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The polka, though danced in pairs, was fast-paced and involved only hand-holding as physical contact. Rather than being romantic like the waltz, it emphasized liveliness and fun.
Because of that, no one found it odd to see Carmen and Letticia dancing together. In fact, what surprised people more was that the two were able to have a conversation while dancing such a fast dance.
"I heard you spoke with my father a few days ago about the supply of San Severo gemstones. I hope it goes well."
"It’s all thanks to Count Sharon not including marriage as a condition of the contract. I’m truly grateful for that."
The Sharon Jewelry was currently reviewing a deal where it would receive opals and pearls imported by the Duke Carmen from the Kingdom of San Severo. In return, Sharon Jewelry’s products would be exported to San Severo through Carmen’s merchant group.
Carmen’s original purpose for coming to the capital was to discuss this business venture with the Sharon family. So as long as the deal was successful, there was no need for him to marry Letticia.
Letticia wasn’t worried about that, since she already knew that in the original story, Carmen had gone to propose to Ariette. But what Carmen brought up next was completely unexpected.
"By the way, Lady Letticia, I heard that Faymont is under your ownership?"
"Well, I did invest in it. I also own the building."
When Letticia confirmed, Carmen gave a charming smile and suggested.
"I’ve tried the desserts there a few times, and I found it a bit unfortunate that there aren’t many fruit-based options. The three-berry tart is excellent, but I think it would be lovely if there were more desserts made with fresh fruits like oranges or grapes."
"The head pâtissier has been considering that as well. They’ve been creating seasonal menus using various fruits, but it’s hard to include them in the regular lineup."
"In that case, how about trying San Severo oranges? The climate there is warm year-round, so they’re in season most of the time and easy to source. They also store well and are full of juice. In the South, people enjoy them with wine or as juice."
Letticia admired how naturally he made a business proposal and responded.
"Oranges sound like a refreshing choice. But we’ve mostly been using oranges from the East, so I’m not familiar with the taste of San Severo oranges. It’s hard to give you an answer right away."
"I have some stock that I brought personally. If it’s all right with you, I’d be happy to send you some to try. I also handle grapes and pomegranates, so if you’re interested, just let me know."
"That’s a generous offer. I’ll inform the staff at Faymont and let you know how it goes after we’ve tried it."
Since Letticia had also been meaning to discuss Ariette’s new idea, the arrival of a new type of fruit was more than welcome. And if the Magic Tower succeeded in developing scent extraction techniques, then the more fruit varieties available, the better.
Carmen continued to talk about the products his merchant group dealt in, and among them were a few that even caught Letticia’s genuine interest.
It didn’t feel like she was dancing with a former suitor for the sake of maintaining connections, more like talking to a merchant during a shopping consultation. Because of that, Letticia decided that continuing interactions with Carmen in the future wouldn’t be a bad idea.
"Well then, I’ll take my leave. I’ll look forward to hearing good news."
"Yes, young lord. I’ll be in touch soon."
Once the dance ended and Carmen, who had escorted Letticia, departed, Ezkhiel watched his retreating figure before cautiously asking.
"Um, Letty… that ‘good news’ he mentioned…"
"He offered to let us try using some fruit from the Carmen merchant group at Faymont. He said he’d send over a sample of San Severo oranges. I’m planning to try it out with our head pâtissier and get back to him."
"Ah… Well, San Severo oranges are really juicy. They’d be great for making sorbet."
"That’s a great idea, sorbet! Summer’s just around the corner, so if we propose adding more ice cream or sorbet options, I think Chelsea will agree. Or maybe we could try selling fresh juice too. Why not?"
Letticia nodded enthusiastically at the idea, clearly pleased, prompting Ezkhiel to ask.
"Besides that… did he say anything else?"
"Anything else? Hmm, he said he’s discussing a deal with my father, and he asked if I’d be interested in buying any goods from the southern kingdom that the Carmen merchant group carries. Some of it sounded really interesting, so I told him to send samples. Want to help me choose later?"
"…He sounds more like a merchant than a suitor."
"He is a merchant. He even said the reason he visited me in the first place was to negotiate a deal with Sharon Jewelry."
Letticia gave a small shrug, and only then did Ezkhiel seem to relax, smiling with relief. Noticing that, Letticia chuckled softly and tugged on his arm.
"I’m starting to get thirsty. Want to grab something to drink? Or should we go find my dear older brother who, despite being my chaperone, let me wander off so easily?"
"It’s not like he did that on purpose. Lenard went to get drinks, but a few nobles from the Kingdom of Amara started talking to him, so I said we could go together to meet up after your dance…"
As Ezkhiel glanced over toward the refreshments table, he suddenly let out a faint groan.
Lenard, who was holding drinks with lemon and lime, was being cornered by a certain noblewoman.
"Oh no, that madam again…"
"You know her?"
"She’s one of the most… enthusiastic women trying to make Lenard her son-in-law. I didn’t think she’d show up to this ball too…"
Just as Ezkhiel said, the woman was talking rapidly to Lenard while gesturing toward the daughter standing beside her.
They couldn’t hear what she was saying, but Letticia could easily read the irritation hidden behind Lenard’s otherwise polite expression.
"I don’t think she’s going to let him go unless he at least asks her daughter for a dance. What should we do?"
"According to Lenard, she’s the kind of person who would latch on even more tightly if he asked her to dance, so he’s been trying to avoid that. Should we step in?"
"Then let’s go. After all, my brother is my official chaperone tonight."
Letticia made up her mind quickly and started walking. Linking arms with Ezkhiel, she confidently approached. Then, as soon as the noblewoman paused in her chatter, Letticia loudly called out to Lenard.
"Brother! There you are, I’ve been looking everywhere for you."
Letticia purposely used a slightly reproachful tone. Lenard seized the opportunity, giving a quick bow to the noblewoman and escaping to Letticia’s side.
The noblewoman, who had believed her prey was all but caught, looked momentarily irritated. But when her eyes met Letticia’s, she swiftly adjusted her expression and offered a friendly smile.
Letticia was used to being treated with suspicion or even hostility by mothers of eligible daughters, viewed as their daughters’ most dangerous rival. But for those eyeing Lenard, Letticia was the safest woman imaginable.
Though she didn’t exactly appreciate that fact, Letticia let it pass and linked arms with Lenard instead of Ezkhiel, whispering softly.
"Congrats on the escape, big brother. Just use me as an excuse and stick by my side for the rest of the evening."
"At this point, I’d dance the gavotte with you or trail you around like a proper chaperone, whatever it takes. She caught me right after I finished talking to the Duke of Amara, so I couldn’t even slip away."
His voice showed the exhaustion his polite expression couldn’t reveal. Lenard lifted the drink in his other hand and downed it. Ezkhiel gave him a look of sympathy and offered support.
"You’ve had a rough time, Lenard. Want to head to the terrace or the lounge for a bit?"
"No can do. There are still a few foreign nobles I’d like to speak with. I want to hear more about the newly discovered gemstones from the South. Honestly, I’d rather not waste time dancing."
Lenard was still full of enthusiasm for business. Letticia shook her head and exchanged glances with Ezkhiel, who could only smile helplessly, knowing he couldn’t dissuade him.
And sure enough, as if in response to Lenard’s enthusiasm, several foreign ambassadors came up to them. Some engaged Lenard in serious business discussions, while others, recognizing Ezkhiel, tried to use conversation to gather information about the crown prince.
Letticia listened to the surrounding conversations, occasionally jumping in to steer the mood or redirect the topic when needed, chatting comfortably all the while.
Then, when the waltz began, a nobleman from the Kingdom of Apsara approached and asked Letticia for a dance.
"I’ve heard that among all the Empire’s dances, the waltz is especially beloved. Would you grant me the honor of making memories with this season’s most dazzling debutante?"
"...!"
Ezkhiel flinched and quickly turned toward Letticia. However, Letticia didn’t hesitate. With a gentle smile of apology, she politely declined.
"I’m sorry, but I already have a prior engagement for this dance. But how about the Ponteon traditional dance next?"
"Oh, what a shame. Unfortunately, the waltz is the only Empire-style dance I can perform."
"Then how about we enjoy a game of cards in the lounge instead? You can’t truly say you’ve experienced the Empire’s high society without playing at least one round."
"Now that sounds delightful. I’d love to see how skilled the Empire’s gentlemen really are."
The nobles from Apsara, including the one who had approached Letticia, headed off to the lounge with Lenard.
Meanwhile, Ezkhiel was led by Letticia to the center of the dance floor.
By chance, or perhaps fate, it was the exact same spot where they had danced their very first waltz together.
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1 Comments
Man, I really love how good Leticia is at navigating these social scenes. Most stories will mention it as an attribute, but Leticia comes across as genuinely skilled in such matters.
ReplyDeleteAlso Eeeeee they're going to waltz again!