As the emperor rose and left the room, the nobles stood in unison. The Council of Nobles had just adjourned.

　　Dieren approached Count Burnett, whom he had kept an eye on throughout the meeting. Just as the emperor had said, the Count was paying close attention to diplomatic affairs, including those involving the Kingdom of Peiri.

　　Looking at his cold features and the wrinkles around his eyes, Dieren found him somewhat different from the Count he remembered. Given how much time had passed, it was understandable.

　　He had something to discuss with him in private, and he was genuinely glad to see him. With a gentleness he rarely displayed, Dieren offered his greetings.

　　“Dieren Spear.”

　　“Kayar Burnett.”

　　For some reason, the Count greeted him with formal politeness, as if meeting a stranger for the first time. They exchanged a dry handshake.

　　Does he not remember me? Impossible.

　　In Dieren’s memory, his late parents and Count Burnett had been close friends. As a boy traveling to the Kingdom of Peiri, he had stayed at the Burnett estate several times. Though he couldn’t remember his earliest visits, he clearly recalled the last one.

　　“It has been a long time.”

　　“A long time… Yes, indeed. It has been quite a while. You have grown so much I hardly recognized you.”

　　“It’s only natural. I was just a child then.”

　　“Time certainly flies.”

　　Watching the tight-lipped count, Dieren couldn’t shake a sense of unease. There was a stark disconnect from the man who used to pat his head with a warm smile when he was little.

　　Is he keeping his distance now that I’m the head of my family?

　　He concealed his confusion and let it pass. He could always talk to him again later to clear up any misunderstanding and close the distance.

　　Marquis Thomas soon cut into their conversation. Since the Count often associated with him, the marquis joined them without hesitation and abruptly asked about the Count’s daughter.

　　“How is your daughter doing?”

　　“My daughter?”

　　“My wife was deeply disappointed when she received the refusal. Though it couldn’t be helped if the young lady is unwell.”

　　A chill ran down the Count’s spine. He recalled the invitation from Marchioness Thomas that had arrived not long ago. Frustration gnawed at him. He couldn’t fathom why the marquis and his wife knew of his adopted daughter’s existence or why they were taking such an interest in her. He had to put an end to it.

　　“As I mentioned before, she is sickly. She hardly moves about even at home, so she is a constant source of worry.”

　　“How old is she this year?”

　　“She turned twenty.”

　　Jisenberia was twenty-one.

　　“She is of age, then. Will we be able to meet her during this social season?”

　　The marquis raised his eyebrows in surprise and showed keen interest. The Count disliked that Jisen had become the topic of conversation, but he had to give a plausible answer to brush it off smoothly.

　　“Well… That might be difficult. Her health is far too poor. She is not prepared, either.”

　　“Tsk, tsk. What kind of illness does she have? What about treatment?”

　　“We do not know the cause. Lately, her condition has grown worse, so my worries are endless. We tried finding a cure at the estate, but there was no other way… We are simply letting her rest comfortably.”

　　“How unfortunate. Still, you ought to look for a suitor for her.”

　　“I doubt any noble would take a woman as sick as her. For now, I wish to keep her by my side.”

　　“Indeed. Such is how a father feels about his daughter. I only realized it once I had one of my own.”

　　To anyone listening, the Count sounded like a devoted, deeply caring father. Yet Dieren kept his eyes fixed on Count Burnett throughout the exchange. Why did the man seem so devoid of warmth when speaking of his own daughter?

　　His wife passed away without children. He must have adopted someone.

　　Though Dieren needed to get close to the Count regarding the Kingdom of Peiri, he found himself strangely reluctant. The man felt like a complete stranger.

　　Just as Dieren was debating whether to take his leave now that he had acquainted himself with the Count, Marquis Thomas made a proposal.

　　“Gentlemen, why don’t we head to my residence and continue our conversation there instead of staying here?”

　　And so, the three of them departed for Thomas Manor.

* * *

　　Marchioness Thomas and Viscountess Baker had drawn close through overlapping interests. Trade and culture were intertwined, and both women held a keen interest in the unmarried young ladies of nobility.

　　Upon learning of Jisen’s existence through Lady Baker, the marchioness had not hesitated to invite her to her gathering, only to receive a refusal in return. Carrying nothing but worry and mild lingering disappointment for someone whose face she had never seen, she was now meeting Jisen for the first time. Though Lady Baker occasionally brought guests to introduce, she had never done so this abruptly.

　　Jisen felt a sense of peace in the bright, welcoming atmosphere of the Thomas manor. Marchioness Thomas herself possessed a cheerful countenance, though she currently wore a lukewarm expression toward Jisen, who was a stranger for whom she felt no particular warmth yet. Jisen gave her a polite curtsy.

　　“Jisenberia Burnett, My Lady Marchioness. My heart was heavy when I could not accept your invitation before, so I am overjoyed that you have welcomed me so warmly today.”

　　“I see your health is better today?”

　　Marchioness Thomas had intended to give Jisen a cold reception. After all, the girl had flatly rejected a goodwill invitation, and now she was intruding on a relaxed visit with Viscountess Baker. It was impossible to view her favorably.

　　Yet hostility and discomfort were familiar territory for Jisen. Since she harbored no ill feelings toward the marchioness, she replied with serene composure.

　　“It is thanks to your kind concern, Marchioness. Hearing the wonderful news, I could only send my congratulations from afar, so I am deeply grateful for the chance to deliver them in person today. My thanks to both of you.”

　　Jisenberia’s polite, tranquil manner and gentle disposition left a strong impression on Marchioness Thomas. It was hard to believe she was merely the sickly daughter of a count who had yet to make her high society debut. Combined with her trust that Viscountess Baker would never bring a rude young lady without cause, the marchioness felt her heart softening.

　　Just then, Jisen looked at the baby in the marchioness’s arms, her eyes welling with tears. In a trembling voice, she offered her thoughts.

　　“Are babies… always this lovely? I have rarely seen a child so small… Ah, how can a little baby be so precious? Does seeing such a sweet child always bring tears to your eyes?”

　　Viscountess Baker gave a quiet smile, while Marchioness Thomas, deeply moved, felt her own eyes grow misty. In that instant, her heart opened completely.

　　When the marchioness handed the infant to a maid, Jisen offered the package she had been holding. Marchioness Thomas accepted it.

　　“Is this for me?”

　　Unwrapping the parcel revealed a tall bottle. Uncorking it, Marchioness Thomas gasped in surprise. A rich floral scent filled the air, both soothing and refreshing.

　　“It is pronol oil produced on the Burnett estate. Applied to the hair or body, it leaves the skin wonderfully soft. Even simply leaving the bottle open in a room works wonders. I hope it pleases you, Marchioness. Giving birth must have taken such a toll on you, so I wished for you to have a comforting rest.”

　　“I received many gifts for the baby… but it seems you were more concerned for me, Miss Jisenberia.”

　　“Do you… like it?”

　　“Yes. I like it very much.”

　　A blue light.

　　Marchioness Thomas looked at Jisen again, her gaze filled with warmth and affection. Seeing how beautiful and cultured the young lady was, she couldn’t help thinking what a tragic waste it was for her to be hidden away.

　　“Miss Jisenberia, what kind of illness do you have? I heard you haven’t made your debut in high society yet.”

　　“Without any clear cause, I had no energy and could hardly eat. Honestly, I am much better now, but the Count is overly anxious. I was so delighted to receive your invitation, Marchioness… I know I must have offended you, but will you forgive me?”

　　“Forgive you? Please don’t say such things. Of course I do.”

　　A blue light.

　　Jisen breathed a quiet sigh of relief. It was reassuring to see that any remaining discomfort in the marchioness had vanished entirely.

　　Marchioness Thomas and Viscountess Baker resumed their conversation, discussing their usual interests and ongoing affairs. Jisen listened attentively, maintaining a quiet presence.

　　A servant soon approached and whispered to Marchioness Thomas. Her face brightened noticeably.

　　“It seems my husband has returned.”

　　Their reputation as a devoted couple seemed well-earned. In Jisen’s memory, the last time she had seen Marchioness Thomas in her past life, the woman had been pregnant with her second child.

　　“There are more guests with him. You don’t mind meeting them together, do you? If it’s uncomfortable, I can ask them to move elsewhere.”

　　“Not at all.”

　　“What about you, Miss Jisenberia?”

　　“I am fine as well. It would be an honor to greet the marquis.”

　　“I wonder who came with him.”

　　Shortly after, the door opened once more. Marquis Thomas stood at the entrance, with two men following a step behind him.

　　“Ah, you have guests. Forgive the intrusion.”

　　The marquis approached his wife and greeted her with his embrace. They were truly a loving couple. Yet for everyone else present, the encounter turned intensely awkward. One of the visiting men froze in place before speaking.

　　“Jisenberia…?”

　　It was Count Burnett.

　　While the Count stood shocked by this unexpected encounter with his daughter, Jisen turned deathly pale. Not because of him, but because of the man at his side.

　　Del…!

　　And so, the marquis and marchioness, the viscountess, the Count and his daughter, and the young duke found themselves gathered in one room. It was an assemblage Jisen had never imagined, not in her wildest dreams.