Franz sent invitations to prominent noble families.
When the people gathered at a small tea time in the capital saw that the invitations had been sent in the name of the Duke of Lexion, not his three daughters, they were initially bewildered.
However, after reading the invitation, people couldn’t keep their mouths shut.
“The official heir to the title? Are they referring to the Little Duke of Lexion?”
“Well, the children of the other daughters would inherit their father’s titles, I suppose.”
Of course, if the Duke of Lexion takes the throne, one of them might inherit the Duke’s title, but it seems that none of them inherited as much magical power as Lady Leah’s son, so there was a risk of the family being shaken.
But then, the person who could change the game appeared at the right time.
“He is the hidden son of the first daughter who had tremendous magical power…”
The previously distributed newsletter provided information that Edith Fortrion had rescued him and brought the one who inherited Lexion’s lineage.
However, people were astonished when the Duke recognized him as the official heir without delay and even threw a welcome banquet.
The Duke’s proactive actions meant only one thing.
“Now that there’s an heir to take care of Lexion, the Duke’s movements will be freer.”
“It means that even if he’s on the throne, there is someone who will take responsibility for the family.”
“This must be quite a surprise to Count Gerturk, right?”
The whole ordeal means that Walter is not just anyone; he’s a man who has received recognition from none other than the Duke of Lexion himself.
Those who know that the Duke doesn’t entrust important matters to just anyone had to swallow their envy.
On the other hand, there were some who thought Walter’s appearance was ambiguous.
“First of all, isn’t the Duke just taking his dead daughter’s son with him for now?”
“He may have inherited a lot of magical power, but… He hasn’t received any education, so I think it’s a bit early to even talk about titles.”
“Isn’t there a rumor that he spent a long time as a servant at the Fortrion Manor? He’s not good enough to be the head of Lexion.”
People sipped their tea while trying to gauge how much influence Lexion’s suddenly appeared heir would have on the political scene in the capital.
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“It would be nice to take a walk in the garden when Young Master has some free time.”
They were on the road leading from the detached building to the main building of the manor.
Edith chuckled as she heard the words coming out of Vivian’s mouth.
『 Until not long ago, Vivian was used to calling Walter by his first name.』
Vivian, who followed her and became comfortable in the beautiful detached building that could be called a small paradise, said that she received training from Lexion’s proud and highly employed staff and negotiated her salary again to serve the master.
Vivian became a perfect servant of Lexion in just a few days.
She even seemed happy to treat Walter as her master politely.
“I know. I wish he had some free time, but he’ll probably be busy until the welcoming banquet is over.”
Formally, Walter’s bedroom and private study were located in the main building of the manor.
He was quickly learning etiquette and liberal arts classes, preparing for the sudden situation of receiving guests at the center of the party.
Even though Walter was busy, every time he stopped by the detached building before going to bed to greet his child and Edith, she felt a tickling sensation in her chest as if she had swallowed a feather.
『 I do see him during meals, but I wish we had some time to talk alone.』
Edith wanted to ask Walter in more detail about his awakening, but he was so busy, so an opportunity rarely came.
She wondered how hard the awakening would be on his body, how difficult it must be, and if there was anything she could do to help.
Edith wanted to discuss such matters, but it seemed difficult to make time as she was on her way to get her dresses tailored today.
“Right this way, M’lady.”
Vivian, who had by now familiarized herself with the layout of the manor, led her to a large, sunlit hall.
There, more dresses, jewelry, and all sorts of shoes were on display than Edith could have imagined.
Especially when it came to the dresses, Edith blinked. There were so many dresses that it was hard to believe they had been prepared in just a few days. Then, well-dressed designers came over to her to explain.
“It’s an honor to meet you, M’lady. Lady Hestia has entrusted us with the fitting in advance.”
“She has such a keen eye that she can tell the measurements just by looking at you. She insisted on gifting you custom-made dresses rather than ready-made ones, M’lady.”
“Shall we start by trying on this dress? We heard that M’lady prefers comfortable designs, so we’ve prepared the most comfortable dresses possible.”
The designers thought to themselves as they dressed their masterpieces one by one on Edith, who had become stiff because of the pressure.
『 The only ones that Lady Hestia takes care of directly are the Duke and her sisters.』
『 Well, Lady Fortrion saved her nephew, so it’s understandable that Lady Hestia takes special care of her.』
『 The Duke has even permitted getting the dresses tailored in this hall…』
Those gathered here enjoyed the honor of being in charge of Lexion’s clothing.
They remembered quite clearly that this hall, well-lit with numerous mirrors, was the space used for fitting the clothing of whoever needed it.
⋙“Mother, it looks great on you!”⋘
⋙“Leah looks pretty too. Should I try on that dress as well?”⋘
『 The Duchess and Lady Leah especially loved this place.』
After the two of them departed from this world, there was no longer a need to summon the designers to this location.
Today, the designers, aware of the prestige and influence of House Lexion in allowing them to use this space, smiled and chatted with Edith to make a good impression.
“Your voluminous blonde hair would complement any elegant hair ornaments beautifully.”
“How about a dress like this? It offers both comfort and a stunning silhouette.”
The compliments, initially intended to gain favor, gradually became more sincere.
One of the designers even hurriedly sketched a dress that would be perfect for her.
“It may feel a bit heavy, but would you like to try this on as well?”
Then suddenly, as Edith was about to drape a heavy yet exquisite white fur over her shoulders, a familiar voice was heard.
“Could you leave us for a moment?”
Upon hearing Walter’s familiar voice, Edith turned her head toward the door.
And then he stole her gaze.
He stood tall amid the designers who were leaving the room with expressions of contentment, dressed in formal attire suitable for the Duke’s heir.
His broad shoulders were adorned with splendid golden epaulets, and the brooch-bearing Lexion’s emblem suited him naturally as if it had always been his.
Even when he wore plain clothing, his exceptionally beautiful features shone, but when he dressed with intention, he exuded a noble and elegant air, as if he hailed from another world.
With a formal gesture, he swept his hair back, and since Edith had never seen him like this before, she couldn’t take her eyes off him.
He was so handsome that he looked like he could steal anyone’s heart.
Walter grinned and spoke in a sly tone as if he expected this reaction.
“It doesn’t seem bad to see this kind of reaction from M’lady, whose hobby is messing with her subordinates.”
“Hmm, hmm.”
Edith secretly hid the fact that she had entertained mischievous thoughts about Walter hundreds of times, whether during his time as a stableman or an escort knight.
Walter led her to a sofa and helped her sit down. He read a book that suggested that women should rest often in the early stages of their pregnancy.
Edith rested her chin on a hand and playfully greeted him as he looked at her.
“Little Duke, I heard you’re busy with liberal arts classes.”
Walter smiled and approached Edith with a half-hug.
“Thanks to you, I’ve been learning a lot, but…”
As he gently brushed her blonde hair, his hand slid down her back. Unintentionally, his hand reached for the ribbon that was holding her dress in place.
“I haven’t learned anything about women’s clothing. Do I have to undo this in the bedroom?”
Edith just glanced at him without showing any dislike as he casually asked.
Even when he was an escort knight, there were many noble ladies who had their eyes on him. If he were more well-dressed and powerful, she wondered if there wouldn’t be more people who would be attracted to him.
“If I teach you, are you going to do it at the welcoming banquet?”
“…”
When Walter saw Edith’s pouting face, he felt as if a small arrow had pierced his heart.
Of course, he didn’t phrase it well that he was referring to ‘their bedroom’ and ‘her clothing.’
Walter wondered if this woman was feeling jealous right now.
“I might do it, if you allow me and have the time.”
“…”
“I’m not going to do it with other women. I won’t even glance at them.”
The corners of Walter’s eyes softened.
Even with his response that seemed to take pleasure in her jealousy, Edith met his gaze.
“Then don’t worry about learning in advance which ribbon to pull. Understand?”
“If we want to set the mood a bit, shouldn’t I learn in advance?”
“I’ll tell you what to do.”
“…”
Walter nodded his head, fascinated.
Even though his status had soared to the sky, Walter couldn’t understand why he couldn’t even respond to Edith’s pleading requests.
Just as the atmosphere was getting strangely heated, a polite knock was heard.
“Young Master, sorry for disturbing you.”
It was Cassius. With the power of money, he had established a clear superior-subordinate relationship similar to Vivian.
He was even wearing the same clothes as Lexion’s elite knights.
“Cassius. Have you been appointed as a knight?”
When Edith asked, Walter answered instead.
“He was there for me even when I was at the lowest point, so it should be the same even after I’ve returned to my rightful place.”
“Aww…”
Cassius, struggling to hold back tears of emotion, approached them.
He knew the atmosphere was delicate, but he had something important to convey.
“It’s nothing, but a close aide of the Imperial Consort has spread some ridiculous newsletter.”
“Newsletter?”
“Well, the content is nothing more than a baseless fabrication that you don’t even need to read, M’lady.”
As Cassius strangely hid the contents of the newsletter, Edith instinctively realized that the newsletter was about her.
“I still have to see it.”
After repeated demands, she accepted the crude newsletter.
[For the sake of inheritance, an indomitable woman who will do anything regardless of whether the man is old or a sexual deviant, had a blast in Fortrion, and now she has come to the capital and is flirting with a widowed old nobleman.]
“…”
As Cassius had said, it was absolute nonsense.
Although there wasn’t any name or exact title mentioned, it suggested that she was scheming to seduce the Duke of Lexion, who’s just an old grandfather, to gain money and power.
Walter cursed and snatched the newsletter.
“Who’s the crazy bastard behind this?”
“The printing appears to have been commissioned by Viscountess Carter and financed by Elizabeth Fortrion.”
“…”
Edith had a momentary thought.
If she leaves the job entirely to Walter and he touches that woman, it would leave the impression that the Little Duke of Lexion himself has made the move.
『 Then they will continue to attack me and try to hinder Walter.』
To show that she wouldn’t just stand still, she needed to show that she was no pushover.
Edith spoke with determination as if she had made up her mind.
“I guess I should send invitations to some people, too.”
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