Two days later, the morning of the summer gala arrived. Unlike the dinner party, Blissbury was bustling from early morning.

Before lunchtime, the carriages from Feltham had already filled the front of Blissbury.

They weren’t the elegant, stylish carriages like those at the dinner party.

There were public carriages that traveled between villages, and some still had stray bits of straw in the corners that hadn’t been cleaned out.

Adults and children alike sat together in the carriages.

Anyone could see that the country folk had come all at once. But the faces of those riding in the carriages were brighter than anyone else’s.

“Eloise!”

Before the baggage wagon even stopped, the children riding in the back jumped out.

“I told you not to do that, it’s dangerous!”

Eloise tried to scold them sternly, but only for a moment. The children who clung to her soon marveled at Blissbury.

It was always visible from afar, but unless sent on an errand, children weren’t allowed near.

But today was the day they could enter the manor itself.

Parents, climbing down from the carriages a little later, cautioned their children with worried voices.

“Don’t run around. Don’t touch anything without permission.”

“Yes!”

They answered energetically, but worry remained in their parents’ eyes.

Then Eloise quietly approached the parents and whispered,

“There won’t be a repeat of last year. Everything fragile has been put away in cabinets this time.”

“That’s true… but last year, even though we put the eagle statue up high, they still climbed up and pulled it down.”

“That did happen.”

Recalling last year’s chaos, Eloise chuckled and led the children to a maid she had hired in advance.

“If you want to play, do it outside. There are plenty of cookies baked, so eat as much as you like.”

The children cheered and followed the maid into Blissbury.

Meanwhile, everyone arriving approached Ryan to greet him.

“It’s good to see you again, Sergeant Thornton. I greeted you last time, but I wonder if you remember.”

“Of course I remember, Mrs. Turner.”

Mrs. Turner was delighted that Ryan remembered her and smiled brightly.

When Ryan kissed the back of her hand, she looked as flustered as a girl receiving a bouquet, making those around them laugh.

All the people of Feltham lined up before Ryan, waiting their turn to greet him. The only issue was that they hadn’t come empty-handed.

“These are from our chicken coop this morning. Our chickens are strong and healthy, so people seek them out not only in Feltham but also in Camborne.”

Mr. Reed, who ran a small chicken farm over the hill, brought four large baskets filled with eggs.

“This should be plenty for the gala dishes.”

Next, Mrs. Brooks greeted him, holding a huge chunk of cheese.

“Our farm started making cheese last year. I brought some of the first batch, aged for a year, so I hope everyone enjoys it. Of course, I brought separate portions for Sergeant Thornton and the staff at Blissbury.”

Though she said she wasn’t confident since it was her first attempt, Mrs. Brooks’s face was full of hope that people would try it soon.

She was skilled with her hands, so the cheese was sure to be well-made.

Behind Ryan, gifts from the people piled up—bacon, beans, flour…

Ryan glanced back and burst out laughing.

“With just what we’ve received today, the people of Blissbury could eat for a year.”

Seeing everyone bring the best of what they’d harvested or produced, Ryan felt anew how much the summer festival at Blissbury was truly cherished by the people here.

While Ryan greeted guests, Eloise hurried with the maids to move the gifts to the kitchen.

At the dinner party, she had greeted the guests herself, but today’s visitors were longtime acquaintances from Feltham.

No one would complain if she didn’t greet each person personally.

“Eloise! I’ll help too!”

Andrew, excited by the arrival of the village children, came over and picked up a basket of eggs.

But Mr. Reed had filled the basket so full that it was a bit heavy for young Andrew.

Seeing Andrew wobble dangerously, Eloise reached out to help—

“Oh dear, looks like you need a hand.”

A large hand grabbed the basket from Andrew. Surprised, Eloise turned to see Richard had come up and taken it.

Andrew should have thanked him, but instead his lips stuck out. He’d wanted to help, but now his job was taken away.

Then Richard handed Andrew a bottle of oil he was holding.

“I can’t carry this one too. Could you help me?”

“Yes! Of course!”

Now with a task, Andrew grinned and dashed off toward the basement kitchen.

Eloise watched him with a pleased smile.

“You’re good with children, Second Lieutenant Cameron.”

“Just call me Richard.”

“But…”

“When you use my military rank, it feels like I’m being scolded by a superior.”

He then leaned in and whispered close to Eloise’s face,

“Nothing good ever happened when I was called that. Well, I did get myself into trouble rather often.”

“I’m worried someone might say it’s rude.”

“We just became friends quickly—who could complain?”

Richard replied, glancing behind Eloise without her noticing.

‘As expected.’

Turning his head, Richard smiled.

Ryan, who was receiving greetings, was now glaring at him as if he’d like to kill him.

Richard had noticed from the moment he arrived at Blissbury—the reason Ryan hadn’t returned to the capital and stayed stuck in this countryside was Eloise.

And after spending two more days here, he’d learned something else.

‘Eloise clearly likes Ryan too!’

But it was obvious that neither had said a word about their feelings.

‘So I’ll have to step in.’

Richard knew Ryan’s past and personality well.

Ryan Wilgrave confessing to a woman?

‘That’s not easy.’

His pessimism about his birth was the biggest obstacle, and the fact that he’d hidden his identity upon coming here was another reason for hesitation.

Plus, he’d never shown interest in romance before, so even if he liked someone, he probably had no idea how to begin.

And above all…

Richard glanced back again. Ryan was still glaring fiercely at him, ignoring the townsperson greeting him.

Ignoring that stare, Richard deliberately picked up another basket that Eloise was carrying.

He didn’t dare look back, but he could guess Ryan’s expression.

‘If only Philip would help, things would go smoother.’

Of course, Philip wasn’t the type to help easily. He’d probably tell Richard not to get involved in Ryan’s affairs.

But that wasn’t why Philip wasn’t helping now.

As Eloise headed to the kitchen, Richard looked into the drawing room and saw Philip sitting there.

Usually, Philip was as expressionless as Ryan.

But now, he was beaming, chatting with someone.

Next to the sofa, a crutch lay aside while Abigail listened to him with delight.

Though footsteps could be heard, the two seemed oblivious to anyone else, laughing together.

Seeing that, Richard, who’d thought to call Philip, simply shook his head and followed Eloise down to the kitchen.

He thought to himself that this summer would bring plenty of amusing scenes.