Chapter 73
—
Chewing food half-heartedly, I finished my meal.
All the while, my father’s words lingered in my mind.
As I tried to gather my thoughts, the banquet continued without pause.
Feeling like it was time to leave, I stepped out of the estate.
Some guests had already left long ago, wanting to enjoy the festival instead.
That’s probably more entertaining than yet another banquet.
During the festival, the academy opens its doors to the public.
Of course, to prevent incidents like the previous property damage, I’ve already warned the staff.
No entry for drunkards.
Immediate action against troublemakers.
As long as those rules are followed,
Even just wandering around the buildings would provide plenty of entertainment.
The academy is a masterpiece of the capital’s architectural achievements.
“Leave the rest to me and be on your way.”
Just then, my father came out to see me off.
“I’ll leave it in your care.”
“You seem to be the busiest of us all.”
He’s not wrong.
First, I need to deliver Lea Dressel’s request to Erdi.
Tomorrow, I’ll have to oversee Aria and Diana’s performance rehearsals.
And finally…
“I need to prepare to welcome the royal family.”
That might be the most important task of all.
As I looked up at the dimming sky, a carriage arrived.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I headed straight back to the academy.
***
The first thing I did was find Edward and inform him of the news.
“Her Highness the Crown Princess will be performing?”
“That’s correct. We should start planning immediately.”
He sighed in exasperation, clearly uneasy, but what choice do we have?
Opportunities often come unexpectedly.
Only those prepared can seize them.
Although I’m not entirely sure if this is an opportunity…
“Maybe it’s more of a trial.”
In any case,
We decided to seat the Emperor and the royal family in the box seats.
It seemed the best option for everyone.
After all, they are not ordinary guests.
And the Crown Princess taking the stage is not something that happens often.
Considering the attention it will draw, it’s best to prepare for every possible scenario.
Especially when it comes to security.
“Did Her Highness have any special requests?”
“None.”
“Really?”
To be honest, I don’t even know what piece she intends to play.
I haven’t been told anything.
“I’ll ask her about it.”
For now, we focused on what we could do.
We restructured the stage and made it more glamorous.
We rearranged the furniture and decorations in the box seats.
The staff brought in flowerpots and set up flags symbolizing the royal family in the corners.
“Does this look good enough?”
At my question, Edward nodded.
“It’s great.”
Imagining how a VIP section in a theatre might look, we kept adding things here and there, which took longer than expected.
Fortunately, I already had some ideas prepared.
Finally, we inspected the theatre.
“It’s a bit messy.”
Especially the audience seating area.
Edward flinched at my remark.
“We haven’t cleaned that part yet.”
Focusing solely on the stage and the box seats had left the other areas completely untouched.
Still,
There’s no one to blame.
Everyone had plenty to do.
“Let’s regroup early tomorrow morning to clean up.”
“That sounds like a good idea.”
Starting now seemed a bit too daunting.
After parting ways with him, I stepped outside.
What’s next?
I need to find Erdi.
Locating him wasn’t difficult.
He was at the entrance, assisting Victor in guiding guests.
For someone who claims to slack off,
He’s surprisingly diligent.
“Where is Miss Viviant?”
“I sent her ahead. It was getting late.”
“Good. I see she didn’t cause any trouble.”
“Pardon?”
There are certain things you just know.
“The lady wishes to meet you.”
I got straight to the point.
Hearing her name, Erdi’s expression darkened noticeably.
Still, they’ve known each other for a long time.
Their relationship runs deep.
Though not in a good way.
It seems his emotions are quite conflicted.
“She wanted to meet you tonight, but I managed to delay it.”
“I’m fine. Where is she?”
Is he serious?
“She’s probably still at the estate. I haven’t heard otherwise.”
“Let’s go.”
Everything feels so abrupt today.
Had I known, I would’ve found Erdi before Edward.
Together, we returned to the estate.
How many times am I going to travel back and forth today?
***
Upon arriving at the estate, I sought out the Duke.
He was in the drawing room with my father, but Lea was nowhere in sight.
I had no idea what the two were discussing.
Noticing us, the Duke stood up.
“It’s been a while. Good to see you.”
The greeting wasn’t directed at me.
“How have you been?”
Erdi’s face showed no expression as he returned the courtesy.
I doubt he harbours ill will toward the Duke, even if his relationship with Lea is strained.
That said,
It’s probably hard to interact with him as he once did.
The Duke, observing this, nodded knowingly.
He must have realized that Erdi still harboured some resentment.
“I apologize for what my daughter has done.”
“It’s fine. I’ve already forgotten.”
“Even so, I’d appreciate it if you’d allow her to speak to you directly.”
To the Duke, Erdi is a benefactor.
Was it a carriage accident?
I remember hearing that Erdi had helped him once.
They’d maintained a good relationship since then.
But Lea’s actions have jeopardized that bond.
It must be frustrating for him.
Just then,
Lea entered the drawing room.
Without a word, the Duke excused himself.
Even in that brief moment, his face reflected deep concern for his daughter.
It’s none of my business, but I couldn’t help thinking that this family seems to have its share of troubles.
***
“I want to apologize.”
Lea abruptly spoke.
Both Erdi and I turned our gazes to her.
How direct.
This feels quite different from the time she discreetly handed me a gift.
Was I overthinking it?
I assumed this was just a ploy to regain her footing in society.
But it doesn’t seem like an act.
Well, she was exiled for a year. It wouldn’t be surprising if her thoughts had genuinely changed.
“Should I kneel?”
Lea spoke again.
Should I let her?
That’s something to think about.
It’s not every day you get a chance to make a duke’s daughter kneel legally.
When would an opportunity like this ever come again?
But—
“That won’t be necessary.”
Erdi intervened.
Thanks to him, I managed to pull myself together.
Pretending nothing had happened, I tilted my head and continued to listen to their conversation.
Lea sincerely apologized, recalling how she had slapped Erdi a long time ago.
And Erdi accepted it.
Honestly, until now, I had only met people who stubbornly refused to admit their faults.
The fact that Lea Dressel was showing this side of herself brought up mixed emotions.
This time, she bowed toward me.
“I also apologize to Sir Tilburg for causing you trouble.”
Accepting her apology doesn’t benefit me in any way.
But rejecting it wouldn’t do me any good either, so I said, “Alright.”
After all, I had already received her gift at the banquet.
It’s not like I can return it now.
I was even starting to feel a little bad for doubting her just because of what my father said.
Just as I thought this encounter might end more easily than expected—
Lea cautiously spoke again.
“If there’s anything I can do to help, I’d like to. Anything at all.”
I wasn’t sure exactly what she meant, but her expression was sincere.
It seemed she felt she owed us something.
If she wants to help, I won’t stop her.
But I couldn’t help but feel sceptical.
Erdi likely felt the same, though he didn’t show it.
“What exactly…?”
The problem was, there wasn’t really anything to ask of her.
Unless she had some unique ability only she could provide, there wasn’t much use for her.
If we were about to head off to war and needed the duke’s forces, that would be one thing.
For now, it would be better to defer.
I told her I’d call on her if something came up in the future.
“Understood.”
Then again, maybe I should just go for it.
There was one thing that came to mind.
“Erdi.”
I whispered softly enough for only him to hear.
“What is it?”
I wanted to gauge his reaction before saying it to Lea.
“I actually thought of something for her to do.”
I whispered further.
“…That’s a bit…”
He didn’t seem too supportive today.
“She did say she’d do anything.”
“…Even so.”
“She’d be much better than Viviant.”
“…How can you even compare them?”
“Well, if you’re okay with it, I’ll ask her.”
“…Are you serious?”
Not wanting to drag this out, I finally said it.
“My lady.”
“Yes?”
“Would you mind helping clean the theatre?”
“Pardon?”
Lea blinked in confusion, while Erdi beside me shook his head in disbelief.
“Well.”
Cleaning is important.
I was planning to meet with Edward at dawn tomorrow to take care of it.
But who knows how long it would take?
We’d need to scrub the floors, air out the place, and pick up all the trash scattered around.
Festivals are fun to prepare for, but the cleanup afterward is always infuriating.
If Lea were to volunteer for this…
Though “volunteer” feels a bit off—
Anyway, if she helped with the cleaning, others could rest during that time, so it would benefit everyone.
I felt uneasy about asking a guest to do such a thing, but she did say she’d do anything.
I observed her reaction.
“Alright, I’ll do it.”
—
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