Chapter 4 – Part 20

Leton, who stopped by the mansion on behalf of Eli, waited for Damon, who had been away for a while in the drawing room on the first floor.

“I was a bit delayed because I had to go to the villa for a while.”

Damon soon came into the sitting room.

“What did the mistress say?”

“Madam wishes to debut Lady Eve and Lady Emily in the social circle.”

“Both of them? Isn’t it a bit early?”

“She thinks it’s the right time, considering the recent lull in rumors.”

“Oh,” Leton quickly understood.

“Do the Dowager still go to parties often?”

“Yes. She went out with Lady Miles yesterday, too.”

In recent information about Marie, the name of Lady Miles was not omitted.

Perhaps because of that, rumors that Lord Grit worked hard by holding a ball also faded.

Of course, Eli now had no intention of stepping up because his priority was to find his wife.

The same was true of Marie’s treatment. He didn’t seem to feel the need to impose significant sanctions unless it interfered with his search for his wife.

“I’ll ask the Marquis if we can have a debut party for the two ladies; was there anything else?”

“…Yes, I haven’t heard anything from Master yet.”

“Is the master okay?” Damon added

“…I hope so.”

With a somewhat pessimistic answer, the atmosphere between Leton and Damon sank simultaneously.

“Is there anything else?”

“…No. There hasn’t been any significant news from here.”

With that, the brief silence ended, and Leton promptly got up.

When he left, Emily was seen coming from the direction of the auxiliary mansion.

“Leton.”

She called out, and Leton turned to face her.

“Miss Emily. It’s been a while.”

“You didn’t come today with my brother?”

“Yes. If you have anything to say, I’ll tell him for you.”

Emily shook her head. But she stood there, as if she had something to say.

“I heard you’re going to debut in the social circle.”

It seems like there’s something she wants to talk about, so Leton intentionally brought up a different topic to buy some time.

“It just happened.”

From her nonchalant response, it seemed more like the decision of Lady Marie Grit than Emily herself.

“You seem to have a lot on your mind.”

Leton had to ask, wondering if the sudden entry into society was causing her concerns. Emily hesitated even to answer Leton’s question.

“I’m planning to look around the capital. Would you mind joining me for a while?”

“…Sure.”

Knowing that it was Leton’s consideration, Emily agreed.

***

“Is it wrong for me to try to change now?”

When the carriage left Grit Manor and traveled a short distance, Emily spoke quietly.

Leton remained silent to allow her to speak more freely.

“I used to think that as long as the atmosphere at the mansion didn’t affect me negatively, it was okay. So, I pretended not to know a lot of things even when I did.”

She expressed her thoughts as if she were letting her mind wander.

“Do you want to be a good person?”

Eve’s words ultimately meant that she was not so different herself.

“But suddenly, I couldn’t stay silent anymore. I felt that being selfish, even if it’s late, is better than remaining quiet. But then, maybe everything I thought had changed about me was just a selfish desire to go back to the time when nothing harmed me.”

She wondered if, as Eve said, she had become more hypocritical and materialistic than when she was silent. With that thought, her mind became complicated.

Emily looked at Leton, who remained quiet with anticipation, wondering what he was thinking or what bitter words he might say.

“Wouldn’t it be better to do what you want, Miss?”

“Huh?”

“If you want to live differently now and not turn a blind eye to what’s wrong, then why not? It’s your desire to live differently from the past.”

“Is that so?”

Hearing Leton’s words, it did seem like that might be the case.

“Lord Grit said before that what was right in the past doesn’t guarantee it’s right now. Then isn’t it also possible that what was wrong in the past isn’t necessarily wrong now?”

Leton recalled Eli’s words about Lady Ruby Grit from some time ago. Since Lady Emily was the only person who could say such things to him, Leton speculated that it might be a similar case.

In Leton’s eyes, Emily looked much more progressive.

“Thank you.”

Maybe it was just simple comfort, but it gave her some strength.

“I think we can stop the walks.”

Seeing her refreshed expression, it seemed to have been helpful.

“Oh, by the way, please tell my brother that I’ll be debuting in society.”

Entering the mansion, Emily said as she headed inside.

“Tell him that I want him to attend the debut party. If he doesn’t come to a party that will only happen once, I’ll be disappointed.”

“I’ll convey the message.”

“Leton, come with my brother. Then go home safely.”

Her face going into the mansion looked much brighter.
***

“Lady Marie wants Lady Eve and Lady Emily to debut in the social circle.”

“Already?”

“Yes. Madam thinks it’s the right time now that the rumors have subsided.”

“That makes sense.”

Marie’s decision to debut Eve and Emily sooner rather than later, hoping to marry them off to better families, was evident.

“And Miss Emily also wants you to attend the party.”

“Oh, really?”

“She said she’d be disappointed if you don’t come to a party that will only happen once.”

Considering Eli’s damaged reputation, it might not be that helpful for Eve and Emily, but Marie thought allowing the party would be the better choice.

At the same time, when the two leave the family, the real battle between Eli and Marie might truly begin.

“Let’s allow it. I’ll give my permission.”

“Shall I inform them about your attendance at the party?”

“Yes, I think it’ll be enough to show my face for a moment.”

“I understand. Also, should I look into Lady Miles more?”

Eli also knew that Arlen has been hanging out with Marie a lot lately.

“For now, gather information and leave it at that.”

Leton left, and Eli, who hadn’t had a proper sleep for days, rubbed his tired eyes. He managed to close his eyes for a moment, but he couldn’t sleep for long. The thought of attending a party brought fatigue to his body and mind.

***

“We might as well make it grand if we’re going to do it.”

Having received Eli’s approval, Marie was in high spirits.

Eve and Emily’s debut party was scheduled to take place at the main Grit Manor, excluding the second floor, where no one but Eli and Ruby could go.

Since it wasn’t a time for stubbornness, Marie accepted the condition.

“Have Bella visit the mansion as soon as possible, and send this to Duke Miles.”

Marie, having sending the letter, leisurely enjoyed her tea.

A few days later, it was time to fit Eve and Emily’s dresses.

***

The first-floor reception room at Grit Manor was filled with jewels and all the items needed for making dresses. Bella’s attendants were busy tidying up while she supervised.

“Nice to meet you, madam. I’m Bella.”

Bella, the current personal designer for Marquis Grit, greeted Marie politely.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Marie Grit.”

Even at her mature age, Marie’s scrutinizing gaze was sharp as she observed Bella.

“The upcoming party is very important for Eve and Emily. I believe you will handle it well.”

“Yes, please trust me.”

Bella bowed slightly to Eve and Emily, who were sitting on the sofa.

At that moment, Damon knocked on the reception room door.

“Lady Miles has arrived.”

“Please show her in.”

Shortly after, Arlen entered the reception room.

“Oh my! Lady Miles, welcome!”

Marie warmly welcomed Arlen.

“I’m not sure if I should join such an important occasion.”

“Oh, your too humble. If not for Lady Miles, who else would I turn to for assistance?”

“Thank you for your kind words.”

However, Marie was the only one welcoming Arlen to this place. Emily, sitting on the sofa, initially had a skeptical expression upon Arlen’s entrance, which turned into a polite smile. Eve, although surprised, didn’t pay much attention and shifted her gaze back to the jewelry.

Bella, too, felt awkward. Usually, when hosting a debut party in high society, it was customary for someone of higher status in the family or someone experienced in social circles to assist. In cases where the rank was lower or the family elders lacked social experience, relatives or social acquaintances were invited for help. It was a gesture of friendliness and a sign of close relations.

Nevertheless, the implications of their relationship went beyond the usual. If Marquis Grit were unmarried, there wouldn’t be much to say about the rumors surrounding the marriage of the two people. What was crucial was that Eli Grit was not single. The news of the marriage was not loudly announced, but Bella had met Ruby and fitted her for a dress.

In this reception room, where Marquis Grit’s wife was absent, Bella could sense the rumors. Recently, there have been rumors of a divorce between the Marquis Grit and his wife, followed by a remarriage with Lady Miles. The friendship between Lady Miles and the Marquis Grit was also well-known. However, summoning Lady Miles to such an extent was unexpected.

“Shall we begin?”

Marie looked at Bella as if asking what she was doing, prompting her to quickly erase her surprised expression and start the preparations.