Chapter 7
Vivian took slow, careful steps, escorted by the carriage driver. Ahead of her, the steward, whose face bore deep, expressive wrinkles, approached politely.
“Welcome, young Viscountess.”
“Hello.”
“I am Warner, steward of the Lockeberg Summer Estate. The Grandmother is awaiting you.”
His white hair and the gentle lines of age gave him the appearance of a kind and dignified caretaker, perfectly suited to manage such a magnificent estate.
Vivian, reminded faintly of the lean yet somewhat stern face of Grandfather Ren, let a small smile slip. Warner’s expression flickered with curiosity at her unexplained smile, but Vivian quickly shook her head as if to dismiss it.
Entering the Lockeberg residence—also called the Glass Mansion—Vivian realized that the rumors circulating about the estate were not exaggerated.
My goodness, it’s this magnificent?
The interior was built entirely of gleaming white marble, accented with intricate golden carvings that shimmered in the light. It was grandeur she had never seen before.
Vivian thought, almost instinctively, that the young Viscount who had so flawlessly exhibited noble etiquette yesterday would fit perfectly into a place like this.
A true Lockeberg.
The Viscount she had seen the day before seemed, in comparison to herself, the very embodiment of noble grace.
Guided by Warner, Vivian soon arrived at the parlor.
As the firmly closed door swung open, she saw Lady Catherine seated on the terrace beyond—a woman who had personally invited Vivian here today.
“Grandmother, the young Viscountess has arrived.”
At Warner’s announcement, a gentle smile spread across Catherine’s lined face. Vivian, stiff with nerves, swallowed anxiously and bowed as she had been taught.
“Good day, Grandmother. I am Vivian Mabel.”
“Thank you for accepting my invitation, child.”
“Oh no! I should be the one thanking you for inviting me.”
Before her sat the Grandmother, the Viscount’s grandmother and mother of the Countess of Lockeberg. She was also the head of the venerable House of Anheit.
At twelve years old, Vivian could see that she was in the presence of the highest-ranking noble she had ever encountered.
Vivian steadied her trembling voice, closed her lips tightly, and took her seat opposite the Grandmother at the tea table. She spoke cautiously.
“The estate is so beautiful.”
Start with a simple compliment.
Here, the lessons from Madame Purin would shine. Vivian’s trembling hands clutched the folds of her dress, small strength causing the fabric to wrinkle.
“Next to the royal palace, this is the most beautiful place in Arjent. Would you care for some tea?”
“Yes…!”
“Warner, bring the tea and cookies.”
The gentle voice that eased her nervousness was certainly a good sign.
A cool breeze drifted in, tousling her hair. Catherine’s room faced not the garden but the Tannik Sea. Beyond the terrace, the sea sparkled like shattered fragments of light.
Watching Vivian’s entranced gaze, Catherine smiled softly.
“It’s a beautiful view. You can see the entire coastline of the Tannik Sea from here.”
Once the servants had finished setting the tea table, they bowed and stepped back.
Chocolate-chip scones sat invitingly before her. Vivian, unable to restrain her eager fingers, wriggled her hands and looked to the Grandmother. Following her gaze to the Tannik Sea, she summoned courage and asked a question.
“Do you know the legends of the Tannik Sea?”
“No, I’ve never heard of them.”
Seeing Catherine’s mild curiosity, Vivian’s voice carried a trace of excitement.
The thing Vivian could do best was tell stories of Fover.
“There is one day a year when the stars shine brightest—the day when the waterway of the Tannik Sea opens.”
“The brightest stars? That must be the time of the Polaris Festival.”
Vivian beamed at Catherine’s calm voice and nodded vigorously.
“Yes! When the waterway opens, a path appears. If you and your beloved hold hands and reach the end together, you will love each other for life and live happily ever after.”
“How fascinating.”
“But it’s only a legend. The Tannik Sea is vast, and no one knows where the waterway opens or what lies at the end.”
To those from Fover, the legend of the Tannik Sea was more romantic than any fairy tale Vivian had ever read.
Observing Catherine’s relaxed expression, Vivian smiled with satisfaction. It felt like a small repayment for the generosity that allowed her to spend this precious time at the estate.
“Thank you so much for inviting me. I heard that very few people get the chance to visit the Lockeberg Summer Estate.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes! Uncle Peter even gave me a rose to congratulate me!”
Catherine propped her chin and listened leisurely to Vivian’s cheerful chatter.
The child, holding a scone, spoke brightly like a lark. For Catherine, who had once been the young lady of a major noble family dominating the capital, the tales of a Fover child may have seemed trivial, but for a woman who had lived a long and fleeting life, they were a pleasant delight.
The child who loved Fover seemed to love Fover just as much in return. Catherine recalled the kind Viscount and his wife who had introduced her as a twelve-year-old girl.
At this age, noble girls in the capital were busy securing the best tutors, learning etiquette, and preparing for society.
Yet, in Vivian, none of that stiff, conventional upbringing seemed to fit.
A warm child raised by loving parents.
A child who knew how to love.
She was clearly different from those children who tried to impress with forced words.
Though her lowly status meant she could not be matched with Edmund, she was perfectly suited to enjoy a summer in the quiet countryside.
“The only thing I hadn’t seen in Fover was here.”
“It would be a shame if only the men of Lockeberg enjoyed this beautiful estate. You must come anytime you like.”
It was an unplanned invitation.
A spontaneous offer, born simply from the desire to hear a pleasant voice a little longer.
Vivian’s eyes widened in disbelief at Catherine’s words.
The reason behind this flowing offer was simply that.
A favor for a beloved child.
The faint stir of excitement after so long was not unpleasant.
“Really?”
Seeing Vivian ask so purely, Catherine smiled warmly.
Considering the young ladies from the capital who would be waiting eagerly for such a chance, it could be considered favoritism. Yet this was just Fover. A child of Fover should never be denied. Catherine nodded softly.
“I hear you like flowers.”
“Yes!”
“The greenhouse in the estate’s garden is full of beautiful blooms. You must see it. There’s even a daisy just like you.”
Oh my.
Leaning slightly across the table, Vivian grabbed the Grandmother’s hand.
Certainly improper etiquette—but at this moment, Vivian had no room to think of such matters. All that mattered was expressing her gratitude.
“Thank you so much!”
Vivian’s radiant smile met Catherine’s gentle gaze.
“May I explore the estate once I finish my tea?”
Catherine, sensing Vivian’s impatience, nodded. She elegantly raised her teacup, pretending not to notice the child’s bright, uncontrollable smile.
The languid morning tea flowed pleasantly.
“Anywhere is fine except the arched doorway that opens to the sea. Only the owner of Lockeberg may enter there.”
“Yes!”
Noticing the almost empty teacup, Catherine gestured that Vivian was free to leave.
Vivian’s cheeks flushed pink, reflecting her excitement. Her steps quickened as she left the terrace, and her dress swayed as she ran toward the garden, filling Catherine’s eyes with delight
