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Seraphina finally received permission from the Marquess to act as a cultural advisor. The Marquess had judged that it was necessary for her to understand the customs of the capital.
"The consulting fee I'll receive will be donated to the new scholarship foundation I'm establishing."
"A scholarship foundation?"
"Yes. I plan to provide support for orphans who have excellent grades in elementary schools but can't afford to enter the academy due to financial difficulties."
"You're saying you'll create a foundation to sponsor commoner orphans?"
Dayna looked at her with a doubtful expression. Seraphina, however, replied as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"It's important to give opportunities to children who have the potential to become outstanding through education. Even among commoners, there are those born with the qualities to develop refinement and ability that can surpass noble bloodlines, depending on the education they receive."
"…I've never heard of a western noble sponsoring commoner orphans before."
"It seems rare even among the nobles of the capital. Just look at how they dismiss Verden's <Sabrina> as nothing more than a fanciful fairy tale."
"Those people only ever regard modern 'pure literature' as the pinnacle of art. Just forget about them."
The three of them sighed as they recalled Countess Finsbury's literary salon, their expressions darkening. Only Ariette, who was unfamiliar with the topic, couldn't join in. Feeling awkward, she cautiously asked,
"Then… Lady Eskis, does that mean you'll also be managing the foundation's affairs from now on?"
"Yes. I heard that the academy in the capital starts accepting applications in winter, so it would be better to prepare early. But don't worry, I won't neglect your lessons because of that. Since it's already decided that you'll be making your debut this autumn, I must teach you even more diligently."
When Seraphina heard about the conversation that took place during the Countess of Freke's dinner party, she was so furious that she immediately sent a letter of protest to the Duke of Averil's household.
She made it clear that she had opposed Ariette's debut until she deemed her ready for society, yet despite that, they had announced in front of others that Ariette would debut in autumn without consulting her. The letter mainly expressed her rebuke, questioning what meaning there was in assigning her as Ariette's tutor if her judgment wasn't to be respected.
After receiving the letter, Alexander sent back a polite apology, explaining that he had hastily agreed to the debut only after hearing that Ariette was doing well in her lessons, thinking it would be acceptable. Thanks to that letter, Seraphina didn't quit her position as Ariette's etiquette instructor, but she didn't bother to hide her disappointment in their decision either.
Still, perhaps fortunately, once Ariette's debut was officially confirmed, she poured every moment, except her short breaks, into studying and working hard. Her efforts soon showed in her grades.
When Seraphina tested her with one of her usual impromptu oral exams and Ariette managed to answer every question, albeit a little nervously, Seraphina found her opinion shifting slightly. If Ariette limited the types of gatherings she attended, perhaps she could get through the social season without any major problems.
"So, how do you plan to make your debut? Since you won't be able to attend the official audience ceremony, you'll have to debut at another ball."
"Wouldn't my birthday ball be perfect? It's two days after the autumn audience ceremony, and Her Majesty the Empress will be attending. Even if Her Majesty can't come, I'm sure His Highness Eustace or Her Highness Judith will. It's the ideal occasion for a debut!"
"H-Her Majesty the Empress… will attend?"
Ariette murmured anxiously, her voice trembling slightly with tension. Dayna spoke in a somewhat firm tone.
"Debutantes who fail the audience ceremony are desperate to get invitations to balls attended by members of the royal family. And a ball where Her Majesty the Empress herself attends? People would give up their entire fortune for a chance to go. So if you can't attend the audience, Letticia's birthday ball is your best opportunity."
"Ah… you're right. If Lady Sharon is willing to invite me, I'd be honored to attend."
Though she still found the Empress intimidating, Ariette nodded resolutely, realizing that it was, realistically, her best chance.
Letticia smiled lightly and lifted a report she had received from her administrative staff, smoothly changing the topic to business.
"Since none of us will be attending the imperial ball anyway, why don't we all make our first public appearance together at my birthday ball? If the attention around me and Lady Eskis hasn't faded yet, we'll likely appear in Lucinella or other society magazines. It would be best to present our dresses, jewelry, and perfumes as a complete coordinated set then."
"That's a great idea. The timing works out perfectly too, it's only two days apart from the audience ceremony, and since we're collaborating with Sharon Jewelry, it makes sense to announce it at the Sharon Count's ball."
"I agree. Our target customers are debutantes and the younger crowd anyway, so it's best to showcase our products first to the guests at Letticia's ball."
As Seraphina and Dayna both voiced their agreement, Ariette, who had been participating in the perfume development, looked uneasy, her face clouded with worry.
"I just hope the perfume will be ready by then... Considering the distribution process, that gives us barely over a month. I'm not sure we'll make it in time…"
"Don't worry. We've divided the perfumers into two teams, one focusing on research and the other on product development, so we might see results faster. And remember, if the finished scent doesn't match the original concept, we may have to change the theme entirely."
"Understood. I'll discuss it with Lady Eskis and prepare some alternative concepts just in case."
Ariette's response, though brief, carried a newfound confidence, perhaps a result of how busy and focused she'd been lately. Seeing how much more assured she looked compared to her formerly timid self, Letticia smiled in satisfaction. But then Dayna asked with concern,
"By the way, Letticia, are you sure you're okay being this busy? I heard you haven't had much time to go on dates with Sir Bright lately."
"Well, how could I not be busy when I've started a new business? And Ez has been swamped too. His Highness the Crown Prince is hosting a hunting event during the Twelve Days of Glory."
"His Highness himself?"
Seraphina and Dayna's eyes lit up with curiosity at the mention of royal news, though it wasn't exactly a cheerful topic. Letticia, for her friends' sake, continued explaining.
"It seems His Highness wants to strengthen his ties with younger nobles now. I heard he's sending invitations to well-known noblemen from society. Apparently, both of Lady Averil's brothers are among those invited."
"My brothers?"
Ariette blinked in surprise, this was clearly her first time hearing it. Letticia nodded, taking a sip of iced tea with rose petals floating on top.
"That's what Sir Bright told me. And apparently, my brother will be invited as well."
"…It sounds like His Highness intends to give the House of Averil a chance to restore its honor by autumn."
Seraphina lifted her teacup to her lips, her expression complicated, hiding her mouth behind the rim. Ariette, meanwhile, lowered her eyes, unsure how to respond to the thought of her brothers and Lenard hunting together.
"Anyway, with all that going on, Ez has even more work piling up. I can't exactly ask someone that busy to come see me, so the best I can do is stop by his office to drop off some desserts from Faymont and say hello."
"The Crown Prince's chief aide really does have his hands full… I wonder if he'll even have time for his engagement ceremony."
"If His Highness doesn't allow that much time, I'll just have to submit a petition! There are limits to how much you can overwork someone."
Letticia's half-joking but half-serious remark made Ariette glance between her and Dayna, before she hesitantly asked,
"Um… this might be unrelated, but, how close do two people have to be before they can call each other by name and speak casually, like you two do?"
"Like us? Well, among new nobles, it's quite common. Once we're introduced, we usually start calling each other by name fairly quickly. But I'm not sure about old noble families."
"For us, unless we grew up together as cousins or childhood companions, it's not something we do lightly. Even in private, it's considered a noble's duty to maintain proper etiquette."
Seraphina's firm tone made Ariette shrink slightly, looking dejected. Seeing her expression, Letticia immediately guessed what she was thinking and, wanting to help, made a gentle suggestion.
"Still, we do call each other by name in private gatherings, don't we? Honestly, I think it would be nice if we all started using our names instead of calling each other 'Lady' this or that. After all, this is supposed to be a friendship gathering. Wouldn't it feel too distant if we stayed so formal even outside of official occasions? Don't you agree?"
"Lady Sharon…"
Ariette softly called out Letticia's name, her face a mix of surprise and gratitude. Dayna, looking somewhat flustered, glanced between Letticia, Seraphina, and Ariette before finally resting her gaze on Seraphina.
Unexpectedly, Seraphina didn't seem particularly against the idea. After a brief pause, she nodded her agreement to Letticia's suggestion.
"…You're right. If friends are too formal with each other, it could actually come off as discourteous. And it doesn't really fit the purpose of a friendship circle either, does it?"
"Then… does that mean we can call each other by name now?"
"…If you two don't mind, I'd be honored. Please, call me Dayna as well."
Though she still seemed a little hesitant, Dayna eventually agreed, as if realizing there was no point resisting. It would've been strange to call Seraphina by name while refusing to do the same with Ariette.
Seeing that, Dayna's expression softened slightly, though she still didn't seem to consider Ariette a true friend just yet. Ariette seemed to sense that too, hesitant to strike up conversation with her.
Still, once they started calling each other by name, perhaps that small change could be the spark that brought them closer together.
If things continued like this, and Ariette could build a closer bond with the friends from the March Blossoms gathering, her life in high society might finally start to feel a little easier.
…As for the visitors and potential suitors who would come calling later, well, that part was still uncertain.
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