11.

Alright.

She abandoned her pride for that clingy request. Vicente finally agreed. It is not like him to be swayed by someones desperation. Perhaps, it was because of an unpleasant pity for her.

Alright, but Im warning you not to do this in front of my eyes again.

That was about it.

I cant help but feel bitter when I think about it, but I dont regret doing that. Thanks to that I get to spend more time with Vicente these days.

Whenever Vicente gave Ercella his time, she would ask him what he wanted.

Vicente asked for opening the training grounds she had closed, or for re-employment of the tutors she had fired. Of course, Ercella didnt like it. Nonetheless, she listened to him every time without complaining.

Because a promise is a promise.

Fortunately, her son didnt want to go back the way he used to be, so she reconsidered 3 tutors and increased their visits. Ercella laughed secretly at it. He didnt show it, but I guess he was tired indeed.

Are you having fun, madam? Your complexion looks good.

She was lost in sweet thoughts when she snapped out of it. It was one of the noble ladies with whom she enjoyed tea parties. Ercella smiled gracefully and nodded.

Of course. How can I not have fun with such good people on a sunny day?

Oh my, same as you.

Responding to Ercellas smile, Mrs. Lydia covered her mouth and laughed. She then unfolded the fan she was holding, shook it gently and looked at the woman opposite Ercella.

She was the wife of the Duke of Garten, a lady of elegant gestures who looked younger than her age. Her sharp eyes reminded her of a cat.

She looks temperamental but unlike what she looks like, she has an elegant smile. There was not much interaction between them because she and Ercella had ill-matched personalities.

Im saying, Duchess Garten must be happy.

Huh? What?

She seemed to have missed the flow because she was focused on what happened with Vicente. Ercella tried to hide her embarrassment, and began to listen and examine the atmosphere.

I heard Lady Garten is so wise and beautiful, isnt that so?

Fortunately, it wasnt something she was interested in. As far as she knows, Princess Garten ws turning 16 this year. Its probably about the coming-of-age ceremony or the marriage to be held this year.

Itll take you day and night just to sort out the wedding!

Sure enough, her guess wasnt wrong. Ercella drank the black tea in front of her without thinking, saying, Thats right. It was her favorite tea. The Duchess of Garten took a sip of the tea and smiled and waved her hand.

Not that much really. Shes my daughter, but shes pretty. I was worried that she might be lacking because she was the only daughter, but thankfully, she grew up well. Now my only wish is for her to meet a good husband and see them live happily.

Then the Duchess of Garten glanced at Ercella. Ercella naturally avoided the gaze, picking up the madeleine on the silver plate.

My son cant.

Princess Gartens notorious temper was one thing but her father, Duke Garten, was much much worse. If I think about how he cuts down Caron day in and out, I dont need to mix up with such a family.

Come to think of it, Bernhardts Young Master is quite remarkable.

Ercella suddenly glared at Mrs. Lydia, who put her son on the topic. She was the root of all this.

Mrs. Lydia, who Ercella expected to be about thirty, was in her early twenties, so Ercella was confused by her demeanor.

Why is she trying to get close to me?

She and Ercella were about ten years apart.

I wondered why she wanted to invite her friend but now that I just saw the conversation, I know why.

She didnt expect her to be Duchess Gartens supporter. She must have planned it with the Duchess. It was her fault for diverting the Duchesss attention to her son.

Ercella also smiled softly because she could not avoid it when she made such statement so openly.

Remarkable, as if. Hes like any boy of his age.

Oh my, Duchess! Youre so modest! The handsomeness of Bernhardts Young Lord already well known in society!

Thats true, but how did you know that? The kid is always cooped up in the mansion.

Thats right! People say that with his superior sword skills he will soon succeed His Grace, the Duke, as Knight Commander of the Royal Order in the future.

And hes good at his studies too. I heard that at such a young age, he passed the Gracivan Royal Academy entrance exam in one try.

Ercellas body that had not even budged before, flinched a little. She looked at the lady, who spoke with a fluttering voice. Her face showed that it was the truth without a hint of lie.

Gracivan Royal Academy?

That was the first time she heard of it, she was embarrassed.

But I cant believe he didnt enter and is staying at the capital. Certainly, the Duchess would be lonely with him.

Oh, everyone knows that the Young Master is very polite and considerate, but I didnt know he would be so filial. I envy you for having such a son.

Excuse me but how come I dont know that, me, the mother of the child?

You must be very happy.

Everyone spoke in unison. The endless praise of her son made her not know whether to laugh or cry. And among them, there were some stories she heard for the first time, so she was very surprised on the inside.

How do you all know so well about Vicente who lives almost as if hes locked.

How come you know better than I do?

Ercella was grumpy for no reason so she twisted her lips.

Come to think of it, isnt the Young Master also 15 years old now?

Mrs. Lydia began to turn the topic again. It was expected. Ercella also knew what she was trying to go after by complimenting her son.

It was a little sad to see her suffering at the hands of the Duchess at a young age. Having a husband without a title, she would need the help of the Duchess to enter high society. It was regrettable but considering the circumstances, this was not unforgivable.

Then hes only one year older than the Gartens Young Lady. Duchess Garten, I think you have a good match nearby. How about you have a talk with each other?

Ercella lamented deeply for her dear friend, Viscountess Akla, who fell into Mrs. Lydias clever schemes.

Sierra

She has been a good friend since she was young, but sometimes she was slow to notice things and would end up getting fooled.

If I were to have the Bernhardts Young Master as my son-in-law, it would be perfect. However, I dont know if the Duchess will be satisfied with my child.

The Duchess of Garten wedged a smile. The Duchess of Garten was ten years older than Ercella. Ergo, setting todays tea party table however she wanted was a cakewalk.

I shouldnt have come.

Ercella was sick of this exhausting tea time, full of ploys. She liked to build a bond by having a natural conversation.

She came here because she heard that Countess Zardea and Sierra were coming. She didnt expect all this.

Mrs. Lydias intentions were clear, but not the Duchesss. The Duchess of Garten didnt discard her invitation when she came to know that she was attending.

She sipped her tea leisurely, drawing the attention of several people who were hooked on her. The smile she learned for a long time naturally appeared on her mouth.

Thats a good idea. If its someone like the Gartens Young Lady, theres no reason for me to refuse.

Do you really think so?

It wouldnt be bad to warn them once.

Of course. Im already looking forward to educating Her Ladyship and getting close to her.

As soon as Ercellas words were over, the elegant smile on the Duchesss face began to break into pieces as if the outer shell were breaking. One corner of her mouth was slightly twisted.

E-educate, you mean-

Her voice that chewed on one letter at a time was surprisingly calm. Unlike Ercella, her eyes darkened. Ercella smiled without avoiding her gaze.

Yes. Her Ladyship is intelligent, so Im sure shell soon learn the Bernhardt family customs. A smart individual is always a welcome.

The Duchess froze, unable to lower her lips, as if she understood what Ercellas education meant. Finally, Countess Zardea spoke.

Ah, since the Duchess loves her daughter dearly, Im not sure if she can decide her marriage here. Should I congratulate you in advance?.

In that freezing air, Mrs. Lydia pee glanced at Ercella. Ercella smiled while maintaining eye contact with her.

Mrs. Lydia bit her lips because she didnt know what that look meant. Her eyes wandered around unsteadily.

Barely 21 years old. I heard you recently got married, so it will be hard for you to understand this atmosphere yet.

Ercella guessed that by now she must have an idea, so she spoke kindly to her.

The tea is really good.

Im glad it suits your taste.

Mrs. Lydia smiled awkwardly with a remark that did not fit in that atmosphere. She was unexpectedly innocent.

She was looking pitifully at the Duchess, who was irritable from it.

No matter how good the Duchess was at managing her expressions, she seemed to be sensitive about things related to her daughter. Afterall, that was her own child. Before the sourness increased any further, the Duchesss awkward voice was heard.

How can I decide her marriage here on my own? I have to consult my husband on these matters.

When she saw the Duchess sneaking out, Ercella smiled matter-of-factly.

Absolutely!

The sunlight from the sky helped her smile.

B-by the way, were all looking forward to seeing how gorgeous Lady Garten will look at her coming-of-age party!

Ercellas smile signaled the change of topic, so it turned to Lady Gartens coming-of-age ceremony.

It was again the young Mrs. Lydia. She seemed to be trying to keep the focus of the tea party towards the Duchess of Garten. To break the ice, Ercella also entertained them with a few words.

Its better to ease the air, since its the Duchess Garten shes facing. Ercella doesnt have to be wary of others at position, but its unwise to completely sever her relationship with people. She was not comfortable sending off the Duchess on a bitter note. Ercella spoke kindly to the Duchess.

I heard that His Grace, the Duke, holds Her Ladyship dearly. I cant wait to see how beautifully the princess has grown up, since she was loved so much.

Fortunately, the Duchess smiled leisurely, trying to get a hold of herself, as she finally suppressed her anger.

Thats because shes his child. Its natural for parents to love their children.

.

Mrs. Garten

It was too obvious who the Duchesss prickly words were directed at. Even Sierra, who was always bright, became solemn and secretly tried to stop the Duchess.

The Duchess was looking at Ercella hatefully. Ersella was not so simple that she could not read the hostility contained in her skillfully curved eyes.

Ercella smiled briefly and assessed the situation calmly. She sipped her tea slowly.

I may be wrong, but its as if she knows everything.

Eventually, Countess Zardea interrupted the silence.

The Duchess is a role model for mothers. Her love for her daughter is to the point where mothers in this country imitate her love for their daughters. You dont have to go look that far. You all can learn from her example. Her Ladyship must be happy to have a mother like her.

The Countess induced a chill by turning the Duchesss comments to everyone there.

The Duchess of Garten was still smiling and looking at Ercella. The Countess expression stiffened at the realization of her words. Finally, Ercella opened her mouth with a bright smile.

The Duchess is right.

.

I can relate to this story as a parent who loves their child.

.

If its for my precious child

Her voice at the end had a subte chill to it.

There is nothing I cant do.

***