Chapter 97

A large hand touched Parfette's shoulder and pulled her close.

"Please don't trouble your companion."

"...Lord Gainas."

When Parfette turned around, she saw Gainas glaring at the man with a stern expression. Unlike his usual gentle and kind demeanor—often smiling at Parfette's mischief—his current expression exuded a sense of intimidation. Combined with his imposing physique, his presence easily surpassed that of the talkative man. However, Parfette felt relieved, knowing that his stern expression and imposing presence were for her protection. She didn't hide behind him as she used to, but she leaned into the hand that pulled her closer.

The man, upon seeing Gainas, paled slightly.

"Oh no, this is bad," his inner voice seemed to say, finally realizing that he had made Parfette uncomfortable.

"Lord Gainas... I wasn't trying to trouble her..."

"I heard a bit of your conversation. It didn't seem appropriate for a party setting."

"Is that so? Well, I got carried away with the conversation. It's a bad habit. Perhaps I should take a moment to cool off on my own."

He tried to cover it up with a dry laugh and hurriedly left the scene. It was a rather awkward and pitiful escape. Parfette puffed out her cheeks and watched him go. The hand on her shoulder gently stroked her, soothing her.

Looking up, she saw Gainas's usual expression. The intimidating aura from before was gone, and he even looked a bit troubled.

"Parfette, I'm sorry for leaving you alone."

"Absolutely. If Lord Gainas hadn't left me, I wouldn't have been caught by that man. I'll make sure to tell Lady Mary about this."

"Ugh, please don't... Parfette, I'm sorry. I'm reflecting on my mistake, so please cheer up."

"Hmm... I do want to report this to Lady Mary, but since Lord Gainas helped me..."

With a hint of mischief in her voice, Parfette snuggled up to Gainas's chest. The gesture, like a kitten seeking affection, clearly meant "I'll forgive you if you pay attention to me."

Gainas's expression softened at his beloved's sweet mischief, and he slid his hand from her shoulder to her waist, gently pulling her closer to convey "I won't let you go."

The onlookers who had followed Gainas chuckled and dispersed one by one, their words a mix of teasing and fondness. "From here on, it's their time," "How enviable to be young," and so on. While it was the job of the nobles to curry favor with the heirs of prestigious families, it was also their custom to turn a blind eye to the affectionate couple.

"Parfette, I'm sorry. I won't leave you for a moment tonight, so please forgive me."

"Lord Gainas, what sweet words... I'll give you two points."

Parfette, enveloped in Gainas's embrace, sighed contentedly with narrowed eyes. Gainas, feeling a surge of affection, tried to hide his smile by suggesting they go deeper into the garden.

...When did we start the point system?

Parfette wondered as she sipped warm tea alone in the Eldland family's courtyard, feeling uneasy and unable to fully enjoy the afterglow of the party.

"Parfette, you're here."

"Oh, Lord Gainas. Have you finished giving instructions for the cleanup?"

"Technically, yes, but everyone is so experienced that they didn't need my guidance. The head maid even found my instructions amusing."

"I can't compete with a seasoned head maid."

Parfette laughed, and Gainas, scratching his head in embarrassment, sat down next to her. The music from the orchestra, which had been playing an hour ago, was now silent, and only the gentle rustling of the wind and the swaying of the grass and flowers could be heard. The courtyard lights were dimmed, creating a comfortable atmosphere that matched the pleasant fatigue.

Feeling this, Parfette sighed softly.

"Parfette, what's wrong?"

"...I have something that's been bothering me. It's about what happened earlier when Lord Gainas helped me..."

At that time, the man had been desperately trying to get information about the Albert family's heir. She understood his curiosity, as the topic was the talk of the social scene, even across national borders. Especially since the Eldland family had recently transitioned smoothly to a new head, and other families had also settled their heirs, the Albert family's heir was still unknown, despite rumors of an imminent announcement. This made the Albert family the focal point of interest, expectations, and ambitions.

"I understand that, but I don't know anything about the rumors about Lady Alicia."

"Rumors about Lady Alicia?"

"Yes, earlier he mentioned..."

The man had started to say:

"About the truth of the rumors concerning Princess Alicia."

While he didn't specify the content, he clearly mentioned Alicia's name. At the time, he seemed more concerned about his surroundings than about the Albert family's heir.

"But what rumors? What truth?"

"Princess Alicia is a wonderful person who is kind to everyone, regardless of their status. I've never heard any whispers or rumors about her."

Parfette recalled Alicia's sun-like smile. When they first met through Mary, Parfette was so nervous that she was on the verge of tears, but Alicia's simple kindness quickly put her at ease. —Though she was so happy to connect that she ended up teary-eyed and trembling— Alicia's character, shaped by her humble origins and her role as a princess, made her a genuinely kind and unpretentious woman.

"Recently, when we went to the city to have cake, she was the first to rush to a child who had fallen. She comforted the crying child and wiped away their tears with her handkerchief. I could only empathize and cry. It's inconceivable that such a noble and kind person could be the subject of any sinister rumors."

"Indeed, Princess Alicia is a kind person. ...But with the current confusion in the neighboring country over the Albert family's heir, it's not surprising that some baseless rumors might be circulating."

"I have a bad feeling about this. Lord Gainas, could you investigate it somehow?"

Parfette tugged at the hem of Gainas's clothing. While Alicia was a princess of a neighboring country, and it wasn't easy to investigate her, Parfette and Alicia were known to be close, both domestically and internationally. It wasn't just the man from earlier who might be trying to get information from Parfette. If she acted rashly, she might be suspected, questioned, and even inadvertently fuel the rumors.

However, Gainas, with the prestige of the Eldland family, could investigate without arousing suspicion. Even if he probed a bit, it might be overlooked due to the recent turmoil over the succession. Given his position and status, Gainas was better suited to investigate than Parfette. Recognizing this, Gainas nodded firmly when Parfette looked at him.

"Alright. If it's bothering you, I'll do my best to find out."

"Lord Gainas, you're so reliable... If you can find out, I'll give you ten points."

"I don't understand the point system, but it sounds like a chance to earn a lot. Alright, I'll do my best."

Feeling her earlier unease slowly dissipate, Parfette leaned into Gainas. His large hand stroked her shoulder, giving her a sense of comfort as if she were being embraced. She sighed and added, "One more point."

...When did we start the point system?

Parfette wondered, feeling a sense of relief and contentment as she leaned into Gainas.