Chapter 19

In the quiet air of the office, a faint swirl of smoke rises. Viviana, leaning back in her chair, seems uncomfortable and takes another puff of her cigarette.

[Lady Viviana, you are the most beautiful person I have ever seen. Just sitting on the piano chair, I might fall for you.]

“…Huh.”

She got me.

Using her false demeanor at the banquet as leverage to provoke an awkward reaction, it was actually me who ended up flustered.

Where did it start? When did I start getting swayed by her clever words? Ah, yes, it was definitely the moment she brought up the piano.

Viviana spreads her palm and examines it closely. Just as the Blanchard Young Lady said, her fingers are delicate and slender. Perfect for playing the piano, they said. Indeed, the only solace in her life was the piano.

In her life, where she had to slaughter countless enemies and stain her blade with blood, the only moments of peace were when she sat before the piano.

But no one knew that playing the piano was her hobby. How did that young lady bring it up? Did she notice with her sharp eyes, or does she have a separate source of information?

‘No, it doesn’t matter.’

Taking one last deep drag of her cigarette, Viviana slowly rises from her seat. It’s true that the unexpected mention of the piano caught her off guard, but the next time they meet, such a thing won’t happen.

There was no reason to be outdone by her. She was the one holding the leverage, and no matter how beloved the young lady was in social circles, before her, a princess, everything was meaningless.

“Interesting, Blanchard Young Lady.”

How long has it been since she was outmaneuvered in a conversation? The unexpected situation stirred her competitive spirit. The next time they meet, she will definitely see that cunning young lady flustered and restless.

‘It can’t be helped.’

She’ll have to attend the final night of the banquet.

If only to get her revenge, it can’t be helped.

‘Princess, it’s Alphonse.’

While Viviana is lost in quiet contemplation, the muffled voice of an old man seeps into the office from outside the door.

“…Come in.”

The old man, with his frail white hair, enters with Viviana’s permission. Despite his age, his demeanor is noble and dignified.

“I came to deliver something.”

“Deliver what?”

The old man nods and quietly places a blue envelope on Viviana’s desk. The lack of a seal suggests it’s not an important letter.

“I found it in your coat pocket. It doesn’t seem to have been opened, so I thought I’d deliver it.”

“You found it in my coat?”

Viviana, who has no memory of receiving such a letter, can’t help but be puzzled. But upon reflection, she roughly knows when it might have slipped into her coat.

‘…That time.’

At the end of the banquet, the young lady from the Blanchard family rushed over to greet her. Could she have slipped it in then?

With a curious mind, Viviana opens the envelope. Her eyes slowly follow the words from the top of the letter downward.

“Ha.”

As her eyes reach the end of the letter, a bewildered smile spreads across her lips. After a brief silence, she rises from her seat and hands the letter to the old man.

“I’m going to take a bath, so have the servants prepare it. And tell them to prepare some incense too.”

“Incense?”

“Yes, prepare a scent that women would like.”

The days Viviana adds incense to her bath are few and far between, so Alphonse can’t help but be surprised. But he sees no reason to dwell on it. No matter how much of a strong warrior she is called, she is still a woman. There must be times when she wants to enjoy a bath with incense, depending on her mood.

“Yes. I’ll dispose of the letter as you wish.”

“What?”

For a moment, Viviana’s gaze turns icy. Unable to tell what has upset her, Alphonse blinks in confusion.

“Don’t throw it away. Keep it separately.”

“Yes?”

For a moment, he can’t comprehend what he just heard. Having served the Merdelia Ducal Family for decades, the words coming from Viviana’s mouth are so unfamiliar that he can hardly believe them.

‘Princess Viviana wants to keep a letter?’

…This insignificant letter?

*

The banquet hall, decorated with purple carpets and interiors, marks the end of the festivities. Though the number of attendees has decreased compared to the first day, the hall is still filled with elegant conversations and laughter.

With a bright smile, I greet various people and look around. I was worried she might have skipped the final day, but fortunately, I soon spot her shimmering golden hair.

“Lady Mardian!”

Without hesitation, I rush over to her.

The first person I sought out was Mardian. Last night, when I followed Viviana outside, Mardian’s expression seemed unusual, and it bothered me.

But now, Mardian’s expression isn’t bad. In fact, she looks brighter than usual. Should I consider it a relief?

“Tina.”

“I was disappointed we had to part so suddenly yesterday, but I’m so glad we can meet again like this.”

“Hehe… Of course, I had to come when my pet is here. Did you have a good conversation with the princess yesterday?”

“We didn’t talk much! In fact, even when I was with the princess, I was thinking of you, Lady Mardian.”

“…Is that so?”

Mardian strokes my head, then with a sly smile, whispers in my ear.

“After greeting everyone, come find me again. I’ve reserved a reception room today, so we won’t be disturbed.”

“Y-you reserved a room?”

“Yes, we need to continue where we left off yesterday.”

Mardian’s sticky voice echoes in my ears. First, she tried to kiss me, and now she’s reserved a room. I don’t know what she’s planning.

“…Lady Mardian, I—”

“Don’t think about running away. You’ll definitely enjoy it too, Tina.”

“…”

[There’s no such thing as a free lunch.]

Artasha’s words come to mind. Not a single word of my mother’s wisdom is wrong, and I can’t help but admire her insight once again.

But it’s okay, Mother.

I’m not that naive anymore.

“I wonder what I’m supposed to enjoy.”

A graceful figure with a melodious voice appears between me and Mardian. At the sudden appearance of the woman, Mardian’s forehead furrows deeply, if only for a moment.

“…Princess Viviana?”

At Mardian’s bewildered voice, Viviana smiles faintly.

Her jet-black hair, like the night sky, sways around her, and a sweet, enchanting fragrance tickles my nose. I blink in surprise at Viviana’s unexpected scent.

‘Did Viviana always wear perfume…?’

…It smells nice.