MLIIWTFL Chapter 170

 

 

 

Alexander’s voice was low enough that it couldn’t be heard by others nearby, but it reached Lenard clearly.

 

Realizing that this was what Alexander truly wanted to say, Lenard responded even more confidently, intentionally so.

 

“As you know, my mother is a leading figure in high society trends. Soundproofing magic devices are measures to prevent people from secretly stealing those trends. After all, it’s not uncommon for employees to be bribed unexpectedly.”

 

In fact, Camilla had purchased a large quantity of soundproofing magic devices from the Magic Tower for exactly that reason, installing them not only in the pavilion but also in the reception room, dining room, and even in carriages.

 

It had been a considerable investment, but thanks to it, the Sharon estate had become known in noble society as a place where it was much harder to steal information compared to other families.

 

“Moreover, unlike other places, the pavilion is an open area, so after the maids bring the tea, they are dismissed. The guards also stand vigilant at the entrance.”

 

“If that’s the case, was it really necessary for the Lady and Arie to have tea specifically at the pavilion? They could have used the reception room where maids and guards are present without any issues.”

 

“I invited Lady Averil over; wouldn’t it be improper if I didn’t show her the blooming Elrey Freesia flowers in the garden? Besides, letting a maid with a history of causing trouble be alone with my sister… who knows what rumors she might spread?”

 

As he spoke, Lenard gave Alexander a cold look, one just as icy as Alexander’s had been.

 

Though they had already received an apology and compensation, meaning there was no ongoing dispute, the fact that the Sharon household had received the Elrey Freesia in the first place was something Lenard had never forgotten.

 

Moreover, the maid who accompanied Ariette this time was the very same maid who had once reported to Achilles that Ariette had cried—which had led to Letticia being put in a difficult situation.

 

Though Letticia herself hadn’t raised any issue about it and thus they were letting it go, deep down, Lenard would have preferred to bar that maid from ever setting foot inside the Sharon estate again.

 

Simply relegating her to guard duty outside the pavilion was, in Lenard’s mind, already a considerable act of mercy—something Alexander needed to understand.

 

Fortunately, Alexander wasn’t foolish.

 

After a moment of silence, as if he had grasped Lenard’s meaning, he finally opened his mouth to speak.

 

“We sincerely apologize for that. That maid has taken care of Arie since she was very young, almost like a wet nurse, so we wanted to give her one more chance.”

 

“Since Letticia seems to have no complaints about it, I also intend to overlook that matter. However, I trust you, as her brother, can understand why I would be reluctant to leave my sister alone with that maid.”

 

“…The maid herself is fully aware that she should be grateful just to be allowed into the estate at all. As long as the Elrey Freesia blooms at the Sharon estate, she will not cause any problems.”

 

“It takes proper actions and time for someone who has made a mistake to regain trust.”

 

At Lenard’s words, Alexander nodded as if he agreed.

 

Lenard, seizing the opportunity, firmly drove in his next point.

 

“And there’s no need for bodyguards to accompany them inside either. Letticia’s guards are stationed outside as well. If only Lady Averil’s guards were allowed into the pavilion, how could we properly enjoy the aroma of the tea?”

 

“…I see. Since Arie rarely visits other households, we failed to pay attention to such details.”

 

Achilles called out quietly, “Brother,” trying to stop him, but Alexander shook his head slightly, signaling it was time to back down.

 

They had run out of excuses anyway, and there was no point in arguing further.

 

“We were worried because Arie has so few friends due to being busy with her studies. But seeing her getting along well with Lady Sharon puts our minds at ease.”

 

“If the Lady were to debut into society, it would be easier for Letticia to introduce her to her circle of friends as well. Are there any plans for her to make her debut?”

 

“Our Arie is still young.”

 

At those words, Achilles glared fiercely at Lenard. Alexander also forced a smile but couldn’t completely hide his displeasure.

 

“These days, unlike the past, it’s becoming more common for noblewomen with professions to remain unmarried. Our family believes that unless Arie herself wishes it, there’s no need to force her into marriage.”

 

“Oh, honestly! You brothers are something else! Why do you always get so sensitive whenever marriage is brought up?”

 

Ariette let out a sigh just as Matthias came walking toward them, seemingly finished with his business.

 

Startled, Ezkhiel hurried to greet him, but Matthias exchanged only a few words with him before heading straight over to Lenard and the Averil siblings.

 

“Greetings to His Highness, the Crown Prince.”

 

The four quickly bowed. Matthias acknowledged them with a small wave of his hand.

 

“It’s been a while, Young Lord Sharon. And you as well, Lord Averil, Lord Achilles, and Lady Ariette. I see you have all come.”

 

“…Your Highness, since we are not currently in the palace, I must humbly request that you refer to my sister as ‘Lady Averil.'”

 

Ezkhiel pressed a hand to his forehead, as Alexander once again demonstrated his obsession with how people addressed his sister.

 

However, unlike Letticia, Matthias responded calmly without any change in expression.

 

“Lady Ariette has not yet made her debut into society, has she? Then isn’t it proper to treat her as an acquaintance outside of formal society?”

 

“I only make this request because if a child who hasn’t even debuted is addressed by Your Highness by name,

it could cause needless misunderstandings.”

 

For once, Lenard found himself agreeing with Alexander’s point.

 

Given that Matthias was known to be so distant that the only woman he was rumored to call by her first name was Princess Judith, having him call someone by name would no doubt spark jealousy among the many women who adored him.

 

If Ariette were actually in love with Matthias, perhaps it would be a different story, but since that wasn’t the case, it would only push her into a thorny path full of envy and baseless rivalry.

 

“…I see. It was indeed thoughtless of me. From now on, I shall address her as Lady Averil.”

 

“We are deeply grateful for Your Highness’s understanding.”

 

As Alexander bowed his head, Matthias faintly furrowed his brow.

 

Watching the scene unfold, Ezkhiel rubbed his eyes without realizing it, wondering if Matthias seemed oddly displeased.

 

But soon, Matthias shifted his expression and spoke to Ariette in a rather gentlemanly manner.

 

“Come to think of it, Lady, the opinion you shared last time about the current trends in imperial theater was quite interesting. You mentioned that the trend was shifting from mostly comedies to more mixed genres, right?”

 

“Y-Yes… You remembered?”

 

Seeing Ariette’s startled expression, Matthias slightly lifted the corners of his mouth.

 

“Though I’m busy with my duties and have little time to enjoy cultural activities, I’m not completely indifferent to cultural trends. Especially since theater is one of the most beloved forms of entertainment among the imperial citizens, I ought to at least be familiar with popular works like The Secret of the Clock Tower, which you mentioned.”

 

Ezkhiel felt a strange sense of incongruity at those words.

 

Matthias was the kind of man who would rather handle one more political task than indulge in plays or novels.

 

His primary interests lay in politics, economics, and diplomacy—culture was low on his list.

 

‘Honestly, if His Highness had just gone to see plays, we’d all have been able to leave work early.’

 

While grumbling inwardly, Ezkhiel suddenly remembered the confusing order from some time ago,

where Matthias had demanded that they all go to the theater and submit a written review of a specific play.

 

However, before Ezkhiel could dwell on it further, Ariette turned to Lenard, drawing him into the conversation, forcing Ezkhiel to focus again.

 

“Now that I think about it, didn’t you also say you’d seen that play, Young Lord Sharon?”

 

“Yes. My younger sister Letticia, Lord Bright, our cousin Kenneth, and one of Kenneth’s friends—the five of us went to see it together.”

 

At Lenard’s reply, Matthias looked at him as if just remembering something.

 

“Now that you mention it, Young Lord Sharon, I heard from Judith that your sister has become romantically involved with my aide. Congratulations are in order.”

 

“Thank you, Your Highness. Since I have had a long-standing friendship with Lord Bright, this truly is a matter of great joy for me.”

 

Though Lenard expressed his gratitude, inwardly he stayed vigilant.

 

After all, Matthias must surely know that after the imperial ball where Letticia danced the minuet with him, she had been considered a strong candidate for crown princess.

 

So why bring up her relationship with Bright now?

 

What was he aiming for?

 

“By the way, I also heard from Judith that you’re very close with your sister. Didn’t you feel even a little sad when she found herself a lover?”

 

“…Sad?”

 

Caught off guard by the bizarre question, Lenard stumbled for a moment.

 

Sad about his sister dating?

 

What kind of question was that?

 

“You see, if Judith ever fell in love, I think I’d feel proud but also maybe a little sad. I’m curious if that’s just how older brothers are wired.”

 

“I understand your sentiment, Your Highness, but… I’ve never felt sad about it. If anything, seeing my grown-up sister find someone she loves only makes me happy. There’s no reason to feel sad at all.”

 

At Lenard’s answer, Matthias nodded with a satisfied expression.

 

At the same time, Ariette turned to Alexander and Achilles, grumbling.

 

“See? Even Lady Sharon is of an age to attend social gatherings and have romances! I’m not a little kid anymore, you know?”

 

“Just getting older doesn’t make you an adult. You’re still meant to stay under your brothers’ protection, Arie.”

 

“Achilles’s right, Arie. And besides, there’s no need to rush into romance the moment you come of age.”

 

The two brothers tried to soothe her, while glaring sharply at Lenard.

 

However, it wasn’t Lenard who drew their glares next—it was none other than Matthias.