“…”
I stared at him, unable to guess his intentions.
“As I said, my daughter grew up too freely. To the nobles of the capital, she must seem like a wild urchin.”
“If you need, I can recommend a skilled etiquette tutor,” I offered.
“A skilled tutor…”
The maid returned, placing a cold drink before him. He resumed, picking up the interrupted conversation.
“You may not know, but the West is a rough place. My daughter grew up lonely, without peers. Rather than a tutor, I’d prefer she had a friend.”
“I’m sorry, Your Grace.”
“A refusal, then?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“I don’t think I’d get along with your daughter.”
“A feeling?”
“A premonition.”
“Pity, for both me and my daughter.”
Despite his regretful tone, his face remained calm, as if he’d expected this. He sipped his drink, his eyes never leaving me.
“No room for reconsideration?”
“None.”
“Resolute. I like that even more.”
I didn’t bother responding, letting silence speak for me.
“Forcing my way isn’t polite, so I’ll take my leave for today.”
He stood. The word “today” grated, but I didn’t press it.
“Let’s meet again, Lady Eliant. It was a pleasure.”
“Farewell, Duke Daysha.”
As his carriage departed, I mulled over the encounter.
What does their early arrival and his unprecedented visit mean?
Something had shifted.
I need to find out what triggered this.
The horizon glowed with a crimson sunset.
“Welcome, Lady Eliant.”
“Thank you for the invitation, Marchioness Engrail.”
“You must be busy, yet you accepted my invitation. I’m grateful.”
The marchioness greeted me warmly at the door, her smile genuine. It was our first meeting since the imperial conference. I bowed respectfully, gratitude in my gesture.
“Thank you for your help last time.”
“I only did what was right,” she said, waving off the thanks as she led me inside.
“Oh my!”
As I entered the parlor, Baroness Bizdel, already seated and chatting with others, stood with a bright smile.
“Lady Eliant!”
She rushed over, grasping my hands eagerly.
“I heard the news. You must have been through so much.”
Her face was full of concern. Whether due to her artistic nature or innate sincerity, she lacked the guarded pretense typical of nobles.
“Baroness, Lady Eliant just arrived. Give her a moment to settle,” the marchioness teased gently.
“Oh, goodness, my manners! I’m sorry, Lady Eliant. I was just so excited…”
The baroness blushed, flustered.
“It’s fine, Baroness Bizdel. Thank you for your concern,” I said, smiling.
Relieved, she released my hands and stepped aside. Guided by the marchioness, I took my seat. Despite their casual glances, I felt their eyes on me.
Though the appointed time hadn’t yet arrived, every seat at the tables was filled. It was obvious what drove their early attendance.
Only those of marquis rank or higher could attend imperial conferences. Lesser nobles received only the outcomes, leaving them eager to learn what was said and how.
They’re here to gauge where to align themselves.
I seemed to be the last to arrive. With a slight nod, I acknowledged the room politely.
“My apologies. I tried to be prompt, but it seems I’m a bit late.”
“Not at all, Lady Eliant. We arrived early,” a woman replied.
“Is that so? I’m relieved I’m not late. Thank you for your kindness, madam.”
“My husband is Count Begince,” she said confidently, as if I should know him. Her pride in her house was evident.
I did know Count Begince—a key client of the guild, owning numerous mines whose resources we traded. Though I’d never met him, I knew his profile well.
Isn’t Count Begince quite old?
Despite her heavy makeup, the woman before me looked barely in her early twenties. Begince had a son over forty. A second wife, perhaps?
Not my concern.
Her status didn’t matter. I’d return kindness with kindness and malice with malice.
“Pleased to meet you, Countess Begince,” I said.
“The pleasure’s mine! I’ve heard so much about you,” she replied, laughing exuberantly.
I met her enthusiasm with a calm smile, then subtly scanned the room. Six tables, each with four or five women, filled the parlor. Whether by the marchioness’s design or the nature of the gathering, most were young noblewomen. Some faces were familiar, others not.
“Is this your first time at such an event, Lady Eliant?” the marchioness asked.
“Yes, Marchioness.”
Small tea parties like this allowed young women, post-debut or nearing it, to attend as practice for high society.
I’d had no one to bring me to such events before my debut, and afterward, I saw no need—until now.
If not for Sys, I still wouldn’t be here.
Navigating noble society required some engagement. Even without Sys, I’d planned to enter this world around Rant’s coming-of-age.
It’s just a matter of timing.
“Everyone’s around your age, so feel free to chat and enjoy,” the marchioness said.
“Thank you for your thoughtfulness.”
“I’ll mingle with the others for a bit. Have fun,” she said, moving to another table as the hostess.
“Lady Eliant, did you receive the gift I sent?” Baroness Bizdel asked eagerly.
“Yes, I did. I should’ve thanked you immediately—my oversight.”
“Oh, it was nothing!”
She blushed, waving off the thanks. Before the palace summons, she’d sent a small gift as a courtesy. Though modest, as she said, it warranted acknowledgment.
“I’ve been so busy I haven’t had the chance to thank you properly. Thank you for the gift, Baroness Bizdel.”
“Oh, I was worried I’d troubled you during such a difficult time,” she replied warmly.
“Speaking of which, wasn’t the woman executed in the square a few days ago your nursemaid?”
Countess Begince, who’d been listening with a disapproving look, cut into the conversation.
“How heartbroken you must have been, Lady Eliant,” she said, her tone dripping with sympathy, as if she understood my feelings perfectly.
“I was shocked! How could someone so vile hide behind a human face? It gave me chills.”
Though the room was divided into multiple tables, her slightly raised voice carried clearly to everyone.
“To think you kept such a woman as your nursemaid…”
Her words drew frowns from several women. Unfazed, she continued.
“Lady Eliant, you’re too kind. A woman like that doesn’t even deserve the gallows. If it were me, I wouldn’t have let her die so easily.”
