Chapter 8 – Danger Quietly Under Happiness (Part 3)

“Thank you for allowing this visit even though I informed you only yesterday.”

Serena smiled and lifted the teacup in front of her. Cherta was slightly taken aback by her immediate visit after checking the invitation letter at the palace.

There was nothing wrong with her actions. She had followed the procedure by informing them in advance. The problem was that he had gone to the Astina mansion after finishing work early and checked the letter late.

Well, he had questions for her too, so he let her in.

“Let’s get straight to the point.”

“Sure, I prefer that too.”

At that moment, the door opened with the news of Rune and Eden’s arrival.

“What brings you here this morning?”

Cherta, who hadn’t called them to the office, asked curiously. On the other hand, Serena stood up and greeted them as if she had expected it.

“Long time no see, Duke Astina, Duke Carlisle. How have you been?”

They nodded briefly to her greeting and sat down. Serena also adjusted her dress and sat down again. Rune briefly explained to Cherta, who was looking for an explanation.

“We checked the letter the Marchioness sent yesterday. It mentioned she would visit your office this morning and wanted to meet if we had time.”

“Same here.”

Seeing Eden’s agreement, Cherta folded his arms and placed his fingers under his chin, crossing his legs.

“Let’s hear what you have to say that required calling all of us.”

‘Was it just his imagination, or did his arrogant gaze reveal jealousy unrelated to the current situation? ‘

Serena lightly brushed off his subtle gaze and tucked her hair behind her ear.

“You heard that I invited Ria to a tea party, right?”

“Yes. I was going to ask about that. Why did you invite her?”

“Hmm. Are you upset that I invited her? Or do you not want Ria to go outside?”

“…”

“Both, I see.”

After meeting Ria frequently and having many conversations, Serena realized that their overprotection was excessive. Or rather, it seemed more like possessiveness. They didn’t seem to like Ria showing interest in anything other than them.

She vaguely guessed why Ria didn’t talk much about her in her letters. Maybe she really had little to say. Maybe her world was small.

Seeing their reactions now, she was more convinced. It was so predictable that she sighed.

“You know there’s a hunting festival coming up, right?”

“Hunting festival? Oh, I think I reviewed some related documents. Is it that time already?”

“It’s held around the time the weather starts getting warmer. Now is perfect.”

“So why?”

“Why? All nobles must attend the hunting festival.”

As the weather warms up, social gatherings in the empire decrease. Occasionally, small gatherings like tea parties are held, but large banquets or events are mostly postponed until the weather cools down again.

Therefore, the royal family has been hosting a hunting festival to conclude the spring social season, and since it’s hosted by the royal family, noble attendance is mandatory.

‘But what does that have to do with Ria?’

“So?”

“…What do you mean, so? I’m not the only one who doesn’t understand that question, right? Ria is a noble too.”

“A noble? What, oh. No way.”

Staring at Serena in confusion, they suddenly remembered something.

‘She’ll need a noble status, so I’ll prepare it and send it with the invitation.’

‘Lady Ria Leviar!’

‘Ah, damn it.’ 

Cherta cursed under his breath. He never thought that what he had done would come back to bite him like this.

“Since she attended the royal banquet and revealed her presence to the other nobles, she can’t avoid attending the hunting festival.”

At Serena’s decisive words, Rune and Eden’s eyes turned to Cherta. It felt like they were scolding him for his actions, so Cherta subtly avoided their gazes.

Serena took a sip of her tea and then continued speaking.

“During the hunting festival, most women spend their time in tents or in the shade. There are very few who actually go hunting. Ria won’t be going hunting either, right?”

“Of course not. There may not be any ferocious or dangerous animals, but you never know. I hadn’t even thought about it. I’ll have to assign Kahin as her guard. Some will be hidden.”

“Some of our Carlisle family knights have been undercover for a while. I’ll send them as they are.”

‘Sure, of course.’ 

Serena shook her head with a weary expression, as if discussing a serious matter. She doubted if the people in front of her were really the crown prince and the dukes.

“Anyway, whether she likes it or not, Ria will have to spend a few hours with them. I’ll be by her side, but you never know what might happen. So, I thought it would be good for her to meet them first.”

“So, you’re hosting a tea party?”

“Yes. Since I’m hosting it, I’ll have more influence than at other places. For example.”

She smiled slightly, cupping her cheek with one hand.

“Expelling those who are rude under the host’s authority?”

“…….”

“Oh my, why are you all looking at me like that?”

“No, it’s nothing.”

The three men thought once again that the Marchioness Rosevita was not someone to be underestimated.

“Anyway, I understand what you’re saying. Thanks to you, we can prepare for the hunting festival early. I’ll ask Ria for her opinion. But if she doesn’t want to go, I won’t send her. Whether it’s the tea party or the hunting festival, no matter what excuse I have to make.”

“I see.”

“You’re accepting it quickly, unlike before?”

“Well, I don’t want to do anything Ria dislikes either. I want to remain a good friend. Moreover, with His Highness’s power and authority, I think it’s possible somehow. However.”

Serena’s demeanor changed suddenly as she tapped her chin with her fingers. Her eyes sharpened with determination.

“Ria is not a doll. She’s not a bird trapped in a cage either.”

“……What are you trying to say?”

The atmosphere in the office sank in an instant. Amidst the fierce aura, Rune spoke in a low, biting tone.

In a situation where an ordinary person would have shrunk back, Serena did not flinch. She looked around at them once before speaking confidently.

“Right now, Ria is more accustomed to living inside than outside. So it seems like there’s no problem. But will it be the same after a few months or years?”

A grinding sound was heard from somewhere. Despite that, Serena did not avoid their gaze.

“If Ria likes being confined, it might be okay. But the Ria I meet every day loves the outside and enjoys freedom. She finds even the smallest things amazing, is curious, and enjoys them. Even a dessert bought from a famous tart shop in the bustling streets.”

“…….”

“Do you think Ria will never want the outside world? I don’t think so. Ria will want the outside someday, and the longer she stays inside, the more she’ll lose her brightness. She’ll lose her current bright appearance.”

No one spoke for a while after that. The silence was broken by Serena’s sighing words.

“So please, don’t try to bind Ria too much. Her life can’t be made up entirely of you three and Lord Fernon.”

“…….”

“Ria has her own life too.”

Serena had accurately seen through their dark desires. That was why they couldn’t refute her.

“I’m saying this as a friend who truly cares for Ria. Please forgive my rudeness.”

“……No, I won’t forget your advice.”

Serena was slightly surprised by their quick acceptance. She hadn’t expected them to take her words so easily. She had thought they might punish her for being rude.

It was a statement made after much deliberation. Fortunately, they listened to her, and she was convinced.

‘Their feelings are deeper than I thought.’

Their feelings for Ria were quite deep. They could suppress their true nature for her. The problem was……

‘I don’t know if this is good for Ria or not.’

It was fortunate that Ria was loved a lot, but knowing their true nature made her wonder if she could leave Ria in their hands.

Serena sighed inwardly and shook her head slightly. 

‘It would be okay.’

“That’s all I wanted to say. Thank you for your precious time.”

“I’ll ask Ria about the tea party and send you a letter.”

“Is that necessary? I’m going to meet Ria now, so I’ll tell her directly and get her answer.”

“Again?”

“Yes?”

Serena, who was about to stand up and hurry to tell Ria, paused. She had a bad feeling.

“Marchioness, aren’t you busy? Why are you always with her? Because of that…….”

That bad feeling was never wrong. She was caught by the three jealous men and had to endure an hour of nagging.