Chapter 99

After the tea party that her friend Elina had hosted, Harbara was invited to the Prince's palace. When she arrived at the salon where Elina often spent her time, the atmosphere was calm, and it somehow resembled the ambiance of Elina's student dormitory.

"Thank you for inviting me today, Lady Elina. I had a wonderful time."

"I'm glad to hear that."

"There were people who kept pestering me, but it was nostalgic in a way."

"Lady Harbara..."

Elina and Harbara chuckled together. It had been a long time since they had spent such a relaxed moment. Recently, Harbara was often on edge whenever she spoke to someone. She had chosen this path herself, and while there were times of probing and testing, being a young lady who meddled in business had often led to criticism and complaints.

In that regard, dealing with other young ladies was much gentler. Especially someone like her.

"Still, I was surprised to hear that she was considering putting her name forward as a candidate for the princess... It's just like her to bring up something that isn't even a verbal promise."

"Yes."

One of the purposes of this tea party. She had fallen for it beautifully, but Harbara wasn't the only one who thought it was time for her to face reality. Even if Elina and Alvis seemed to be close, anyone who still thought they could come between them should be re-educated.

While having multiple wives is indeed recognized, it's wrong to actively try to tear apart a couple who are good friends, especially if the husband, Alvis, doesn't desire it. If he did, that would be a different matter, but if he doesn't, stepping back is the true loyalty.

"Well, that's fine. If she does anything again, I won't stay silent."

"Thank you. If there's anything I can do to help you, Lady Harbara, please let me know. I don't want to just rely on you; I want to be of help to you as well."

Elina really hasn't changed. As one of the parties involved in this issue, she shouldn't be calm, yet she still cares about Harbara. That's why Harbara respects her as the future princess.

If there's anything Harbara needs Elina's help with, she has already received plenty of support from her during their school days. Apart from that, if there's anything else she wants to ask Elina...

"Then, Lady Elina, there is one thing I would like to ask of you."

"Yes, what is it?"

"...I would like to speak with Sir Edward Haswork, who serves as the Prince's attendant."

"Eh?"

When Harbara told Elina this with a hint of calculation, Elina's eyes widened in surprise. It was understandable. He is not a noble, and he has no connection to Harbara's business. They have only met once, when Alvis visited the school. So unexpected was it that Elina didn't react for a while.

"Did I surprise you?"

"Um... You mean Sir Edward Haswork?"

"Yes."

Elina seemed to be confirming, perhaps out of caution. Harbara nodded firmly to the confused Elina.

"It's... in that sense."

"Even if it surprises you, it's true that I'm considering him as a candidate for the future."

"But, Sir Haswork doesn't have a title, and..."

"To me, a title is less important than a gentleman who acknowledges me."

Elina must be concerned that Harbara, who comes from the high-ranking Ransel Marquis family, would consider a man without a title as a potential husband. Normally, a man without a title would not be considered for a daughter of a count or higher.

"But... No, I understand. I'll ask Prince Alvis."

"Thank you!"

The person in question is someone who is not at all aware of Harbara. Moreover, he probably, or rather, definitely doesn't want a partner for the future. While he is connected to the nobility, he was born a commoner. However, given his position as the Prince's attendant, he is likely to be granted a title in the future. There might be some strategic thinking behind this, but personally, she is also interested in him. She feels that he wouldn't betray her.

First, she will propose a business deal to him. How will he react? Just thinking about it makes Harbara excited, even though it's not certain they will meet.

"Lady Harbara?"

"I'm looking forward to it."

She recalled the black-haired, black-eyed man she had met at the school, who had been chatting intimately with Alvis. What kind of conversation would he have with Harbara?

Elina was confused by Harbara's demeanor, but Harbara didn't notice.

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