She thought about the woman she had never known or seen. They say she’s confined somewhere in the Penvernon territory, but very few people know where. It was difficult to imagine how Rashid felt about binding and imprisoning his own mother.

……Let’s stop thinking about it. It’s not like thinking will change anything.

She immersed herself in work again. While examining every corner of the intricately drawn bird’s eye view, she had fewer distracting thoughts.

The construction would take a long time. Even if they worked throughout the fall starting now, it would barely be finished before winter came, if at all.

It seemed they would need to hurry with the exterior construction first and then handle the interior afterward. It wouldn’t be possible to spend time here until next spring.

‘I’ll have to keep this up until then.’

Since she had put in so much effort, she should enjoy it a bit before leaving.

She paid Mark another large sum, thanking him for finding such a good mansion. He bowed repeatedly in joy, asking her to contact him again.

Once Mark brags a few times about how much consideration the Duchess of Penvernon showed him, stories would circulate through the streets again. Stories about the foolish Duchess of Penvernon who was once again deceived by a broker who had blinded her eyes.

What fell into her hands was an old mansion in the middle of nowhere. She spent a fortune decorating that mansion, and the reason for buying it was simply needing a place for entertainment. Wasn’t she worthy of contemptuous criticism and envious glances?

‘That will do.’

If many people realize how unhelpful I am to the Penvernon duchy, that would be enough. Soon, it wouldn’t be strange if Rashid demands a divorce, and the Emperor might think that the marriage partner he arranged is too below standard and this won’t do.

As time passes, someday.

Yes, someday it would all end.

* * *

She slowly began preparing for Rashid’s birthday banquet.

First, she compiled a list of guests to invite to the banquet. Since this was her first time, she had to consider many aspects carefully.

‘I have to do this entirely on my own.’

Creating the guest list, arranging proper seating, paying attention to the menu to serve appropriate food, preparing entertainment, preparing return gifts, taking care of the guests’ journey home…. There was so much to do that she was already tired of it.

‘Will the decorations and artworks I bought before be enough?’

Though she had brought in quite a few things to see, she wondered if it would be sufficient for people from the imperial family and ducal houses.

She recalled the various banquets she had attended. While each was decorated uniquely according to their family’s characteristics, they all seemed equally expensive.

Just then, Madame Spendal sent someone with a letter. It was a notice about a large auction being held soon. They were currently recruiting invitees, and she asked if she was still interested in attending.

She replied that she would certainly attend. How timely this was! Since her budget hadn’t been depleted by the suburban mansion purchase and its construction costs, she had some money to buy things.

After receiving her reply, Madame Spendal sent another letter with the time and place. She prepared for the outing accordingly.

“Meribi’s regular auction is the largest marketplace in the empire. It only opens once a year. Among them, the midnight auction showcases only the highest quality items. Not just anyone can even observe.”

“My, how impressive.”

She enthusiastically praised her.

Madame Spendal was excited. Among her acquaintances, no one was as enthusiastic about spending as she was. Naturally, there probably weren’t many who would come to such auctions with her.

Though Madame Spendal also had connections with Patricia who had introduced her, Patricia wasn’t the type to deliberately indulge in luxury.

She skimmed through the list received at the entrance. Perhaps due to the limitations of printing technology, it wasn’t a catalog with pictures, but merely a list of names of items to be auctioned.

Meribi’s auction house was like a theater. They had built tiered seating, with a stage at the bottom of the tiers. Thanks to this, everyone could see the auction items well.

The chairs lined with red fabric were quite luxurious. The fact that they could maintain such facilities despite infrequent auctions meant their commission fees were not ordinary.

“By the way, my lady, I recently visited Jack’s House.”

“Jack’s House?”

“It’s a gambling house. I’ve gotten into card games lately.”

“What? Isn’t that dangerous?”

Gambling, that’s perfect for ruining oneself. No, is it a good opportunity for wasteful spending? But perhaps because it’s a type of crime in the real world, it felt unsettling and ominous, so she wasn’t interested.

“I have very good odds. So much so that I’m thinking I might need to bring guards. But more than that, listen. Do you know who I saw there?”

“Well……”

Seeing how her eyes were shining as she spoke, it must be someone who would surprise me quite a bit. Could it be Rashid?

“Don’t be surprised. I saw Count Legentia.”

“Ah…… aah.”

She told me not to be surprised, but I was surprised. Even though I had somewhat prepared myself mentally, how could this be? It would have been better if she had really seen Rashid instead.

“He seemed to be in a bit of trouble. I’m worried if he’ll be alright. I’m telling you this because I’m concerned.”

“I know. Thank you for telling me.”

Her temples began to throb at this unexpected news. What on earth was this hopeless father doing? As always, he’s no help in life.

While she was wondering what to do about him, the seats gradually filled up. There were quite a few familiar faces from the balls. She gave light greetings to those whose eyes met hers. Among them were people whispering about her.

They must be wondering what the famous Duchess of Penvernon would buy at the Meribi auction. The gossipmongers would be excited again. Anyway, it was good for her.

“My, to think Miss Limnike would come to a place like this. I wonder what brings her here.”

Madame Spendal pointed to one side of the seats. Patricia was sitting there. She seemed aware of her too, briefly looking in her direction before turning away. Her cold gaze was sharp.

“She refused when I invited her several times, but this is strange.”

There was subtle irritation in Madame Spendal’s voice. She must not be very close with Patricia. Well, that’s why she would get along with me. Rather, it was reassuring. If she had been close friends with Patricia and passed along words, that would have been troublesome too.

「The most splendid and grand auction in the empire was prepared.」

She looked at the platform while reading the sentence that came to mind. The auction house employees were busily decorating the stage. It seemed the auction would start soon.

At that moment, a murmur swept through the hall. Even though the auction hadn’t started yet.

「People doubted their eyes.」

She quietly focused on that direction, bothered by the continuously appearing sentences.

「It was the appearance of an unexpected person.」

Someone sat down in the empty seat beside her. At the same time, the sounds in the hall briefly stopped.

She turned her head.

‘Ah, this.’

The moment she confirmed his face, she guessed that the gossipmongers would become even busier with their tongues.

“Rashid!”

You didn’t say you were coming here!

「It was Rashid Penvernon.」

I can see that! This useless ability!

We had dinner together just yesterday evening, and I told him then that I would be going to the auction with Madame Spendal.

When she made a displeased expression, Rashid rested his chin on the armrest and stared at her intently.

“You seem surprised.”

“Of course! Why did you come?”

“I came to the auction house, of course, to take part in the auction.”

What is he talking about? Her brow furrowed deeply at this sudden statement. Then Rashid gently rubbed her forehead like before.

“Your expression.”

“……”

She pushed away his hand and gritted her teeth. Then she whispered so those around couldn’t hear.

“Pleeeease dooon’t dooo thiiiis……”

“I can’t hear what you’re saying.”

You…!

She was overwhelmed with an intense desire to hit Rashid. If it hadn’t been for the shy touch patting her back, she might have acted on it.

“Duchess.”

When she turned around, Madame Spendal tilted her head slightly. It was a signal asking for an introduction.

“Ah, well. Your Grace, this is Countess Spendal.”

“Pleased to meet you.”

“Madame, this is Duke Penvernon.”

“It’s an honor to meet you, Your Grace.”

“Thank you for being good friends with my wife.”

“Not at all. Rather, I’m just happy that the Duchess has been so kind to me.”

The two exchanged greetings with bright smiles, with me between them. Though I was the subject of their conversation, I felt detached from the situation. I didn’t want to be part of it either. I suddenly felt extremely tired.