7MIP - Chapter 43



Agatha felt eyes on her from the side, but she did not turn her head.

Just then, the members filled the empty stage and began to play.

Ta-da-da-da-da

Agatha raised her hand as she listened to the resonating music. The maid who had been waiting far away quickly put down the wine and glass she had brought.

It was one of the things Agatha had come to enjoy these days.

Just as Agatha was about to grab the bottle after the maid had been bitten, a hand reached out first and pulled out the cork.

Kkkkkkkkk-

Red wine is poured into a clear glass. Agatha, who had been staring at Enoch's hand tilting the bottle, took the glass.

She sipped her wine in silence until the end of the performance.

The performance was over. Agatha, who had been standing up after giving a ceremonial clap, stumbled, and Enoch instinctively reached out his hand.

Agatha, who had been struck unconsciously, opened her eyes wide. Enoch was looking down at his thrown hand.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

"...It's okay."

“I’m going now. I want to rest.”

Agatha left the VIP room first. She was followed by a dark-faced maid, the First Vice-Captain, Leon Takran.

Enoch let out a short breath and followed her out.

In the hallway and hall, nobles who had finished their appreciation poured out and soon surrounded Agatha.

“Marquis Aratus.”

Enoch was also buried among the nobles who approached him.

Enoch's gaze occasionally turned to Agatha.

And there was a gaze secretly staring at that figure.

The Marquis Aratus and his wife left the VIP room separately, and even now they are standing separately and forming a group.

The gaze that had been observing the situation disappeared as soon as Enoch raised his head.

Enoch, who had been staring at the pillar on one side of the hallway for a while, lowered his gaze to the small warmth that touched his arm.

“I’m going now, Enoch. I’m particularly tired today.”

It had only been a few days since she had made the first move.

Agatha looked up at him, motionless, with a puzzled look.

"Enoch?"

“Yes. Let’s go back early.”

The nobles surrounding them watched the situation, laughed, and stepped back.

“Goodbye, Marquis.”

“See you later, Marchioness.”

Agatha left Armand Hall, escorted by Enoch.

The nobles still remaining in the hall watched the scene as if nothing had happened.

There's been a strange rumor going around in social circles these days.

The Marquis Aratus couple, who were causing rumors every day, have been quiet recently, it's hard to see them together, and even the amount of wine being brought into the newlywed's mansion has increased.

“Hmm, don’t you think we’ll hear some exciting news soon?”

“Well, just looking at their appearance, it doesn’t seem like it.”

As she listened to the whispering voices around her, Agatha's closest confidant, Marchioness Iris Domunia, was quietly fanning herself.

***

Early morning.

Dagdak, dagdak-

A four-horse chariot escorted by the Knights of Aratus entered the grounds of the capital city, Aratus Mansion.

It was now a familiar sight to see the flags of House Aratus and House Nobilis waving simultaneously.

What was a little strange was the presence of Enoch Aratus, who had accompanied Agatha for the first time since she had entered this mansion.

The carriage stopped, and Enoch dismounted and reached out his hand toward the open carriage door. Agatha took his hand and gracefully lowered herself to the ground.

In front of the main mansion, Isabelle Aratus was waiting to greet us.

“Welcome, Madame Agatha.”

“Good morning, Isabelle.”

“You came with my brother today.”

Isabelle was smiling slightly. Agatha changed the subject without saying anything.

“It just so happened that the timing was right. Thanks for bringing me here, Enoch.”

"No."

He was later scheduled to go hunting with some of his fellow nobles.

It was a simple hunting trip to check up before the autumn social season, which is the full-fledged hunting season, opens.

The man, who had paused for a moment, added.

“I don’t think today’s schedule will take long. If it’s okay with you, how about we go back together on time?”

"All right."

“...I’m not forcing you.”

Agatha shook her head slightly at Enoch's words.

“It would be best if we act together for the time being. If I finish early, I’ll go to the hunting grounds.”

The reason she accompanied Enoch today was because of a letter sent by the Marchioness Iris Domunia.

[Dear Madame Agatha,

These days, there is an increasing amount of attention being paid to the relationship between Lady Agatha and Marquis Aratus among the nobles.

They're still suspicious, but if it wasn't your intention, how about showing affection more often?

If you have anything in mind, I would be happy if you could just let me know.

From Iris Domunia, your eternal friend.

P.S. I heard that Mrs. Cadden attended Armand Hall yesterday.]


'It's almost time for an attack.'

Agatha decided to strengthen her guard while also putting an end to the rumors.

If one of the relatives, Cadden, heard the rumor, there was a chance that they would check the truth in various ways or just barge in.

That is why Enoch accompanied her today.

If he were by her side, a great knight with a high reputation on the continent, he would restrain themself from acting like before.

“Would you mind if I did that?”

Agatha asked Enoch for permission. For a moment, his face seemed to harden.

“...You can come to me anytime.”

“I’m glad you think so. Then I’ll see you later.”

The man who had been standing there with his eyes covered for a moment made a gesture. The first vice-captain, Leon Takran, who had been sent out as the escort today, followed close behind.

“Be on high alert and report anything unusual.”

“Yes, my lord.”

The man who had kissed the back of Agatha's hand turned around.

There was silence around him until he disappeared. Soon, Agatha turned to Isabelle with a brighter face.

“Well then, shall we start welcoming guests today?”

Isabelle nodded quietly. What Agatha had prepared for today was a simple art exhibition centered around the corridors of the patronage.

The plan was to decorate the corridor like a makeshift art gallery and place simple drinks and food in the back garden to enjoy free time.

By the time preparations were finished, the guests began to arrive.

“Welcome, Madam Iris.”

“I saw you yesterday and I’m glad to see you again. I came running as soon as I heard that I could see your precious collection.”

Since the mansion was not open to the public today, it was planned to be a small gathering of invited guests.

Agatha nodded slightly at the secret glance sent by Lady Iris and led the guests inside.

“Yes, shall we move to the hallway now? I think you’ve all finished arranging the artwork you brought by now.”

“My heart is pounding. I wonder what kind of art other people will bring...”

In the hallway, dozens of works of art, one in each beautifully decorated section, were waiting, covered with white cloth.

Agatha approached the first piece, holding a glass of champagne on the table.

“The first piece is mine. The piece I brought is-”

The servants who caught Agatha's gaze quickly lifted the white cloth. Muffled exclamations erupted from all over.

“Let me introduce you to the ‘Lady of Dreams’ by an unknown craftsman that I acquired a few years ago.”

The artwork that contained the soul of the craftsman had an overwhelming feeling that could not be expressed in words.

A woman with dreamy colors and an ideal figure, as if walking through a dream.

The painting that filled the huge canvas was awe-inspiring. Then came an outpouring of overwhelming appreciation.

“Oh my God, I wonder who won this piece at a secret auction!”

“I never thought I would see this work again here. It’s even more magical when you see it up close. It’s beautiful.”

“Isn’t this your first public appearance? Madame Agatha has made a really big decision.”

Servants milled around among the nobles, collecting empty champagne glasses and passing around new ones. In an instant, the cheeks of the noblewoman and the young lady, who had emptied their champagne glasses, flushed with excitement.

“What will be your next work?”

“Looking at the layout, I think it’s mine.”

Countess McKellen, who came forward next, introduced the work with an embarrassed smile.

“Although it is not as good as Madame Agatha’s first work, I have brought you a decent collection.”

From sculptures to oil paintings, the works of great masters, and even works created directly by artists with the patronage of nobles.

Although it was not as intense as the first work, the salon heated up as people appreciated the various works of art that appeared afterward.

When all the works are revealed and there is free appreciation and discussion, etc.

The Marquis Iris Domunia approached Agatha, who was making sure that there was no shortage of food or alcohol.

Iris, who had naturally taken the couch next to me, opened her mouth.

“I heard that the Marquis brought Madame Agatha to you today.”

“Thanks for taking Madam’s advice.”

Mrs. Iris smiled slightly and asked, covering her lips with her fan.

“Is there any news I should know?”

It was a question about the letter sent this morning. Agatha paused for a moment, then leaned back on the couch and opened her mouth quietly.

"Perhaps."

“...”

“It might be a good idea to prepare a little.”



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