Chapter 98

"I have to do something for Lady Mary and Lady Alicia!"

This was the reason why Parfait, full of determination, visited the Eldland family the day after she reported the rumor to Mary and the others. Yesterday, she had been pale and trembling, but today, her eyes were filled with fighting spirit. ...Though she was still trembling with that fighting spirit.

As soon as she met Gaius, she declared this, making him widen his eyes. Despite this, he placed his hand on her shoulder, which was trembling but determined.

"Parfait, do you have any ideas?"

"I don't have any, but we have to do something. Surely, you're not planning to just wait around until everything is over, Lord Gaius!? That would be a twenty-point deduction!"

"I don't quite understand, but I don't want to lose points... Anyway, calm down, Parfait. I've been thinking about it too."

While stroking Parfait's shoulder, he told her that he was about to call her for that very reason. Upon hearing this, Parfait's eyes sparkled.

"Lord Gaius, you have a plan! Then let's go, let's go right away! Come on!"

Unable to contain her excitement, Parfait tugged at his coat. Gaius smiled wryly and started walking towards the carriage, urging her along.

"An authorization letter?"

Bertina tilted her head in surprise and asked with a tone of disbelief. As usual, she wore a large ribbon on her head, which swayed gently with her movements. In response to her question, Gaius, with a serious expression, and Parfait, with slightly puffed cheeks, nodded.

"Since it involves crossing national borders, we might not have direct influence. However, if we prepare an authorization letter to the Albert family with both our names, it should be considered to some extent."

"That's true. If the Eldland and Bartez families' names are listed together, it should have an effect. We're not some minor family, after all!"

"Hmph!" Bertina leaned back proudly, and Parfait, who was aware of being a minor family, gasped and puffed her cheeks in a threatening manner. Bertina, not to be outdone, puffed her cheeks in response.

The tension in the air between them was palpable... at least, in theory. Their adorable appearances made it look like they were just puffing up.

"Anyway, could you please talk to your father, Miss Bertina?"

"If Lord Gaius says so. ...But, what will your father think about being listed alongside a minor family?"

Bertina showed reluctance with a mischievous smile, clearly targeting Parfait. However, when Luke, sitting next to her, lightly tapped her head and said, "Behave yourself," her mischievous expression turned pitiful.

"Beating me is so mean! Lord Luke has become violent recently!"

"It's not violence; it's proper guidance as your fiancé. I have your father's permission."

Luke's firm statement lacked the leniency he once had when indulging Bertina's whims. It seemed that after a certain incident, he had decided to be stricter with her. Despite this, when Bertina hung her head, he immediately stroked her head, showing that he couldn't completely abandon his tenderness. After all, the "tapping" was more like a gentle nudge that only made her ribbon sway.

"Bertina, you owe Lady Mary a debt of gratitude. I'll also talk to my father later, so let's work together."

"I have no choice. It's for Lady Mary, so I'll put up with being listed alongside a minor family... You hit me again!"

Bertina complained as Luke tapped her head again. Despite her complaints, she seemed willing to help, pouting and calling a maid to find out where her father was. Upon learning he was in his study, she asked the maid to tell him to come immediately. Her tendency to summon people without considering their schedules was still that of a spoiled young lady. However, she quickly regained her composure and offered, "If he's busy, I can go to him!"

It seemed that Luke's guidance was going well, though she quickly reverted to her haughty demeanor, indicating that long-term guidance was still needed.

"If I say it, Father will agree. He'll sign it right away!"

"Thank you. I appreciate it."

"Don't misunderstand. I'm helping for Lady Mary's sake, not for Lord Gaius. And certainly not for the Marquis family, which is a minor... Never mind!"

Seemingly anticipating another tap, Bertina hastily retracted her statement. She glanced at Luke nervously, and when his hand gently stroked her head, she let out a sigh of relief.

Gaius tried hard not to laugh at their interaction and thanked Bertina, maintaining a calm demeanor. Parfait also smiled gently.

"It will surely help Lady Mary and the others. Right, Parfait?"

"Yes, though I'm a bit reluctant, having more family names is better. Though I'm a bit reluctant!"

"Parfait, don't provoke her."

Gaius tried to calm Parfait, but unlike Luke, he couldn't really guide her. There was no way to deal with her puffed cheeks. Of course, no matter how much they provoked each other, Parfait and Bertina would only puff their cheeks and glare at each other. A timid young lady and a sheltered young lady wouldn't lead to any serious conflict.

In a way, this might mean they got along well... Gaius thought as he watched them puff their cheeks and glare at each other, then relax and puff up again, all at the same time. He didn't say it out loud, of course.

As Gaius and Luke chatted, and Parfait and Bertina puffed their cheeks at each other, the maid who had left earlier returned. Behind her was Bertina's father, the head of the Bartez family. Upon hearing Gaius's request, he readily agreed and signed the authorization letter.

With the Bartez family's name following the Eldland family's, there would be few who could oppose them. Some families might even want to connect with both and request to sign the authorization letter.

"The Bartez family's support is a great help. Thank you for your cooperation."

Gaius expressed his gratitude, and the head of the Bartez family nodded in return, offering a handshake. This was a gesture of trust and acknowledgment of Gaius's first action as the head of the Eldland family. The firm handshake carried a sense of weight, and Parfait looked at Gaius in admiration, thinking how impressive and wonderful he was.

"Lord Gaius, three points."

"I don't quite understand, but I'll take it. It's good... I guess?"

In response, Bertina provocatively said, "Only three points?"

"I'll give Lord Gaius ten points!"

"Ah, don't give such excessive points. It will throw off the balance!"

"Parfait, is it possible to add points from outside?"

"Hey, Bertina, don't cause trouble for them. Both of you, I apologize for Bertina's behavior. As a fiancé, I'll give you three points as an apology."

"Lord Luke understands. Three points are just right. What do you think, Lord Gaius?"

"Um, sure, if Parfait says so. It's a bit scary to have the points increase suddenly."

Parfait laughed at Gaius's puzzled agreement. They then thanked the Bartez family again and left together.