SOWD Chapter 72

Chapter 72

‘If he holds a party at that mansion, everyone will once again be reminded of his lowly origins. What noble could tolerate such vulgar taste? He knows this too, which is why he’s so reluctant.’

But Edmund couldn’t allow Laszlo to avoid it here. Armed with a kind smile, he pushed further.

“If hosting a grand party feels overwhelming, you could start small. Just invite a few officers from the guards and host a dinner.”

“Well, hosting a big party from the beginning might be difficult. Sir Milton’s suggestion is worth considering, Sir Crysus.”

When Viscount Brynhein chimed in again, it became nearly impossible for Laszlo to decline hosting the party.

‘What’s he scheming now?’

Laszlo briefly recalled an incident from months ago when Edmund first suggested hosting a party.

It had happened when some fools from the imperial knight order had been caught harassing Idel. Edmund had shown up at their request, and Nathan had remarked:

“He was looking around the mansion the entire time, like he was trying to steal something.”

That meant Edmund had been searching for weaknesses in the mansion. Yet Laszlo couldn’t figure out what could possibly be a weak point. The Crysus mansion was quite elegant and had become even more refined under the guidance of a remarkable overseer.

‘Am I just overthinking? Or does he think I’ll embarrass myself in front of everyone?’

Despite mulling it over, Laszlo couldn’t be sure of anything. And in situations like this, he tended to take the direct approach.

“If everyone thinks it’s a good idea, well, I’ll consider hosting a small dinner soon.”

Laszlo’s unexpected acceptance left those who had encouraged the party looking puzzled.

But Laszlo himself didn’t think much of it.

‘I’ll just grill some meat and call it a day.’

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However, the person tasked with planning the event had a completely different perspective.

“A party at the mansion?”

Idel’s eyes widened at Laszlo’s casual mention of the idea.

Laszlo suddenly felt guilty. Since becoming the housekeeper, she had taken on numerous burdens, and now it felt like he was adding another to her plate.

“There’s no need to overthink it. Just invite a few acquaintances for dinner.”

But Idel’s reaction was far from what he expected.

“What are you saying? That’s just a dinner party, not a proper party.”

“Huh?”

“How could we plan a party on such short notice…? No, wait. Actually, this is perfect. Let’s seize this opportunity!”

“Opportunity? What opportunity?”

Taken aback by her sudden enthusiasm, Laszlo instinctively stepped back as Idel’s determined eyes sparkled with excitement.

“You’ve decided to be a pillar of support for His Majesty, haven’t you?”

“…I’d rather not admit that.”

“In that case, this is your chance to showcase the strength of House Crysus. Everyone looks down on you because of your origins, but now’s the time to show them your true capabilities.”

“I said I didn’t want to admit it… Are you even listening to me?”

It was clear that Idel had chosen to ignore his protests entirely. She crossed her arms and fell into deep thought.

“We should have about a month to prepare. How about October 10th? I don’t think there are any major imperial events around that time.”

“You’re surprisingly well-informed.”

“We’ll need to send out invitations by October 1st.”

“Well, uh, sure… do as you like.”

“Since it’s the first party, let’s keep it modest—about 150 guests.”

“What? 150 people?”

Laszlo quickly realized that Idel’s vision for the party was entirely different from his.

While he stood there, mildly bewildered, Idel smiled brightly, her eyes sparkling.

“I’m glad we worked so hard on renovating the mansion. There’s not much time, so I’ll draft the budget immediately. After dinner, I’ll meet you in the study with the ledger and notes.”

With a polite bow, she left the room.

Laszlo stared at the door she had just exited, feeling as though a storm had swept through.

Then he burst into laughter.

“Is this what they mean by a fish in water?”

In the year since Idel had come to the mansion, he’d never seen her so energetic.

‘Not that she’s had much to be happy about.’

Once a duchess, she had fallen to the status of a war prize and then a mere servant.

At first, he thought she was just a woman obsessed with power, marrying a man old enough to be her father. But over time, he realized how wrong and disrespectful that assumption was.

Idel endured grueling work she’d never experienced before without a word of complaint, quietly persevering each day. Yet she never let go of her pride.

‘Even when Marcia bullied her and she knelt before Rinia, she still carried herself like a duchess.’

Her dignity shone through, even in shabby clothes doing laundry, paired with a graceful manner that showed kindness and consideration.

Whenever Laszlo saw her commanding the mansion, he felt admiration and respect. Making her the housekeeper was one of the best decisions of his life.

‘Once again, all I have to do is support her and let her do things her way.’

He chuckled to himself. Laughing alone like this made him feel a bit crazy.

‘Maybe I’m getting soft with age.’

But he didn’t dwell on it. Dinner was approaching, and after that, he’d see Idel again. That thought kept him busy.

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Rumors of an upcoming party at the Crysus mansion quickly spread through society.

“They didn’t send out too many invitations.”

“Who’s invited? No one’s saying much.”

“It’s probably just the officers of the guards.”

“No, it’s their first party as nobles. Surely they invited distinguished guests to raise the party’s prestige.”

Speculations about Laszlo and the Crysus mansion’s party buzzed everywhere.

While everyone else was merely curious, Angela was brimming with determination.

“This is my chance.”

As a maid brushed her hair in front of the mirror, Angela muttered under her breath.

Next to her, Camille watched with a faintly disapproving look.

“Angela, are you really planning to marry Count Crysus?”

“Yes. He’s the best choice for me.”

Then Angela suddenly turned to Camille, grasping her hands with a reassuring expression.

“Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten what Rinia did to you. Once I become the Countess, I’ll send her off somewhere far away.”

“Really?”

“Of course! The Count won’t care about a married sister.”

Camille still seemed somewhat displeased, but she didn’t oppose Angela’s decision to marry Laszlo.

“If you can win over Count Chrysos, it would be great not only for you and your parents but also for the Bliss family and our side. Who would dare look down on us when the Emperor’s closest ally becomes our in-law?”

“Exactly. That’s why I’m asking for your help.”

After one last check in the mirror, Angela gracefully rose from her seat.

The moment Angela heard that Laszlo was hosting a party, she planned today’s tea party. She discreetly sought out those who had received invitations from the Chrysos family and invited only those she was close with.

‘They’re all people who love meddling in others’ romances.’

The type who would sparkle at the mere mention of romantic affairs—slightly immature ladies and young wives.

Truthfully, Angela wasn’t particularly inclined to ask others for help with her romantic pursuits. Inviting older, more mature women to make such a request might come off as too childish.

But this wasn’t the time to worry about appearances.

‘There’s no shortage of women aiming for Count Chrysos.’

Since Laszlo attended the Bliss family’s party, the number of women professing to have fallen for him wasn’t small. Rumors of failed marriage proposals to the Chrysos family were also frequent.

Although Laszlo didn’t seem interested in marriage just yet, it was uncertain how long he would continue rejecting proposals given his ripe age for marriage.

Angela wasn’t about to let others snatch away the target she had set her sights on.

“Welcome! Oh my, it’s been so long, Madam!”

At the entrance to the parlor where the tea party was held, Angela greeted her guests warmly as usual, embracing them.

For now, she entertained the guests with casual small talk about the cooler weather, served tea and snacks, and spent some time on minor social gossip. Once the atmosphere had ripened and the second round of refreshments was served, Angela brought up the main topic.