“Either option works. It might also be good to bribe people around Count Crimson. If we can uncover evidence that he wouldn’t hesitate to use dirty methods for his alliance with Baldwin, we might get closer to the truth.”
“Yes, my lord. I will prepare both approaches.”
Nadia and Conrad concluded their discussion cleanly.
However, Vivian remained firmly planted in place with a face full of things she still wanted to say.
“Vivian, leave the room and let my lord rest comfortably.”
Conrad, unable to stand it any longer, gave her an order—but Vivian showed no intention of moving.
It seemed she now believed she had the right to speak, her expression full of determination.
“Then what about the dress?”
“A dress? What dress?”
“And the earrings!”
“Vivian, what’s gotten into you all of a sudden? You already have plenty of dresses and earrings.”
Nadia tried to soothe her, but it was useless.
“The imperial palace debutante is coming up soon! Are you really not going to prepare at all? I’m worried you’ll end up going in whatever you’re wearing right now!”
“Oh, right.”
Nadia murmured as if just remembering, and Conrad also seemed startled, as if he had forgotten as well.
Vivian hurried over with the letters she had sorted and handled yesterday and this morning, placing them in Nadia’s hands.
“Even if there were none from Lady Yulia, you still received four invitations! You need to meet as many people as possible before the debutante!”
Under Vivian’s insistence, Nadia reluctantly examined the invitations.
A baron’s household like House Hess would only be invited by families of similar standing.
But one letter made Nadia narrow her eyes—it was unexpected.
Since the debutante is approaching, I find myself as excited as my younger siblings. It would be a shame to keep this feeling to myself. If you share the same sentiment, please honor my party with your presence.
—Archis Plang
The tone was embarrassingly flowery, but it didn’t seem like it was written for Nadia alone. It was likely the same message sent to everyone.
What was surprising, however, was the additional note beneath it.
P.S. You haven’t grown distant from me just because things became awkward with Yulia, have you?
—Al
This part was clearly written specifically for Nadia.
Vivian clasped her hands tightly and asked anxiously.
“You’re going, right? You’re going, right?”
She seemed worried that Nadia had completely fallen out with Yulia.
But there was no reason to refuse.
Being invited by a young duke while holding the status of a mere baron’s daughter was an enormous opportunity.
“Yes, I’ll go. How could I refuse the young duke’s invitation? Vivian, I’ll need your help again.”
Although House Hess had many dresses, a party hosted at the Plang townhouse required the most fashionable, cutting-edge attire to even have a chance at conversation.
Vivian, who had a keen eye for such things, would surely manage it even on short notice.
Vivian clenched her fist as if she had been waiting for those words.
“Leave it to me! The boss will pay for everything anyway!”
She dashed off energetically, her back looking genuinely cheerful.
Nadia smiled fondly and went to reply to the remaining three invitations.
The party hosted at House Plang had begun.
Since it was held at night rather than midday, there was more alcohol than tea, and the attendees were noticeably older.
Normally, only those who had already completed their debutante—formally recognized as adults in noble society—could attend such gatherings.
However, since May was just before the debutante season, some leniency seemed to be allowed.
As a result, many guests were meeting for the first time, which only heightened the excitement.
And if that first meeting was with a beautiful person, it naturally drew even more attention.
Nadia had styled her hair half-up with a shimmering accessory that made her look youthful and charming.
Her blue dress, which changed subtly in hue depending on how the light reflected off it, was the latest fashion among young nobles.
Though people pretended not to stare, they kept glancing at her, curious about who she was.
“Do you know of a lady with red hair like that?”
“There are plenty, of course, but I haven’t seen her this year. Who could she be?”
“Since she’s appearing only now, she must be either a major figure… or from a minor house.”
“Oh my, this is a party at the Plang townhouse. How could a minor noble even get in?”
“Then just who—”
Nadia heard the whispers directed at her and turned toward them with a gentle smile.
The gossipers hid behind their fans and returned equally flawless smiles, as if they had not just been talking about her at all.
But their expressions shifted when they saw Archis approaching Nadia.
“Lady Nadia, I was worried you might not come.”
Archis approached like a god of beauty, speaking warmly as always.
“Of course I would attend an invitation from the young duke himself.”
Nadia could feel the attention around her intensify.
It was only natural—an unknown woman was speaking casually with the young duke of Plang.
She quietly surveyed her surroundings while considering how she might later resolve this misunderstanding.
Then, two familiar figures entered her view.
One was expected—Yulia Crimson.
And the other, escorting Yulia, was…
Why is he here?
Heinrich Baldwin.
He wore a black suit with a blue handkerchief tucked neatly inside.
Stubborn and unchanging in fashion, yet still perfectly appropriate for the occasion.
Heinrich had never liked parties since childhood, and he always looked stiff at gatherings.
Because of that, people often misunderstood him as cold-blooded.
Yet when he smiled brightly at Livenia, others would gasp in surprise, calling it an unexpected side of him.
He’s just shy…
Nadia looked at him with a faint sense of pity.
Heinrich’s expression was indeed stiff—still awkward with Yulia.
Heini… does he dislike parties?
“Lady Nadia? Is something bothering you?”
Nadia realized at Arkhis’s voice that she had been staring too long.
Heinrich was now 26 years old—older than Livenia had been at the time of her death.
And yet she was still looking at him as if he were someone she needed to protect.
How absurd.
All I need is to uncover the truth behind Livenia’s death. Helping Heini overcome his guilt is all I’m responsible for. Anything beyond that would be arrogance.
Nadia turned her gaze away from Heinrich and smiled at Archis.
“The townhouse is truly beautiful. Even garden parties don’t feel this open.”
“I believe windows determine the first impression of a building.”
“Did you choose them yourself? You have excellent taste.”
“I’m honored you think so. The south has many resorts, and House Plang originates from the south. I wanted to create a party with a resort-like atmosphere.”
“That’s very wise. For those of us from the provinces, the capital is where we come to socialize. Practicality isn’t always the priority.”
Archis was skilled at making conversation comfortable.
He was well-versed in noble culture, and his knowledge made every topic engaging.
However, Nadia could tell he had something else he truly wanted to ask.
He clearly cared deeply for Yulia, his cousin, and was curious about how their relationship had changed.
But he likely considered it improper to ask directly.
So Nadia let out a small laugh and answered what he truly wanted to know.
“I haven’t spoken with Lady Yulia since that day. We haven’t exchanged letters either.”
“Ah… I see.”
“I don’t hold any ill feelings toward Lady Yulia. Nor do I think she views me as someone who judges people by status. However, what happened at the Crimson townhouse was undeniably humiliating.”
“Of course.”
“And it must have been humiliating for Lady Yulia as well. A father who criticizes his daughter’s friend would surely bring shame upon her. I believe she simply needs time to sort out her feelings.”
Archis looked slightly surprised at her words.
Nadia smiled faintly and asked playfully,
“Was my wording too harsh?”
After a moment, Archis shook his head.
“No. It is the correct way to put it. The Yulia I know would also feel ashamed. I simply didn’t expect you to be so candid.”
“I am human too. Please keep it a secret.”
“Of course. A lady’s secret.”
Then he added,
“May I escort you today?”
Nadia tilted her head slightly, surprised.
“There must be many ladies in the south who would line up just to be escorted by you.”
“There are quite a few, yes.”
He answered honestly, his charm more witty than arrogant.
Nadia let out a soft laugh and asked again,
“Are you trying to give me a chance to reconcile with Lady Yulia?”