Chapter 34
The Marchioness of Allon’s salon was held at the Allon Marquisate’s townhouse.
To be frank, the Allon townhouse was not an exceptionally beautiful space from an aesthetic point of view.
But businessmen were, by nature, practical people.
The clean yet luxurious interior of the Allon townhouse was more than enough to satisfy their desires. Breaking away from the solemn and antiquated style favored by the older generation, it exuded a modern and sophisticated feel.
In this salon, there were still those who had to bow their heads and those who received such bows, but once the formalities ended, everyone freely exchanged opinions regardless of rank.
Truthfully, Nadia was a little impressed.
“It must be unbearable for the arrogant nobles.”
Naturally, Count Crimson was included among the “arrogant nobles” Nadia referred to.
The count had already been quite offended that his daughter had invited Nadia to the townhouse in the first place.
“They must be in desperate need of money.”
Vivian, following behind Nadia, whispered carefully.
Nadia nodded in agreement and glided further into the salon.
The salon was fairly crowded.
Some were focused on their own work, while others engaged in heated discussions, each spending their time freely.
But the person Nadia was looking for was nowhere to be seen.
“Vivian, go upstairs and see if you can find Count Crimson.”
Vivian quickly nodded and headed for the stairs.
Nadia, too, began looking for the count herself, pretending to be a clumsy young noblewoman as she glanced around.
That small act suddenly brought on another unexplained wave of dizziness.
Nadia tried to steady herself, but her body kept tilting.
‘I’m going to fall.’
Just as that thought crossed her mind—
Someone, firm and solid as a wall, caught her securely.
Before her blurred vision even cleared, Nadia already knew who it was.
‘Heini.’
“…Thank you, Your Grace.”
Once her head cleared and her balance returned, Nadia immediately stepped back from Heinrich.
When she lifted her gaze, she met his hard expression.
The slight lift of his right eyebrow betrayed his displeasure.
Even knowing this, Nadia wasn’t hurt. She was beginning to get used to Heinrich’s cold attitude.
‘He supported me even though he doesn’t like me.’
Rather, the sight of Heinrich, who had grown up so properly, made her feel a warm fondness.
Nadia had always been the type to quickly accept misfortune when it came.
Though it haunted her as nightmares at night, in her waking hours it was easier to manage.
Heinrich wasn’t injured or in danger—he simply kept his distance from her.
That level of misfortune was enough to make her stumble, but one she could easily overcome.
Heinrich frowned slightly at her composed face.
“Is there something wrong with your health?”
“Thank you for your concern, Your Grace. Not at all. I’ve just been at home too long, so my stamina must have weakened. How embarrassing.”
Nadia touched her right cheek lightly, feigning a blush.
Just last night, she had stayed up late reading a magical text and had been scolded by Conrad and Vivian for it.
She couldn’t deny the joy of learning again after such a long time.
Still, she had many responsibilities, so she needed to pace herself.
After a small cough, Nadia looked back up at Heinrich.
“But may I ask, Your Grace, what brings you to this salon? If you were looking for businessmen to invest in, you could have simply sent a secretary or aide. Ah…”
She paused mid-sentence, then nodded as if she understood.
“You came to keep an eye on me.”
Heinrich didn’t answer. He simply looked at her silently.
Thinking he was curious about her reasons, Nadia explained briefly.
“I heard Count Crimson frequents this salon. It’s a good opportunity to observe him up close—to learn about his associates and the businesses he’s interested in.”
She glanced around before adding carefully.
“I know it’s hard for you to trust me, but next time, please just send a secretary.”
“…Why?”
His voice was low and shadowed, like it echoed from a deep abyss. Yet Nadia smiled brightly, without the slightest hint of tension—almost like someone fondly humoring a child.
“Well… because you’re so dignified, Your Grace, people seem to envy me. It’s better not to invite needless misunderstandings.”
Her voice was gentle, almost coaxing.
Heinrich ought to have been offended by such impertinence, yet strangely, he wasn’t. Instead, he felt an odd sense of weakness, forgetting the words he had meant to say. Something that almost never happened to him.
“…Misunderstandings?”
“Yes. People love gossip. Since you honored me with the first dance last time, if you wish to divert their attention, it would be better to speak with another young lady. For anything important, just send a secretary, and I’ll provide a detailed report.”
Nadia spoke in a clear, measured tone.
Only then did Heinrich notice the others around them.
While he’d been glaring at her, heat in his eyes, his vision had narrowed.
Perhaps it had been that way even before.
For when Nadia’s sharp gaze had suddenly gone dark and her body faltered, he had forgotten entirely where he even was.
“…Do as you say.”
Heinrich’s reply was sharp as he turned on his heel.
As if his true purpose had always been business investment, he began accepting documents from the businessmen pressing in around him—but his demeanor was somehow different than usual.
‘He seems upset…’
Nadia wondered if she had somehow offended him, then turned her gaze away.
Immediately, the many eyes that had been watching her scattered like startled cockroaches.
‘So not all of them are cowards, after all.’
A few noble ladies still stared at her, showing various emotions.
Some smirked in disbelief, some bit their lips as if in distress, and others, perhaps admiring her, looked on with sparkling eyes.
Nadia was used to such stares. They didn’t bother her in the least.
She wasn’t even interested in becoming Heinrich’s lover, so their jealousy meant nothing to her.
In fact, their reckless honesty amused her.
When Nadia smiled at one of the ladies, the girl bolted in fright, which was a rather entertaining sight.
While Nadia enjoyed herself in this small way, Vivian hurried toward her, clutching her skirts.
“My lady! Are you all right?”
“What could possibly be wrong with me?”
“But everyone’s talking about you!”
Rumors spread quickly by word of mouth.
All she had done was exchange a few words with Heinrich, and already people upstairs seemed to know.
“They’re all staring so viciously.”
Vivian shifted slightly, trying to shield her lady from their gazes.
“My lady, couldn’t you just say you don’t know the duke? If this keeps up, you’ll never be able to date anyone!”
Her whining drew a soft laugh from Nadia.
Even in her previous life as Revenia, romance had never been part of her world, and it didn’t seem much different in this life.
The only person she had ever poured her heart into was Heinrich—and even then, it hadn’t been out of romantic love.
“Since you’re not feeling well, maybe it’s best to return for today?”
Vivian suggested cautiously. Nadia, still remembering her recent dizziness, was about to nod when—
A servant approached Count Crimson.
The count, who had been reclining arrogantly, straightened to listen closely to the servant’s whisper.
Before long, he rose and followed the servant out.
“My lady.”
Vivian leaned in, whispering that she would go.
“Go on, then.”
“Please sit and wait, in case you feel dizzy again.”
“Be careful.”
“Don’t worry.”
Though often childish and scatterbrained, Vivian was more dependable than anyone in times like this.
Her flaw was only that she cared too little for her own safety.
She followed after the count so silently that even Nadia, seated nearby, hardly noticed her departure.
While Nadia pretended to read to pass the time, Vivian returned sooner than expected.
As she handed Nadia’s belongings to her, she gave a quick report under her breath.
“He went into a reception room. It’s not far, and the guards aren’t strict. But the room has no gaps, and it’s well soundproofed—I couldn’t overhear a thing.”
“Did you find out who he’s meeting?”
“I’m sorry.”
In other words, no results. Vivian lowered her head apologetically.
“I see.”
Vivian almost always brought back useful information.
For even she to have failed meant the other party was taking great pains to remain hidden.
It could mean illicit business dealings—or, as Nadia suspected, that Count Crimson had a superior he was reporting to.
“Take me there. I’d like to see for myself.”