Chapter 72
—
I took Diana and Aria outside.
I rummaged through my pocket and handed them a few gold coins and a bundle of silver coins.
“Use this to buy whatever you like.”
“Won’t you come with us, Young Master?”
The opening ceremony was over, and I had brought the two of them to the academy.
“It’s time for me to visit my father’s estate.”
There’s a banquet being held there.
As the eldest son of the Tilburg family, not showing my face would be a grave discourtesy.
After all, I’m the host of the banquet.
As for the festival, Victor is there, Edward is there, and the staff in charge of management are there. It won’t be a problem if I’m absent for a little while.
I happened to run into Theo as he was leaving the theatre.
It seemed he had been watching the opening ceremony from the back.
“When did you arrive?”
“I was a bit late. There were so many people. I only managed to hear a few songs toward the end.”
It had taken him quite a while just to park the carriage and return.
What a pity. The earlier performance by Azbella was truly amazing.
It’s a shame he missed it.
In any case.
“I’m leaving the two of them in your care.”
I entrusted Diana and Aria to Theo.
If the three of them went around together, there wouldn’t be any risk of getting lost.
Theo had an excellent grasp of how the world worked, so he’d be a great help to them, especially since they weren’t used to such a chaotic atmosphere.
“Mr. Butler, if it’s not too much trouble, could you guide us to a restaurant?”
Aria asked Theo, politely clasping her hands together.
She enunciated each syllable carefully, speaking very courteously.
‘Was this the real her?’
I had heard she was exceptionally polite to Theo and Mrs. Doris, but I somehow felt like I was the one losing out here.
“Then, we’ll be off.”
At least Diana treated me with some respect, so I suppose I should be thankful for that.
“If you get tired, find Edward. He’ll guide you to the guest room.”
“Understood.”
After bowing to me, the three of them walked away, and I left the event venue.
***
The estate was already bustling with preparations for the banquet.
Well, technically, the preparations had been completed a while ago.
Now, guests were starting to arrive one by one, mingling and catching up.
Father and Count Haverland greeted me at the entrance.
When did they return?
As expected, they were quick.
“Anton, there’s someone you must meet.”
“I’ve already steeled myself for it.”
Given the countless invitations we sent out, it would take at least two hours just to greet everyone individually.
I was prepared for this.
Every small gesture contributes to my reputation and the family’s.
If rumours spread that our hospitality was poor, it would be disastrous.
Conversely, word that we were exceptionally hospitable would be immensely beneficial.
Boosting our image is always advantageous, especially during a time when we’ve initiated so many endeavours.
‘I need to gather as many allies as possible.’
Just as I was about to head to the banquet hall.
“Her Highness the Crown Princess is waiting in the drawing room.”
“I understand—Wait, what? Why?”
“…Why, you ask?”
“Well, I mean.”
Wasn’t she supposed to arrive tomorrow?
She was scheduled to attend on the second day of the festival.
That was the plan I was informed of.
Moreover.
I hadn’t thought it appropriate to have her mingle with ordinary nobles at the banquet, so I had even made separate arrangements for her.
“Hurry along, Anton.”
“Ah, yes.”
For now, I’d deal with the situation as it came.
I’d figure something out when we met.
***
Elize was seated on the sofa.
Behind her stood several royal guard knights.
A maid, who seemed to have accompanied her for personal service, was also at her side.
Had we been in the imperial palace, she could have met me alone at her discretion.
But since this was an official outing, it seemed impossible for her to dismiss her attendants.
She hadn’t come secretly or incognito, after all.
‘In other words.’
This meant I couldn’t address her casually, as I usually would.
I bowed respectfully and hesitantly took a seat on the sofa opposite her.
“I must have startled you, showing up so suddenly,” Elize remarked, switching to an informal tone.
Well, that made sense.
She had been accommodating me before, but now there were many eyes watching.
It wouldn’t be easy for her to disregard royal protocol freely.
In any case.
I was indeed startled by her sudden visit.
But I didn’t let it show.
“It is truly an honour.”
“Pff… ah…”
“?”
“Oh, excuse me.”
Suddenly, she exaggeratedly waved her hand and gave me a mischievous smile.
“Your tone feels so unfamiliar.”
Is she referring to my tone? Or hers?
Whatever the case, Elize seemed thoroughly entertained by the situation.
Like a child brimming with curiosity, she glanced around the estate with sparkling eyes.
“I regret missing the opening ceremony. Unfortunately, I had pressing duties today.”
“It’s my fault for not confirming the schedule properly. There will be performances tomorrow and the day after as well.”
“Will you also be participating?”
“As a performer, you mean?”
Of course, I would be.
On the final day.
When I said as much, Elize clapped her hands together in delight.
“Actually, that’s partly why I have a favour to ask.”
“Please, go ahead.”
“I’d like to perform.”
For a moment, I wasn’t sure I had heard her correctly, and I hesitated slightly.
I met her gaze to read her expression.
Clear and determined.
She was entirely serious.
‘She wants to perform?’
In other words, Elize herself wanted to play the piano on stage?
When I asked for confirmation, she nodded.
“I’ve mastered all the sheet music you sent me.”
Elize said this, then glanced at her maid.
Her expression seemed to suggest she was waiting for an affirmation.
‘Hurry up and agree with me.’
Is it something like this?
If she looks at me so openly, it’s not like I can deny it.
“Your Highness’s skill is so remarkable that even someone like me, who is ignorant of music, finds it astonishing.”
That statement feels slightly misleading.
And somehow, it lacks any real sincerity.
However, Elize raised the corners of her lips in satisfaction, keeping her gaze fixed on me.
“It’s not that difficult. If Her Highness were to perform, it would undoubtedly elevate the festival’s prestige.”
“As expected, you are a man who understands me.”
Now I get it.
That tone—I knew I had heard it somewhere before.
She must have learned it from her younger brother, Luhan.
“You, too, speak like that, so now I have no choice but to perform. Haha.”
Elize successfully secured her chance, practically forcing me to bow before her persistence.
Adjusting the schedule isn’t too difficult.
I already know her skill isn’t bad.
If she’s been practicing diligently, she might even outperform the academy students by now.
“Let’s call it a day. His Majesty and I will officially visit again tomorrow.”
After saying this, Elize left with her guards.
The nobles stationed around us tried to approach her with astonished expressions, but her steps were so swift that no one managed to succeed.
After that whirlwind of an encounter,
I returned to the banquet hall and met with the waiting guests.
While I was exchanging greetings with everyone,
“Anton.”
Father called me.
Turning around, I saw a familiar figure.
“It’s been a while.”
Duke Dressel and his daughter, Lea.
It wasn’t particularly surprising.
Elize was an unexpected guest, but they weren’t.
If anything, they were closer to the kind of guests I had been waiting for.
Lea peeked at me from behind the duke, then quickly lowered her head.
‘What.’
So, she doesn’t intend to apologize directly?
That’s probably not the case.
This is more of a…
‘Politics, strategy, manoeuvring.’
In a gathering like this, where so many nobles are present,
if the duke’s daughter were to lower herself before me,
it would essentially become an official apology.
I understand.
Social circles are exhausting.
Either way, I have no intention of forcing her.
At that moment,
Lea cautiously approached me.
Without saying a word, she handed me a small box.
Inside was a ring.
It was made of pure gold.
“I asked a skilled jeweller to craft this. It’s a token of sincerity. I hope you’ll like it. Thank you for inviting me today.”
A ruby of a clear, brilliant hue was embedded in the center,
and as it caught the light, small sparks seemed to awaken and spread within.
The craftsmanship was truly impressive.
I quickly grasped the significance of her gesture.
This was a subtle, personal expression of regret—
a quiet apology she couldn’t voice aloud.
This sort of thing happens often.
Though sudden, it’s clear she put considerable effort into it.
It’s only right to accept it.
Refusing would be difficult.
After securing the box, I escorted her into the banquet hall.
The duke seemed intent on speaking further with Father.
“Where is Erdi?”
“He’s likely exploring the festival.”
“Could you arrange a meeting?”
“Of course.”
At my indifferent response, Lea leaned closer.
“Would it be possible to meet him today?”
So impatient.
“It’s not feasible at the moment.”
“I understand.”
Surprisingly, she backed down easily.
Then, she whispered softly,
“I apologize for making an unreasonable request.”
Has she really changed?
And she’s been subtly keeping her distance from me.
It seems she has been reflecting on her actions.
There’s even a trace of embarrassment visible in her expression.
Or perhaps the duke had advised her beforehand.
In any case,
I guided her to her seat.
“So, it’s true.”
After finishing his conversation, Father approached me.
“That Duke Dressel himself would come in person.”
“Bad ties are still ties, after all.”
“Hmm.”
His expression was less than pleased.
Normally, Father refrains from commenting on such matters.
But this time,
“…Be cautious.”
“What do you mean?”
His words carried an unclear meaning.
I couldn’t help but ask.
To be honest, I didn’t understand what he meant.
As I stared at him in silence,
he let out a sigh and shook his head.
“I’m concerned she’s using you to re-enter high society. The duke seemed to share the same concern.”
“…You’re overthinking it.”
“I hope I am.”
In truth,
although I answered casually, I thought his speculation was rather reasonable.
‘It’s not entirely impossible.’
Lea is currently on bad terms with her family.
She probably misses the privileges and power she once enjoyed.
To regain them, she first needs to clean up her past mistakes.
Her relationship with Erdi is her weak point.
If she doesn’t resolve this issue and tries to make a full return, rumours will undoubtedly spread.
Her father, Duke Dressel, wouldn’t allow it either.
‘Could it be true?’
Is she really trying to use me and Erdi to return to high society?
By at least making an apologetic gesture, she eliminates any grounds for further complaints from my side.
Still, it’s too early to draw conclusions.
Not that I’m entirely dismissing the possibility.
It’s a fifty-fifty chance.
Father’s words were reasonable, but Lea’s expression seemed sincere.
And she even prepared such an expensive gift.
On the other hand, the timing feels suspicious.
Why now?
She could’ve apologized at any time.
Why choose this moment,
when Erdi, with whom she had a falling out, is now a professor at the academy?
Why now, when the academy is hosting a festival?
Why now, when Anton Tilburg is hosting a banquet for the nobles?
If things go well, Lea stands to resolve her lingering issues and restore her reputation in one fell swoop.
Even if she didn’t plan it initially,
the temptation of such a ripe opportunity is hard to resist.
It might just be baseless speculation.
But given past experiences, I can’t help but think of the worst-case scenario.
Even her own father, Duke Dressel, doesn’t fully trust her.
‘This is tricky.’
For now,
I’ll try to think positively.
Surely, she wouldn’t be that shameless.
Even if Father’s concerns are valid,
what could I possibly do about it?
It’s better not to judge too harshly.
There’s that saying about presuming innocence until proven guilty.
Time will reveal the truth.
—
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