Chapter 64
A few days later, a social gathering was held at the Shurane Viscount’s estate.
“Eckla, today is all about reconnaissance. Don’t let on that we know anything or that we’re looking for something. Just observe. We mustn’t make them suspect anything’s wrong.”
As I murmured to myself, Eckla replied dryly.
“My lady, if you say that one more time, it’ll be the hundredth.”
“I’m just nervous.”
“Don’t be. Just act natural.”
“Phew. Eckla, you keep a close eye out too, okay?”
“Yes, don’t worry.”
When I went downstairs, Adrian was already waiting.
“You’re dazzlingly beautiful today.”
I merely raised my hands slightly to either side without replying.
“You must be busy. Thank you for coming.”
“It’s an honor to accompany you, Ribe.”
Huh, is it just me or has he gotten even more cheesy with his lines?
Regardless, I got into Adrian’s carriage, and we headed toward the Shurane estate.
After a fairly long ride, we arrived and were greeted by Pailey and her group in front of the mansion.
“Welcome, Lady Bernadette.”
Pailey greeted me while keeping her gaze fixed on Adrian.
Who is she greeting, really?
“Oh dear, Lady Bernadette, why do you look so pale? Are you still feeling unwell?”
Truthfully, I had felt nervous all the way up until I ran into Pailey at the door.
After all, I didn’t know how Grania would react to an uninvited guest suddenly appearing. And showing up unannounced is no small breach of etiquette.
“No, I’m all better now. Thank you for your concern.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
Still, I couldn’t let petty emotions ruin the greater purpose.
If Elome and Grania knew something—if they were hiding something from me—they wouldn’t confess willingly.
I had to either get close to them—
Or sneak around the estate.
To do that, I needed to feign ignorance and get to know her better.
“Lady Shurane.”
Inside the mansion, Grania was chatting cheerfully with guests.
But as soon as our eyes met, the corners of her lips, which had been lifted in a bright smile, slowly dropped.
“Ah, Lady Bernadette.”
She glanced at me, then at Adrian standing beside me.
When Adrian gave her a polite bow, she returned a graceful smile.
“Oh my, I’m so sorry, Lady Bernadette. My maids must’ve made a mistake.”
Grania placed a hand on her chest and spoke with a deeply apologetic tone.
“I’m really sorry. Truly.”
“No, I’m the one who should apologize. Elome and my Eckla are quite close, so I thought it’d be nice if we could become better acquainted as well.”
“Ah…”
“So I came, knowing it might be rude. I hope it’s alright if I join you?”
I had prepared this speech the night before.
What if she coldly told me to leave? I figured with others around, she wouldn’t make a scene, which is why I had purposely arrived a little late.
If I came too early and there were fewer witnesses, Grania might not act so gracious.
“Of course. I’m sorry again. This was meant to be a small, casual get-together. And the maids who sent out the invitations may have thought you were still unwell. But I’m so glad you came.”
Small, she says?
I looked around at the spacious hall, the ornate ceiling, the luxurious food, and what appeared to be specially hired servants. I swallowed hard.
This was no small gathering.
“Thank you so much for coming.”
If I hadn’t known better, I might’ve believed she meant it sincerely.
She must be skilled at lying and pretending.
I mumbled to myself and smiled awkwardly.
“You look so… dazzling and beautiful today.”
‘Isn’t this a bit much for a supposedly casual meeting?’
Grania had gone all out. Her hair was done up extravagantly, adorned with wigs and volume—so exaggerated it looked like… a heavily frosted carrot cake.
Her neck and arms were dripping with jewelry. With that much weight, she was either headed for a cramp or a slipped disc.
“Thank you.”
As she replied, she subtly touched her neck.
Then I noticed her necklace—it looked familiar.
‘Where have I seen that before?’
I couldn’t quite place it, and was about to let it go when Adrian whispered behind me.
“Ribe, you came here for another reason, didn’t you?”
For a split second, I had the urge to tell him the truth—but I held it in.
He might have feelings for me, and I didn’t want to use them.
I mean, if he just had a harmless crush, that’d be fine…
I lifted a champagne glass and responded nonchalantly.
“No, I just didn’t want to miss a gathering like this.”
“Really?”
“Yes. The world of women is more complicated than you’d think.”
“By the way, for someone who wasn’t invited, everyone seems… very interested in you.”
As I sipped from the glass and glanced around, I noticed fleeting glances from several ladies.
What is this vibe?
“Do I have something on my face?”
I asked Adrian. He smiled and shook his head.
“No, your face is beau—”
“I’ll go say hello to someone!”
I cut him off and slipped away with a grimace.
Eckla followed behind me, smirking again.
“Our lady sure is popular.”
“Just help me find Elome.”
“I’ve been looking, but I don’t see her. Come to think of it, this might not be the best time to talk to her. She’s probably busy with all the preparations.”
Eckla looked around as she spoke.
True, with this many people and all this food, it’s unlikely Elome, a maid, would have time to chat.
That thought deflated me a bit.
“Oh my, Lady Bernadette.”
Someone called out to me. I turned around to find a group of ladies I often encountered at these gatherings.
“It’s been a while.”
“Yes, it has.”
“By the way, when is His Grace returning?”
Someone lowered their voice to ask me.
I had no idea, so I scratched the back of my head—only to feel sharp stares from both sides.
To the left was Pailey. To the right, Grania.
‘What’s going on?’
I already knew Pailey had feelings for Jerlach, but Grania’s gaze was unexpected.
“I don’t know. He’ll probably return when he feels like it…”
I replied awkwardly, dodging the question. The ladies looked disappointed.
“Then when’s the engagement?”
“I’m not sure about that either.”
“Are you skipping the engagement and going straight to the wedding?”
“Ah, that too… I’m not sure…”
“Where will the wedding be held?”
“…That’s a good question.”
“And what about the dress?”
I didn’t know a single answer, but the questions kept coming.
Ugh, I came here hoping to talk to Elome, and now I might not even get the chance!
Just then, Pailey—who had been standing far away—suddenly appeared beside us, as if she teleported.
“Isn’t it a bit early for such talk?”
“Too early?”
“Young men and women can date and break up. Just because His Grace showed interest doesn’t mean marriage is imminent.”
Well, I appreciated her interruption, but the content was kind of rude.
“I suppose you’re right.”
“So you don’t really know much about His Grace, do you?”
“I understand, Lady Bernadette.”
As the other ladies’ expressions shifted in an instant, I seized the opportunity.
“Oh, by the way, did you hear the rumor?”
“What rumor?”
“About the astrologer who can predict everything—past or future. There’s a rumor he’s coming to Mütten soon.”
“Really?”
“Yes. They say he doesn’t even charge money. He tells fortunes for free.”
The ladies’ eyes all lit up.
“Oh my, he doesn’t take payment?”
“Apparently not.”
“Wow.”
“They say he’s already made enough money using his powers, and now he just travels to give sincere advice to those suffering in the present.”
Even I had to admit, that pitch was masterful.
“So, when is he coming to Mütten?”
“No one knows. But he’s said to be arriving within the month, so I’m eagerly waiting.”
Then Pailey asked in a skeptical tone,
“How did you find out about this, Lady Bernadette?”
“Ah, a distant cousin of mine married a woman whose brother is friends with someone who knows him.”
“That’s quite close.”
“I’m so curious. If you find out when he’s coming, please let me know.”
“Me too, me too.”
“Lady Bernadette, please share it with us, will you?”
“Of course. This sort of thing should be shared.”
I didn’t get to speak to Elome, but in the end, I had achieved one of my goals.
