Chapter 43
Seymour went to inspect his half of the Hanua Estate and found that major construction was underway on a nearby Borotna estate.
Oh, Princess Icard is coming to recuperate soon.
Now that he had become Baron, it was quite easy for him to go around the area and hear the rumors circulating.
Recuperation? Why?
Im not sure why, but shes not feeling well. Though they said its not a deadly disease. It was a mild case of pneumonia.
Why is she coming all the way here?
Well, rumors have it that Duke Icard cares about his daughter-in-law quite a lot. When she was orphaned, he brought her in, in person as well.
At that, Seymour squinted at the big construction site. The servant who was delivering the rumor smiled and added. Its not a big deal, but everyones guessing that hes making such a big fuss because he was worried.
Really?
Thats why theyre fixing the villa.
Hmm.
Theyll have a big banquet down here, too, so it will be very busy these days.
Holding a banquet
Even though many people will ridicule her for being the daughter of a fallen Count the banquet itself will be splendid. Shes the Princess of Icard, after all.
He then sighed thinly.
Although its far from the capital, rumors are already circulating this much here I guess the social world isnt easy anywhere.
Dont words spread faster in places that are a bit remote and small?
He smiled at the servants words. Yes, that seems to be the case Luckily, he had been wanting to meet Princess Icard as well. There were a couple of things he wanted to ask her.
Didnt you say you were going up to the capital soon? The Baron wont be able to make it, will you? Well, its just a formal greeting.
After hearing what the servant said, Seymour shook his head immediately.
No, I must attend.
Isnt the banquet a good opportunity to approach her naturally?
Im from this area now anyway.
He planned to stay a little longer because he still had something to do in this area. So, there was no reason not to wait until he met Laria. In a way, the timing was perfect.
Thinking things were going well, Seymour grinned.
Inside the Vestian Dark Information Guild.
Sven, this is an opportunity.
Serena said, smoothing her nails.
I can finally meet Laria.
Sven was seeking the opportunity to meet Laria. However, because it was difficult for her to escape and it wasnt easy for him to easily sneak into the Duchy. Even the painter, Redian, who had contacted her last time, was almost driven out at one point.
But then, some ambiguous things happened.
Ten paintings of Redian were bought in Larias name. Nevertheless, as his reputation slowly rose up, the price of the painting began to soar several times.
Apparently, after being introduced to several salons, the number of his buyers suddenly increased.
Have you talked with Laria about painting?
Sven was surprised and asked Serena for Larias opinion.
Serena replied, nodding slowly.
But its not the time yet, so she told me to wait a little longer.
As expected, its worth keeping an eye on.
Sven, did you find out why theres so much fuss about that artist? He had been in obscurity, but then
Thats
Hearing so, Sven knitted his brow.
Seymour Letucia had been working on the background.
What?
Serena was surprised by the unexpected name and murmured in irritation.
Wow, that stalker is horrible
Where did Laria find Redian again? Anyway, it seems that Seymour had taken him to different places, as well as the salons.
How did Laria find him?
Serena shook her head and flicked her tongue frustratedly.
Anyway, lets meet Laria and talk to her. I think I will finally be able to see her.
Even if she went to Borotna to treat herself, Laria had to be careful about her movements as she brought all kinds of maids and employees from the Duchy.
This was why Duke Icard was a tough opponent.
Still, a very good opportunity awaits.
Theyre having a banquet there, as we expected.
If the one and only Duke Icard wouldnt hold a banquet for the Young Princess, she would turn into an easy prey for everyone in the social circles. The grander the banquet, the stronger Princess Icards presence will be as the talk of the region.
A banquet is perfect to avoid other peoples eyes. Serena said, lifting the black cat sitting on Svens lap.
Then, we can finally tell her that shes our long-cherished desire.
He then laughed as though he was satisfied.
I hope Laria will accept us without any resistance.
7 Family and Blood Ties.
This is the latest trend. I think it would be really pretty if you put a diamond in the neckline. Lisa explained passionately about stacking catalogs in front of me.
And Tiara, just like this
Tiaras a little old-fashioned. If youre going to put something on her head, wouldnt this be better?
She glared at Serena, who stepped in the midst of us looking through the catalog together.
Cant the doctor please be faithful to her duty?
Oh, does Lisa originally have this kind of personality?
She has a very calm and hardworking image, but after Serena came, she turned quite feisty.
Nothing else will be suitable for Miss Larias first banquet dress.
Lisa spoke as if sighing and continued.
There will be some territoriality in the social circles of the region Thats why she has to wear the most expensive, splendid and trendy dress in the Capital.
Then, her eyes flashed furiously.
Its an important event, so dont interfere. Whats the point of you interfering as a doctor?
No, if its such an important event, of course, I have to intervene for her mental health.
Lisa and Serenas opinions were divided on everything, and eventually, I had no choice but to meditate. Peace came only after Lisa agreed to choose the dress while Serena chose the accessories.
Miss Laria, do you have any other ideas? Its a bit of a shame
I wanted to choose it myself, though I wasnt sure about the beauty standards of this world because I havent attended a banquet before.
I well, I like everything.
The Duke himself added that you shouldnt worry about the budget at all. Theres no limit at all, so you dont have to discuss it with the butler. You just have to spend the money like pouring water.
Really?
Suddenly, I had a much higher level of taste than any others in this worlds beauty standard.
Lets add more jewelry to the dress and also the finest diamonds.
This is a very standardized and lavish taste of having money.
Tell them to stick it meticulously where people cant see it too easily.
So
Lisa was pondering. After a while, she clapped her hands excitedly.
Maybe, I should talk to the butler and ask him to connect me to the jeweler. Theres only so much jewelry in the closet.
Oh, Lisa can you do that? When things get this chaotic, Im
I answered with a sigh.
Im so excited
But, there was one thing overlooked. When Duke Icardi said, Spread money unconditionally, the scale was much larger than I expected.
Shortly after Lisa requested the butler to connect her to the jeweler, the Dukes residence had three of the most famous jewelers in the Capital.
The jewelers lined the parlor with all the famous jewels.
Its a green diamond necklace called Tears of Spring Leaves that hasnt been on the market for nearly three hundred years.
As I saw the flashing emerald, another jeweler gave out a huge explanation.
Everything on the market is a fake made of emerald, and even if its a fake, its very expensive. For those of you who dont know jewelry, we recommend it more than half-baked ones.
It was then
Excuse me, theres an urgent visitor.
There was a person who came rushing in at a very bad time. Morand, the butler, uttered with an embarrassed face.
Miss Laria, this person said she couldnt contact you firsthand because she came in a hurry after hearing about your departure.
Is there even anyone who would rush to see me right before my departure?
Laria! Oh, my God, Laria!
The person barged into the drawing-room and hugged me before I could deduce.
Im sorry that I just showed up! Im so sorry!
With my lightning-like eyes, I noticed that the persons gaze flashed first for a second at the jewels hanging on the table, instead of me.
I had just found a way to contact you after hearing about everything!
Who, who?
Oh, Laria. Auntie! Its your auntie! Didnt your dad ever tell you about me?
As far as I know, my father didnt have a sister.
Your fathers cousin Karen Maria Rostry. I saw you once when you were three!
Karen looked to be about in her mid-thirties and wore pretty good clothes and accessories. Tears welled up in her blue eyes. She had pink hair, similar to mine, although it was more faded.
The funny thing was that she was wearing a necklace just like Tears of the Spring Leaves.
Not a single relative from my fathers side came to their funeral after my parents died in that carriage accident. Everyone knew that my father had left debts behind.
And, of course, everyone knew that I had nowhere to go
So, in short, my fathers cousin, who only saw me once when I was three years old, decided to take advantage of this golden opportunity.