The young ladies caught my gaze and lowered their heads, finally realizing the spectacle they’d made on the street.
“This isn’t your concern, Lady Eliant,” Lady Leslie snapped, her anger still raw.
“I intended to pass by, but His Highness’s name was mentioned.”
Lady Leslie flinched. No matter how powerful her family, crossing the future emperor was unthinkable. She cried out, indignant, “Lady Daysha insulted me and my house!”
“Is that true?”
As expected, Daysha’s daughter gave no reply. Clutching her knight’s sleeve, she let tears fall like pearls.
Not only her knights but also the men watching gazed at her with pity. Her gestures and tone had a knack for stirring protective instincts.
“Lady Daysha, is what Lady Leslie says true?”
“S-She was going to drag Martin away!”
“That filthy thing dirtied my dress first! He deserves punishment!”
“She hit Martin! And Lea too… Hitting people is wrong!”
“What?!”
Lady Leslie erupted again. I understood her frustration, but such raw emotion wouldn’t help here.
“Calm yourself, Lady Leslie.”
“Calm? How can I be calm?”
“I understand, but you should compose yourself. This doesn’t look good.”
Some shred of reason remained, as she hesitated, her fiery demeanor cooling slightly.
“Lady Eliant, we’ve all been gravely insulted by Lady Daysha. We can’t let this pass,” Lady Kerrion said, stepping forward calmly.
“Of course.”
They looked confused, as if they’d expected me to obstruct them.
“But this isn’t the place to settle disputes.”
They knew this scene tarnished their honor, yet their outrage at Daysha’s daughter had overridden their restraint.
“What do you suggest we do, Lady Eliant?” Lady Kerrion asked.
I smiled simply. “First, I recommend returning home quietly.”
“Outrageous!”
“No way!”
“Why should we?”
Led by Lady Leslie, the noble ladies protested fiercely. They despised Daysha’s daughter so much they’d risk their reputations to confront her.
“Then make a formal complaint.”
“…!”
“What?”
“Pardon?”
“Arguing right and wrong here won’t work—she won’t concede. Do you disagree?”
I glanced at Daysha’s daughter, still clinging to her knight. They nodded reluctantly.
She’d never surrender her servant, leaving force as the only option. But her escorts were Sys’s knights—a daunting prospect for them.
“Go home and lodge a formal protest with House Daysha.”
If she wouldn’t listen, bypassing her was wiser. There were other ways to resolve this.
And if it escalates, all the better.
I was curious to see how the cunning Duke Daysha would respond.
Act 19: The New Year’s Ball
I’d been busy attending small parties, building ties with peers like Lady Leslie, and making my presence known to influential noblewomen.
Rather than approaching established figures like Countess Rustyn, I targeted those poised to become new centers of power.
As intended, they began gathering allies and forming factions.
I’d sown the seeds; now I’d watch them sprout and grow. I’d need to trim overgrowth or nurture wilting ones, but for now, I had no immediate tasks.
For the first time in a while, I had leisure. Sprawling on a sofa, I opened a book.
“…wait…”
“Bee…”
Some time later, raised voices interrupted my focus.
“…where is…”
“Just a moment…”
“In the study…”
I’d read past half the thick book, nearing its climax, but the growing noise drew closer.
“Bee!”
The door burst open, revealing Sys with an urgent expression. Behind him, the butler looked troubled.
“I tried to inform you, but His Highness—”
“It’s fine. Go tend to your duties.”
I waved off the butler’s explanation. He bowed briefly.
“I’ll bring tea at once.”
As he left, I straightened from my slouched posture. Sys stared at me silently.
“Your visits are always dramatic,” I remarked.
The book’s next chapter called, but Sys’s mood suggested lounging with it wasn’t an option.
Thud.
Closing the book echoed in the room. Sys hesitated, then spoke with resolve.
“It’s not true.”
“What isn’t?”
“The matter with Lady Daysha. It’s not true, Bee.”
His earnest gaze pleaded for belief.
“I don’t know what you’re referring to. Calling her by her name? Gifting her a dress? Oh, or reserving a jewelry set at Luiasha for her?”
“…”
“And I heard you two were embracing in a secluded part of the garden. Is that included?”
His face crumpled with each word.
“It’s a misunderstanding!”
“…”
I fell silent, studying him.
“There’s been a mix-up. I’ll explain everything.”
“No need.”
“Bee…”
Knock, knock.
A knock cut him off.
“May I enter?”
“Come in.”
The butler entered with a tray, deftly setting out tea and snacks. The soft clink of pouring tea filled the air with a gentle aroma.
“Don’t just stand there—sit,” I said.
Sys, pacing anxiously, sat immediately.
“Enjoy your conversation,” the butler said, bowing and exiting silently.
The door closed, and a heavy silence settled over us.
