I received information from the boutique.
Mona organized and reported relevant information to Erin.
“After meeting at the boutique last time, Zahard Viscount met with Siron Elder.”
“Siron. He found his way as expected.”
Erin raised the corner of her mouth in a meaningful smile.
Among the four elders, he chose Siron Elder.
The Siron family operated mining rights, which brought in more income than other families.
However, members of the Siron family, including Elder Siron, indulged in more luxuries than their income, which gradually tilted their finances, despite having a high income-generating mine.
So, they should have shown interest in Gael Zahard’s business proposal.
And that could be the way to ruin side by side.
“Any other movements?”
“They are actively involved in business but are refraining from external activities.”
“What about today’s reception?”
“They won’t be attending. The same goes for Lady Zahard.”
Perhaps he’s taking precautions to avoid meeting Hafrom Viscount in public, as any disturbance could expose the current situation of the Zahard family to the public.
So, until the new business takes root, he may not act recklessly. Thanks to that, Erin didn’t have to confront people involved with the Zahards, which wasn’t so bad.
‘I may not be able to take root, but now I just have to wait for Zahard and the Siron Elder to bury themselves.’
“Keep an eye on the business in Zahard Estate,” Erin warned. “Monetary loss doesn’t matter, but if he becomes impatient, he tends to act inhumanely.”
And Erin’s acquaintance, Gael Zahard, was more than capable of that.
“If he ever harms others, we must prevent it.”
“Yes, I’ll make sure to convey that.”
Mona replied attentively to Erin’s words, and as soon as the report was over, her expression changed.
“Now, would you like to lie down for a while?”
“Uh?”
Looking towards Mona as she approached step by step, Erin widened her eyes.
“Today, there’s a reception at Hertis Hall.”
“Well, even so, I don’t need to prepare that much for today,” Erin replied. Today was the day of the reception to welcome Claire Hertis back, as well as the day Julia wanted to show her changed appearance.
It was an important occasion in its own right, but Erin didn’t feel the need to specially prepare, so she wasn’t concerned.
Seeing this, Mona’s expression became stern.
“No matter if you’re not the center of attention today, you can’t just come and go as you please.”
Mona’s gaze seemed to be urging Erin toward the bed.
“… Alright. I leave it to you.”
Erin obediently entrusted herself to Mona.
“Take some rest, even if it’s just for a moment. I’ll give you a facial massage.”
Mona placed a cloth scented with a comforting aroma over Erin’s eyes. As she closed her eyes, she felt her tension easing with the subtle waft of scent.
With Mona’s touch added to that, Erin’s body grew sluggish, and she fell asleep right then and there.
***
Leinster’s carriage came to a stop in front of Hertis Hall. Erin, leaning on Aiden’s arm, began to head inside. Aiden, with a piercing gaze, spoke up. “Erin, you seem to be neglecting something today.”
“Huh? Do you really think so?” Erin immediately denied, but felt embarrassed inside. Aiden was quick to pick up on things. “Actually, the real purpose of today’s reception is something different.”
Erin smiled bashfully as she told Aiden, “Today is the day. It’s Julia’s debut in high society.”
Aiden’s expression grew sharp as he realized what Erin had been up to with Julia. “Still, don’t lose sight of what’s important.” Aiden cautioned Erin with a gentle tap on the back of her head.
In a sudden moment of closeness, Erin’s eyes widened like crescent moons. “Shall we go then?” Erin and Aiden walked together toward the reception hall.
This reception had its own unique aspect. Claire had collected items during her travels and decorated the reception hall with them.
The curious gazes of the attending nobles landed everywhere. Claire was busy explaining various things to the interested people. The reception had an overall lively atmosphere.
“Here you two are.” Familiar voice caught their attention, and Prince Frederick was also in attendance. “I appreciate what you did last time. Thanks to you, I had a good conversation.”
“I’m glad it worked out for you,” Claire responded.
“It’s not Aiden, but Erin, who always helps me,” Frederick joked. “I hope you can handle things on your own next time and stop bothering my wife.”
Aiden casually remarked.
“You two, let’s have a chat.” Erin moved away from Aiden for a moment and changed her seat, scanning through the items displayed around the reception hall.
It was when she noticed Julia with the Count and Countess Charte and felt the attention directed toward Julia.
“Julia, darling. Have you arrived?”
Erin greeted Julia lightly.
“How do you feel? Are you okay?” Julia replied, raising her arm slightly, which was the reason for the attention pouring in around them.
“It suits me much better than I expected,” Erin exclaimed.
Julia’s appearance today was Erin’s suggestion from last time.
It wasn’t like Julia to cover her scar with the dress sleeve. However, she had to face the same looks and attention as last time without worrying about it.
So she pondered a way to make a stronger impression, unable to speak any further, and came up with a method.
Julia’s dress was off-the-shoulder, exposing her arms.
Instead of hiding the scar, it showcased a drawing on Julia’s arm, starting from the wrist. It almost gave the illusion that flowers were blooming on top of the scar.
“Did Julia darling draw it herself?”
“Yes. I tried my hand at it,” Julia said confidently.
There was also a decoration at the bottom of the dress resembling blooming flowers, which complemented the atmosphere with the flowers drawn on her arm.
Considering the overall harmony, what Erin drew felt like a piece of art so precious that it was a shame it would eventually be erased.
It was a dazzling result, exceeding Erin’s expectations.
Erin admired Julia, who had turned the scar she got while doing something she loved into a talent. That was why everyone’s attention was drawn to her.
Even though Erin, who was nearby, could see Julia’s entire appearance at a glance, others at a distance couldn’t.
Therefore, whenever Julia moved her arm slightly, the glimpse of the drawing piqued more curiosity. The scar that everyone had sneered at last time had now become something intriguing and desirable.
When Erin and Julia’s gazes met, they both seemed to raise the corners of their mouths as if sharing the same thoughts.
“It suits you so well.”
“Really? Actually, I love it, too.” Julia seemed embarrassed but also proud at the same time.
That’s when Claire approached and greeted them.
“Lady Lienster, thank you for coming today.”
“You look even brighter than when we met last time.”
“Thanks to you, I don’t have needless worries anymore.”
“It’s fortunate.”
“Oh, right. Let’s have a sparring session later. Of course, a tea time would be nice too.”
“I’d welcome it anytime.”
After exchanging a few words with Erin, Claire’s gaze shifted to Julia.
“Julia Chart, I’ve heard a lot about you. Welcome back. It’s great to see you again.”
“Thank you. I’m glad to see you too.”
Claire also naturally glanced at Julia’s arm.
“Oh, what’s this flower? It’s so pretty.”
As Claire showed interest and asked, others around also looked overtly at the flower.
“I don’t know the name. I just drew it among the flowers I’ve seen.”
Julia said, showing her arm to Claire.
The flower drawn on Julia’s arm came into view.
Someone exclaimed in admiration.
I was amazed at the natural gaze directed at Julia.
“Did you draw it yourself? Your artistic skill must be very good.”
Claire asked, showing even deeper interest.
“I’ve been doing some sculpting since I was young.”
In response to Julia’s answer, Claire asked with wide eyes, “Do you happen to know the sculptor Demielan?”
“Of course, I do. I know him.”
“That’s great. There are some of Demielan’s works inside the banquet hall.”
“Oh, really?”
Julia’s eyes sparkled.
“It’s one of Demielan’s early works that I happened to come across during my travels. It’s a bit more raw and dynamic.”
“I really want to see it…!”
It seemed like Claire and Julia were getting along as Erin had expected.
Engrossed in Claire’s stories about her travels due to Julia’s insatiable curiosity, the conversation didn’t seem to stop.
It felt like Julia had found another person who shared her interests.
It was off to a good start.
There was a feeling that today’s reception would be quite successful.
