087. Extremely noble
Tuesday. It was a rare day when the restaurant's work was over early. It was also the day when she got her two-week paycheck.
Emilia, who stood before her master, Ingrid, with a trembling heart, called her name softly, “Miss Ingrid.” She was within arm’s reach, so there was no way she wouldn’t have heard.
But strangely enough, Ingrid didn't move at all. Her eyes were glued to her ledger, completely unaware of the person in front of her.
Emilia somehow seemed to know why her master was doing that.
A few days ago, she saw her having a serious conversation with Mr. Hellock, the chef. Emilia couldn't hear her clearly, but she could guess from her expression and a few words.
Business is really bad.
Even Emilia could see that this place was woefully understaffed. Considering that it had only been open for a month, there were too many times when flies would fly around. It was enough to make even Emilia, a mere dishwasher, worry.
Emilia, who had been waiting quietly, made her presence known once again with a cough. Only then did Ingrid glance around.
Ingrid stared blankly at Emilia, then exclaimed, “Ah!” and reached for the counter. She opened the drawer and took out money diligently, but her eyes were fixed on the ledger, full of worry.
After a while, a few bills and coins were placed on the counter.
“Thank you...”
Emilia's hand, which was reaching for the money, stopped for a moment. It was because there was one more bill. Emilia was just about to open her mouth to say, "Over there..." to return it.
“Why aren’t you going?!”
A sharp, nervous cry rang out. Emilia flinched, and Ingrid blinked as if shocked by herself. Her eyes, which had been floating in the air, were fixed on the bills placed in front of her.
After a few seconds, Ingrid's face began to turn bright red as she finally assessed the situation.
“Ah... sorry.”
The cold eyes lost all their strength, and her shoulders slumped.
“These days, I’m... not in my right mind...”
At the voice full of deep self-reproach, Emilia felt pity welling up from the depths of her heart. Emilia, too, had been stuck in a swamp from which she could not escape for the past few months. She knew how much self-loathing it was to find herself bouncing around like a rugby ball, unable to control her emotions.
Emilia quickly relaxed the tenseness in her face and smiled.
“It’s okay. That could be possible.”
Emilia, who had answered comfortingly, said, “Then goodbye.” Just as she was about to turn around after saying goodbye,
"For a moment."
Ingrid called her over. Then she pushed the bill back towards Emilia. When Emilia tilted her head, Ingrid opened her mouth, her eyebrows furrowing.
“It’s not much, but consider it a bonus. I heard from Mr. Hellock that thanks to you, I was able to correct one wrong thing.”
Emilia still looked up at Ingrid with a questioning face.
“You said the staff didn’t even rinse the dishes they soaked in lye properly?”
Emilia's mouth opened wide and then slowly closed.
“I’m still a novice in business, but I know that sometimes a worker like you can do the work of ten people. So take it.”
Her heart was pounding just like when she got the chicken from Mr. Hellock, or even more so.
“When I first saw you, I had no expectations. I thought you would only last a few days and then quit. But now, my thoughts have completely changed. I can learn a lot just by watching how you wash dishes.”
"Thank you."
“If business had been good, I would have given you more. Just now... I’m really sorry.”
“Oh, no. It’s really okay. I understand.”
Emilia packed her money into her bag and left the restaurant in a dazed mood.
How should she express this?
She felt proud and grateful, but her heart continued to feel heavy. Her eyes kept turning to the restaurant across the street that was bustling with customers.
Is it okay to do business like this?
Emilia heard that running a store requires more than just being kind.
The successful businessmen she met in passing at Cavendish Manor were generally miserable and worked their workers too hard. It almost seemed to her that this was the only way to make money.
Why on earth is business not going well? Looking at Mr. Hellock, it doesn't seem like the food is bad.
Is it because it's still early? Won't it get better once word of mouth spreads?
It was at this moment that Emilia turned towards Beppy's carriage, her thoughts in disarray.
“What are you thinking about?”
Het aimless walk suddenly came to a halt. A familiar scent of perfume tickled her nose. Emilia raised her head and saw Nathan Malvin standing there, just as she had expected.
“I’ve heard that cross-dressing is popular among bored ladies, but I didn’t know it was here.”
His smiling eyes were resting on the tips of Emilia's short hair. Emilia stared blankly up at his face.
“I tried to surprise you, but I surprised myself.”
“How did you know... that I was here?”
The green eyes shone affectionately. No, looking at them up close, they weren't just green. They were a much more subtle and elegant olive color.
“I was so heartbroken by your reply that I couldn’t eat or drink anything, but then I received this. And it brought me back to life.”
The smiling man was holding another letter in his hand.
In the upscale residential area along the River Rivier, northwest of Nowak, the mansion that stands out the most is the 'Tobaro' of the Grand Duke Leichnen family. As befitting a mining tycoon's townhouse, it is even called a 'palace' and has been busy preparing to welcome guests since morning.
A shade was set up in the middle of the garden, and a large dining table was set up. Colorful flowers were in full bloom in each bronze vase, and pure white, top-quality tableware was lined up in rows.
Under the clear sky where the early morning birds had flown in, a woman with bronze-colored hair tied loosely up finally appeared. She was Bianca Leichnen, the famous daughter of the Grand Duchess Leichnen, who had not had a daughter for nearly half a century.
Her bright red eyes, set against a backdrop of rosy skin, sparkled brightly. She was not a flashy beauty, but she was a lovely young lady with a lively energy and vitality that made people look back at her.
Bianca was waiting for something, her nervous expression tightly hidden behind her bright expression.
A moment later, the front gate of Tobaro opened, and a magnificent gilded carriage pulled up in front of her. As the coachman opened the door, silk shoes decorated with flowers stepped up the steps and tapped softly on the ground. It was Kaitlyn Meyer.
“Bianca!”
Kaitlyn Meyer let out a gasp and spread her arms wide.
“Mrs. Meyer!”
Bianca responded, jumping into Kaitlyn's arms without hesitation.
“It’s like a dream to see you again like this!”
Kaitlyn broke free of the embrace, took off her gloves, and handed them to the maid. She then leaned back and looked Bianca up and down again.
“How could you become more beautiful in a few months? I guess it was true that Aphrodite visited the convent in Bruges every night.”
“Please stop. You were like that when I was little... I’m so embarrassed.”
Bianca put her hand to her forehead and made a playful expression. The two looked at each other and laughed out loud.
Bianca's mother, Enria Leichnen, who was standing behind, looked at the two of them with pride before turning her eyes back to the carriage. It was to greet the real protagonist.
However, the carriage is empty.
Kaitlyn noticed Enria like that and opened her mouth urgently.
“It looks like Hardius will be a little late. He said he had something urgent to take care of. He said he’d be back as soon as he was done, so why don’t we enjoy ourselves first?”
Enria's face hardened slightly. Bianca noticed her mother and stood between them.
“That’s a really great idea! A girls’ dinner party!”
She reached out to Kaitlyn and linked arms with her without hesitation.
“Did you know? Madame Meyer is very popular in the Bruges convent. My classmates were even more curious about Madame Meyer than Prince Meyer. Everyone was very jealous of me. I heard that I would become a member of the same family as the Empress of Meyer Steel.”
“Oh my god, Bianca, I’m feeling dizzy.”
Kaitlyn imitated Bianca's previous actions and put her hand on her forehead. The servants who were watching also broke into smiles.
Enria couldn't express her discontent anymore when her daughter came forward and said it was okay. She followed the two people, her face hardened. Bianca, who was quick-witted, knew very well how to comfort her mother. Her other hand reached out to her mother.
“Of course, my real role model in life is here, Grand Duchess Leichnen.”
As Bianca had expected, Enria just laughed as if to say, “I lost.”
Bianca walked briskly between the two women, arm in arm. Her face was bright, but her gaze, which glanced back as if for the last time, was focused on the empty carriage without him.
“Your Excellency, it would be best to leave quickly...”
Pip looked up at his master without saying a word.
An hour had passed since he had dressed up perfectly from head to toe, and yet his master had not moved from his room.
At the end of the expressionless gaze was a ring. It was so obvious who it was for; it was so beautiful that it was now making him angry.
“...I’ll tell the coachman to wait a little longer.”
Pip swallowed a sigh and left the room.
Even after the ignition disappeared, Hardius remained frozen for a long time.
Particles of blue light danced in the bright sunlight, sometimes fading and sometimes exploding.
For the past few days, Hardius has been feeling precarious, as if he were tightrope walking.
'I liked you.'
'I hate myself. I can't stand it anymore, and I'm saying this again.'
It was unclear what this uneasy feeling that was squeezing his heart was.
It was like the excitement of being soaked in front of the girl he had named as his fiancée at an engagement ceremony long ago, or like the naive and innocent boy who tried to tell her to run away while giving her a gun.
It was similar to the hot desire to suddenly get drenched by a shower while dancing on the white sand of the beach, or the soul-rending feeling of being sucked out of one's body when encountering the playful laughter of a woman who had downed her drink in one gulp at Elver.
"Master."
It was Grojean who opened the door in a hurry and appeared with an urgent voice.
Grosjean, too, was in an indescribable mood, like Pip. The master was just looking at his hands in his pockets with his usual cold eyes. But Grojean felt as if he was looking at shattered pieces of glass, and for some reason, he couldn't bear it.
"...Your Excellency.”
The hesitant voice flowed out once more.
“I think it would be better to leave quickly, even now.”
Instead of answering, Hardius closed the lid of the velvet box. The beautiful blue light was swallowed up by darkness.
The slanted sun rose just above the heads of the three women who were chatting. After finishing their meal, they moved to the living room to avoid the midday sun.
Warm tea and dessert greeted them as if they had been waiting for them.
Enria checked her watch and felt the resentment she had momentarily ignored returning. She was starting to feel a little resentful. Unable to resist the urge, she opened her mouth to face Kaitlyn.
“It’s nice to spend time with the girls, but it feels empty without the main character.”
“Oh, right?”
Kaitlyn tried hard to smile to hide her nervousness.
“I will send someone to call Hardius right now...”
“No, ma’am, I hope not.”
Bianca intervened again.
“It hasn’t been long since Prince Meyer became the CEO of Meyer Steel. It’s a very difficult and challenging job to lead people with the title of ‘CEO.’ I was also a student council representative, so I fully understand how he feels right now.”
Bianca's eyes were calm yet firm. It was clear that she wasn't just talking nonsense because her pride was hurt.
“That’s why I understand, and that’s why I don’t want to interrupt. Besides, the breakup hasn’t been officially announced. I don’t know how Madame Mayer will take it, but I also have concerns about inviting Prince Mayer to this banquet. I know it’s rude, but the reason I asked you to come so suddenly was to discuss that issue. The breakup has been resolved, and public opinion has died down. I don’t think there’s any need to rush.”
Enria and Kaitlyn looked at each other with slightly surprised expressions.
“I heard that Prince Mayer worked very hard to get His Majesty the King’s permission to break off the engagement. Knowing all that, I have no intention of complaining about not meeting with me sooner...”
That was when.
The butler appeared between two marble columns. Before he could open his mouth, Bianca's eyes were fixed on the black-haired man standing elegantly behind him.
The once calm and composed topaz-colored eyes lost their firm spirit and began to shake without mercy.
Perhaps it was because she had hidden her true feelings to the point where her heart hardened. Suddenly, in front of the suddenly grown man, Bianca's heart lost its composure and began to beat fiercely.
“It’s been a long time, Lady Leichnen.”
Hardius behaved like a gentleman. He bent his knees slightly and took Bianca's gloved hand, kissing the back of it.
Bianca looked down at the man, holding her breath. The tremors that started from the bottom of her body surged like a tidal wave, shaking her entire body.
Perhaps it was the aristocratic attitude she had been trained to maintain throughout her life. Bianca could barely cover up her helpless trembling with a light laugh.
“It is nice to meet you again, Prince Meyer.”
It was hard to believe that it had been five years since they last met, she answered in a cold voice.
But when she made direct contact with his indifferent silver-gray eyes, it was Bianca who was startled and ran away first.
Hardius let go of Bianca's hand and greeted Madame Leichnen and his own mother in turn.
“Sorry, I'm late.”
“Sorry, don’t say that. Thanks to you, we girls had a really fun time.”
When Enria waved her hand and looked at Kaitlyn, Kaitlyn smiled as if agreeing.
The look in her eyes that had been expressing discontent over Hardius not coming until just now disappeared in an instant. It was an extremely noble attitude, one that risked her life for pride and face.
Enria smiled faintly at Hardius, then called her maid and instructed her to prepare tea.
“Oh, by the way, where did we end our conversation?”
“We were discussing the banquet issue.”
The three women continued their conversation.
Hardius just silently listened to the conversation between the women with a moderately pleasant smile. He didn't even notice that Bianca's eyes occasionally turned to him.
Tuesday. It was a rare day when the restaurant's work was over early. It was also the day when she got her two-week paycheck.
Emilia, who stood before her master, Ingrid, with a trembling heart, called her name softly, “Miss Ingrid.” She was within arm’s reach, so there was no way she wouldn’t have heard.
But strangely enough, Ingrid didn't move at all. Her eyes were glued to her ledger, completely unaware of the person in front of her.
Emilia somehow seemed to know why her master was doing that.
A few days ago, she saw her having a serious conversation with Mr. Hellock, the chef. Emilia couldn't hear her clearly, but she could guess from her expression and a few words.
Business is really bad.
Even Emilia could see that this place was woefully understaffed. Considering that it had only been open for a month, there were too many times when flies would fly around. It was enough to make even Emilia, a mere dishwasher, worry.
Emilia, who had been waiting quietly, made her presence known once again with a cough. Only then did Ingrid glance around.
Ingrid stared blankly at Emilia, then exclaimed, “Ah!” and reached for the counter. She opened the drawer and took out money diligently, but her eyes were fixed on the ledger, full of worry.
After a while, a few bills and coins were placed on the counter.
“Thank you...”
Emilia's hand, which was reaching for the money, stopped for a moment. It was because there was one more bill. Emilia was just about to open her mouth to say, "Over there..." to return it.
“Why aren’t you going?!”
A sharp, nervous cry rang out. Emilia flinched, and Ingrid blinked as if shocked by herself. Her eyes, which had been floating in the air, were fixed on the bills placed in front of her.
After a few seconds, Ingrid's face began to turn bright red as she finally assessed the situation.
“Ah... sorry.”
The cold eyes lost all their strength, and her shoulders slumped.
“These days, I’m... not in my right mind...”
At the voice full of deep self-reproach, Emilia felt pity welling up from the depths of her heart. Emilia, too, had been stuck in a swamp from which she could not escape for the past few months. She knew how much self-loathing it was to find herself bouncing around like a rugby ball, unable to control her emotions.
Emilia quickly relaxed the tenseness in her face and smiled.
“It’s okay. That could be possible.”
Emilia, who had answered comfortingly, said, “Then goodbye.” Just as she was about to turn around after saying goodbye,
"For a moment."
Ingrid called her over. Then she pushed the bill back towards Emilia. When Emilia tilted her head, Ingrid opened her mouth, her eyebrows furrowing.
“It’s not much, but consider it a bonus. I heard from Mr. Hellock that thanks to you, I was able to correct one wrong thing.”
Emilia still looked up at Ingrid with a questioning face.
“You said the staff didn’t even rinse the dishes they soaked in lye properly?”
Emilia's mouth opened wide and then slowly closed.
“I’m still a novice in business, but I know that sometimes a worker like you can do the work of ten people. So take it.”
Her heart was pounding just like when she got the chicken from Mr. Hellock, or even more so.
“When I first saw you, I had no expectations. I thought you would only last a few days and then quit. But now, my thoughts have completely changed. I can learn a lot just by watching how you wash dishes.”
"Thank you."
“If business had been good, I would have given you more. Just now... I’m really sorry.”
“Oh, no. It’s really okay. I understand.”
Emilia packed her money into her bag and left the restaurant in a dazed mood.
How should she express this?
She felt proud and grateful, but her heart continued to feel heavy. Her eyes kept turning to the restaurant across the street that was bustling with customers.
Is it okay to do business like this?
Emilia heard that running a store requires more than just being kind.
The successful businessmen she met in passing at Cavendish Manor were generally miserable and worked their workers too hard. It almost seemed to her that this was the only way to make money.
Why on earth is business not going well? Looking at Mr. Hellock, it doesn't seem like the food is bad.
Is it because it's still early? Won't it get better once word of mouth spreads?
It was at this moment that Emilia turned towards Beppy's carriage, her thoughts in disarray.
“What are you thinking about?”
Het aimless walk suddenly came to a halt. A familiar scent of perfume tickled her nose. Emilia raised her head and saw Nathan Malvin standing there, just as she had expected.
“I’ve heard that cross-dressing is popular among bored ladies, but I didn’t know it was here.”
His smiling eyes were resting on the tips of Emilia's short hair. Emilia stared blankly up at his face.
“I tried to surprise you, but I surprised myself.”
“How did you know... that I was here?”
The green eyes shone affectionately. No, looking at them up close, they weren't just green. They were a much more subtle and elegant olive color.
“I was so heartbroken by your reply that I couldn’t eat or drink anything, but then I received this. And it brought me back to life.”
The smiling man was holding another letter in his hand.
***
In the upscale residential area along the River Rivier, northwest of Nowak, the mansion that stands out the most is the 'Tobaro' of the Grand Duke Leichnen family. As befitting a mining tycoon's townhouse, it is even called a 'palace' and has been busy preparing to welcome guests since morning.
A shade was set up in the middle of the garden, and a large dining table was set up. Colorful flowers were in full bloom in each bronze vase, and pure white, top-quality tableware was lined up in rows.
Under the clear sky where the early morning birds had flown in, a woman with bronze-colored hair tied loosely up finally appeared. She was Bianca Leichnen, the famous daughter of the Grand Duchess Leichnen, who had not had a daughter for nearly half a century.
Her bright red eyes, set against a backdrop of rosy skin, sparkled brightly. She was not a flashy beauty, but she was a lovely young lady with a lively energy and vitality that made people look back at her.
Bianca was waiting for something, her nervous expression tightly hidden behind her bright expression.
A moment later, the front gate of Tobaro opened, and a magnificent gilded carriage pulled up in front of her. As the coachman opened the door, silk shoes decorated with flowers stepped up the steps and tapped softly on the ground. It was Kaitlyn Meyer.
“Bianca!”
Kaitlyn Meyer let out a gasp and spread her arms wide.
“Mrs. Meyer!”
Bianca responded, jumping into Kaitlyn's arms without hesitation.
“It’s like a dream to see you again like this!”
Kaitlyn broke free of the embrace, took off her gloves, and handed them to the maid. She then leaned back and looked Bianca up and down again.
“How could you become more beautiful in a few months? I guess it was true that Aphrodite visited the convent in Bruges every night.”
“Please stop. You were like that when I was little... I’m so embarrassed.”
Bianca put her hand to her forehead and made a playful expression. The two looked at each other and laughed out loud.
Bianca's mother, Enria Leichnen, who was standing behind, looked at the two of them with pride before turning her eyes back to the carriage. It was to greet the real protagonist.
However, the carriage is empty.
Kaitlyn noticed Enria like that and opened her mouth urgently.
“It looks like Hardius will be a little late. He said he had something urgent to take care of. He said he’d be back as soon as he was done, so why don’t we enjoy ourselves first?”
Enria's face hardened slightly. Bianca noticed her mother and stood between them.
“That’s a really great idea! A girls’ dinner party!”
She reached out to Kaitlyn and linked arms with her without hesitation.
“Did you know? Madame Meyer is very popular in the Bruges convent. My classmates were even more curious about Madame Meyer than Prince Meyer. Everyone was very jealous of me. I heard that I would become a member of the same family as the Empress of Meyer Steel.”
“Oh my god, Bianca, I’m feeling dizzy.”
Kaitlyn imitated Bianca's previous actions and put her hand on her forehead. The servants who were watching also broke into smiles.
Enria couldn't express her discontent anymore when her daughter came forward and said it was okay. She followed the two people, her face hardened. Bianca, who was quick-witted, knew very well how to comfort her mother. Her other hand reached out to her mother.
“Of course, my real role model in life is here, Grand Duchess Leichnen.”
As Bianca had expected, Enria just laughed as if to say, “I lost.”
Bianca walked briskly between the two women, arm in arm. Her face was bright, but her gaze, which glanced back as if for the last time, was focused on the empty carriage without him.
***
“Your Excellency, it would be best to leave quickly...”
Pip looked up at his master without saying a word.
An hour had passed since he had dressed up perfectly from head to toe, and yet his master had not moved from his room.
At the end of the expressionless gaze was a ring. It was so obvious who it was for; it was so beautiful that it was now making him angry.
“...I’ll tell the coachman to wait a little longer.”
Pip swallowed a sigh and left the room.
Even after the ignition disappeared, Hardius remained frozen for a long time.
Particles of blue light danced in the bright sunlight, sometimes fading and sometimes exploding.
For the past few days, Hardius has been feeling precarious, as if he were tightrope walking.
'I liked you.'
'I hate myself. I can't stand it anymore, and I'm saying this again.'
It was unclear what this uneasy feeling that was squeezing his heart was.
It was like the excitement of being soaked in front of the girl he had named as his fiancée at an engagement ceremony long ago, or like the naive and innocent boy who tried to tell her to run away while giving her a gun.
It was similar to the hot desire to suddenly get drenched by a shower while dancing on the white sand of the beach, or the soul-rending feeling of being sucked out of one's body when encountering the playful laughter of a woman who had downed her drink in one gulp at Elver.
"Master."
It was Grojean who opened the door in a hurry and appeared with an urgent voice.
Grosjean, too, was in an indescribable mood, like Pip. The master was just looking at his hands in his pockets with his usual cold eyes. But Grojean felt as if he was looking at shattered pieces of glass, and for some reason, he couldn't bear it.
"...Your Excellency.”
The hesitant voice flowed out once more.
“I think it would be better to leave quickly, even now.”
Instead of answering, Hardius closed the lid of the velvet box. The beautiful blue light was swallowed up by darkness.
***
The slanted sun rose just above the heads of the three women who were chatting. After finishing their meal, they moved to the living room to avoid the midday sun.
Warm tea and dessert greeted them as if they had been waiting for them.
Enria checked her watch and felt the resentment she had momentarily ignored returning. She was starting to feel a little resentful. Unable to resist the urge, she opened her mouth to face Kaitlyn.
“It’s nice to spend time with the girls, but it feels empty without the main character.”
“Oh, right?”
Kaitlyn tried hard to smile to hide her nervousness.
“I will send someone to call Hardius right now...”
“No, ma’am, I hope not.”
Bianca intervened again.
“It hasn’t been long since Prince Meyer became the CEO of Meyer Steel. It’s a very difficult and challenging job to lead people with the title of ‘CEO.’ I was also a student council representative, so I fully understand how he feels right now.”
Bianca's eyes were calm yet firm. It was clear that she wasn't just talking nonsense because her pride was hurt.
“That’s why I understand, and that’s why I don’t want to interrupt. Besides, the breakup hasn’t been officially announced. I don’t know how Madame Mayer will take it, but I also have concerns about inviting Prince Mayer to this banquet. I know it’s rude, but the reason I asked you to come so suddenly was to discuss that issue. The breakup has been resolved, and public opinion has died down. I don’t think there’s any need to rush.”
Enria and Kaitlyn looked at each other with slightly surprised expressions.
“I heard that Prince Mayer worked very hard to get His Majesty the King’s permission to break off the engagement. Knowing all that, I have no intention of complaining about not meeting with me sooner...”
That was when.
The butler appeared between two marble columns. Before he could open his mouth, Bianca's eyes were fixed on the black-haired man standing elegantly behind him.
The once calm and composed topaz-colored eyes lost their firm spirit and began to shake without mercy.
Perhaps it was because she had hidden her true feelings to the point where her heart hardened. Suddenly, in front of the suddenly grown man, Bianca's heart lost its composure and began to beat fiercely.
“It’s been a long time, Lady Leichnen.”
Hardius behaved like a gentleman. He bent his knees slightly and took Bianca's gloved hand, kissing the back of it.
Bianca looked down at the man, holding her breath. The tremors that started from the bottom of her body surged like a tidal wave, shaking her entire body.
Perhaps it was the aristocratic attitude she had been trained to maintain throughout her life. Bianca could barely cover up her helpless trembling with a light laugh.
“It is nice to meet you again, Prince Meyer.”
It was hard to believe that it had been five years since they last met, she answered in a cold voice.
But when she made direct contact with his indifferent silver-gray eyes, it was Bianca who was startled and ran away first.
Hardius let go of Bianca's hand and greeted Madame Leichnen and his own mother in turn.
“Sorry, I'm late.”
“Sorry, don’t say that. Thanks to you, we girls had a really fun time.”
When Enria waved her hand and looked at Kaitlyn, Kaitlyn smiled as if agreeing.
The look in her eyes that had been expressing discontent over Hardius not coming until just now disappeared in an instant. It was an extremely noble attitude, one that risked her life for pride and face.
Enria smiled faintly at Hardius, then called her maid and instructed her to prepare tea.
“Oh, by the way, where did we end our conversation?”
“We were discussing the banquet issue.”
The three women continued their conversation.
Hardius just silently listened to the conversation between the women with a moderately pleasant smile. He didn't even notice that Bianca's eyes occasionally turned to him.
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