The capital was alive with preparations for the ongoing banquets. Not only were the royal family’s events being organized, but festivals for the Cape Rild Goddess were also underway throughout the city.

Flags representing the Cape Rild Goddess fluttered from clotheslines strung between houses, and decorations meticulously arranged in every alley added to the festive ambiance.

I was savoring a rare moment of relaxation on the terrace, enjoying the peace while Master Cesare took a break from visiting the mansion for two days due to the banquet preparations.

The gentle breeze swayed the air, filled with the joyful laughter of people celebrating.

“I’m so happy we can enjoy the banquet at the mansion thanks to your kindness, Madam,” Rivet said with a giggle.

Rivet’s excitement was well-founded. With plenty of funds left from the alimony, I had allocated a budget for the mansion’s staff to also partake in the festivities.

With that budget, the staff, including Rivet, spent the morning decorating the mansion and preparing food for the banquet, creating a lively atmosphere.

Flags and banners of the Cape Rild Goddess adorned the mansion, and angel dolls celebrating the goddess decorated every window sill. Meanwhile, the delightful aroma of various dishes and sweet desserts wafted from the kitchen.

“I’m glad you’re enjoying it. Come sit beside me.”

“What? But how could I possibly…”

When I invited her to sit next to me, Rivet hesitated, looking flustered. I took her hand and pulled her to my side, amused by how awkwardly she sat next to me, rolling her eyes.

“By the way, did you send the letter to the Graham Ducal House?”

“Yes, I delivered it. They mentioned the reply would take some time, so I returned first.”

“Alright. If there’s nothing urgent, they won’t refuse. Everyone except me should have fun tomorrow.”

“Is that really okay? It’s the first festival at the mansion, and it would be nice if you were here too.”

Rivet’s shoulders slumped at the thought of me not being at the mansion. However, I was resolute in my decision.

Even though I treated the staff kindly, my presence at their gathering would make them uncomfortable. I believed it was best for everyone to enjoy themselves freely without me for a day.

“It’s fine. You all can have more fun without me. Don’t feel burdened and enjoy yourselves.”

“Yes! Then I’ll see you off to the Graham Ducal House tomorrow.”

“Thank you.”

Tomorrow, I planned to visit the Graham Ducal House, but not to see Ains.

Ains would be attending the royal palace banquet, leaving the Graham Ducal House empty. I intended to visit my grandfather during that time.

When Ains had visited the mansion before, he had said I could come without notice if I wanted to see my grandfather, but I couldn’t take that liberty.

After all, Ains and I were divorced, and it was important to maintain a proper distance.

Since meeting Cecilia and returning, Ains had often been lost in thought. Jackson and Jacob, his aides, exchanged concerned glances as Ains stared blankly at the documents before him.

“Are you alright?” Jacob asked cautiously.

Ains looked up. Normally, he might have scoffed at such a question, but today he simply stared back, making Jacob lower his gaze, unsure of what to say.

Only after Ains nodded and returned his focus to the documents did Jacob glance at Jackson.

Ains’s conversation with Cecilia left him looking drained, and neither Jacob nor Jackson could understand the details. Even if Jacob wanted to know more, Jackson couldn’t divulge anything.

Ains had visited Cecilia, but she had firmly rejected him, forcing him to leave. It was a delicate topic that couldn’t be discussed lightly. Still, Jacob could guess the general nature of their interaction based on the circumstances.

“Is the delivery for the banquet preparations going smoothly?” Ains asked.

“Pardon?”

“Oh, yes. It’s been confirmed several times,” Jackson replied, stepping in for the distracted Jacob.

“Good.”

Ains briefly glanced at Jacob before returning his focus to the documents. Jacob let out a sigh of relief and turned his attention back to his papers.

Then, a soft knock echoed through the tense office.

“Master, it’s Rachel Lorette. May I come in?”

At her polite voice, Ains looked up.

“Come in.”

After receiving permission, Rachel quietly opened the door and entered. Her movements were so light that they barely made a sound.

“What’s the matter?” Ains asked.

Rachel, who had served Cecilia since she was young and now managed the maids, rarely visited Ains unless it was work-related. Her presence was unexpected.

“A letter has arrived. I thought it best to deliver it directly to you.”

She approached Ains and handed him the letter. He took it, checked the sender, and looked up at Rachel, who nodded with a faint smile.

“Yes, it’s from Viscountess Marves. I haven’t read it, but I thought you should have it directly.”

With that, Ains opened a drawer, retrieved a letter knife, and opened the envelope. The letter contained a brief message stating that Cecilia would be visiting Ains’s grandfather, Damon Graham, tomorrow during the Cape Rild Goddess banquet.

Ains read the letter twice, finding no additional information. After confirming its contents, he placed it on his desk.

“Sigh.”

He let out a long breath, almost laughing at himself, and leaned back in his chair, feeling relief wash over him after the tension of work.

“I told her there was no need to contact me.”

Muttering to himself, Ains took out a blank piece of paper and wrote a short reply.

“Send this back to her. And if possible, convey this message as well.”

Rachel accepted the letter from Ains and immediately headed toward the Marves Viscounty.

A knock came from the window, followed by a maid’s voice.

“Madam, a letter has arrived. And…”

I was eagerly awaiting a response from the Graham Ducal House, so the maid’s words were welcome. However, her trailing off piqued my curiosity. When I turned around, a familiar silhouette appeared.

With a hopeful thought, I got up and opened the door. Seeing the familiar face before me made me beam.

“Viscountess Marves, have you been well?”

Rachel inquired about my well-being with her usual kindness. I grasped her hand and nodded enthusiastically.

“Yes, Rachel. Thanks to your concern, I’m doing well. I didn’t expect you to come in person.”

“I came to see you myself. And here’s the letter.”

Rachel handed me the letter. With no tools nearby, I opened the wax seal and checked its contents.

The content was absurdly short.

‘Visit without prior notice.’

I laughed in disbelief at the simple letter.

“And the Duke asked me to tell you once again that there’s no need to contact before visiting the Graham Ducal House.”

Not only did he write it in the letter, but he also instructed Rachel to relay the message.

I smiled wryly. After all this, if I contacted them again, Ains might come to visit instead.

“Alright. I’ll do that from now on. Could you let the Duke know that I understand?”

Rachel nodded readily at my request.

“Yes, I will relay the message.”

“Then, since you’re here, why don’t you rest for a bit?”

I offered Rachel a seat. She glanced around at the other maids before finally sitting in the seat I had offered.

Rivet, being considerate, brought out an extra teacup and prepared tea for Rachel. It was an exceptionally peaceful day.