269


***


Surprisingly, Alexander accepted most of the conditions Patrick had put forward.


This included clauses disadvantageous to the Averil Ducal family, such as the right to strip them of their stake and demand penalties if a member of the family caused trouble that harmed the business, as well as stipulations on repayment of investments.


However, regarding the restriction on Alexander's direct participation, Patrick was told that some of Alexander's close aides could still be included among Ariette's support staff. Hearing that, Patrick frowned as though the answer was unexpected.


"Is he planning to bow his head completely…? I really can't figure him out."


"He even accepted the proposal to have the contract notarized by a member of the royal family. In fact, he himself suggested asking Her Majesty the Empress to officiate."


Since even the notary chosen ended up favoring the Count of Sharon's family, suspicion began to arise as to why Alexander would go this far.


But the business had to proceed. Since the other side had accepted all the terms proposed here, it was impossible to suddenly cancel it now.


In the end, Letticia, along with Alexander and Ariette, appeared before the Empress to receive notarization of the contract and resume the business.


Ariette, who hadn't even made her debut yet, stood stiff and nervous beside Alexander the entire time the notarization was carried out, while the Empress cast an unkind look at the Averil siblings.


"It is a good thing for two houses to walk once more on the path of reconciliation and friendship. I only hope this notarization will not be in vain."


"Yes, Your Majesty."


As Alexander and Letticia bowed deeply, Ariette quickly followed their lead with a side glance. She must have practiced beforehand, but her awkward movements made the Empress narrow her eyes. Still, instead of showing her displeasure, the Empress issued a stern warning with a dignified expression.


"The Imperial Family places great expectations on this venture. Though it stems from personal ties among young ladies, if this business—one involving old nobility, neutrals, and the new nobility together—succeeds, the current tense atmosphere may also be eased."


If they caused trouble again and forced this business to halt, it would incur the wrath of the Imperial Family. The warning made Ariette's face turn pale.


This was already the second time the Count of Sharon's family had suffered damage from the Averil Ducal family, and this time Lenard had even been threatened with a blade. For Empress Lilliana, her words were as mild as she could make them. But for subjects of the Empire, hearing such a warning directly from the Empress was terrifying in itself.


"As a subject of the Empire, I too believe that the success of this project will bring a brighter future to the Empire, and I will devote my utmost efforts to ensure its success."


"I will hold you to that."


The Empress nodded and then turned to Letticia, her tone suddenly softer.


"From the Faymont venture to this perfume business… I look forward to seeing what kind of product will be created. When it is completed, will you not send one to me?"


"Of course, Your Majesty. It was always my intention that you would be the first to receive it. Though it is still in its early stages and will take time, I will ensure that a product worthy of your satisfaction is completed."


When Letticia answered confidently, the Empress smiled in satisfaction and permitted them to withdraw.


Escorted by a maid, they left the palace. Ariette's face was on the verge of tears as she muttered.


"D-Do you think Her Majesty the Empress is still very angry…?"


"She was angry, yes. But as long as we do well moving forward, it should be fine."


Letticia tried to comfort her, but Ariette's expression didn't brighten. Seeing his younger sister so downcast, Alexander spoke gently to reassure her.


"For now, just focus on the business, Arie. I'll assign some of our best aides to support you, so you'll be able to handle it well."


"…If they are people hired by the Ducal House, then I won't have to worry. I only hope this venture can be carried to success."


"Of course. It must be."


After a brief exchange of polite words, Alexander then asked respectfully.


"Come to think of it, Lady, in the lessons you planned to teach Ariette at the gathering, does that include dance as well?"


"I recall you saying you wouldn't interfere with the content of her education."


"No, I'm not trying to interfere. To be precise, I'd like to make a request."


After glancing once at Ariette, Alexander turned back to meet Letticia's eyes.


"Whether it be etiquette, dance, arts, studies, or trends, whatever it may be, if Ariette says she wants to learn it, please allow her to."


"…That's quite an unexpected request. Didn't you strongly disapprove of us teaching her anything in the past?"


"That was before. But after seeing Father's mistakes, I realized how much we've only ever forced our own thoughts onto Ariette. So now, I want to respect what she truly wants, and let her learn whatever she wishes."


Had someone possessed him, or was he about to die?


Alexander's change in attitude was so drastic that Letticia couldn't help but bluntly ask.


"Forgive me, Sir, but… did you perhaps suffer a great blow to the head and lose all memory of your past?"


"…I understand why you'd suspect that. And even if I ask you to trust me right away, it won't mean much."


Alexander smiled faintly in that familiar way of his. It didn't seem like he had lost his memories or been possessed, but even so, the drastic transformation was hard to believe.


"But everything I've said so far is the truth. I've already promised as much to Ariette as well. So I earnestly ask that you continue to look after my little sister."


"…Since you put it that way, I'll try to believe you."


When Letticia reluctantly nodded, Alexander turned to Ariette, who had been fidgeting nervously, and spoke tenderly.


"Now, Arie, I need to have a word with His Excellency the Chancellor, so you should head home first. Do you remember where the carriage is waiting?"


"Ah… um, Lady Sharon. There's something I'd like to tell you. If it's all right with you, would you ride in the carriage with me?"


At Ariette's suggestion, Letticia glanced at Alexander, then nodded her head.


As Alexander also needed to return by carriage, the two decided to ride back together in Letticia's carriage.


As soon as they got in, Ariette, her face looking ready to cry, turned to Letticia and asked.


"Is Lord Sharon all right? I'm so sorry… it was because of me…"


"My brother said you stepped in to stop it halfway through. You don't need to apologize, Lady."


No matter what, Ariette could never have imagined that her father would do something so insane as to draw a sword on Lenard. And judging from her pallor and weary appearance, she had clearly been under a great deal of stress herself.


"I don't know if Father properly apologized… My brother says everything has been settled, but I haven't heard anything myself."


"His Grace bowed his head before His Majesty the Emperor, and he made reparations as well. So for now, it's over. My brother even agreed to resume the business, so you don't need to worry so much."


"…Even so, my family keeps bringing harm to you and to the House of Sharon… I don't understand why things keep turning out this way…"


Tears began welling up in Ariette's round blue eyes. When she could no longer hold them back, drops splattered onto her dress. Seeing that, Letticia handed her a handkerchief.


"It's not your fault, so don't cry. More importantly, I heard you went on a hunger strike, how's your health?"


"It was only two meals I skipped, so it wasn't that hard."


"Two meals?"


Letticia asked in disbelief. Ariette, dabbing her eyes with the handkerchief, nodded sheepishly.


From the way Alexander had spoken, Letticia had imagined she had starved herself for days. Of course, the Ducal House would never have allowed Ariette to go without food for more than a day.


'If she cried when she saw her father draw his sword, he probably apologized to my brother right then and there.'


At this point, Letticia was starting to think maybe she should teach Ariette how to summon tears whenever she needed them.


Clicking her tongue softly, Letticia then asked about the Duke's whereabouts.


"So, His Grace has gone back to his domain now?"


"Yes. After his audience with His Majesty, he left immediately. But he said he'd postpone his retirement for a little while longer, so it seems he'll keep his title for a few more years."


Even so, retirement was practically a certainty. Beyond the loss of the Elrey estate he had ruined, the fact that he had been punished directly by the Emperor would greatly undermine his authority as Duke.


"If he won't be able to come to the capital anyway, wouldn't it be better to pass the title on to Sir Averil instead?"


"I thought so too, but Father said my brother still wasn't ready. So for the time being, my brother will just act as regent of the Duchy."


"Even that will keep him quite busy."


"Yes. That's why he decided to resign from his position as aide to the Chancellor as well. There seems to be plenty of work to handle for the Ducal House in the capital."


Letticia thought to herself that most of that "work" probably meant cleaning up the aftermath of this whole incident.


Though the reason for the Duke's attempt to draw his sword on Lenard hadn't been officially announced, the fact that he had been punished had already appeared in the newspapers.


🍓; *Regent, temporary ruler acting in place of the true ruler: the Duke, King, etc.