Chapter 5 – Part 8

“What could cause someone working in a noble’s house to be driven away?”

“Someone working? Who?”

“Just anyone, for various reasons. Why would they quit?”

Palman deliberately didn’t mention being a governess while talking.

“There could be many personal reasons, and in the case of governesses, they might move when the child they teach grows up.”

“What about …… getting kicked out?”

“Well… for servants like maids or footmen, they could be caught having an affair with the master or mistress or getting pregnant while fooling around.”

Gloria casually mentioned rumors and gossip she heard at tea parties, not realizing how pale Palman’s face had become.

“Not all of them, but, oh, they could also be caught stealing jewelry or items. Or maybe secretly hitting the young master or miss of the house? Why?”

Palman forced a smile and shrugged.

“What happens if they’re caught after making such a mistake and run away?”

“They could be thrown in jail or punished as the master or mistress sees fit. When they decide to punish, it won’t be optimistic.”

Palman stood up, becoming paler as Gloria continued talking.

“I don’t think I can do this.”

“What?”

“I think we should go home.”

“What?”

Palman left the reception room and headed upstairs.

“What are you talking about? Going home? What about the tea party?”

Gloria hurriedly followed Palman.

“I don’t think I need to go. I’ve already been to high-society parties and imperial banquets anyway.”

Palman had been lucky enough to experience what most people only get to experience once. It was more than enough, and to some extent, she found it amusing, ignoring and being ignored in social circles, shattering the illusions of high society.

“But the tea party might be different.”

“It’s okay.”

Laura’s letter, which arrived by then, contained a concern for Ruby. A man had recently come to see her. She said he was obviously from the capital and looked like an aristocrat.

Palman had a gut feeling that this was related to the letter Emily Grit had taken.

‘She said it wasn’t a bad thing.’

But when she thought about it, Emily said it wasn’t a bad thing for her. She didn’t say it wouldn’t be a bad thing for Ruby. The thought made Palman’s heart race.

“Are you sure you want to leave?”

Suddenly, Gloria, who was watching Palman hastily pack, became anxious.

“I’ll be fine.”

“What about the invitation from Lady Emily Grit?”

“You can go alone.”

Palman said it nonchalantly, as if it didn’t matter.

“I was a plus one, remember? A plus one!”

Gloria exclaimed. She didn’t want to admit it, but it was true.

“You were invited; hence, I was invited as well; why would I go there without you?”

Palman could leave and be done with it, but it mattered to Gloria, who wanted to continue her social life.

And it was embarrassing for Gloria to depend on Palman, who didn’t seem to have anything special.

“Because our house is in the capital, you were able to go to the ball. So, you should repay the favor!”

“There is a letter that Lady Grit is supposed to return to me; you can go there and retrieve it in my stead. Just don’t read it.”

That would be the least of her problems, as she would be inducted into the Marquisate of Grit, if only for a little while.

Palman, who finished speaking, started packing again. It was a statement saying that she wouldn’t change her mind.

“Do as you wish!”

Gloria also closed her door forcefully.

The next day, Palman rode a prepared carriage and headed for Zenfield.

* * *

“How many died today?”

Cain’s second prince, Nescan, asked with a tired voice.

“We lost a lot of infantry. We were attacked from behind…”

“You didn’t know that was coming?”

Even though he was tired, he remembered the situation at that time and burst into anger.

The subordinate apologized continuously.

“This is how they play dirty.”

“Any idea how long we can hold on?”

Many of the survivors were injured. If the battle continued, defeat was inevitable.

“Fortunately, we recently received a supply of provisions, so we can hold on for a while.”

“Place the archers at the forefront and try to hold on as much as possible.”

“Yes, understood.”

“In the meantime, we need to find another way… What about the other princes? Any movement that can divert attention like last time?”

The reason they attached people to princes in other countries was to keep an eye on them when they ascended the throne, but sometimes it was just to throw them around as a distraction.

Luckily, the Eighth Prince’s residence was right next to the other camp, making it an excellent distraction.

Thanks to that, they thought they had gained an advantage in the last battle, but now they were back to square one.

“There aren’t many princes left now. Originally, there were few who went into exile under the pretext of studying.”

Even if he didn’t throw them, they often took care of themselves.

This was a man who lived with the arrogance of thinking he was going to be king, so it was also a calculation that he would not leave a legacy from the beginning.

“However, since he’s still around, let’s gather as much information as possible. Recently, there are rumors that the 14th prince often leaves the capital and travels to the outskirts.”

“Sorvan is staying in the Luben Empire?”

He hadn’t even been considered for the royal succession, but he was the lucky one who had been favored by his father to study in the empire instead of the kingdom.

“Yes. According to my informants, he’s meeting a woman there.”

“He has a woman even though he lives like a mouse.”

He’d make a good hostage, but he was so cowardly and useless that he didn’t really need one.

“Anyway, keep an eye on him.”

“Yes.”

“If necessary, manipulate things to divert his attention, even if it’s just for a moment.”

The subordinate bowed and left the room.

***

“Thank you for the invitation, Lady Grit.”

Gloria was greeted as she entered the mansion.

“Welcome, Lady Obler.”

Emily responded while glancing behind her as she received Gloria’s greeting.

“Oh, Palman went back to Zenfield. Something urgent came up at home.”

“So suddenly?”

Emily couldn’t express her gratitude, and she felt regret for not being able to give her the letter.

“I meant to tell you in advance, but I had to come and see you in person, to apologize for Palman’s rudeness, and because she asked me to.”

Gloria replied, nervous that Emily would ask her to leave.

“She wanted you to give me the letter you were supposed to give her today, so I could deliver it to Palman.”

“Ah, yes. It must be returned to the owner.”

Emily intended to call a maid to bring the box but stopped.

Of course, Gloria was more surprised by Emily’s actions.

“Wait, you mean she went home to…… Zenfield?”

“Yes.”

Gloria tried to hide her trembling heart and answered with a forced smile.

Emily, lost in her thoughts, did not notice Gloria’s state.

Her sister lived in Zenfield, and now her brother was there, too.

Moreover, Emily had an important letter from her sister that she must return. Palman, who needed to receive the letter, went to Zenfield.

“I’ll take care of the letter,” she said, “because it’s personal, even to a relative.”

So, she could personally deliver it. Gloria didn’t know that the letter, even if she read it, would not reveal that it was Ruby who sent it.

“Since you came all this way, let’s have tea in the reception room. I’ve prepared delicious snacks as well.”

“Yes, yes, I would be honored.”

Fortunately, Lady Grit didn’t tell her to leave. Gloria smiled widely, knowing that it would be a private tea time with Lady Grit. Gloria smiled broadly. The letter was just an excuse anyway.

***

“How can you suddenly decide to go on a trip?”

Looking at Emily packing her things, Eve couldn’t understand.

“When there are so many invitations and letters from suitors asking to meet you?”

Since their debut party, the Marquisate of Grit has received continuous letters. Most of them were asking them out on dates.

Marie meticulously sifted through them for family name, wealth, and social influence before giving Eve and Emily a choice.

Of course, that was quite a few invitations.

“I’ve been working hard, and Mother said it’s okay if I’m a little late.”

Emily’s expression of approval was a little shaky, but it didn’t stop her from going.

It was just a little more of the usual nagging about looking good and not bringing shame on the family name.

“Fine. When you come back, you might hear news about my marriage.”

With her mother’s approval, she had nothing more to say. Eve left the room, thinking of her date tomorrow.