Mess 197

197.

“Oh, how adorable.”

“Aren’t these the porcelain figurines that were all the rage last year?”

About midway along the garden path, there was a particularly well-lit area.

There, a gazebo stood where guests could rest awhile; the magical lights they’d seen earlier twined around its pillars and flat roof like vines.

All around, porcelain animal figurines were clustered together, playing out charming little scenes.

Behind the squirrel figurine stood a tiny house. Covered in summer roses, it was fitted inside with furnishings as if real animal dolls lived there.

What looked like a rabbit warren glowed with hidden lighting. The rabbit figurines gathered in front, basking their haunches in the warm light.

“Everything looks even richer than when I last saw it.”

Ex was reminded of the Validus garden from the previous year.

Back then, the porcelain animals had already brought life to the garden, but now it felt as though he’d wandered into a land of fantasy.

“These little ones are dressed now?”

Batisa, at a loss, admired the squirrel figurine in its green shirt.

Others, too, marveled at the clothed figurines, exclaiming over their cuteness.

“Porcelain animal figurines were all the rage last year, but the fad has since waned quite a bit.”

Loony offered the explanation herself.

“But by mixing in a variety of miniature props like this, you can keep things fresh and endlessly inventive.”

Adding that the figurines and garden ornaments would soon be on sale, she piqued the nobles’ interest.

In the Orchis Empire, a love of flowers and gardening was part of the culture.

As such, people naturally took pride in tending their gardens, and the more affluent the noble, the more fervent their pursuit.

“This way, please.”

They arrived at a broad pond—a manmade feature created when the Kia estate was merged with Validus and the gardens renovated.

Upon the water floated three large ducks. Someone, mistaking them for real, caught their breath in surprise.

“At last, I can unveil them to you all.”

Climbing upon the wooden dock built out over the pond, Seraphie patted one of the duck’s heads.

“They’re duck-shaped boats.”

She led several nobles who had invested in the duck-boat venture to the dock.

“With these, it’s better to experience than to talk.”

After seating the guests herself, she explained how to operate them and briefed them on safety.

“Please do not stand or make sudden movements while aboard. If you should happen to fall in, rest assured—the Iris Knights are stationed all around the pond and ready to assist.”

Just as she said, knights in white uniforms watched from the banks and from a small boat anchored at the pond’s center.

Though a fair distance away, they had heard Seraphie and greeted her with a silent bow.

“The Iris Knights?”

“I heard they were to be revived…”

“Is it all prepared already?”

Even as the topic caused quite a stir, Seraphie offered no further explanation about the knights.

The Duchess of Phelicia regarded Seraphie with approval.

‘A wise choice.’

The resurrection of the Iris Knights was indeed a significant development.

Yet with so many noble houses already shadowed by criminal scandals, to publicly bring up the Iris—who had lost their title for much the same reason?

And with the Imperial Prince himself present as the Emperor’s representative?

It would be an utter lack of tact.

No matter how much favor the Emperor showed Seraphie, the two remained master and vassal.

She mustn’t risk offending that austere summit of power.

‘By acting so prudently, it’s no wonder the Emperor has come to cherish her.’

The Emperor had hinted he could overlook minor transgressions.

But who knew what the consequences would be if she made a real mistake?

Seraphie understood this.

As the main support for the Third Prince, she had to embody virtue and rectitude.

‘It’s a difficult path.’

And yet this hardest path, begun under the greatest difficulties, was one the young noble herself had blazed.

Thus, the Duke of Phelicia found himself swelling with pride for Seraphie.

And felt concern as well.

In the lively commotion, a noble already seated in a duck boat pressed the pedal. The boat glided smoothly out across the water.

“This is wonderful!”

“To think, even in a dress, you can move so easily!”

“It’s so much easier and more comfortable than rowing. It takes barely any strength.”

“Children would love this.”

Those who had invested in the boats enjoyed themselves like children with new toys.

While others took a turn round the pond, Seraphie explained the duck boat business.

“They’re specially made to withstand both fresh and saltwater. As pedal-powered, engine-free vessels, the minimum required water level is lower than you’d think…”

The nobles listening now wore expressions of keen interest.

What had first seemed a laughable poultry-shaped contrivance now, hearing her, appeared a very profitable enterprise.

“…It isn’t just for festivals or special days; it’s a leisure business that can add specialness to the everyday.”

“What sets this venture apart from others?”

Someone asked, raising a hand.

“The duck boat is so easy to operate that anyone can do it.”

Safer and far simpler than rowing, they were accessible to families with young children and to the elderly alike.

Seraphie finished her explanation with a bright smile.

“For more details, I’ll send an investment prospectus to the homes of our sponsors in the coming days.”

“Could I still invest even now?”

Someone who hadn’t already signed on inquired, and immediately others showed equal interest.

Even for those who couldn’t invest in the duck boat scheme, it hardly mattered.

The semi-permanent luminous magical lights displayed at the ball alone were more valuable than the boats.

And without a doubt, Countess Validus would unveil ever more business ideas.

People no longer saw her as a lucky girl who just happened to get rich overnight.

“…Oughtn’t you be joining in?”

The Duchess of Phelicia murmured to her husband so only he could hear.

“Now even you must dance attendance on the Countess of Validus.”

“Dance attendance? Is that all?”

Even her teasing brought only chuckles from the Duke.

“At least our son found himself a remarkable woman.”

“All those years raising him were finally worth it, you mean?”

“Well, he inherited my discerning eye for people.”

“Is that why Penny takes after me, with such a lack of it?”

“……”

The Duke of Phelicia sulked, lips jutting out. The Duchess gave his back a consoling pat.

“I know. That child, too, has as good an eye as I do.”

“……”

“It was just a mistake, that’s all.”

The couple sighed quietly, eyes resting on Seraphie.

To them, she was the savior who had shattered their daughter’s sad misunderstanding.

“…So very grateful, and sorry beyond words.”

Such was her value to the House of Phelicia.

As for Seraphie herself—

‘Am I doing something wrong?’

She was sweating under the weight of the couple’s sorrowful, lingering gaze.

---

As the ball drew to a close, every departing guest carried a gift that Seraphie had prepared for them.

“A small token of my appreciation.”

A bottle of the fine wine so praised at dinner, and a brooch or cufflink set with a sliver of sanctified treasure.

Seraphie, seeing their surprise, winked and replied in a playful tone.

“Since this was my very first ball, I may have gotten a bit carried away with the gifts.”

A hint, of course, that these gifts would never be offered again.

A limited edition, given only to them!

From start to finish, the ball had been perfect, and not a single soul had a word of criticism.

“Please, travel safely.”

Having seen off each guest in person, Seraphie finally returned to the manor, her face drawn with fatigue.

But there was no time to catch her breath.

“Seraphie.”

Loony approached, speaking behind a hand.

Seraphie listened quietly, blinking slowly as Loony’s words met her blue eyes.

“…What is he doing now?”

“He says he’s reading a book he brought with him.”

“I see…”

Seraphie thought for a moment, then turned back.

“Pura.”

At her call, Pura nodded once and quickly vanished.

Loony handed Seraphie a ring set with an impressively large, costly gemstone.

Slipping the ring onto her finger, Seraphie walked toward her waiting guest.

On the way, she passed Orchis and Carl.

Both watched her with significant looks, swords strapped at their sides.

“……”

At the doorway, Seraphie closed her eyes briefly.

Steadying her breath, she consciously relaxed the tension in her body.

She moistened her slightly dry lips with her tongue, and discreetly wiped her palms on her skirt at the small of her back.

Then she opened her eyes once more and went inside.

Unlike the brilliantly illuminated hall beyond, the private reception room within was relatively dim.

But it was not so dark as to hinder reading.

Her heels tapped audibly as she entered the room.

“Have you been waiting long?”

Seraphie took her seat and inquired. The man opposite, who had been reading, raised his mouth in a gentle smile.

“Even the waiting was a pleasure.”

Though there was not a trace of dishonesty in this answer, Seraphie expressed no particular reaction.

Nor had her guest expected any true conversation.

Closing his book, the man lifted his gaze.

With faded brown hair neatly swept back from his brow, Count Loria looked at Seraphie and spoke.

“Thank you for inviting me.”

“Think nothing of it.”

In the modest guest room, there were only two chairs placed face to face, with the two occupants gazing intently at one another.