MLIIWTFL Chapter 169

 

 

“Letty was really annoyed when she saw it. She said people were pretending they knew about it all along, even though no one noticed until she pointed it out.”

 

“…Don’t tell me Letty read all of it?”

 

“Yeah. She kept criticizing how quick everyone was to switch sides, but still kept it all.”

 

Ezkhiel briefly considered whether he should beg Letticia to throw it away when he met her later, because he would be so embarrassed.

 

Lenard patted Ezkhiel’s shoulder encouragingly and said.

 

“Well, still, things worked out pretty well for you. All those people who used to ignore you can’t say anything now. Even that bastard Jarvis, who always put you down, completely changed his tune and pretended he stepped aside for your sake—and ended up humiliating himself.”

 

“Humiliated? Lord Jarvis?”

 

Ezkhiel was startled by the two words that didn’t seem to fit together at all. But Lenard just grinned with satisfaction.

 

“Yeah. Austin happened to be there too. Jarvis was acting all smug, trying to save face even though he couldn’t even get a single date with Letticia and lost out to you. He was so full of himself, mocking you like it was some big show. I didn’t even need to step in.”

 

“Still, I guess it’s good that Count Selburne doesn’t seem as displeased as Jarvis. That’s a relief.”

 

“Displeased? Not at all. He said he only came because the Dowager Countess kept nagging him to propose to Letticia, and that he didn’t really care who Letticia ended up with as long as it wasn’t Jarvis. When he found out you were the one, he even congratulated you.”

 

Ezkhiel nodded with a complicated expression.

 

It felt a little strange to be congratulated by someone who had been a rival, even if it was mostly formal. Still, being congratulated was far better than facing resentment, and he couldn’t deny it made him feel good.

 

“Then… besides those two, were there any other visitors?”

 

“Lord Carmen came, but you don’t need to worry about him. He just thought marrying Letticia would be a good way to strengthen the alliance while partnering with us for business.”

 

“Oh, right. I remember hearing that contract marriages are common where he’s from.”

 

It was rare for noble marriages to happen without a contract, but in the southern regions, marriage contracts were practically business contracts. Given that, Lord Carmen’s interest in Letticia wasn’t romantic love, but more like selecting a business partner through Sharon Jewelry. There was no reason for resentment to arise.

 

“Then… I only need to worry about the others? There were almost twenty, right…?”

 

“What’s there to worry about? Are you afraid someone’s going to challenge you to a duel over Letticia? Come on, you’d be a complete laughingstock these days if you did something like that.”

 

“Even if there aren’t any duels, I’m just worried it’ll be awkward if we run into each other because of work.”

 

“That should be fine too. Marquess Digby has been so heartbroken he’s just drinking away at his mansion, and Count Cromwell has been throwing himself into work, showing up at the office every single day.”

 

As for the other suitors, they were all pretending to be cool, at least outwardly, offering their formal congratulations that Letticia had found a good match.

 

After hearing that from Lenard, Ezkhiel wore a somewhat conflicted expression.

 

“So… there really were quite a few people who genuinely liked Letticia. If they’re having such a hard time pretending not to care…”

 

“Yeah, even I was surprised. Letticia must’ve really done a good job putting on a graceful act when she was out in public.”

 

“…Is that something you should be saying?”

 

From what Ezkhiel had seen, the most Letticia ever did in terms of acting was speaking a bit more carefully or smiling even when she didn’t feel like it. Compared to Lenard’s well-practiced business smile, Letticia’s was practically innocent.

 

Lenard, perhaps realizing he wasn’t completely wrong but not wanting to argue the point, simply changed the subject.

 

“Anyway, how’s it been at your workplace? Isn’t it even noisier over there?”

 

“Don’t get me started. Every day someone asks me how I managed to win over the Queen of Flowers and begs me to teach them my dating secrets. It’s exhausting.”

 

“Wow, that’s a hilarious question. Since it’s come up, why don’t you tell me too? What’s your secret?”

 

“Lenard!”

 

As Ezkhiel shot him a glare, a voice suddenly called out to them from behind.

 

“Lord Sharon, Sir Bright! You’re here too!”

 

“…Lady Averil.”

 

“Fancy meeting you here, Lady Averil.”

 

Erasing the mischievous smile from his face, Lenard instantly shifted into his polished business demeanor, responding to Ariette’s greeting with graceful courtesy.

 

Wearing a sky-blue dress with a high neckline—unlike the current trend of exposing the shoulders—adorned with chains of aquamarine and sapphire, and a striking yellow diamond necklace that must have required expert craftsmanship, Ariette stood out among the crowd, particularly because there were so few young people at the event.

 

However, according to the rules of society, since Ariette had not yet officially debuted, she could not be formally introduced to others.

 

As such, people merely stole glances at her but refrained from approaching.

 

“I didn’t expect to see you here, my lady.”

 

“Yes, I really wanted to hear Lady Sharon’s performance, so I begged my brothers to bring me along.”

 

Ariette seemed a bit more animated than usual, genuinely excited.

 

Since Ezkhiel and Ariette were only acquaintances, and not particularly close, it was Lenard who responded.

 

“I hope my sister’s performance lives up to your expectations. By the way, where are your brothers?”

 

There was no way those sister-obsessed brothers would let Ariette wander around alone—especially at a social gathering full of strangers.

 

Noticing the implication behind the question, Ariette fiddled lightly with her hair and replied.

 

“My brothers are talking with the Count right now. I did greet them, but since I haven’t debuted yet, it wouldn’t be proper for me to join in their conversation, so I slipped away and came to greet you two instead.”

 

“Then we’re extremely lucky. Among all these people who wish they could even speak to you, we get the special privilege of having a conversation.”

 

“You always know how to say the nicest things, my lord.”

 

At Lenard’s charming compliment, Ezkhiel had to look away and roll his eyes to hide his discomfort. Meanwhile, Ariette flushed slightly and happily accepted the praise.

 

“By the way, have you had a chance to greet Letticia?”

 

“No, I thought it would disturb her while she’s preparing… But I did send a bouquet of roses. I figured it would be better to meet her properly after the performance.”

 

“I think that’s a good idea. There must be a lot of unfamiliar faces in the waiting room.”

 

Upon hearing this, Ariette’s face brightened with relief.

 

“I’m glad to hear that. Honestly, I was worried it might be inappropriate for me to attend a gathering like this before my debut… But I really didn’t want to miss Lady Sharon’s performance. Besides, this is such a meaningful event—a charity concert to raise funds for an orphanage.”

 

“Are you also interested in charity events, Lady?”

 

“Yes! My late mother was very passionate about charitable work. Thanks to her efforts, the orphanages in Elrey are said to be among the best.”

 

At that moment, Ezkhiel subtly tapped Lenard’s sleeve so no one else would notice.

 

Feeling the slight tug, Lenard slightly leaned past Ariette’s shoulder to discreetly check the approaching figures.

 

“…It’s the first time seeing you since the Sharon Jewelry event, Sir Averil, Sir Achilles.”

 

“Thank you, Lord Sharon, Sir Bright, for keeping my sister company.”

 

Among the brothers who had almost rushed over, Alexander, who was standing behind, stepped forward to respond to Lenard’s greeting on behalf of them.

 

Immediately after, he moved to Ariette’s side, offering her an incredibly gentle smile as he apologized.

 

“Sorry, Arie. Our conversation with the Count took longer than expected.”

 

“It’s alright, Brother. I lost track of time while talking with these two gentlemen.”

 

At Ariette’s response, Alexander and Achilles exchanged glances with Lenard and Ezkhiel. However, they seemed more wary of Lenard, who was single, rather than Ezkhiel, who already had a lover named Letticia.

 

In just a few seconds, both their gazes zeroed in on Lenard.

 

“…Come to think of it, I heard you’re also joining Lady Sharon for tea. It seems you’ve gotten quite close to my sister.”

 

Under Alexander’s cold gaze, Lenard shrugged lightly and answered nonchalantly.

 

“Lately, the Lady has been asking my sister about trends in high society. Since Letticia also consults me about jewelry matters, we thought it would be more efficient for me to be present rather than relaying information back and forth.”

 

“Lady Sharon must have built up quite a knowledge of jewelry herself as the promotional model for Sharon Jewelry. Was it really necessary for you to personally join and advise her?”

 

At Alexander’s pointed question, Ariette glanced nervously at Lenard.

 

But for Lenard, who had dealt with all kinds of difficult situations, this kind of inquiry was nothing to worry about.

 

“When the Lady finds a piece of jewelry she’s interested in during our conversations, I can immediately handle it on the spot. As you pointed out, my sister, being just a promotional model, doesn’t have the authority to manage transactions. Oh, and of course, as you are concerned, we’re never alone together. Letticia is always with us from beginning to end.”

 

“We’ve received reports from the maids and the guards about that too. The place where you and Arie have tea is a gazebo covered with mosquito netting, so the inside isn’t visible, and due to the soundproof magic devices, no conversations can be heard from outside.”