Ch. 77 Top Secret (1)

Elena confirmed the dates of the social events she would attend and checked the one that would happen the soonest. Her reputation had changed dramatically in the days after the ball, but she had gave them her word that she would go.

To prove my innocenceI have to make Lady Selby a liar.

That was her best course of action. Her accusation wasnt untrue either, as Helen was now spreading false stories about her.

To start, I need information about Lady Selby.

Just as Helen had done, information would be her the trap. It was key the Elena could gather as many witnesses and evidence against Helen in a short amount of time.

Lets start with when she tried to give me the salty tea.

Elena would seem more credible if Margaret offered to testify on her behalf, unlike Helen, whose witness was Sophie. Margaret was a noblewoman, and as such would be considered more trustworthy than a maid.

But that wouldnt be enough. Just like the story of Elena meeting with a different man every night, there had to be something tantalizing and provocative. Only then would the rumors would stop at once.

After thinking it over, Elena stood up and headed towards Mirabelles room. Before entering, she knocked lightly on the door.

Yes, come in.

When Elena opened the door, the sound of the sewing machine at work flowed out.

Tadadadadag.

With the help of a few maids, Mirabelle was devoting herself to fixing up the dresses that Carlisle had sent. When Mirabelle looked up and saw who entered the room, she rose from her seat.

Whats going on, sister?

Theres a social event in a few days and I was going to ask for a dress, but you appear to already be working on one.

I already mentioned at the ball that Im going to refit the dresses for you. And with so many invitations coming in, I had an idea that youd need them sooner or later.

Mirabelle was so charming that Elena couldnt help but smile.

She was right. Elena had to be just as beautiful as everyone else at the upcoming events. Appearances werent everything, but she wouldnt lower her standards either. And on that dayshe would turn the tide on all the rumors spread by Helen.

Elena recalled the invitation to the soonest date. She didnt know how many nobles would attend, but it was clear that there would be quite a crowd. With so many things to prepare, it was a relief that a dress was one less thing on her mind.

Then Ill come back later, Mirabelle.

Yes, sister! Ill let you know when its finished.

Yes, thank you.

When Elena returned to her room, she immediately tied a red handkerchief to the window. She judged Kuhn to be the quickest and most secretive way of gathering information compared to the Blaises resources. She was never disappointed by the information he brought.

As usual, Elena kept the windows open and waited for Kuhn to slip past everyones eyes. She settled at her desk, putting the plans in her head to paper. If her counter offense failed, the vicious rumors about Elena might feel more true. She might not be able to do anything about it at that point. Time was short, but she couldnt leave any holes in her plan.

Lady SelbyI will pay you back twice over what youve given me.

She did not intend to sit still like a fool. Not after her reputation was tarnished like this. Today, Elena was not a naive young noblewoman. While it was true that she was less skilled in social politics than with her sword, she wasnt so soft as to allow herself to be subjected to a shameful deceit.

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Elenas momentum was building.

She asked Kuhn to collect information about Helen and bring it back as quick as he could. Soon after, she summoned Michael and ordered him to set up an appointment with Countess Viviana.

Stella Viviana. She was a leading figure among the nobility and was one of the most mentioned names in Kuhns report of the capital city. The reports were not Elenas only source of knowledge, however. She still remembered the name after a shocking revelation in the future.

There was only one reason why Elena wanted to meet such a person. She needed help from an influential person in high society.

No matter how much I target Helens weakness, people wont believe me easily.

Elena was still uninitiated to the capitals social circles. She had no connections, no one to listen to what she said, and with her image in tatters, she would likely be ignored and avoided by other nobles as well.

I need someone else to spread the rumor that Lady Selby is a liar.

She needed someone to back up her words, and for that, Stella was the perfect choice. However, that womans nose was held as high as her reputation. She wouldnt do Elena a favor so easily, and even Elena no had idea if she would receive her. It had taken Stella a few days to respond after Michael visited her personally, and soon the butler finally delivered the answer Elena was worried about.

My Lady, Ive heard from Countess Viviana

Please continue.

She says its too difficult to fit you into her busy schedule.

A long sigh escaped from Elenas mouth.

Huu.

Elena hadnt been able to sleep much because of the rumors. She rubbed her fingertips against her stiff eyes and spoke again to Michael, who was looking at her concernedly.

Wait there for a moment.

Yes, My Lady.

She went straight to her desk and began writing something down. Then she placed the paper in an envelope, sealed it, and handed it over to Michael. He took the envelope curiously.

Give this to Count Viviana and ask her to make another appointment.

She had already turned you down onceWill it be possible?

At the butlers doubtful expression, Elena answered determinedly.

Yes. Maybe this time.

She didnt wish to use her knowledge of the future as a weapon so soon. But now that the situation has come to this, she had no choice. She regretted sending threatening letters, but she was in no position to wait any longer.