a particular disdain for repeated chatter.

"Emily must be really excited," Penelope thought.

Ivetta and Pablo appeared to be listening patiently, but it was clear they were mentally elsewhere. As evidence, Ivetta kept lifting her empty teacup to her lips, pretending to drink.

Only Violet, her face flushed, sighed deeply. She looked as though she desperately wanted to silence her younger sister.

Penelope couldn’t help but chuckle.

"It seems quieter than I expected. I was more worried than I needed to be."

According to Emily, nothing significant had happened in the capital. Even the social circles appeared calm on the surface.

After enduring the conversation in silence for quite some time, Pablo finally ran out of patience. Rising from his seat, he spoke.

“Apologies for interrupting the conversation. Baroness, I have another appointment. May I take my leave?”

“Oh, if you have a prior engagement, then you must ⊛ Nоvеlιght ⊛ (Read the full story) go. Please, feel free.”

“Thank you for your understanding.”

Relief washed over Pablo’s face as he bowed. Inwardly, Penelope muttered to herself, “Traitor...”

Leaving us here while he escapes alone? How selfish.

Penelope also wanted to stop listening to Emily’s incessant talking. The repeated emphasis in her speech was starting to make Penelope feel anxious.

Pablo turned to Emily and said politely, “It was an honor to meet you.”

“Oh, yes. Likewise,” Emily replied, caught off guard. Judging by her expression, she had no idea who Pablo was.

As Pablo grabbed his jacket and moved to leave, Ahwin suddenly furrowed his brow and turned toward the window. At the same time, a knock sounded on the door, and the steward entered the room.

“Baroness, it seems something urgent has come up,” Penelope asked uneasily. “What is it?”

“A woman identifying herself as the Countess Corindel has arrived and requests to see you.”

“...Ah.”

Pablo froze mid-step. Both Ivetta and Emily turned pale, and Violet covered her mouth with both hands in shock.

"Surely, Countess Corindel hasn’t come here chasing Emily?"

...Why wouldn’t she?

Everyone in social circles knew Emily Dot was close friends with Ivetta. There was no way the Countess wouldn’t know.

Emily was now breaking into a cold sweat, realizing how reckless it was to come to Halo unannounced.

"But still, following her daughter’s friend all the way here? How undignified."

However, that wasn’t the end of it. Through the open door, Giselle appeared, panting.

“Giselle, what’s going on?”

“The Dowager Duchess Rahinsel has arrived as well. She’s asking to see you...”

“...What?” Penelope’s eyes widened. First the Countess Corindel, now the Dowager Duchess Rahinsel?

It felt like being back at her townhouse in the capital.

A quick glance at Ivetta revealed she looked ready to faint, her expression screaming a desire to flee.

"If my mother and a potential mother-in-law both chased me here, I’d want to run too."

Penelope rubbed her temples, trying to think. First, she needed to get all the guests out. If she hid Ivetta deep in the manor and pretended ignorance...

Then it happened.

“Long time no see, Baroness.”

“...Huh?!”

Startled, Penelope jumped to her feet. Not only Ivetta, but Emily and Violet were also stunned. Pablo, however, had casually returned to his seat, as if he had never intended to leave. His expression revealed he found the situation amusing.

"This isn’t the time to be entertained!"

The Dowager Duchess Rahinsel had entered the parlor without even waiting for permission. The sheer audacity left Penelope aghast.

The Duchess, Carla Rahinsel, took out a handkerchief and dabbed her forehead delicately before stepping further into the room, her presence as imposing as if she were invading enemy territory.

Trailing behind her, the Countess Corindel entered, blocking any escape route like a commanding general.

Penelope, stunned by this sudden ambush, could only respond belatedly.

“Haha, I must be losing my memory. I don’t recall granting either of you permission to visit.”

“I apologize for the intrusion, but it was an urgent matter. I trust the Baroness of Halo will understand.”

Carla’s gaze fixed on Ivetta. Her meaning was clear—she had rushed over to prevent Penelope from hiding her.

Visit freёnovelkiss.com for the 𝑏est n𝘰vel reading experience.

"I suspected as much, but barging in without an invitation?!"

Ivetta shrank under the combined force of the two women. Seeing her chance, the Countess Corindel stepped forward.

“Ivetta! Stand up and greet the Duchess properly! Did I raise you to be this rude?”

“O-oh, it’s been a while, Duchess Rahinsel,” Ivetta stammered, rising and curtsying. Emily and Violet also stood, following her lead.

Satisfied, Carla smiled and began to approach Penelope. Her steps were deliberate, like a predator circling its prey.

"What is this chaotic mess?!"

Penelope swallowed nervously before speaking.

“You’ve followed Miss Emily all the way here.”

“It couldn’t be helped. I was deeply worried about Miss Ivetta. I knew following Miss Dot would lead me to her.”

Carla’s words were a decisive blow. Emily turned pale, fully aware she had unwittingly caused this disaster.

Anger began to simmer in Penelope.

“I never imagined the Duchess would act so shamelessly.”

Carla’s gaze sharpened, but Penelope stood her ground.

This was her manor, and she was in the right. She straightened her shoulders.

"Last time, it wasn’t my home, but now it is."

No one could argue that both women were in the wrong. Penelope had every right to kick them out, even if Duke Rianel himself were present.

Carla clicked her tongue and spoke.

“While I may have overstepped, the Countess has a right to be concerned. Her daughter vanished abruptly. Surely the Baroness can understand a parent’s worry.”

"Damn, her argument is solid."

Penelope felt at a loss for words. What could she say to counter, “What parent wouldn’t worry about their child disappearing?”

Ivetta, unmarried and still a young woman, had indeed vanished suddenly. It would be odd if her mother wasn’t concerned.

Ivetta seemed to realize this as well. She clenched her teeth and lowered her gaze.