Chapter 40 – First Outing Outside the Royal Palace
“Princess, she should be arriving soon. Please wait a moment, my lady.”
Following the maid’s guidance, the Marchioness of Dürenburg arrived at Princess Solti’s reception room and took a moment to survey the interior.
So it’s true… His Majesty really does treat distinguished guests with utmost care.
The room was as lavish as that of any duke. As she carefully observed the interior, the Marchioness reviewed the conversation she planned to have with the princess.
First…
She intended to congratulate herself for successfully completing the first tea party and subtly remind the princess of her own effort and diligence. After that, they could discuss the matters at hand.
Just as the Marchioness finished organizing her thoughts, the princess entered the room.
“You’ve arrived at the perfect time.”
The princess wore a slightly more relaxed dress than she had at the tea party.
The Marchioness rose from her seat and watched as the princess settled onto the sofa.
“Please, sit down. I was just about to speak with you.”
Finally seated on the sofa, the Marchioness began according to the order she had planned.
“I’m relieved. I was a little worried that visiting you while you’re taking a break after such a big event might have been inconvenient.”
The Marchioness spoke with a deliberately casual tone.
“By the way, I heard there was almost a small mishap during the tea party… Were you aware of it?”
“Oh my, was there? From what I saw, today’s tea party seemed perfectly fine.”
Only after emphasizing the success of the tea party did the Marchioness answer the question.
“Well, there seemed to be a bit of an uncomfortable situation, yes.”
A flicker of surprise crossed the princess’s pale eyes.
“You know that someone tried to ruin the tea party we worked so hard to prepare?”
The Marchioness sighed, as if expressing her frustration.
“If it wasn’t done intentionally, then in a palace this vast… of all places, at that time, it really wasn’t necessary.”
The princess nodded as if confirming her thoughts, then spoke again.
“Could the problem have been sending invitations to everyone except the nobles of Paradium?”
The Marchioness swallowed nervously at the princess’s pointed question.
After all, she had been the one to suggest postponing the invitation to the daughter of Marquis Seiren.
She immediately understood why the princess had brought it up: if the Seiren family had complained about the tea party, they might try to shift responsibility onto her.
She seems naive at times, but she’s sharp when it matters.
The Marchioness had already acknowledged that she was now allied with Princess Solti.
“Well, we can discuss that matter later…”
She decided it was time to bring up a truth she had avoided until now.
“I’m glad I had the chance to visit you, Princess. I actually have something to discuss regarding the distinguished guests of Paradium.”
So the “personalized” approach is real.
The reception room of Viscount Belkain reflected his tastes and was different from Reneve’s, making it enjoyable to observe.
Reneve was looking around the room she had been guided into when she heard the steady sound of footsteps and a clear, mellow voice.
“What an honor that you, my lady, should come to see me first.”
Though slightly over the top, Reneve responded with a faint smile.
Viscount Belkain wore a white shirt embroidered with gold on the sleeves and collar, paired with beige trousers. Judging by the informal attire, he seemed to be resting comfortably.
“I hope I’m not disturbing you while you’re resting,” Reneve said cautiously.
Belkain quickly shook his head.
“Not at all.”
“Good to hear.”
Reneve smiled lightly as Belkain courteously gestured to the sofa.
“Please, have a seat.”
“Yes.”
When Reneve sat, Belkain followed.
“This is the first time…”
Reneve blinked slowly at Belkain’s words, prompting him to continue with a soft smile.
“I mean that you came to see me first, my lady.”
“Oh… I was worried about the injury on your cheek.”
Reneve glanced at the faint bruise on his cheek.
Belkain smiled sheepishly, gently touching the slightly lingering mark. It was barely visible at first glance.
“They say sometimes you give a little pain before the cure. When I returned that day, the emperor’s personal physician was waiting for me.”
“I see.”
“Thanks to the physician, the mark has faded.”
Reneve nodded slightly.
Nobles rarely suffered visible injuries, especially those destined to inherit a ducal house. The faint bruise on Belkain’s cheek would naturally draw curiosity, and he had probably refrained from going out to avoid explaining the incident. In noble society, silence often fuels imagination.
“Make sure you demand proper compensation from His Majesty,” Reneve advised.
Belkain lifted one corner of his mouth slightly.
“Of course. If I let this slide, it could affect the future diplomatic relations between Venetistan and Bashker.”
“Well thought out.”
Belkain was right. If someone’s tail is stepped on, they must express their pain—even scream if necessary. Enduring silently is not always wise. Reneve knew this from past experience. Though it had been an accident caused by misunderstanding, stepping back just because one’s nation was weaker was wrong.
“The reason I came to see you today is to apologize.”
Belkain’s blue eyes widened in surprise. He shook his head quickly, smiling.
“Apologize, my lady? That’s unnecessary. The incident was a misunderstanding, and you have no responsibility…”
He paused abruptly, leaving Reneve puzzled.
Blinking slowly, Belkain hurriedly continued.
“Of course, you bear no fault. But if you feel even a slight sense of obligation from that day, may I ask a favor?”
“If it’s a request I can fulfill…”
Belkain hesitated, fidgeting with the back of his neck.
“Please, speak freely. Then I can fully absolve myself from the misunderstanding. If it’s something I cannot do, I’ll refuse firmly.”
Reneve encouraged him, cutting off any hesitation in advance.
“Then I will make my request boldly.”
“Yes.”
It wasn’t a guarantee, she thought. Belkain lowered his golden lashes and spoke.
“My younger sister’s birthday is coming up soon. Since I am far away, I’d like to send her a gift. But I’m unsure what she might like.”
Ah, so it wasn’t a guarantee.
Reneve relaxed and asked, “How old is your sister?”
“She should be around your age.”
“Then I think I can help with that.”
Reneve smiled, prompting Belkain to add,
“Since we’re at it, shall we go pick out the gift together now?”
Belkain rose from his seat, smiling brightly.
Huh?
Reneve had only planned to ask about his sister’s interests and recommend a gift. But now he wanted to go choose it together?
“If your afternoon schedule permits,” he added.
Although he said this, Belkain had already instructed the maid to bring his coat and left the reception room without waiting for her response.
Reneve, left alone, let out a small, incredulous laugh.
“What…?”
He was usually polite and accommodating, yet now he was acting on his own whim?
She didn’t mind.
The misunderstanding between Icar and Belkain had caused the accident, but both were trying to help her. Belkain seemed to understand her mindset and was willing to use it a little.
“…Really,” Reneve muttered, laughing softly again at the thought of him.
Belkain glanced back with a faint step, asking, “Aren’t you getting up, my lady?”
“…I will,” Reneve answered reluctantly, and Belkain’s face lit up with a wide smile.
As they walked down the corridor, Reneve pictured Kael grown up in Belkain’s profile—a child with clear blue eyes like Lucius and bright blond hair. Kael and Belkain shared some resemblance, especially in their innocent, bright expressions. Seeing him reminded Reneve of Kael. Belkain, perhaps aware or not, tilted his head innocently.
“What is it?”
“Nothing,” she replied, wiping away her bitter smile and moving forward.
Reneve and Belkain rode in a carriage to the bustling streets.
As the carriage entered the main avenue, her eyes were drawn to a particularly luxurious-looking shop.
“Shall we start there?” Belkain asked.
They seemed to have time for two or three more stops after browsing the jewelry store, and Reneve nodded.
“Yes.”
As they approached, a clerk politely opened the door for them.
Inside, Reneve glanced around.
The store displayed jewelry that would have been twice as expensive and hard to acquire in Paradium.
Her eyes were drawn to a pendant intricately carved from agate. It resembled one she had possessed before her previous life—a gift she had cherished and worn several times to banquets and gatherings. Seeing it again brought a wave of nostalgia.
“Do you like this pendant?” Belkain asked, noticing her gaze.
“It’s made of agate. What do you think of it?”
“The craftsmanship is exquisite, and the gemstone quality seems excellent. I’m glad I came with you to choose the gift.”
