“The person who was her patron is a middle-aged nobleman from the provinces. His status is so-so, but he has a lot of money. He’s known for traveling around the southern regions, discovering young actors, debuting them, and connecting them with the capital’s nobility in exchange for large introduction fees. He’s quite famous for that.”

This was the first time Satin had heard this.

“Really?”

“That prima donna probably debuted in a similar way. But in her case, she became so popular that he held on to her tightly, not wanting to let her go. But then Gjorn appeared, and things took a strange turn. With the backing of the Sel Wio family, her patron ended up avoiding her instead. There’s no comparison in status; no matter how much money he has, he’s up against Gjorn of the Sel Wio family. So, he just kept his mouth shut and glared at her for a long time.”

Mrs Eckle whispered with a grim expression.

“He said, ‘You’re truly a great actress. I’m not at fault, you just weren’t satisfied with the stage I provided. Let’s see how long you stay on stage,’ and then he threatened her.”

Satin continued to listen to the story. Mrs Eckle’s voice lowered.

“He blamed her for being ungrateful, saying he was the one who brought a poor girl, who couldn’t even eat three meals a day, to this point. But the prima donna remained calm, even while listening to his outburst. Whether she was mocking him or not, her attitude was subtle. Then she said something in response.”

“What did she say?”

“I don’t know. They didn’t talk for long. But after a few quiet words, the patron left as if he was fleeing.”

It was indeed a fragmented story. Satin understood why Mrs Eckle said it might be nothing, yet felt compelled to tell her. It was unsettling to keep buried and equally unsettling to bring up.

Mrs Eckle added one last thing.

“The patron’s words seemed somewhat meaningful, and people say the prima donna’s career is over, but for some reason, I feel she’s not someone to be underestimated, Satin…”

* * *

Three days before National Foundation Day, torrential rain began to pour. It was almost impossible to go out.

Usually, the weather was unpredictable in summer, but this year it was slightly late. The sky turned upside down as autumn approached.

The streets were filled with yellow muddy water, and the wind blew horizontally. The streets were deserted. The servants tightly secured the windows to keep the rain from coming in and drew the curtains to block out the noisy rain.

Satin, who liked to open the large front window and enjoy the breeze or the view when Rublier wasn’t around, felt different now. The strong wind and rain that shook the windows and pounded down felt like ferocious beasts.

Gray thunder rumbled day and night. Satin would wake up startled and cover her ears. When awake, she read books or found quiet tasks to do indoors to pass the time as safely and quietly as possible.

On the other hand, Rublier’s workload increased.

It was unfortunate timing, just before the National Foundation Day. The Holy Knights were the group the Papal Palace relied on the most, and Rublier was the friend Kirion, the Pope’s right hand, relied on the most.

At Kirion’s urgent call, Rublier immediately assembled the Knights. They were responsible for everything from helping with event preparations to handling various accidents caused by the weather. The person in charge was the leader of the Holy Knights, Rublier.

“Larie, is he back yet?”

Satin called Larie. Knowing who Satin meant by ‘he’, Larie answered anxiously.

“No, the Paladin hasn’t returned yet.”

Rublier, who had left early in the morning, had not returned late into the night.

Even if their relationship was uncomfortable, it was impossible not to worry about someone being out all day in such weather. Whether she could see him or not, it was worrisome.

…Worry? About Rublier?

Satin was startled by the conclusion she had reached.

It’s just like worrying about the goats on a nearby farm, she told herself.

Even so, Satin called Larie again to ask about Rublier’s return. It was the third time.

“He’ll probably return late. I heard there was an accident where a barrier collapsed and people were trapped. It’s common for houses to be damaged. Small carriages are being overturned by the wind. The Holy Knights are busy everywhere. It’s very late, would you like to go to bed? Shall I turn off the lights?”

“People got hurt?”

She hadn’t realized how bad things were outside. Being far from the city and with few nearby houses, she was unaware. Staring blankly at the bed Larie had prepared, Satin shook her head.

“With the thunder and lightning, it’s noisy and scary, so I can’t sleep. Larie, bring me a warm cup of tea to the drawing room. I’ll read a bit more before bed.”

“Yes, I’ll do that. I’ll lay a blanket on the armchair so you can be comfortable.”

Satin inserted her fingers between the pages of her book and hugged it. It was a heavy night.

Thud. Thud. The windows shook violently. The noise, which didn’t sound like rain, penetrated the thick curtains. Even reading didn’t help her concentrate. She read the same part over and over but couldn’t turn a single page.

Rublier returned at dawn.

The door opened, and the sound of heavy rain rushed in. Recognizing the sound of Rublier’s return, Satin, who was half-lying in the armchair, sat up. There was a brief commotion as servants with towels rushed out.

“Where’s Satin?”

Rublier’s voice was heard. Larie answered.

“In the drawing room.”

“At this hour?”

Holding a towel, Rublier came straight into the drawing room. His hair was soaked and hanging over his forehead. Judging by the wet towel, it seemed he had roughly dried off, but it didn’t show at all.

Water continuously dripped from his hair, running down his chin. His clothes were a complete mess. There wasn’t a single dry spot.

“Satin, you’re still awake?”

Seeing the signs of a hard day in his appearance, Satin was at a loss for words.

“Did you walk around in this downpour?”

“You can’t use an umbrella while rescuing people.”

Rublier nonchalantly took the towel and continued drying his hair. His rough and clumsy movements splashed water onto Satin.

“Oh dear.”

“…It’s okay.”

The servants brought plenty of dry towels and helped Rublier. The smell of rain, sweat, and wet clothes filled the air. Satin had planned to return to the bedroom and sleep after confirming Rublier’s return, but seeing him exhausted from working until dawn, she couldn’t leave coldly. She hesitated.

“I hope the rain stops soon.”

Unable to say ‘you worked hard’ or ‘you’ll have a hard time tomorrow too’, Satin spoke indirectly. This mansion, owned by a high-ranking noble, was built sturdy and safe, unaffected by the rain, but as the servants said, ordinary people were likely having a difficult time dealing with the flood.

“Satin.”

Satin responded reflexively.

“Yes.”

“I have to go out early again tomorrow.”

It was a sigh-inducing schedule. It would take a long time for him to get ready and fall asleep, yet he had to go out early in the morning. He might only get two or three hours of sleep. And his return would be late as well.

“What time?”

She asked without thinking and then awkwardly added.

“Because the attendants need to help you get ready by your departure time.”

“Six in the morning. Can you wake up then?”

Leaving before six in the morning and asking if she could wake up?

Satin just blinked. She was puzzled by the underlying meaning. She had been keeping her distance from Rublier, sp she had never seen him off to work.

“Oh.”

Rublier let out a short sigh.

“I originally planned to relay this through Larie, but it seems the conclusion came first. Satin, how about staying at the Del Mare manor until National Foundation Day? I’ll take you there tomorrow morning on my way to the Papal Palace.”

Satin was taken aback by the unexpected suggestion.

“The Del Mare manor?”

“With the holiday so close and the damage from the heavy rain, everyone at the Papal Palace is on edge, waiting for news. The problem is, this house is quite far from the Papal Palace. For receiving news promptly, the Del Mare manor is better. It’s also more convenient for me to commute from Ka Dillon, and it’s quicker to stop by the Papal Palace from there than from here. While it wouldn’t be a problem for you to stay at Ka Dillon, wouldn’t you be more comfortable at Del Mare?”

Of course. The Del Mare manor where she was born and raised was much more comfortable. For convenience and comfort, Del Mare was the better choice.

It was closer to the Papal Palace and Madam Suzanne’s salon, where all the gossip flowed. Moreover, if Rublier stayed at Ka Dillon, his commute would be easier, benefiting everyone.

Most importantly, being in the same house as Rublier made her uneasy. It would be better to be briefly separated, even for just two days. The period was short enough that she didn’t need to pack much.

She still had many dresses left at the Del Mare manor. Leaving only a few staff to manage the house, the servants from Del Mare could return to Del Mare, and those from Ka Dillon could return to Ka Dillon.

She didn’t hesitate long. Satin agreed readily.

“I’ll do that.”