SIDE STORY

In the midst of summer, the garden, adorned with lush green grass and trees, along with colorful flowers in full bloom, reached the pinnacle of beauty. Today was the day Isabelle invited the distinguished ladies of the Vechilin social circle for a light tea time.

Servants diligently moved about the garden, setting up pillars with iron rods and installing beige fabric sunshades. Tables and chairs were arranged, and it didn’t take long for the silk tablecloth to be spread out.

Isabelle, after giving birth to Richmond about a year ago, began to socialize in earnest. Despite having no connections in Vechilin, many ladies approached her with interest simply because of her title as the Duchess of Calitheon.

Initially, she became acquainted at a banquet hosted by Countess Elliot. Later, Isabelle herself hosted a small party at the Calitheon Estate, where she spent her leisure time meeting people like never before.

The warm spring and summer months were perfect for outdoor tea and light conversation. As the setting was completed with fresh flowers and elegant decorations, guests began to arrive.

Isabelle warmly greeted Countess Elliot, her closest friend, and then welcomed the other ladies who followed.

They were all decked out in the latest fashions: pearl rings, sapphire brooches, feathered hats, beaded joules, and dresses with crystals on the bust…….

One by one, Isabelle complimented them on their attire and led them into the garden with a sociable smile.

“How beautiful the gardens are. Is that the fountain the Duke gave you as a gift?”

Countess Lionel, who was visiting the Calitheon Estate for the first time, admired the splendor of the fountain, which forcefully spouted water. She had recently made her debut as a new lady at the royal ball held not long ago, alongside Isabelle.

Count Lionel was a member of the nobility who, along with the Duke of Calitheon, was responsible for the central politics of the Empire, a family that had been well-established and influential for generations. Given the close collaboration in various matters handled by Richt, Isabelle felt the need to become acquainted with Countess Lionel to strengthen their ties.

“When everyone comes here, they’re astonished by the size and splendor of this fountain.”

Next to her, Countess Elliott fluttered her gold-embroidered joules.

The fountain had four tiers, with water cascading from the top to the bottom, and was so tall that you had to crane your neck to see the angelic statue at the top.

The specially treated wings of the angel sparkled when exposed to sunlight, giving the impression that they might take flight into the sky at any moment.

Isabelle smiled. The fountain, which she had mentioned in passing when Richt had asked her to choose a gift after she had given birth to Richmond a few years earlier, was now the most famous topic of conversation among the ladies of Vechilin.

Each visitor to the Calitheon Estate had their own words of praise for the fountain, which stood majestically in the center of the garden. Isabelle was quite proud of the fountain, which had become a symbol of the mansion.

After the ladies circled the garden, Isabelle guided them to their seats.

The maids busily served refreshments, including buttermilk cookies, apple pastries, summer fruits like strawberries and grapes, and iced tea infused with lemon.

As the ladies settled into their seats under the cool shade, they set aside their fans and sipped their iced tea, just in time for a breeze to cool them off.

Isabelle quenched her thirst with the cool tea and then opened the conversation.

“Have you all heard the news about the shelter opening near Denver?”

“Yes. I heard it’s a refuge for children.”

Countess Elliot nodded, relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere. Countess Lionel’s eyes widened as she had never heard of it before.

“A shelter?”

“Yes. In fact, today’s gathering is in support of that cause.”

Denver was a slum on the outskirts of Vechilin, presenting a completely different scene, with a bridge dividing a poverty-stricken area from a more affluent one. Denver was overflowing with barefoot and hungry children.

Most of them came from poor families or had been abandoned as orphans, and it was not uncommon for boys to be forced into labor at an early age and for girls to be sold into the red-light district as soon as they were old enough.

When Isabelle first arrived in Vechilin, she was unaware of Denver’s reality. However, as she became more accustomed to city life after giving birth to Richmond, she learned about the unfortunate situation through her outdoor activities.

While she had provided occasional help, the issues faced by these underprivileged children were too numerous for Isabelle to address alone.

So when she heard that a children’s shelter was opening in Denver, she knew she had to get the ladies moving.

“As you know, the shelter needs regular donations to keep it running, and I wanted to ask you to join me in a worthy cause, if you ladies would join me, it would set an example for noble society.”

“Ah, I see. I knew the Duchess had been interested in the children of Denver for quite  some time.”

Countess Elliot respected Isabelle’s intentions and listened attentively.

“Yes. The children begging on the streets are pitiful. They don’t even have enough for basic needs, let alone education.”

“Is it that serious?”

Countess Lionel inquired.

“Yes. There are so many children starving to death, and I think we should at least try to stop that. After all, they are innocent lives born into this world.”

To convince the ladies, Isabelle told them anecdotes she had seen firsthand and detailed the plight of the Denver children. Except for Countess Elliott, the other ladies had never heard of them before.

“I only found out about it by accident at first, because we never go over the bridge, but it’s a whole different world there. Every alley is filled with emaciated children suffering from skin diseases and respiratory illnesses. They endure pain without proper treatment, and abuse is rampant.”

“I didn’t realize it was that bad.”

The expressions of the ladies, who were laughing and chatting just moments ago, turned somber.

“The establishment of a shelter in such a place is an opportunity to save many children. If everyone here contributes a little, it will make a significant difference.”

“Well, that’s a noble cause! If the Duke of Calitheon is leading, count me in as well.”

Countess Lionel readily expressed her willingness.

“Oh, really? What do the rest of you think?”

“I’ll join too. Honestly, it’s a problem we should have addressed sooner. It’s a bit embarrassing to have known and pretended not to.”

Even Countess Elliot showed a positive sign, and the other ladies followed suit. Isabelle expressed her gratitude with a warm smile.

“Thank you all, I didn’t think I’d be able to convince so many of you. The shelter is scheduled to be completed next month. I’ll provide more details about the schedule later.”

Feeling that the atmosphere had settled a bit, Isabelle shifted the conversation to a new topic. With the ladies’ approval secured, today’s tea time could be considered a success.

She couldn’t wait to tell Richt about it.