MLIIWTFL Chapter 158

 

 

 

‘Well, at least the meeting ended well, so that’s something.’

 

Letticia hadn’t expected the three old noble families to agree with her opinion at all. No matter how much she explained that this approach would be more successful, their dislike of her would only make them hope she was wrong.

 

Originally, she planned to just invoke Matthias’ name to wrap things up. She figured that if she emphasized the charity aspect of the event—hinting at Matthias’ interest in social welfare—even if they hated her, they’d have no choice but to go along.

 

But Seraphina insisted they also consider the others’ sentiments and helped shape the narrative as though Letticia’s idea was one they were all behind from the start.

 

Letticia had wondered if that was really necessary, but Seraphina made a good point—there was no need to stir up further hostility. So Letticia agreed.

 

Still, when Giselle and Evelyn repeatedly objected to the idea of combining singing and piano, Letticia briefly thought she should’ve just gone ahead and made enemies.

 

“Why exactly is it a problem if I sing as well?”

 

“Because it’s unfair. Lady Norton also plays the piano, but she can’t even think about singing because she has to accompany. Isn’t it favoritism if Lady Sharon gets to sing all by herself?”

 

At Giselle’s words, Vanessa mumbled under her breath, ‘What even is that?’ Letticia had the same thought.

 

Giselle had always been unusually sensitive about ‘unfair advantages,’ but Letticia hadn’t imagined she’d see this as one. Singing a bit—what was so terrible about that?

 

“It’s not like I’m asking for another solo performance just to sing. I’m just saying I want to sing during the performance I’ve already been given—is that really something to object to this strongly? Besides, the piece I’m performing was meant to be sung in the first place, so it wouldn’t be strange at all.”

 

“Ah, so you deliberately picked a song like that just to stand out, huh? No wonder they call you the Queen of Flowers—you sure know how to grab attention.”

 

At Evelyn’s blatant sarcasm, Letticia looked down at her with a face full of exasperation. Evelyn’s expression twisted under her gaze, but Letticia soon broke into a bright smile—her eyes full of pity.

 

“Ah, my apologies. I forgot that if you want to teach a violet how a rose behaves, you need to explain it first.”

 

“…I’m not sure what you mean.”

 

“Lady Norton is mainly an accompanist or ensemble performer, so it makes sense for her to avoid standing out. But since I do have a solo stage, it’s only natural I stand out. I’m sorry I forgot that needed an explanation.”

 

“Lady Sharon!”

 

Giselle sprang up in anger, but Seraphina stopped her before she could go any further.

 

“Lady Mortimer, that’s enough.”

 

“But Lady Eskis, you heard what Lady Sharon just said! How could she speak like that?”

 

“Yes, Lady Sharon could have been more careful with her words. But what she said is true. She didn’t request an additional stage just to sing—she’s only deciding what kind of performance to do on the stage that’s already hers. That’s entirely within her rights. It’s not something we should oppose.”

 

“…That’s just too much, Lady Eskis.”

 

Perhaps Giselle felt betrayed, thinking Seraphina was taking Letticia’s side. A flicker of that emotion passed through her eyes. It was like watching children form cliques—completely absurd.

 

‘Next time I need to deal with the old nobles, maybe I’ll just bring Seraphina along and leave the rest.’

 

Even just managing Seraphina and Dayna was headache-inducing enough. If she had to deal with baseless opposition and accusations of favoritism too, Letticia’s more assertive side would definitely show.

 

Eventually, the meeting ended—somehow—and all the old nobles except Seraphina quickly left, as if they had just been waiting for it to be over. Letticia, Dayna, and Vanessa didn’t try to stop them.

 

Once they were gone, Seraphina approached Letticia.

 

“Lady Sharon, do you have any plans right now?”

 

“No, nothing in particular.”

 

“Then would you mind talking with me for a bit?”

 

Seraphina seemed much more familiar and warm than before. Letticia glanced over at Dayna. Fortunately, Dayna gave her a reassuring nod, showing no signs of disapproval.

 

Maybe she had re-evaluated Seraphina after watching Giselle’s outburst—or maybe she just thought the group infighting looked childish.

 

“Come to think of it, I haven’t had a chance to see the Wallace estate’s garden yet. I heard the daffodils are beautiful?”

 

“Yes. I’m not the hostess, but since the Countess has given her permission, I’d be happy to show you around.”

 

Letticia had been seated all morning, so a walk sounded nice.

 

Fortunately, the sun wasn’t too harsh today, so she didn’t need a servant to hold a parasol. With both their attendants dismissed, they had some welcome privacy.

 

“Sorry for asking so suddenly. There’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you.”

 

About a minute into their stroll, Seraphina finally spoke.

 

“Is it true His Highness is interested in social welfare?”

 

“According to Sir Bright, yes.”

 

“That’s a relief. Welfare is one of the areas I’m somewhat well-versed in, so I’d be able to converse with His Highness. Though, the capital and the west are quite different—should I study more to cover that gap?”

 

“No need to go that far… Actually, wouldn’t discussing those differences be a good conversation topic in itself?”

 

Since Matthias had grown up in the capital, it was unlikely he knew much about the western provinces beyond what he’d read.

 

So Letticia thought it would actually be valuable for him to hear about the real conditions directly from someone like Seraphina—a major noble of the West.

 

But Seraphina unexpectedly shook her head.

 

“His Highness doesn’t seem to like it when answers take too long. I think he would prefer it if I could respond directly to his questions, rather than engage in lengthy conversation.”

 

“So impatient… I guess it’s just that he doesn’t have time?”

 

“Probably. He’s someone who makes decisions. He can’t spend too long on every little opinion.”

 

“…That’s true.”

 

Letticia paused in her steps. Ezkhiel’s words from the day before came back to her.

 

 

– Lately, His Highness has been showing a great deal of interest in charity work and welfare. He’s even been asking for opinions from lower-level officials.

 

 

Someone who supposedly doesn’t have time and just wants straight answers… is asking for the opinions of junior bureaucrats?

 

Letticia couldn’t shake off a nagging doubt.

 

Lower-level officials are generally more used to following orders from above than forming solid visions for society. If they already had strong views, they’d likely be troublemakers in the bureaucracy. Besides, most people who pass the civil service exams are either nobility or at least from wealthy commoner families. They’re not the ones receiving welfare. It was questionable whether they’d even have meaningful input.

 

So then, why would he go out of his way to ask for their opinions?

 

“Is something wrong, Lady Sharon?”

 

Seraphina turned back when she saw Letticia had suddenly stopped walking. Letticia quickly put on a neutral expression and asked.

 

“Do you think you could give better answers than the officials who passed the civil service exam?”

 

“You mean the newly appointed officials?”

 

“Yes. If His Highness were making comparisons, I imagine he’d compare you with them.”

 

Seraphina fell silent for a moment, seeming to ponder the question. Even though she’d been educated thoroughly by a private tutor, it looked like she didn’t feel confident claiming to outmatch officials with formal higher education.

 

“…I think I could give better answers—at least when it comes to welfare in the western provinces. Certainly better than civil officials working in departments unrelated to social welfare.”

 

“Then the Ministry of Culture wouldn’t be related to welfare, right?”

 

“As far as I know, it has nothing to do with welfare. Why do you ask?”

 

When Seraphina looked puzzled, Letticia smoothly covered herself.

 

“I know someone who works in the Ministry of Culture. They mentioned that lately His Highness has been asking for opinions from junior officials. They haven’t been asked anything yet, but they’re anxious—wondering if they should start studying in case a question comes their way.”

 

“If that’s the case, wouldn’t it be better to just give an honest answer? If he’s asking people from unrelated departments, it’s probably not because he expects perfect answers but because he wants diverse perspectives. So rather than studying ahead, speaking truthfully might be the better approach.”

 

Letticia couldn’t help but think—maybe Seraphina becoming the Crown Princess would be the best thing for the empire. Compared to that narrow-minded Matthias, Seraphina was remarkably open-hearted.

 

“Still, the fact that His Highness wants to hear opinions from lower ranks… it shows he has a noble mindset.”

 

“…Yes, I suppose so.”

 

But Letticia still wasn’t convinced. Was His Highness really listening to his subordinates out of pure intent?