If you want to join a group, you have to make a good impression on the leader.
Asha smiled sweetly.
"If only our Linea could be with a lady like Young Lady Annexa, who is an exemplary figure to everyone, she would grow up to be such a lady."
At the praise for her daughter, the corners of Countess Annexa's mouth began to curl up.
Asha continued to subtly praise Countess Annexa.
"I always felt it was a real shame that Linea didn't have any great peers to look up to and learn from."
"Ahem. Our Eloi is indeed a good girl. Eloi! Come here."
Then, a tall girl in a blue dress stood opposite Linea.
"Eloi, as you know, she is Linea Delmore, the eldest daughter of the Count of Delmore. A friend said that..."
Eloi looked down at Linea with a calm face, like Countess Annexa.
She was more developed than her peers, to the point where she looked like an older sister compared to Linea.
Asha handed the gift she had brought to Linea, who seemed nervous.
"Linea, would you like to try giving a gift to your friend in person?"
"Ah. Yes!"
Although she had attended social events like this before, Linea had never once personally given a gift to anyone.
Linea held out a gift to Eloi with trembling hands.
"Young Lady Annexa, this is a gift."
"Thank you."
She was sure she would dislike the gift she gave her.
Linea mustered up the courage to speak, welcomed by Countess Anesa, who was kinder than expected.
"The Young Lady of Annexa is beautiful, so she will shine even more if she wears accessories like these."
"That's too much praise. It suits the Young Lady of Delmore much better."
Eloi did not reject Linea, who tried to strike up a conversation, however awkwardly.
Instead, she said to Linea.
"You can feel free to call me Eloi."
"I'm Linea!"
Asha looked down with satisfaction at Linea, who had become much brighter than before.
Linea always thought in the original work.
I wish I had close friends and a family to rely on, just like other people...
In Asha's eyes, the person whose personality would match well with Linea's was Eloi.
She has a fair personality and few mood swings, just like an older sister.
Eloi made a suggestion to the shy Linea.
"Why don't we go have a light cup of tea? Count Annexa's cold-brewed flower tea is very popular in the capital."
"Yes. I really wanted to try it."
Seeing Linea looking much more lively than before, Asha gently nudged the child's back.
Linea soon followed Eloi to where her friends were.
Asha, watching the scene, greeted Countess Alexa.
"Thank you for inviting Linea."
"No, not at all... It was obvious that Linea is a good child. It is much better this year because Countess Delmore came."
Countess Annexa was inwardly weary of Yurizella, who chattered on all day about how great she was.
Asha also naturally began to be introduced to other ladies, following Countess Annexa.
Normally, Linea would become even more gloomy at today's tea party.
This is because an incident occurred where Asha Delmore severely reprimanded Linea in front of everyone.
There was also the matter of taking out her anger on her mother-in-law after getting thoroughly beaten up by her in the morning.
Asha shook her head and thought to herself.
'The problem was that because of this, Countess Annexa looked down on the Delmore family and started ostracizing them by sending out invitations late to prevent them from attending.'
As a result, Linea loses even the few remaining connections she had with people and ends up living only with her abusive family in an even more isolated environment.
'The story does progress after she coincidentally meets and saves the Crown Prince, though.'
Asha wouldn't have humiliated Linea in front of people today anyway.
Still, it was a relief that she didn't fall out of Countess Annexa's sight.
Since she has so many close friends, if she gets on her bad side, there will be few people around here willing to invite Linea.
Asha kept an eye on Linea even while talking with the wives.
Linea didn't seem used to it yet, but she was trying to get along with the children.
Feeling a bit proud, Asha was able to smoothly wrap up the tea party.
***
After taking Linea back home, her expression brighter than before, I moved again.
'I need to verify if Marquis Carcel Rivandel really exists and if the description matches.'
Actually, the reason I tried to get close to the other wives at today's party was partly because of Linea, but also to get to know Carcel.
This is because, except for families like the Duke of Lakan who maintained an air of complete mystery, most members of the small aristocratic society knew each other.
I flung open the door of the pub, which was still closed, and went inside.
“Master!”
I waved my hand at the Information Guild Master, who turned his head toward me.
"What brings you here today?"
"I'm not selling any information; on the contrary, I'd like to know some information about someone."
The eyes behind the mask stole a glance at me.
I shook my head.
"He is not a dangerous person. I want to know about Marquis Rivandel. As soon as possible."
The Master's eyes narrowed at the mention of Marquis Rivandel.
I also explained to him the appearance of Carcel, which I wanted to confirm first.
"And I also want to confirm if the description is black hair, red eyes, tall and huge, and a handsome man."
"Marquis Rivandel, I understand."
The master briefly set down the glass he was wiping and entered through the door leading to the kitchen.
I heard a bustling sound, and soon he came out and approached me.
"You can check the information here before you go. As for appearance, although there is no portrait, it matches the description of a handsome man with black hair, rosy eyes, and a very intimidating impression."
"Thank you. Here is the money."
After handing over the money, I took the documents he handed me and read them through at a fast pace.
'Is it normal?'
It was even recorded in detail about the scale of Carcel's wealth and his relationships.
And there was also information not much different from what Carcel had said.
I asked the Master back with a skeptical look on my face.
"But are you sure he never had an engagement or a romantic partner?"
"Are you doubting our guild's intelligence capabilities?"
"That's not it. No matter how much I think about it, he seems like a womanizer..."
According to what is written here, Carcel had absolutely no contact with women.
Although detailed information about his childhood was unavailable, it was said that he spent time at a boarding school abroad and entered high society as an adult.
'I guess he really was a lifelong single.'
Looking at this alone, it was exactly as he said, to the point where there was absolutely no room to doubt Carcel's identity.
I eventually returned the documents to the master and asked.
"How is your condition? Is it improving a bit?"
Actually, it hasn't been many days. It might be before the effectiveness of the treatment is even known, but I decided to give it a try.
"Honestly, I didn't believe it, but contrary to my expectations, my chest feels less tight, and I feel refreshed every morning."
"Please wait just a little longer. I will let you know about Step 2 of the treatment when the time comes to move on."
The Master let out a slight smile at me as I said that.
"Is Countess Delmore perhaps a fortune teller?"
"Oh come on, it's a trade secret."
I would have been grateful if you would just assume that was roughly the case.
Fortunately, we have confirmed that Carcel is the Marquis of Rivandel, so the next step is...
"Hello?"
It was to contact him using the phone number on the business card Carcel gave me and schedule our next appointment.
It might seem strange that there is a telephone since it is a romance fantasy, but the more accurate name is a magical power communicator.
The Kaldtran Empire is set after the Industrial Revolution has already begun.
Although the telephone was actually invented in the late Industrial Revolution, in this world, industry develops through magical engineering, so in some aspects, it develops faster.
One of them is a magic communicator.
Of course, the magic communication device I am using right now is like a payphone that I can charge money to use for a short time.
And a wealthy person like Carcel can own a house, but.
[I am listening.]
Soon, communication was established with Carcel.
***
“Duke.”
Carcel slowly opened his eyes to Matt, who was calling him.
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