Chapter 25
“Waaah…”
An involuntary gasp of awe escaped me, echoing through the room.
As we stepped into the room painstakingly prepared by the Count’s household staff, the two guests couldn’t hide their astonishment, mirroring my own reaction when I first saw it.
“This is beautifully decorated.”
“Indeed… it makes our own tea party feel rather modest in comparison.”
The staff should’ve heard such high praise from the two of them.
It’s the lady’s first tea party!
We should’ve made it even more extravagant!
Since the income flowing into the family increased thanks to Raizon’s work, naturally, the staff’s welfare improved as well. Perhaps because of that, their morale was now on a level I couldn’t hope to match.
It feels like I’ve grown closer to them, too.
“No, the tea party at the Kasla residence was really lovely as well.”
Though I waved my hands to dismiss it, I couldn’t hide the pride swelling within me as I watched the staff’s efforts shine through.
I led the two guests to the table, where cakes and tea were prepared, all while wearing a broad smile.
“The desserts are perfect too.”
Ellie cut a small slice of cake and took a bite, her praise flowing effortlessly.
“Thank you.”
“It would’ve been even better if it were just the two of us.”
“Ha ha, I hope you realise I can hear everything.”
Ellie’s murmuring and Bian’s retorts sparked another round of their playful bickering. At first, it felt odd to see the usually calm Bian and ever-cheerful Ellie glaring at each other so fiercely, but, realising this was normal for them, I could only laugh quietly and watch them.
Now, I even find it kind of cute.
As I sipped my tea, the topic shifted, and Ellie suddenly groaned.
“I’ve been so busy lately, my head feels like it’s going to explode.”
Muttering about how tiresome it was to carry other people’s responsibilities, Ellie collapsed onto the table.
“Well, it is the busiest season right now,” I said, gently fiddling with her hair as it lay spread across the table.
Oh, it’s like cotton candy.
The thought made me continue running my fingers through it, and Ellie let out a small laugh, lifting her head.
“Even after working, your hair still looks neat.”
“Huh? It’s very soft.”
Every time I touched her hair, I marvelled at its pale pink tone, almost like a soft, desaturated shimmer.
While brushing it, Ellie continued the conversation about business. Then she suddenly let out a soft “Ah” and turned her head.
“By the way, Verian… you’re running a social club, right?”
“Ah, yes, that’s right.”
With Raizon’s increasing responsibilities, it was hard not to pay attention, though the paperwork had decreased lately.
Ellie, happily biting into a strawberry from the cake, suddenly proposed an idea.
“Then why don’t you join Haro, too, Verian?”
“Haron?”
I asked, unfamiliar with the name. Bian, sipping his tea nearby, explained.
“It’s a gathering of young ladies and young masters who run their own businesses. You can exchange ideas, share information… there’s really no reason not to go. Quite a few people are part of it as well.”
Ellie continued.
“The only requirement to join is having your own business. Simple, right?”
My eyes lit up at that information. Even without including Raizon’s management, there could be help and resources for many situations.
The only hesitation was…
I’ve been avoiding high society… but surely, there are socialites in that group too.
Though it was slightly uncomfortable, I couldn’t ignore how appealing the opportunity was.
“I’ll think about it,” I replied.
Ellie, smiling as if she’d been waiting for this answer, handed me a light blue envelope sealed with golden wax.
“It won’t be bad. I promise. Here you go.”
The time and place were written inside, and I felt the weight of the offer.
“Thanks for the information.”
After explaining a bit about the envelope, Ellie and Bian naturally left, hinting that we’d meet again.
“What are you doing?”
On the way back to the waiting carriage, Bian stopped Ellie, his expression stiff.
“I’m doing what?”
“That envelope… from Haron. Why did you give it away?”
Despite his hint of worry, Ellie laughed in disbelief.
“I’ve accumulated quite a bit over there; why worry about this? People will understand even if I just mention it casually.”
“Still…”
Bian’s voice hardened. As he grabbed her arm to stop her, Ellie frowned and turned to him.
“It’s my business. I gave it because I wanted to. I know you’re worried, but it’s none of your concern.”
“How is it not my concern?”
“It’s just an invitation… You know how many I hand out to others, don’t you?”
Ellie’s narrowed gaze made Bian sigh and release her arm.
“Then take mine.”
“Why would I take yours?”
“I have little stake there anyway, and you’re better at supporting the young ladies than I am.”
Ellie’s eyes narrowed playfully.
“Oh? Are you worried about Verian?”
“What do you mean?”
“Exactly what I said. Interested?”
Despite Ellie’s teasing, Bian only met her gaze silently.
“Stop the nonsense and go back. I’ll send the invitation separately.”
Ellie laughed and climbed into the carriage.
“Alright, thanks.”
After they left, I remained at the table.
The teacups were empty, and Ellie’s pale blue envelope lay there, left behind.
Haron.
Even if I didn’t go, it wouldn’t be too bad, but considering the benefits of going, it was clearly a good opportunity.
Since I wasn’t completely avoiding high society, now seemed like the perfect moment.
I should probably go…
At that moment, urgent footsteps sounded behind me.
“Miss!”
Meysha burst in, out of breath from running, but beaming with a wide smile.
Her hands were empty, no letter in sight. Seeing her run toward me with such joy could only mean one thing…
The letter in my hand slipped and fell to the floor.
Step by step, Meysha rushed past me, down the corridor, and finally kicked the floor with speed as she descended the stairs.
I ran instinctively, oblivious to everything, toward the source.
We arrived at the carriage path connecting the mansion to the garden.
A carriage was parked, and a familiar silhouette turned to look at me.
Even as my throat tightened, I forced out a voice.
“Father…”
Count Clodi, always devoted to our family.
I hope Verian is happy.
Despite his usually stern and somewhat awkwardly affectionate demeanour, I had fled the family after being engaged to Haelon, never wanting to see his face again.
I had been too ashamed of my past self.
How could I face him, who had devoted every moment to the family, after abandoning it?
I had always avoided even hearing about him, let alone meeting him.
But now was different.
Now I was simply his daughter, waiting for him as he returned from a journey.
I could finally offer him comfort, if only briefly.
Emotions surged as I ran, breath deepening with each step.
“How should I greet him…”
“Long time no see, Father,” I said at last, my voice calm despite my racing heart.
His blue eyes met mine.
Entranced by them, I stepped closer.
If Father welcomes me, will he say my name again after so long?
Just then, a familiar voice pierced through my thoughts.
“Where’s one of your shoes?”
I quickly hid the foot my father’s gaze had landed on.
“Ah… I ran here…”
Only then did I notice the chill on my toes.
“Don’t make a fool of yourself with so many eyes watching.”
I saw the household staff bowing along the path, silently waiting.
“Yes… I’m sorry.”
“Come inside.”
He turned and entered the mansion, leaving me to awkwardly watch his back.
After so long, I finally saw him, yet I couldn’t get a single smile or warm word from him.
Did something put him in a bad mood…
I stood frozen, caught between the cold floor and the hesitant staff, unable to move until Meysha arrived, bringing my stray shoe.
