Chapter 5 – Part 12

Eli’s mansion in Zenfield underwent its first major cleaning since its purchase. The interior was decorated to look like a lived-in home, including furnishings and items suitable for a woman, especially for the preparation of Emily’s room.

Rumors circulated among Zenfield residents that Eli and Ruby were refurbishing their honeymoon house, given the vast number of workers and the bustling activity.

This was likely because of the wide and fancy bed and other items clearly intended for a woman, all meant for creating Emily’s room.

As the construction continued for several days, Eli could only visit Ruby’s mansion late in the evening.

“My Lord.”

At the last inspection of Emily’s room, Leton approached Eli.

“What is it?”

“It seems that Miss Emily has arrived.”

Eli looked at the mansion entrance, but he didn’t see a carriage.

“It seems to have passed by here. I think she went straight to Madam.”

“To Ruby?”

“Yes.”

“Please finish up here.”

Eli quickly headed to Ruby’s mansion. As Leton had said, there was Grit’s coach in front of the mansion. The coachman noticed him and hurriedly greeted him.

“It’s been a while, brother.

Emily, who was greeting Ruby, turned to Eli with a bright greeting as she entered the mansion.

“Why are you here? Why did you not go directly to my house?”

“Brother’s place doesn’t seem too welcoming. Besides, since I’ll be here for a while, it would be better for me to live in a clean house, right?”

Emily spoke as if she had seen through Eli’s life. Clearly, she thought that the mansion would be neglected without Ruby.

“I’ve prepared everything. I’ll tell them to move your things.”

“Can I stay here? If it’s okay with you, it’s still a lot better than my brother’s mansion. There’s a guest room available anyway. It won’t make a difference even if one more person stays there.”

“Thank you.”

When Ruby agreed, Then, fearing that Eli might object, she ordered the coachman to move her belongings.

“This way.”

Dominic guided the servant carrying luggage. His servant also began helping with Eli’s gesture.

“Are you really okay? If you’re worried about Emily, you don’t have to do that. I’ve rearranged the mansion after receiving a letter from Emily.”

“It’s alright.”

Though Eli thought of it as a simple cleaning, in Zenfield, it was considered a major construction. Many workers were busy, and the mansion’s appearance had changed significantly.

While Eli and Ruby were creating a buzz, some residents passing by hinted at the possibility of them combining their homes, considering the lavish furnishings and the talk about beautifully arranged rooms.

Eli put Emily’s luggage in the room and went upstairs. Dominic, who had lightly tidied up Emily’s room, said she would go down to guide the coachman to where he should go.

“Is there a reason for this sudden visit?”

“Huh? Oh, I told you. I came to deliver a letter to a friend, and I thought of taking a break.”

Emily’s response was casual, and Eli didn’t delve further into the matter.

“Is everything okay with you?”

Emily smiled at the worry in his eyes.

“You’re worried because you ditched me as soon as you found out where sister Ruby lived?”

Unable to say anything in response to the teasing remark, Eli just stared. Emily then said, “I’m kidding,” and dangled her hat in front of him.

She removed her gloves and laid them on the table, off to one side.

“I came to deliver a letter from my friend. And, of course, I was curious to see what kind of place you and sister Ruby are living in.”

Observing Emily as he examined her while she was still in her traveling attire, Emily didn’t seem to be lying.

“Alright. Clean up and come downstairs. We’ll have a quick breakfast.”

Upon hearing this, Emily hesitated.

“…Okay.”

“Oh, and we eat together here, so you’ll have to get used to it.”

With that, Eli left the room.

***

Emily contemplated changing into more suitable attire but decided against it. She was planning to meet Palman right after, and her current outfit would suffice.

“I’ve set up another chair.”

“Thank you, Leton.”

As they descended to the first floor, the parlor was bustling. Ruby, carrying a plate of apple pie and bread, was heading towards the parlor when she noticed Emily.

“You’ve come down; come on in.”

“Come quickly; everything is ready.”

Following Ruby were Dominic, with a beverage, and Eli, with a confused look.

As Emily slowly made her way to the parlor, she saw Eli and Leton casually pass the tray between them. Holding the tray in one hand, Eli pulled out Ruby’s chair with the other. Leton did the same.

Soon, Eli, the long-lost Leton, Ruby, and Dominic were seated at the round table. The one empty seat seemed to be hers.

“It’s been a long time, Ms. Emily.”

Leton rose from his seat to greet Emily.

“Yeah, it’s been a while.”

He pulled out a chair for her to sit in and gave her a polite bow.

“How about changing into something more comfortable?”

Concerned about Emily’s attire, Ruby asked.

“No, I’m planning to go out after breakfast.”

“Are you meeting someone?”

Ruby asked, puzzled. This must be her first time in Zenfield, she thought, but she quickly realized why.

“Are you going to see Palman?”

“Uh, yeah. I have something for her.”

“A letter?”

Ruby smiled meaningfully as she said it.

“Yeah.”

An apple pie and a piece of bread were placed on Ruby’s plate as she talked to Emily. Eli was placing them for her.

Leton poured juice for Dominic, who asked for a bottle of apple juice.

“Why?”

Looking at their natural interactions, Emily couldn’t help but ask.

“Palman got the wrong idea, and it led to something amusing.”

“Because of a letter?”

“Yes. I think you’d better hear the rest from Palman herself.”

Ruby found the situation amusing, but realizing it might be embarrassing for Palman, she decided not to elaborate.

“You should try the apple pie. I just made it today, and it’s delicious.”

Dominic told Emily, who was still trying to decide what to eat.

“…Thank you.”

Emily said, taking a piece of pie.

This must be what Eli meant by eating together.

Emily tasted the pie, trying to keep a straight face in this unfamiliar situation. The pie was as good as Dominic had said. Emily focused on the flavor of the pie and ended the awkward meal.

***
Running a business often involves a battle of waiting.

You never knew when your customers would show up. It was late and no one was coming in when Palman yawned loudly in boredom.

“I’m looking to buy a bottle of wine. Can you recommend something?”

“Oh, sure.”

Palman quickly stood up upon hearing the clear voice.

Then she was surprised to see Emily in front of her.

“My Lady!”

Startled by her own loud voice, she looked around and pulled the colorfully dressed Emily into the store.

“Why are you here? Oh, I’m sorry. I was just so surprised…”

Palman quickly apologized for rudely grabbing her hand and pulling her along.

“It’s okay; I told you I’d return the letter.”

Perhaps because she had seen more surprising situations at the mansion in the morning, she wasn’t angry. Emily handed her the letter she had carefully brought.

“Surely you didn’t come here because of this?”

Her expression seemed to ask if it was really necessary.

“I asked Gloria to receive it for me. You didn’t have to come all the way here. It’s far and inconvenient.”

Palman felt embarrassed at the sight of Emily, who was as gorgeous and beautiful as she was in the capital, compared to her shabby self.

“It’s a personal matter, and no one was supposed to know. And it’s not just because of this. My brother and sister are also here, so I came.”

“Oh, well, I’m glad to hear that.”

Palman shrugged, feeling unnecessarily flattered.

“Have you met them?”

“Yes, this morning. Did you hear it from my sister?”

She didn’t seem surprised to hear her refer to Ruby as her sister.

“Uh, yeah. It just so happened that I had a misunderstanding and……”

“And what was the misunderstanding that made everyone want me to hear it straight from you?”

“Ah…”

It must have been actions taken out of consideration for herself, but Palman had the misfortune of having to recount her embarrassing behavior in her own words.

“I made a very big misunderstanding, and there’s been a bit of a ruckus……”

“A ruckus?”

Her expression seemed to be asking if there was something to make a fuss about.

“I mistook the Marquis of Grit for a nobleman who had come to capture my teacher.”

Palmon’s face turned red as she finished speaking.

“No, it’s just that my mother’s letter said that a nobleman from the capital had come to visit Ms. Ruby, and when you suddenly took the letter away from me, I thought you had informed him.”

“Ah…”

“I’m sorry.”

Palman, who had been a little rude to her at the imperial party because of the misunderstanding, apologized quickly.

“I have to apologize. I borrowed the letter without explaining it properly to you.”

Only now did Emily understand the situation.

“So, how long are you planning to stay here?”

Palmon asked, trying to change the subject.

“I don’t know. I’m still thinking. But I don’t still know the place well.”

“Oh, well, do you want me to show you around?”

“Would that be alright?”

Emily welcomed the suggestion without refusing.

“I’m looking forward to it because Miss Palman said it had the most beautiful view in all of Luben.”