The banquet hosted by the Duke of Lexion and his daughters was so luxurious that other noble families couldn’t even hope to match it.
Moreover, this time, it was Franz Lexion himself who sent the invitations, and the faces of those who filled the banquet hall were filled with a certain pride.
“They just held a banquet not too long ago. Only House Lexion can create another banquet in less than a month.”
“It’s a special occasion. They’re presenting the heir of Lexion.”
“If they’re putting so much effort into creating an event for everyone to see, I wonder how well Edith Fortrion is being treated.”
When the story of Edith Fortrion staying in the Duke’s manor came out, some people were shocked.
The nobles in the capital, sensitive to rumors, were aware of the contents of the recent scandalous newsletter that someone had spread.
Those, who were quick-witted, ultimately managed to quiet the situation.
“Well, that’s… actually, a ridiculous story.”
“It was no one else but her who helped find Lexion’s heir, so even giving her a whole estate wouldn’t be strange.”
Those gathered here were the Duke’s closest associates, so they knew the Duke’s personality very well.
Franz Lexion, who had been deeply in love with his wife, showed no interest in any woman after her death.
Moreover, the Duke was not stupid enough to know that it would not be beneficial to create problems related to women now that he was about to ascend to the throne.
There is no way the Duke would have given personal attention to a woman younger than his daughters.
“The reason she was summoned by the Duke to his study in the last banquet must be because of his grandson.”
“If Duke Franz were someone who would touch a lady who is almost as old as his granddaughter, he wouldn’t have as many supporters as he does now.”
Rather than the Duke… A more rational imagination was sprouting among the noble ladies.
『 He was a stableman who resembled the Duke and Duchess of Lexion.』
『 Even if the previous Viscount Fortrion left his manor, his wives would not have been bored.』
Even though they didn’t say it out loud, they were thinking about it.
If Nicholas’ other wives had known in advance that the stableman was of Lexion’s blood, wouldn’t they have approached him first?
For example, they could seduce the stableman to have his child.
『 If she has his child, even if she can’t become his legal wife, she will receive Lexion’s protection for a lifetime.』
While they didn’t mean to criticize Edith, as she sold herself for money after living like a commoner, it was undeniable that there was nothing more interesting to talk about than this.
Soon, a voice was heard that would put an end to people’s waiting.
“Lords and ladies, may I present His Grace Franz Lexion, Duke of Lexion; Lady Edith Fortrion, and Little Duke, Walter Isaac Lexion.”
People’s attention was naturally focused on the three people who had just arrived.
The Duke of Lexion and the Little Duke. And Edith Fortrion, escorted by a knight with blue hair.
“Wow… Their lineage is very strong.”
“I can see why my grandmother still talks about the Duke’s popularity.”
Even when he was an escort knight, Walter was the subject of secret rumors in social circles. Standing above people dressed perfectly, he naturally aroused wild imaginations.
Even the nobles, who aren’t used to making a scene, became busy, eager to deliver the gifts they brought to him as he has inherited the predatory gaze, characteristic of a Lexion.
“If I could have everyone’s attention, please.”
Franz attracted everyone’s attention by tapping the wine glass personally.
Even his closest associates could not remember the last time the Duke gave a toast before his grandson returned.
“Let’s toast for my grandson’s safe return and to Edith Fortrion who protected him. Thanks to her meticulousness, Lexion will enter another period of glory.”
At the end of Franz’s gaze was Edith.
Edith’s dress was extravagant as if she were showcasing with her whole body that she was under the Duke’s protection.
“It’s an honor, Your Grace.”
When attending the banquet in her capacity as Lady Fortrion, she was so elegantly dressed that it was incomparable to her appearance at other times. She raised her wine glass to her lips with a bright smile.
The way the red liquid was moistening her lips was truly alluring.
『 I guess her being pregnant was just a useless thought after all.』
『 Lexion’s wine is even stronger than other wines.』
Drinking wine was not something a pregnant woman would do, so people had no doubt when they saw her half-empty glass.
However, Cassius knew that this was a trick planned by Edith.
『 I never thought she’d come up with something like this.』
When Vane asked if there was anything special to pay attention to during the banquet, Edith answered as if she had been waiting.
⋙“I want you to pour some red juice other than wine into my glass.”⋘
⋙“If it’s a red juice…”⋘
⋙“Anything is fine as long as it’s not alcohol.”⋘
By drinking the raspberry juice they had prepared in advance, Edith created a strong impression in people’s minds that she was not pregnant.
Now, this scene will spread through every mouth among social circles and onto the streets.
Then, those who read Viscountess Carter’s newsletter and were spreading nonsense about her being pregnant with the Duke’s child will soon have no choice but to shut their mouths.
Now that she has become a close associate of Lexion, it’s quite impressive how she used this fact to her advantage.
『 I wonder if people with similar cunning minds understand each other.』
While Cassius was impressed, he also thought he needed to stay alert. If Patricia’s close aides, especially Elizabeth, who was a fellow lady of the estate and close to the assassins, noticed Edith’s true identity, it wouldn’t be surprising if they sent someone after her at any time.
Just then, one of Lexion’s knights approached Cassius and spoke in a hushed voice.
“Sir Cassius, as you requested, I have gathered the Lady’s guests in the drawing room.”
──────────✿◦•
Waiting in the drawing room after receiving Edith’s invitation were Victor and Isabelle.
In particular, Victor could not hide his excitement as he continued to admire the interior decoration of the drawing room.
“To be invited to a banquet in Lexion that even the capital’s merchants are not allowed to attend… There is no other honor like this for our family.”
“I know, right? Our company’s reputation will certainly rise as well.”
“It’s incredible how everyone at the merchant’s meeting became so friendly after I casually mentioned that I had received an invitation to this banquet.”
Isabelle thought to herself as she agreed with her father.
『 I guess it was because of Edith that I was first invited as Viscountess Fortrion.』
Since Edith was with Walter, the heir to Lexion, the Duke must have sensed it in advance and sent invitations to all the Fortrions.
Although Isabelle had not recognized Walter’s identity since she had no contact with him, Isabelle had noticed early on that his gaze towards Edith was unusual.
『 I can’t wait to see the exciting future that awaits them.』
Watching her daughter smile, Victor wiped his sweaty hands on his knees.
“I’m nervous about what else Edith will propose today.”
Thanks to Edith giving up her inheritance and sending Sophia to the convent, Isabelle’s inheritance became more abundant.
Furthermore, when Victor had his subordinates make precise calculations, he realized that they would receive enormous economic benefits thanks to Helen accepting Edith’s proposal and having the logistics warehouse built downstream of the Fortrion River.
They were able to receive a positive response from his business partners from the mere fact that he owned the logistics warehouse permitted by the owner of the territory.
Knowing from experience that accepting Edith’s proposals would bring great benefits, he thought with a hint of regret.
『 It would have been great if we could have had Edith working at our company.』
Although it was a bit too late to regret it now.
Then suddenly, Edith opened the door and entered the drawing room.
“Thank you for coming, both of you.”
“It’s an honor to be here, Edith. Thank you for sending us an invitation.”
Isabelle welcomed her with a smile. The thought of the acquired funding made Victor’s laughter bright and genuine.
Thinking about all the profits he had acquired so far, Victor was able to smile brightly and genuinely.
Isabelle and Edith exchanged many greetings and light jokes before, but the Edith right now looked at Isabelle with a serious expression on her face.
“Have you thought about the content of the letter I sent you?”
In fact, when she sent her invitation to Isabelle, she also sent a letter asking about her well-being and thoughts.
╭══════
You may have noticed that the servants Elizabeth brought in were strange. They were the ones who killed Nicholas Fortrion.
══════╯
╭══════
I cannot remain silent since Elizabeth used her inheritance to attack me.
══════╯
Among the people who could help Edith, the one who would know the most about Elizabeth was Isabelle.
Isabelle, who had already taken to heart that Elizabeth had abandoned her duties as a Viscountess, was heartbroken when she heard that she had participated in the Viscount’s murder.
『 Elizabeth used her inheritance to attack Edith.』
When Isabelle learned about it through her father’s informants, she made a decision.
Elizabeth’s actions were absolutely unforgivable based on Isabelle’s morality.
Moreover, there was no guarantee that Elizabeth, who attacked Edith, would not attack her as well.
Her father’s persuasion also influenced her decision.
⋙“If it is true that Elizabeth killed the Viscount, then it is only justice for us to reveal the truth and take back the inheritance, just like Sophia, Isabelle. You never know what Elizabeth might do with that money.”⋘
⋙“That’s right.”⋘
⋙“In that case, I think it would be better for you to keep it and use it for something good. There is nothing that makes people reflect more than having their money taken away. And if we take this opportunity to help Viscountess Helen, it will be good for her in the long run, as she will help us someday.”⋘
Knowing there wasn’t much she could do, Isabelle wanted to at least give Edith information to prevent her from being attacked.
“Actually… There is one thing that bothers me about Elizabeth.”
❀.°• ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ •°.❀
