Odelia ruminated on the Grand Duchess's words.
The Grand Duchess invited Odelia not merely to see her face after a long time and exchange greetings. It was to clearly make the name of Tamaland known to the center of the Empire through this performance.
"Don't follow me. You're the star of today."
The Grand Duchess walked slowly out of the room, supported by a servant, and turned to look at Odelia, giving a slight smile.
The hall was filled with life again. However, Odelia's gaze lingered at the doorway for a long time.
'I really need to properly thank you at least once.'
Before she could even compose herself, the murmuring around her suddenly grew louder.
"Madame Odelia Talamand!"
"You are the winner of this ribbon game, aren't you!"
“You were truly amazing!”
The nobles swarmed in and surrounded Odelia all at once.
"Come to think of it, I heard you put up a new fence around Talamand this time?"
"I suppose that means the public safety is stable, right? How many people live here?"
"My nephew is planning to move; are there... any benefits for people from noble families?"
Questions poured in like a storm. Some were out of curiosity, others out of shallow calculation, and still others were simply throwing out words to test the waters.
Odelia smiled calmly without being flustered.
"Yes. Now that the walls and fences are complete, you can settle safely. Currently, about 500 people reside here, and that number is gradually increasing."
The surroundings fell silent at her clear voice. Odelia met the gaze of each person one by one as she continued speaking.
"Of course, those from noble families are welcome. However, Talamand prioritizes skill over lineage. Anyone who wishes to make this land more prosperous is welcome."
At those words, several nobles exchanged glances.
"If it's skill... then is it possible to invest?"
"Like establishing a trading company or connecting trade routes...?"
"That is correct. After all, Talamand is a land that is still growing. We will keep our doors open at any time to those who can grow together with us."
In an instant, the nobles' attitude changed noticeably. Their gazes of curiosity and testing gradually turned into respect and interest.
If Talamand was regarded just moments ago as merely a 'night on the frontier that was once glorious,' it has now begun to appear as a land of opportunity.
"No, at this level, it might actually be okay."
"I understand why the Emperor and the Grand Duchess are so concerned."
"So, a hero is a hero after all."
Odelia's heart pounded hot at the whisper she heard softly.
***
The Grand Duchess's bedroom was a world completely different from the commotion of the banquet.
In a quiet room where candlelight burned softly, the Grand Duchess sat leaning against the bed amidst dazzling decorations. The sounds of music and laughter drifted faintly through the open window.
Just then, the sound of knocking on the door rang out.
“Please come in.”
The Grand Duchess's calm voice flowed out. The door opened, and Fabiana appeared.
Her hair, which had been a mess at her son's hands earlier at the banquet hall, was now perfectly styled. A smile played on her lips, but her gaze was sharp.
"It is a pity that I could not fully enjoy the wonderful banquet you prepared... However, it is also interesting that the Grand Duchess seems to have already decided on the true protagonist of this banquet."
"You cannot be the protagonist in everything, Fabiana."
For a moment, Fabiana's smile contorted slightly.
"Do you know... why I came here?"
Suppressed anger was tinged at the end of her words. The Grand Duchess snickered, laughing very hard.
"Of course. You must have come because you wanted this villa I own."
This villa was originally left to the Grand Duchess by the late Empress. It was beautiful and splendid, a villa that anyone would covet. Although everyone kept quiet about it, they were all wondering to whom she, being childless, would give this villa.
"Everyone knows that I will not sell this villa. In that case, there is only one answer. I will gift it to the person who wins my heart."
The Grand Duchess slowly shifted her gaze toward Fabiana.
"It is impossible to have everything one desires. Obsessing over what you cannot have ultimately harms you. You must let go when you can."
Those words pierced Fabiana's heart squarely. In an instant, her face flushed red.
"...Hmph."
Unable to suppress her anger, Fabiana turned away from the bed, slammed the door shut, and left the room.
The Grand Duchess, left behind, let out a sigh. However, her gaze remained calm and unwavering.
"You are still a foolish child."
***
The lights of the banquet gradually dimmed, and the sound of music faded away. Odelia walked quietly down the corridor, accompanied only by a single servant.
The path leading to the Grand Duchess's bedroom was silent, but the moonlight shining through the window was softly coloring the floor.
"Your Highness, Odelia has arrived."
As she cautiously bowed at the door, a low voice was heard from inside.
"Coming in."
In the room, where soft light and fragrance filled the air, a tranquility and depth resided that were entirely different from the splendor of the banquet hall.
As Odelia went inside, she saw the Grand Duchess sitting leaning against the bed. She was old and gaunt, yet she still did not wear the dignity of a noblewoman.
"I apologize for dropping by so late at night."
"No, Odelia. I wanted to talk to you alone."
It was an incredibly intimate tone. As Odelia carefully sat down on the chair beside the bed, the Grand Duchess quietly began to tell a story from the past.
"I am a relative of the House of Lowood, and I grew up with the late Empress. And at one time, I was also the tutor of Violet, the Marchioness of Rubis."
The Grand Duchess's gaze became distant, as if she were tracing a long memory.
"Violet was a strong and benevolent person. She led the Rubis family to great turmoil, and above all, she was a woman who feared nothing to protect her family. When the child was born, I willingly decided to become the godmother."
Odelia's eyes wavered. An inexplicable heat welled up from deep within her chest.
"However, the late Empress's jealousy and fear drove the Rubis family to ruin. I could not bring myself to stop it. I was so foolish back then."
A subtle light flickered in the corners of her eyes. Then, catching her breath, the Grand Duchess continued speaking slowly.
"The late Empress regretted her actions at the last moment. Before she died, she gifted this villa to me to atone for her sins."
The Grand Duchess raised his hand and slightly lifted Odelia's chin.
Their eyes met. Deep compassion and affection blossomed in their gazes.
"It is a relief... that I have come to face my goddaughter again like this."
Her voice trembled quietly.
"When I go to the afterlife, you will have something to tell your parents."
"...Did he know?"
"Let me mention one thing: His Majesty Calix didn't say this. Even if one's eyesight fades, being old doesn't mean one's sense of judgment becomes dull."
The Grand Duchess smiled faintly. Then, as if having made a decision, she spoke in a low voice.
"I will gift this villa to you."
Her hand was gently placed on Odelia's hand.
"Someday, clear the name of your parents and the Rubis family."
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