Leonhart. He was Cedric's close friend. Also, unlike the gruff Cedric, he was someone who played the role of a practical older brother figure to Bianca.
He was one of the few people in high society with whom I could converse comfortably. Just that fact alone put my mind at ease.
"Lord Leonhart isn't engaged yet, is he?"
"I don't think so…"
"I see. I heard that Lady Idette has been quite proactive lately."
Well, that wasn't really any of my concern.
"It seems the social circle will become lively again after a long time."
Emily let out a deep sigh.
I agreed. The social circle was troublesome enough as it was, but this time, the homecoming ceremony and the hunting competition were added to the mix.
Couldn't they just have the homecoming ceremony and be done with?
Just thinking about it was already exhausting.
---
Do you know what my most hated scenes in romance fantasy novels were?
"Have you heard the rumor? They say a magical stone was discovered in Count Mariette's mine."
"I heard that's just a rumor. They say it's exaggerated to reassure investors since the northern business isn't doing well."
"Still, seeing the young Count's expression, it didn't seem like just a rumor…"
Exactly these kinds of scenes!
And now I was sitting right in the middle of such a tedious social scene.
It was so absurd I could almost laugh.
As I lightly covered my lips with my hand for fear my expression might crack, Johanna cautiously spoke to me.
"Lady Bianca, is something wrong?"
At that moment, the gazes of everyone in the conservatory simultaneously shot towards me, like predators who had spotted new prey.
"You can speak freely!"
Her voice was kind, but her gaze was closer to that of someone who had found fresh prey.
Wow, it's really a jungle here.
"Ah... it's nothing. I just found the ladies' conversation interesting."
I want to go home!
Please, just let me go home!
Can't everyone just stay at home and rest?
While screaming internally, I forced an awkward smile.
"Well, that's a relief. I was worried, that's why I invited you."
Did they think I didn't know their true intentions?
They had called me because they were curious about what happened with Ricardo!
I had no idea how much each word I uttered would be exaggerated and spread.
I wasn't one to enjoy going out in the first place, but do you know how social rumors spread?
"I heard Lady Bianca is heartbroken because she was dumped by Lord Ricardo!"
Something like that.
In a society like this, it was only natural for me to be nervous, especially when I had to be cautious with every single word.
...I just want to quit being a lady. I don't want to do this anymore.
"But is Duke Ricardo coming today?"
At that moment, Hestia, who had been covering her mouth with a fan, asked with a gentle smile.
She sure takes the long way around. She must have wanted to ask from the moment I entered the conservatory.
These days, there was a custom where lovers would come to pick up the young ladies after the tea party ended.
It was fashionable for the couples to leave first, and the remaining people would applaud them.
Trying my best to appear nonchalant, I answered.
"I don't wish to take up the Duke's time."
"Isn't it a bit much to call spending time with your lover 'taking up their time'?"
Hestia smiled faintly.
Ah, I want to say something.
But since she was the Empire's only princess, I chose to remain quiet.
Yes, yes. You're right, Your Highness.
"The Duke is truly indifferent, isn't he? What do you think, Lady Idette?"
At the mention of Idette's name, she flinched noticeably. When our eyes met, her pupils trembled like a quaking aspen.
The curious young ladies began to glance back and forth between me and Idette.
Ah, I'm envious. If I were in their position, I would have been enjoying this spectacle more than anyone.
But being in the center of it myself was just frustrating.
Just then, Johanna, unable to hold back any longer, asked.
"Lady Idette, isn't there someone you have your eye on?"
Oh, this is getting a bit interesting.
I perked up my ears.
"Not yet. The reason I came to the capital is for university…"
Is she trying to avoid the question?
Still, it was a very ladylike answer.
Well, it wouldn't be fun if the male lead was already decided.
I nodded, but soon came to my senses when I heard Idette call my name.
"...Lady Bianca?"
Realizing I had been blankly lost in thought, I awkwardly straightened my posture and looked around.
When on earth is everyone going home?
With a thoroughly deflated expression, I looked up at the ceiling.
Just then, Hestia, still smiling, spoke up.
"I believe His Highness the Crown Prince truly favors Lady Idette."
At the mention of the Crown Prince, the atmosphere became subtly tense.
Feeling like I was sitting on a bed of nails, I turned my gaze away and looked around the conservatory interior.
Tile one, tile two, tile three…
"I am merely grateful. But we are not as close as Her Highness seems to think."
"If you weren't close, His Highness wouldn't be sponsoring you, Lady Idette."
Absently counting the tiles, I flinched at Hestia's sharp voice.
"He simply holds my abilities in high regard."
"I see. If appearance is a talent, then I suppose it is. But if it weren't for Lady Idette's striking looks, would His Highness or the Duke have shown any interest?"
At the sudden mention of Ricardo's name, the ladies' gazes, which had been fixed on Idette, all turned to me.
I... don't know that person.
I swallowed dryly and tried to stand up, but just then, I heard footsteps from behind.
Turning my head, an unexpected figure was entering the conservatory.
"...?"
Huh?
Why is Cedric here?
I wasn't the only one who hadn't expected a visitor. The ladies were also looking at him with surprised eyes.
"Lord Cedric?"
Cedric, entering the conservatory, stood out brilliantly.
Normally, I wouldn't have thought anything of it, but right now, he looked like a savior. I sprang to my feet as if I had been waiting for him.
"Brother!"
Startled by my overly delighted greeting, Cedric looked quite taken aback.
Seeing this, Hestia didn't hide her deep smile.
"It seems Lady Bianca has won the bet today. I didn't know you preferred family love over your fiancé's affection."
Her tone was sarcastic, as if implying I had called for a family member instead of my fiancé, but I didn't mind at all.
I can go home!
"...Well then, I hope you enjoy the rest of your time."
Cedric bowed politely. I naturally looped my arm through his and walked out as quickly as possible without looking back.
---
As soon as we left the conservatory, I let go of Cedric's arm.
Maintaining an appropriate distance between siblings, Cedric silently looked down at his now-empty arm.
But... Cedric did come to pick me up, right?
He didn't come for some other lady and I mistakenly latched on, did he?
"Um... you did come to pick me up, right?"
When I cautiously asked, Cedric looked at me as if I were being absurd.
"Who else would I have come for?"
It seems the aftermath of the Ricardo incident still lingers. I should cut back on these useless thoughts.
"Ah, no. Thank you for coming to get me."
Cedric didn't answer.
After glancing at me briefly, he started walking ahead. I hesitated, gauging his mood, then followed.
But why did he come to pick me up?
Is he going to give me another long lecture because we're short on time at home?
Unable to find a convincing reason, I climbed into the carriage with an uneasy heart.
But even after the carriage departed, Cedric didn't say anything.
He just unfolded a newspaper he hadn't finished reading.
Doesn't he get motion sickness?
Looking at the small print in the newspaper made me feel dizzy for no reason, so I quickly turned my gaze out the window.
Just then, I heard Cedric's calm voice.
"...If there are more gatherings like this in the future, tell me."
"Pardon?"
Cedric sighed softly.
"Don't make me say it twice."
…Did I understand that correctly?
It sounded like he meant he would personally come to pick me up from every tea party I attend from now on.
