“Are you saving money?”

“Ah, yes. I’m putting aside a little bit.”

“I hope you’re not stuffing it into wall crevices like other poor folk.”

“Th-that…!”

Radilt’s pale cheeks flushed red. The money she had received when dismissed from her job was still hidden in a kitchen corner.

Seeing Radilt’s reaction, Pendlore let out a small sigh.

“I don’t accept small change.”

“……Pardon?”

“I don’t even bother with gold coins if they only amount to a few small pouches. If even small sums are completely absorbed by a select few, the cash flow in the market would become stagnant. One might gain short-term profits, but it could lead to significant losses in the long run.”

Radilt blinked her eyes, not understanding Pendlore’s words. His gaze slanted toward the innocent woman before him.

“However, since you’re my lover and ward, I’ll take care of it.”

“Um… so……”

“I mean I’ll grow that small amount of money and return it to you.”

Radilt shook her head in confusion.

“No, I couldn’t possibly accept money from you, Lord Duston—”

“……It’s an investment.”

“Pardon?”

“It means lending money to someone else’s business and receiving a portion of the profits if the business succeeds. Conversely, if there are losses, you might lose your money.”

Pendlore explained the concept of investment to Radilt in more detail. She listened attentively to his words.

“Ah…… I think I’ve heard men at the market talk about something similar. So, Lord Duston, you don’t mean you’re just giving me money.”

“There’s no guarantee that everything I touch will succeed. If you don’t want to take the risk, I can introduce you to a bank I deal with. If you go with my letter of introduction, you could save with a monthly interest rate of three percent.”

“Three percent per month?”

Radilt’s eyes grew round and large. It meant that if she deposited ten coins, she would receive more than three additional ones after a year.

“Ugh, people said banks actually charge storage fees instead……”

“That’s still true for small change. With your savings, you couldn’t even afford a personal safe. That might change someday, but.”

Even a monthly three percent was quite substantial. But. Radilt looked at Pendlore with eyes containing a hint of expectation and shyness.

“Though it’s a meager amount…… I would like to invest it with you, Lord Duston.”

“An excellent decision, Lady Brill. You certainly don’t lack discernment.”

A smile of approval formed at the corners of Pendlore’s mouth. Radilt smiled back in response. The very act of entrusting money to that man somehow felt exciting and pleasant.

In the now more relaxed atmosphere, Pendlore’s voice continued calmly. Though the content was rigid with economic advice, both speaker and listener maintained gentle gazes focused on each other.

“It’s quite common for people to jump into business with a casual attitude, saying they don’t need large profits, only to end up in debt.”

Radilt frowned with a serious expression.

“I see. I truly thought it would be enough just to make a living for myself…… but even that wasn’t easy. I really didn’t know.”

“It’s a common misconception. Thinking what could be so difficult about simply selling things. It’s because you’ve only seen the marketplaces that survived as a buyer.”

Pendlore’s advice was thorough and easy to understand. Though he had a certain sternness like a professor giving a lecture, he didn’t dismiss any of Radilt’s questions.

“If your initial capital is small, you must carefully examine the shop’s location above all. The largest expense is the commercial space, and once you’ve settled, it’s not easy to relocate.”

“Ah, yes. That makes sense. I’ll remember that well.”

Radilt nodded eagerly. As they conversed so comfortably, Pendlore felt closer and more approachable than usual. She even had the illusion that they had become an ordinary, friendly couple.

But such pleasant feelings didn’t last long. This was because they were approaching the lakeside villa where the Gate of Summer was wide open.

The sounds of horses neighing, servants rushing about, and the chaotic voices announcing and confirming family names and titles. The moment they entered the villa’s gate, Radilt clutched her rapidly beating heart. Her complexion even turned slightly pale.

“After the first dance, it’s fine to just sit quietly.”

Pendlore spoke softly then. Radilt looked at him with surprise in her eyes. Could he possibly be concerned about her?

“Many will show interest, but you needn’t engage with everyone. There’s a ladies’ lounge where you can rest your eyes for a while. You must be tired from everything lately.”

“Ah…… that’s……”

“If you’re active, there will be rewards, but don’t force yourself too much on the first day.”

Pendlore’s gaze, which had been examining outside through the curtains, turned to Radilt. It was a calm, inscrutable look, but somehow it felt… kind. Was this just an illusion created by Radilt’s futile expectations?

But Pendlore:

“You’ve worked hard in this short time. I express my gratitude in advance, Lady Brill.”

He offered these words of calm appreciation. Radilt’s eyes widened slightly before forming a round smile.

“Yes, Lord Duston.”

The carriage door opened. With a lighter heart, Radilt accepted Pendlore’s escort and stepped down from the carriage. At the same time, curious gazes pressed heavily upon her entire body, but it was bearable.

“I present my greetings to Count Pendlore Duston and Lady Radilt Brill.”

A personal attendant for the guests bowed respectfully.

“I will guide you to the banquet hall.”

Radilt corrected her posture, recalling what she had learned from Lady Roud. Don’t be intimidated, be confident. Trusting the man beside her, she stepped toward the main hall where bright light spilled out.

Everyone’s gaze turned to one place at once. Even the status of Marchioness Bofarnin, the host of the banquet, faded like the moon before the sun in this moment. All those people looked only at the single pair of lovers.

Outside, it had grown dark. The sunset that had burned the hot skirts red was barely hanging over the mountains, and the curtain of pitch-black night had fallen. The handsome man who seemed like the darkest part of that darkness, delicately trimmed and beautifully shaped, stepped into the banquet hall.

The man with night-black hair and dawn-gray eyes, Pendlore Duston. Always alone and silent, yet commanding like the protagonist of any venue—today, at his side stood:

A small woman.

No, she only seemed small compared to Pendlore; the lines of her body could by no means be considered young or small. Somewhat thin yet simultaneously voluptuous, she was wrapped in a light green that made her appear as if reflected under water.

Movements that were gentle yet not lacking in strength. A long, extended neck and a face that drew pleasing curves. All of these qualities could be called beautiful, but what caught the eye most was her gentle green eyes.

At the beginning of summer, at the Gate of Summer, could there be a more fitting color? It was different from the clear, sparkling eyes of a young girl. Eyes that had seen an appropriate amount of years and accumulated layers of sorrow, yet had not lost their original light.

Vivid new greenery blooming in an ancient forest.

In truth, among the many renowned beauties gathered here, Radilt Brill would hardly rank in the top ten. She was beautiful, but certainly not to the extent that everyone would unanimously praise her.

However, as long as this banquet bore the name Gate of Summer, Radilt Brill could indeed be called the greatest beauty.

‘……I don’t look strange, do I?’

Radilt tried to stay calm, soothing the anxiety in her heart. The reflection she had seen in the annex mirror was certainly beautiful. Even Lady Fond’s madam had been generous with her praise.

Radilt herself had been surprised at her carefully adorned appearance, thinking that at least she wouldn’t embarrass Lord Duston.

But this banquet was filled with beautiful ladies like stars. Each displayed her own unique beauty, exuding natural dignity without needing to be conscious of it, and smiling.

Her confidence was instantly shattered, but Radilt didn’t lose the smile on her lips. Relying on the warmth of Pendlore’s hand and arm against hers, she steadfastly continued walking.

“The season of the bluest, clearest fire. A time of patience for abundant harvest. I thank you all for joining me in opening this first gate of summer.”

Eventually, when most of the invited guests had gathered in the hall, Marchioness Bofarnin announced the start of the banquet with a respectful greeting. The band collectively took up their instruments and played lively music that seemed to bounce—tok, tok, tok. It was a signal that the dancing would soon begin.

Only a limited number of people could take the stage for the first piece of the banquet, which attracted the most attention.

First were the host and their family. Special guests invited by the host. The oldest and youngest among the banquet guests. And those making their society debut this year.

“Now, those who will step onto summer’s first lawn. Feel free to remove your shoes. Forest nymphs run through summer shade with snow-white feet.”

Marchioness Bofarnin removed her shoes first. However, she kept her silk stockings on. Her toes lightly touched the grass. Leaning her weight on her partner’s arm, she twirled gracefully, as if to show off.

She was followed by an elderly lady, a young miss, and a fresh-faced young man. Some shyly removed their shoes, while others hesitated and stepped onto the lawn with their shoes still on.

The music gradually quickened, as if urging those who would take the first stage. Radilt too, along with Pendlore, stepped onto the grass. As the fresh scent of grass and trees surrounded her nostrils, her racing heart gradually calmed.