Chapter 30

"……Forget the car. I was just curious about what kind of conversation was going on, having heard rumors about teatime."

"But Altair chased all the guests away, so teatime is over now."

"I didn't mean to interrupt."

Altair frowned and awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck. I hadn't meant to make him feel bad, but it seemed I had scolded the person who had even brought flowers as a gift. I hastily shook my head and gently tugged at Altair's sleeve.

"Then, would you like to be a guest, Altair? Let's have tea together."

"Me?"

"Yes!"

Altair didn't refuse my gesture and sat down in the empty seat. The teatime table, which had been left in a mess after the knights hurriedly left due to his appearance, was quickly tidied up by Mari's skilled hands.

"The water has cooled, so I'll go prepare some hot water."

After placing a new teacup and dishes in front of Altair, Mari naturally stepped aside and smiled at me.

'Probably to let us enjoy some time alone...'

Neither I nor Altair had the ability to carry on a conversation comfortably, so the silence was thick. I was so tense, worried that the awkward atmosphere might make me uncomfortable, especially after dealing with the knights who had been talking enthusiastically to avoid the awkwardness. Now, facing my overly quiet husband, I was sweating so much that my hands were damp.

'This won't do. I've been practicing so hard! The atmosphere was always good!'

I took a deep breath, reaffirming my resolve to 'become a wonderful lady.' If I could have a gentle conversation with someone as taciturn and cold as Altair, I felt I could skillfully lead any conversation with anyone.

"Have you... finished your work?"

I asked cautiously, and Altair nodded slightly.

"I finished today's quota."

"Did you prepare the flowers yourself?"

"I made Pavel work a bit."

"Have you eaten?"

"Something simple."

"……"

I tried to bring up various topics, but the conversation didn't really flow. His answers were getting even shorter...

'This is indeed a difficult person to talk to.'

He was a different level compared to the knights who would enthusiastically respond to any topic.

'First, I need to figure out Altair's preferences.'

Even the most indifferent person would show interest in a topic they liked. If we could talk about something we both enjoyed, we would naturally feel good about each other!

'Of course, I only have the theory down pat...'

I decided to ask what Altair liked. Just as I was organizing my thoughts, Altair, who had been silent, spoke up.

"What do you usually talk about during teatime? Everyone seemed to be having a good time before I came."

"Just about the festival. They said it would be fun and invited me to go with them."

"Who?"

"Kain."

Since there was nothing to hide, I answered honestly. Altair muttered Kain's name in a low voice and looked cold. I tilted my head, wondering why, and Altair sighed deeply, running his hand through his hair.

"Is it boring?"

"Huh?"

"I mean, me. I'm not good with words... my tone is stiff..."

I widened my eyes at this unexpected confession, and Altair's ears turned slightly red.

"I know it's not aristocratic..."

"Me too!"

"……What?"

"I'm not good with words either!"

Eloquence was a basic skill for aristocrats. That's why the capital's nobles all spoke smoothly. Even if someone lacked confidence in their eloquence, they wouldn't openly admit it to avoid revealing their lack of basic skills. But learning that Altair, of all people, had the same concerns as me made me genuinely happy.

"I didn't know Altair had the same concerns. It's really... I don't know why conversations are so difficult. I get so nervous that I break out in a cold sweat."

I sighed deeply and smiled at Altair, who was looking at me with a slightly bewildered expression.

"But to meet a comrade, and for that comrade to be my husband... I really like it!"

"Do you... like that I'm not good with words?"

"Of course. If we have the same concerns, we can support each other."

I nodded without hesitation, but I had one worry.

"But it might be a bit awkward if both of us are not good with words and end up standing awkwardly at a party. We'll be attending the assembly soon."

Indeed, that would be a bit awkward.

"Then, how about we practice together? We can be practice partners for each other!"

"Practice partners?"

"Yes. I opened teatime to practice leading conversations with other nobles, but it didn't really work out... Still, it's better than doing nothing, right?"

"Ah. So that's why you opened teatime..."

Altair repeated my words with a still bewildered look, his expression subtly complex.

"If you don't want to practice together..."

"No."

Feeling a bit guilty for making a burdensome suggestion, I shrugged, but Altair quickly interrupted me.

"Let's practice together. Practice."

"Really?"

"Yeah. So... let's have teatime together every day."

'I haven't been having teatime every day so far.'

But I didn't want to reject this rare offer. I nodded eagerly, and it seemed a slight smile appeared on Altair's lips. Just by agreeing to have teatime together every day, I felt inexplicably happy, and a silly grin spread across my face.

"And..."

Altair spoke, looking at me smiling.

"You don't need to try too hard to be good."

"Huh?"

Does this mean he doesn't have high expectations of me? I tilted my head, confused, and he added an explanation.

"When you're talking to other nobles. Just be yourself. That's enough to be likable. You're a good person."

"Am I a good person?"

"Definitely."

Altair's firm answer filled my dry confidence with a strange sense of fulfillment. I felt a bit embarrassed, and my face turned slightly red.

"Still, I'll try. I want to do well. I don't want people to look down on Eilsford because of my clumsiness."

"Looking down on Eilsford? That won't happen."

"Well... no one would look down on Altair, but..."

I'm different. I'm not as impressive as Altair, not as dignified, not as skilled with a sword, and...

Just as I was thinking, Altair's finger lightly tapped my forehead. Surprised, I rubbed my forehead and looked at Altair, who rested his chin on his hand and narrowed his eyes.

"Are you thinking unnecessary thoughts?"

"No, no."

"There's no way. You were definitely thinking unnecessary thoughts."

"How do you know what I'm thinking?"

"I know. You're a good person. Just remember that."

His calm voice made my heart sink. Even though I know I have many shortcomings, at that moment, I felt like I was a good person.

'And I want to live up to that expectation.'

I want to remain a good person in Altair's eyes. I made a new resolve in my heart and smelled the flowers Altair had given me. The deep fragrance. It was a good day.

* * * Time passed quickly, and the Eastern Nobles' Assembly was just around the corner. With the lord and lady away, Eilsford Castle, which was usually quiet, was now bustling with activity. The Eastern Nobles' Assembly would be attended by me, Altair, four knights including Kain, and Mari, who would attend to us. In total, seven people would attend.

"Have a safe trip, my lady."

Pavel, who would guard Eilsford Castle in Altair's absence, bowed deeply to me.

'It's just a hunting season trip.'

Receiving such formal greetings as if I were setting out on a major mission felt somewhat embarrassing.

"I should be the one to greet Pavel. Please take good care of Eilsford while Altair and I are away. Of course, I know you'll do a great job even without me saying this..."

Feeling a bit embarrassed, I laughed awkwardly, and Pavel smiled and nodded slightly.

"Having heard your words, I will pay even more attention."

"Thank you. Ah! While I'm away, the glass I ordered will arrive. Please check if any of it is damaged. Also..."

Once I started, a series of requests came to mind. Since we had been continuously repairing Eilsford Castle, there were many things I was concerned about. Seeing that my story was getting long, Pavel sighed and shook his head.

"My lady, please put all these worries aside and enjoy the assembly. I've heard that hunting is a popular culture in the capital, so you'll enjoy it. Besides, our lord is an excellent hunter. He will definitely come in first."

"Indeed, that's true."

Altair, who can slay dragons, might find hunting small animals like rabbits and foxes, which is a noble's pastime, a bit boring.

"When you return, the repairs to Eilsford Castle will be almost complete. It will be beautifully decorated, so look forward to it."

Although it might sound like empty words, I trusted Pavel's capable words. Nodding at Pavel with a trusting gaze, I noticed Altair, standing beside me, looking at Pavel with a somewhat displeased expression.

"Aren't you going to greet me?"

"Ah. Do you want a greeting? Then, have a safe trip, my lord."

"……Forget it. What's the point of accepting such a half-hearted greeting?"

Altair snorted and waved his hand, signaling the knights who were going with us. The knights moved in unison and mounted their horses. Seeing that one horse was left, it seemed Altair was also planning to ride.

"You get in the carriage."

The prepared carriage boasted a luxurious exterior that was hard to find even in the capital. I was amazed that Eilsford had such a fine carriage. As I gaped at the carriage, Pavel glanced at Altair and whispered to me.

"He bought it in a hurry because he had to take you. It was a custom order, so it took longer, but our lord pushed to get it in time."

"Altair did?"

I had no idea about this. Widening my eyes and looking at Altair, he cleared his throat and opened the carriage door for me.

"Get in. It won't be as uncomfortable as you think."

"……Yes."

I hesitantly got into the carriage with Altair's help and was amazed by the comfortable ride and the luxurious interior.

'In the Vain Marquis family, only my uncle used such a fine carriage.'

I wondered if I deserved such luxury, but my eyes darted around. Mari sat opposite me, and from her glance, it seemed she was also impressed by the carriage's luxury.

"Let's go."

With Altair's command, the carriage began to move smoothly. Looking out the window, I saw Pavel, Anna, and the knights waving us off at the entrance.

"That's not a proper farewell. I'll have to mention this when we return."

Mari, who was watching the scene with me, pointed out their informal farewell, but she didn't look too upset. Perhaps she felt their genuine good wishes.

Finally, the reality of heading to the assembly hit me. This was my first major event since my debut.

'Can I do well?'

My heart was already pounding with nervousness.