Page 126 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

The hall was still mostly silent, nobles processing what they'd just witnessed.

Then Lady Cateline started to applaud.

Slowly, others joined in—first Adrienne, then Lady Isolde, then more and more nobles until the entire hall was applauding.

For Carol.

For handling the situation with grace and wit instead of descending into drama.

Carol felt her throat tighten with emotion but kept her composure.

"Perhaps," Caspian said quietly, "we should continue the evening. Show everyone that this changes nothing."

"Good idea," Carol agreed.

Caspian raised his voice, addressing the hall. "Thank you all for your... patience during that unfortunate interruption. Please, let us continue celebrating."

The musicians, who had frozen in shock, immediately resumed playing. Conversations started up again, though Carol could tell everyone was still discussing what had just happened.

Servants appeared to clean up the spilled wine on the floor.

Carol returned to her seat, accepting a fresh glass of water from an attentive server.

Cateline and Adrienne immediately came to her side.

"That was amazing," Cateline said in an undertone. "The way you handled her—"

"She was drunk and heartbroken," Carol said quietly. "I'm not going to destroy her over it."

"Most would have," Adrienne said. "Most would have demanded she be removed from society entirely."

"What would be the point?" Carol asked. "She's humiliated enough."

Both ladies looked at her with something like wonder.

"You really have changed," Cateline said softly.

"I'm trying to," Carol said honestly.

More ladies approached—older noblewomen who had been watching with critical eyes earlier.

"Your Grace," one said—a stern-looking woman with silver hair. "I am Marchioness Eloise Stormhold. I must say, your composure was remarkable."

"Thank you, my lady," Carol said.

"I had... reservations about you," the Marchioness continued bluntly. "Your reputation preceded you. But what I witnessed just now—that was the behavior of a true duchess."

Carol felt her chest warm. "That means a great deal, my lady."

Other noblewomen echoed similar sentiments. The ones who had been coldly assessing her earlier were now looking at her with something like respect.

Even approval.

Carol had won them over. Not by being perfect, but by handling an attack with grace and wit.

The rest of the banquet continued without further incident.

More courses were served—Carol enjoyed them all, though she was slightly less enthusiastic given the adrenaline still coursing through her system.