Chapter 96

The tea party of noblewomen is often thought to be nothing more than idle chatter and extravagance.

However, by roughly discussing the year's yield of local specialties through idle chatter, they talk about what can be made, discuss the trends, create them, spread them—and if you think about it, it’s not a bad thing if it leads to consumption.

If you think about it, this becomes the economy, and it becomes the work of their husbands, fathers, or lovers. So, it could be considered a fine strategy.

Even love stories, when said with a laugh of "How wonderful!"—if it’s between nobles, it’s about the connections between families, and it can even lead to politics. If a scandal is mentioned at a tea party, the subject will quickly become the talk of the town.

"…Next year, it will undoubtedly be the rose pastries from the Nashanda Marquisate and the fabrics from the Selerese Earl's territory. I hear that the price of the fabrics from the Selerese Earl's territory has already started to rise."

"The Earl has provided enough fabric, but there’s a rumor that some young lady is buying it up shamelessly, do you know?"

"Oh, if that’s the case, it’s the young lady from the Duke’s family who recently made her debut in society. As the youngest daughter, she has been quite spoiled…"

"Oh dear… She’s the one who rudely enters salons where she hasn’t been invited."

Even if it’s a topic about a higher-ranking young lady, if it’s discussed within a faction, by the time it reaches her ears… it’s quite terrifying.

The gossip of women never ceases. It’s important to know that the ability to discern the poison and benefit in baseless topics is not limited to them.

What can be gleaned from the topics they bring home and share with their families. Those who rise will rise, and those who fall will fall.

"By the way, did you know? The young lady who started the trend of fashionable glasses!"

"Oh, I hear she influenced the rose pastries from the Nashanda Marquisate."

"Yes, and the fabrics from the Selerese Earl's territory, too?"

"Can you see the signs of the next trend?"

"No, no, no."

One of the women, who had been giggling while hiding her mouth with a fan, glanced at a woman who had been drinking tea elegantly without saying a word. Oh, what do you want to drag me into?

"Miss Bianca, do you know? It seems that the young lady has won the heart of Aldar Saul von Baum, who is known as the star of the Royal Guard!"

"What?!"

"Oh!"

"Oh, no!"

Ah, that. If it’s that topic, I know.

I’m a bit disappointed that she didn’t tell me directly, but… considering the status difference, it’s a thoughtful action, typical of her, who is a model lady-in-waiting!

"Yes, I know. Do you know that the Royal Guard was ardently courting her?"

"Wh-what?! From Aldar Saul?!"

That Royal Guard is quite popular, no matter what. But from my perspective, I think he’s a man with a strong jealous streak… but I think she’s also very devoted, so it should be fine.

If she can become the head of a branch family even if she can’t inherit the main family of a prestigious house, it’s a good catch.

Moreover, he’s young, healthy, good-looking, and was exceptionally selected as a Royal Guard, a candidate for Sword Saint… I think it’s surprising that he was left alone or managed to avoid it until now.

Even among the young ladies here, a few have been turned down by him.

If I don’t put a pin in it, who knows what she might do. I don’t want such a shallow woman in my salon.

Love is like a troublesome disease, as some bard once said, so it’s best to be cautious!

"But, ladies, Yulia von Vandied is, after all, the favorite lady-in-waiting of the princess."

"Yes… It must be one of the preparations for her marriage into the Baum family."

You’re taking the conversation in a bad direction!

But I guess it’s understandable… Normally, when a princess marries into a family, a person of a status close to the head of the household is assigned to take care of her.

If Yulia marries Aldar Saul first, Princess Primera will still receive the same level of service even after marrying into the Baum family, as she will be in the position of a sister-in-law. She has the qualifications.

The ‘relationship’ could be seen as a stepping stone for that, which, as a noble, is a plausible view.

But I’ve never heard anything like that! There’s no way Princess Primera would allow her to be sacrificed just for such a formality.

If that were the case, the Earl of Baum would be reprimanded by the Queen Mother first. She has a better information network than I do and seems to like Yulia.

Still, as a possibility, it’s certainly… If that’s the case, what kind of punishment would I give that man? I’ll take revenge in a way befitting a noblewoman.

Yulia is so innocent and cute in matters of love… I don’t want to taste a dessert of tears!

"Ladies, Yulia is also a personal friend of mine."

"Miss Bianca?"

"She’s a very quiet and kind girl. Her dedication to serving the princess is commendable, and as a young noble lady who delayed her debut in society for her family, she is a fine young woman. If anyone speaks harshly to her, please help her, will you?"

"Oh, that’s right… I heard she declined her debut to help her family’s financial situation."

"Yes, to make her half-brother the next head of the family, she prioritized that. She has been serving the royal family diligently…"

"Because of her service, the next Viscount Vandied was seen as a diligent person!"

(Truly, that fabricated touching story is still alive and well.)

I can only hide my mouth with my fan when I see the young ladies shedding tears at the thought of that fabricated touching story.

Don’t think they’re all simple. How many of them are really shedding genuine tears?

No, some are shedding real tears out of pity. The young ladies who can act as well as actors… I wonder if the gentlemen can see through them.

"Normally, I would like to invite her as a young lady to my salon through the princess, but some people have been saying mean things out of jealousy…"

"Oh!"

"Miss Bianca, please don’t look so sad."

"We also wanted to speak with her once."

"Yes, why don’t you invite her?"

"Jealousy, you say… Not just the women who were turned down by Aldar Saul, but others as well? What petty people!"

Well, on the surface, this is enough. If the young ladies in my salon are on her side, it should have a good effect for Yulia.

That girl, she probably won’t say anything even if other young ladies bully her…

But it wouldn’t be smart for me to suggest it. This is something that should only be mentioned if she asks for advice.

"Thank you, ladies. I will thank her on your behalf."

"Oh, such a thing…"

"Miss Bianca, you are really close to the young lady of the Vandied family, aren’t you?"

"…"

A smile, that’s all.

How they interpret it is up to them.

This is the basic rule of the social scene, but it’s a battle Yulia doesn’t like.

"Please, if you see her in trouble, help her."

They all nodded in agreement.

They probably also want to do this to curry favor with Yulia and get preferential treatment for the sale of fabrics from the Selerese Earl's territory or rose pastries from the Nashanda Marquisate.

But of course, most of it is out of genuine kindness.

Because, that’s how it should be.

This is how nobles help each other, isn’t it?

(But, Aldar Saul von Baum. Remember this. If you make my friend cry… I’ll show you something.)

Oops.

The fan in my hand cracked.

It was old, so it couldn’t be helped!

"Madam, I’m sorry, but…"

"What is it?"

"Your husband has to return to the territory urgently, and the secretary has come to ask you to return with him."

"Oh!"

"Miss Bianca, if the Chancellor says so, don’t worry about us."

"Yes, it must be urgent."

"Thank you, ladies."

My husband, who is both the Chancellor and a Duke, has an urgent matter… huh.

Did something happen in the territory? No, nothing should have happened.

If not, it’s probably about the hero situation…

Hehe, I won’t be bored for a while!!