Emily was forced to face her followers from the past.

“I missed you so much, Emily.”

“Yes, I’m very glad to see all of you as well.”

Despite trying to avoid them, they seemed to sniff her out like dogs and chased after her. [T/n: original said ghosts but I think dogs fit better with common English idioms]

It was more appropriate to call them pursuers rather than followers. Can these pursuers just let Emily go without turning her inside out?

“You appeared, and boom! You burst like a bomb. You’re truly amazing.”

“That’s right. You were continuously in contact with the Duke, right?”

“Oh, I wanted to ask about your husband, who is of commoner origin.”

“By the way, how is your newlywed life with a commoner?”

Of course, they couldn’t just pass by. While listening to the incessant talk about herself, Emily forced a strained smile. Her heart started pounding inside her chest. It was a signal that her combat power was weakening.

“Before I answer your questions, since we’ve met after a long time, may I offer you some wine?”

“Sounds good!”

Emily went to the attendant and received the wine she had requested.

“I’ll pour the glasses, Here’s hoping that everyone finds their perfect husband.”

“Thank you!”

And everyone drank the wine she poured without any suspicion.

“Ah.”

The young lady, who was the first to take a sip of wine, suddenly clutched her throat, and the others started to fidget as well. Oh no, did Emily prepare poison?

“Uuh… hahaha!”

“Hu, hahaha, hahahaha!”

The people who were drinking the wine suddenly burst into laughter, one by one.

“Hehehe, why is this laughter coming out?”

“Ho-ho-ho, I can’t stop laughing, there’s no way to hold it in!”

From a distance, it looked as if they were having a very amusing conversation.

“It feels good to see everyone enjoying themselves.”

A satisfied smile appeared on Emily’s face.

“Hehe, Emily, what’s going on?”

“Well, it’s nothing. I also enjoyed talking with all of you! Then, see you next time!”

Emily was able to leave without answering their questions while maintaining her dignity. Since the party was in full swing, their laughing figures reflected like any other casual gathering, without arousing any suspicion. Personally, the encounter with the followers, or rather, the pursuers, was the most critical point of the reception, and she managed to survive it unscathed.

In fact, before coming to the party, Emily had briefly discussed her concerns with Johann.

***

“The adult world is complicated, so you have to meet people you don’t want to meet and answer things you don’t want to answer.”

“If Emily goes to the party this time, will she experience such a thing?”

As expected, Johann was smart enough to understand in one go.

“Yes, how can I make them shut up?”

Emily was both surprised and glad to hear that Johann was an expert in poisons. Perhaps he could solve her dilemma. However, as an adult, she couldn’t just ask, ‘Are there any paralyzing poisons for the tongue?’ Johann thought of various poisons in his mind. The easiest way would be to kill, but then Emily would go to prison… 

What could be a way to render someone unable to speak without harming their body?

“Oh! Now that I think about it, there is a very suitable poison.”

“Really? You truly are a genius.”

So, the mysterious vial that Johann handed to Emily this morning was none other than a substance that, when consumed, would induce uncontrollable  laughter. Apart from making someone laugh for a few minutes, it had no significant side effects on the body.

***

Translator note: Sorry I’m late posting, my internet was down the past couple days and only got it fixed last night, after being on hold for almost 2 hours 

Me last night on hold –> _(:‚‹??)_

So I couldn’t work on translating much less post. So here’s chapter 10 part 1 and I’m going to work all afternoon to get chapter 10 part 2 done! ~Mae

Kofi: https://ko-fi.com/maetranslations