SOWD Chapter 102

Chapter 102

“Hmm! Well, putting that aside, what else? Honestly, there are plenty of men who are considerate toward women.”

“If anyone spends time talking with the Count, they will surely realize his deep understanding and righteous values. He’s not the type to look down on someone just because they’re a woman or because their family isn’t prestigious.”

“Really?”

“You might not know since you’re his younger sister, but even when the Count speaks with a mere servant like me, he always treats me with respect. Showing genuine respect to someone despite having a superior status isn’t exactly an easy thing to do.”

Idel spoke sincerely, but Rinia’s expression turned somewhat ambiguous. Worried that she might have offended Rinia by using herself as an example, Idel quickly changed the subject.

“Moreover, he has a calm demeanor yet never loses his wit and humor. If a woman enjoys conversation, she’d probably end up talking with the Count for hours without realizing how much time has passed.”

“Is my brother really that good with words…?”

“Well… ‘good with words’ is a rather crude way to put it, so I’d advise against using that term, my lady. Also, what people commonly call ‘good with words’ and the Count being a good conversationalist are actually quite different concepts.”

Since Rinia had never really had long conversations with Laszlo, she didn’t seem to fully understand Idel’s words, but she nodded anyway.

“Anything else? Anything other than being considerate, understanding, or eloquent? Something about him that really sets your heart on fire?”

“Set my heart… on fire…?”

“Oh, you know what I mean! Like, making your heart race, making you think about him all day, making you breathless just from a slight touch—huh? Something like that…!”

“…Surely, you haven’t been reading indecent romance novels, have you?”

“N-No! Anyway, does he have that kind of charm or not?”

Idel had no idea what Rinia was hoping for.

Maybe her expression showed her confusion too plainly, because Rinia quickly tried to justify herself.

“A kind and righteous man is great! But I think for love to start, there needs to be a more primal attraction, too.”

Idel felt a fleeting moment of doubt about whether she should be hearing such words from someone much younger than her. But then she realized—she had never felt that kind of attraction to a man before.

Perhaps it was because she had never pursued anyone of her own volition.

Thinking about that made her feel a little bitter.

‘I’ll probably never know what it’s like to experience a passionate, fiery love for as long as I live.’

But it couldn’t be helped. There wasn’t a single man in the empire who would take a wife who was infamous as a “widow,” a “traitor,” and a “fallen noblewoman turned commoner.”

“Idel? Are you really saying my brother has no such charm at all?”

Rinia’s face looked anxious—maybe because Idel had been silent for too long.

But it wasn’t that Idel had nothing to say. In fact, among all of Laszlo’s charms, the most striking was probably his sexual appeal.

“I don’t think it would be appropriate for me to say…”

“No! It’s not inappropriate at all! Just be honest, completely honest. If even the thought of kissing him disgusts you, say so. Or if you’d jump at the chance to throw him down, say that instead!”

“My goodness, my lady…!”

“No scolding! Just answer me first!”

Rinia looked more desperate than ever. If she had studied with this much enthusiasm, she would already be a renowned lady in high society.

But then again, this was just like Rinia.

Idel chuckled before, feeling a bit embarrassed, she finally spoke.

“The Count is… How should I put it? Ah, yes—he has a strong masculine charm.”

“What exactly do you mean?”

Rinia leaned in closer, her eyes sharp with interest. Idel, feeling too pressured to refuse, nervously bit her lip.

There were too many moments when Laszlo had made her heart race. Sometimes, he was simply too seductive.

Avoiding Rinia’s gaze, Idel shrank slightly as she murmured,

“The Count’s eyes… are really beautiful. I’ve never seen such clear brown eyes before. But when he looks at you as if piercing straight through… anyone would feel their heart skip a beat.”

“When my brother glares, of course it’s terrifying enough to make hearts race in fear.”

“N-No, that’s not what I mean…”

“I’m joking. Hmm. He’s never looked at me like that, so I can’t really imagine it.”

“The thought of the Count looking at you like that is something I don’t even want to imagine.”

“Got it. His eyes and his gaze. Okay. What else?”

Rinia was now even taking notes.

A quick glance showed that she had written down everything Idel had mentioned so far.

‘This must be something very important to her. Well, she was the one who changed the Count’s appearance, after all…’

Understanding Rinia’s intentions a little more, Idel decided to be a bit bolder.

“And, actually, he’s very handsome. Not just his face—he’s tall and has the physique of a knight.”

“What’s your type, Idel? I mean, there are plenty of popular men who aren’t as tall as my brother. The intellectual or gentle types tend to have leaner builds.”

“Hmm… Personally, I think I’d prefer someone strong enough to lift me up.”

“My brother could lift you with one arm.”

“He probably could.”

Idel laughed, as if she’d just heard a funny joke, completely unaware that Rinia’s eyes were gleaming like those of a hawk eyeing its prey.

“Anyway, enough chit-chat… Let’s go over your answers now.”

“Huh? Weren’t we just going to spend the day talking?”

“There’s no time to waste.”

Smiling, Idel picked up Rinia’s answer sheet, prompting Rinia to sigh dramatically.

Still, she had gathered more than enough information to pass along to her dear brother.

Now, she could go back to being a diligent student.

A few days later, Idel welcomed a familiar guest.

“Welcome, Barbara!”

“It’s been a while, Idel.”

The two women embraced, patting each other’s backs before stepping inside with bright smiles.

Barbara had become a special guest of House Chrysus after helping Idel in many ways when she became the head housekeeper. She was also the only person in high society who could visit freely.

“Was it troublesome for you to come here?”

“Why would it be troublesome for me? My coachman and maid may have struggled a bit, but they need work to do anyway.”

Chuckling, the elderly woman’s steps echoed with a distinct click-clack, click-clack. Neither she nor Idel paid any attention to the sound.

Since Idel knew that Barbara tended to rub her left leg more frequently in cold weather, she guided her to a warm chair near the fireplace.

“Good thing we have the fire going. The older I get, the more my bones ache in the cold.”

“That’s not because of age—it’s just that most women have poor circulation. Would you like a knee blanket?”

“No need for that. A warm cup of tea should do the trick.”

On the small table near the hearth, a fresh cup of tea was already waiting.

Barbara took a sip and smiled contentedly. The tea served at House Chrysus had improved significantly.

“Where are you getting your tea leaves?”

“I order from Perli as you recommended, and for Eastern tea, I buy from Meadowrich or Gish Tea Trading Co. I still have some left from what Young Master Talon gifted me, too.”

“All reputable sources. Does Count Chrysus notice the change in tea quality?”

“I’m not sure. He hasn’t mentioned it, but he does ask for tea more often than before.”