Now, Go Ahead and Stamp It - Chapter 45

The charity party of the Tria family.

Unlike typical charity parties, which tended to be somewhat modest, the one hosted by the Tria family this time was different.

The party venue boasted a splendor that could rival the social season’s banquets, and the dress code was extravagantly luxurious, as if previously agreed upon.

Amidst this, the hosts of today’s party, Duke and Duchess Tria, were busily moving around.

“Your Highness. You’ve arrived early.”

The Duke, who was welcoming the incoming guests, exclaimed upon spotting Crescent entering.

“Is Crient here? Has she arrived?”

“Not yet.”

“I see.”

The Duke entrusted the greeting to his wife for a moment and moved aside with Crescent.

“Shall we go over there for a moment?”

“Is there something you need to say away from others?”

Once they were far enough from the crowd, he began to speak.

“Have you heard about the Crown Prince’s relief efforts?”

“Ah, that.”

Crescent chuckled.

“I heard about it yesterday. My brother actually did something right for once.”

“Do you know that it was Crient’s doing?”

“I was only speculating, but from what you’re saying, it seems certain.”

“Yes. Upon investigation, the source of the grain was Bellenios. It seems that territory decided to sell without predicting such climate changes.”

“I thought it might be a foreign country, but Bellenios, huh. It’s unexpected, given there was no significant connection.”

Crescent chuckled while stroking his chin.

“It makes it more tempting. I’m glad I came in person today.”

“You said you came to observe, didn’t you?”

“Oh. That was my initial intention.”

He smiled, lifting his cold gaze.

“Hearing that changed my mind. I’ll make sure to step up today.”

“Do you have something in mind?”

“We have Claudius, don’t we?”

At the prince’s light-hearted words, the Duke glanced at Claudius standing behind them.

His expression was quite ambiguous, as if he was barely holding back the urge to scrunch up his face.

“Anyway, try to steer things well. This could determine whether our path becomes a steep mountain trail or a flat paved road.”

The Duke nodded, thinking he should relay this to his wife.

“Understood.”

“If the host is greeting first, I’ll make my mark later.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Ah, she’s coming now. See you later.”

Spotting Ellen entering from afar, Crescent moved to a spot where he could naturally greet her.

* * *

“I don’t like business trips, but at least today I’m glad to be under His Highness.”

Terriard said as he helped Ellen down from the carriage.

“You were planning to come alone, weren’t you?”

“That’s actually the best option, isn’t it, Ted?”

As she lightly landed on the ground, Terriard looked over her dress to ensure nothing was caught or out of place.

“Precisely, it’s the most efficient. The best thing for your safety is the current arrangement.”

“Like master, like servant. Ted, you worry too much.”

“You’re just indifferent to your own safety.”

After meticulously checking Ellen’s attire, Terriard offered his arm.

“Let’s go in.”

Arriving at the venue with Terriard, Ellen took a quick look around.

“It’s Lady Myers. I wasn’t sure since I didn’t receive an invitation myself, but they just left me out.”

“More accurately, they left out those associated with His Highness.”

“I don’t see Marquis Avalanche.”

“Yes. It seems he hasn’t arrived yet. He’s not one to skip attending… perhaps he plans to show up a bit later.”

As Ellen entered, the hostess of the party, the Duchess, spotted her and called out.

“Lady Crient!”

“Duchess Tria.”

At her call, the gazes of those around turned towards the entrance where Ellen stood.

She felt the eyes scanning her attire and partner.

‘As if they could find any fault.’

Ellen gracefully met those gazes.

The Duchess approached with quick steps and said,

“Thank you for coming. I see Sir Cheshire is with you.”

“Hello, Duchess Tria. I feel a bit awkward stepping into a place I wasn’t invited to.”

“I apologize for not being able to pay attention while planning the event hastily. But since you’ve come to grace the occasion, I must thank you.”

Terriard’s face crumpled slightly.

It wasn’t that she couldn’t pay attention but chose not to.

Seeing his thoughts reflected on his face, Ellen quickly intervened.

“It’s nothing, Duchess. Organizing such a meaningful event is no ordinary task.”

As Ellen covered for her with a shy smile, the Duchess smiled contentedly.

“I had promised to prioritize you earlier. I like to keep my word once I’ve given it.”

“Oh my. It’s been weeks since then. I’m grateful you remembered and invited me.”

“No, I hope I can be of help.”

As they exchanged pleasantries, the Duke, who had been attending to other guests from afar, began striding towards them.

Noticing the Duke approaching, the Duchess grabbed his arm and pulled him to her side.

“This is my husband. You’ve seen him before, right?”

The Duke, suddenly pulled over, looked down at his captured arm, cleared his throat, and spoke.

“Ahem. It’s the first time we’ve talked like this since your debutante. Enjoy yourself. Of course, you too, Sir Cheshire.”

“Yes. Thank you, Your Grace.”

“…Thank you for your consideration, Duke.”

Having seemingly switched hosting roles, the Duchess linked arms with Ellen and led her away.

“Lady, shall we go? The donation box is this way.”

She naturally blocked Ellen’s retreat and headed towards the center of the party hall.

Because she didn’t see Avalanche, Ellen hadn’t decided on her course of action.

‘They’re being more blatant than I thought.’

At this rate, she might end up meeting only pro-noble figures.

Caught off guard, Terriard hurriedly followed them.

“Lady, did you prepare enough for the donation?”

“Of course. I prepared with the utmost sincerity I could.”

Ellen lifted her clutch slightly, smiling.

“I see. Knowing your heart, everyone will hold you in even higher regard.”

You can expect it. The Duchess laughed softly.

“Shall we go up?”

Reaching the podium in one go, the Duchess led Ellen up the low steps.

She drew attention with a light clap of her hands.

“Everyone!”

Clap clap!

At the sound of applause echoing through the hall, those gathered in groups turned to look at them.

“She’s a specially invited guest. She came from the Crient family to contribute to today’s event. Please welcome her with applause.”

With the host leading the cheers, people clapped while gauging the situation.

“Now, for the donation.”

At the Duchess’s signal, Ellen opened the clutch she had brought, under everyone’s watchful eyes.

Taking out a small notebook from the clutch, she scribbled something on it and tore off a sheet of paper.

Handing it to the person guarding the donation box, the Duchess addressed the crowd.

“Everyone attending today is a true leader who knows how to show kindness to the people in need. Your donations will be used for meaningful purposes, for the benefit of all. Now, let’s reveal the amount.”

At the host’s words, the person who received the check announced the amount loudly.

“The donation from the Crient family is three hundred million gold!”

Three hundred million gold?

Did she say three hundred million gold?

The surroundings fell silent, as though everyone’s jaws had dropped simultaneously.

The Duchess raised her hand to her mouth in surprise.

“My goodness. I heard you were involved in the relief efforts with His Highness. Truly remarkable!”

On the surface, it sounded like a pure compliment.

However, her mentioning that story was a way of indicating that she knew what Ellen had done.

Moreover, by publicly revealing that fact, it was a signal of offering a kind of favor to increase Ellen’s value.

‘Did they already find out and stage this scene?’

Ellen realized that this was the reason for the Tria family’s overt attitude.

With poise, she clasped her hands together and spoke.

“No, it’s nothing. I owe my new life to the grace of His Majesty, and repaying it with mere money is all I can do. Everything is thanks to His Majesty’s benevolence.”

“How humble. The Crient family’s donation will certainly be used for meaningful purposes.”

The Duchess smiled brightly.

Most people were left speechless by the staggering amount, and some whispered whether they should verify if it was really the Crient family’s check by checking the stamp on the check.

However, those who had once again witnessed their immense wealth could only murmur quietly, unable to raise suspicions in front of her.

Feeling subtly intimidated, the people began to murmur among themselves belatedly, and the Duchess seized the opportunity to shout.

“Well then, everyone, your glasses.”

As she spoke, the servants, who had been bustling around the party hall, hurriedly brought out drinks.

Once everyone’s glasses were filled and people began raising their glasses one by one, the Duchess delivered the toast.

“To the glory of Istazio.”

Glasses were raised high in unison, and the prepared orchestra began to play.

The Duchess moved closer to Ellen and whispered softly.

“I hope my favor was well received.”

“…Of course. Thank you, Duchess.”

Interesting. Maybe I’ll keep a friendly relationship for a while.

Ellen smiled as she took a sip from her glass.