FGFM 31

Chapter 31

“My brother and I are from the Frick Viscount family.”

“I see. Please wait a moment while we verify.”

Together with Jeannie, who was holding the guest list, she checked the names.

[Miles Frick]
[Kyle Frick]

Both names were indeed on the list.

“Are you Mr. Miles and Mr. Kyle?”
“That’s right. I’m Miles, and this is my younger brother, Kyle.”

Despite their polite introduction, the status bars above the strangers’ heads still read [???].

This meant that even their identities could be false.

Were they both close aides of the Emperor? Had they brought another person to kidnap me?

Seeing two completely different appearances in a single day only made her anxious imagination spiral further.

“…Verification complete. Thank you for coming to the party.”
“And thank you even more for sending us the invitation.”

Miles gave a slight bow, and Kyle followed a beat later. After the brief greeting, the two followed a servant inside.

Fleur watched their backs before gesturing Jeannie to come closer.

“Jeannie, once the party starts, keep an eye on those two. If they’re not together and separate from each other, report to me immediately.”
“Excuse me? Did something happen with the Frick brothers?”
“I just want to prevent anything from happening in advance.”

Though she didn’t fully understand, Jeannie nodded obediently at Fleur’s order.

“I’ll keep watch.”
“Thank you.”

Fleur also prepared her own measures, determined not to let the meticulously planned party fail.

Having welcomed all the guests, Fleur headed to the field prepared for the party.

When they arrived at the mansion, the guests who had looked skeptical now looked around with bright faces.

“Oh my, dear, it feels like we’ve entered a hall even though we’re outside. How beautiful! If you hadn’t said it was a field, we would never know.”
“That’s right. With everything so white, it really feels like we’ve come to a warm, snowy land.”
“Mother, Father, I want to get married here next time!”

Seeing their admiration for how well the outdoor space had been decorated, she inwardly rejoiced.

She had wanted to overturn the image of a muddy field full of insects.

After much thought, the idea that came to her was a wedding.

“Colin, what do you think about decorating it with a pure white bride concept?”
“A bride?”
“Yes. White, radiant, and sparkling. It will make the field look like an outdoor wedding, not just a farm.”
“Hmm, not a bad idea.”
“I’ll sketch it out first.”

Even when she had disagreed with Colin before, this was the first time their ideas matched.

They laid white marble panels across the field and covered them with beige carpets, decorating the walking paths with flowers.

A gazebo was installed above, creating an artificial greenhouse effect, while the surrounding area was decorated with flowers and greenery.

All tables, chairs, and dividers separating the field were unified in white, emphasizing cleanliness.

Seeing everyone enjoy the carefully decorated field, she felt satisfied.

Yet, one thing still bothered her.

“Martin, you really outdid yourself. How did you decorate it so beautifully?”
“Exactly. Your taste is truly unmatched.”

Though Fleur had decorated the party, all praise went to Colin.

Even after clarifying that it was a joint effort, everyone complimented him.

If Colin did it, it was another impressive project; if she did it, it was seen as a crazy act of a young lady who had lost her parents.

“Thank you for the kind words. I put a lot of effort into today.”

The contradictions grated on her, and Colin didn’t even deny them, enjoying the attention.

Somehow, he always prioritized his own benefit.

She shot him a glare in secret before walking to the center to begin the party.

Once at the designated spot, Dylan handed her a welcome drink and a small spoon before stepping back.

She tapped the top of her champagne glass lightly, letting the clear sound resonate.

All the guests turned to her.

“Thank you all sincerely for attending today’s party.”

Fleur gave a bright smile and a slight bow.

“I know what many of you are thinking. Even though my parents passed away, I’m holding a party and even arranging a divorce—you probably think I’m a crazy young lady.”

The nobles, as if stung by something, shifted their gaze or cleared their throats nervously.

“But I arranged this event because I want to live. I inherited a significant debt. I don’t want to marry just to repay it and pass the burden onto the Hauser family. They’ve already been too kind to me.”

She even mentioned Aidan, her ex-fiance, defending him in front of everyone. The usual divorce scenario was completely different, causing some to glance back and forth between her and Aidan.

Aidan, for his part, was only happy to have her attention.

“I bought a small piece of land to protect the Valen estate and started farming. Using the crops, I started a meal kit business. I didn’t accept money in exchange for marriage or get land based on joining another family.”

She directly addressed the malicious rumors attached to her.

The party quickly filled with murmurs. Nobles usually hid weaknesses and flaunted only the good. Colin’s secret weakness with alcohol had been similarly hidden.

But Fleur acted entirely in reverse, shocking everyone even more.

Amid the subtle silence, someone suddenly raised their hand.

“When did you start your business?”

Turning toward the source, she saw it was Miles, the older Frick brother.

“No one remembers the exact start of Fleur’s business. It appeared overnight, as if out of nowhere.”

The quiet party erupted into chatter.

“Yes. My personal maid goes there every day, and suddenly it appeared one day.”
“I heard it too. Citizens said it felt familiar, like it had been there all along, even though no one knew it existed.”

Such doubts were natural.

From their perspective, Fleur’s parents had only passed a little over a month ago. Buying land, growing crops, and starting a business in that short time seemed impossible.

And who would believe that she spent time in a twisted tutorial inside a 19+ ruinous game world?

Fleur scanned the crowd and calmly began.

“I bought the land about a year ago. As everyone knows, the business started a month ago.”

“I heard that land belonged to someone else until a month ago,” Miles added.

“There was too much debt to buy it outright, so I leased it long-term and farmed it.”

“Did anyone see that?”

“Ask my servants; they can answer.”

“But your servants belong to you—they’ll naturally take your side.”

“No one would have seen Miss Valen tending the small land with the servants.”

Colin, observing quietly, stepped beside her and joined the conversation.

“No one expects a noble lady to get her hands dirty cultivating crops.”

With his support, the suspicious glances slowly turned into trust.

“Miss Valen sincerely cared for the field and crops. She worked with her servants, conducted market research, and inspected the field daily.”

Actions no noble would take widened everyone’s eyes.

Colin placed his hand over the brooch on his jacket and looked at Fleur.

“She is the first person I’ve wanted to enter a partnership with, not just invest. I hope you can trust her too.”

With Colin vouching for her, the nobles nodded one by one.

Though the party atmosphere improved, she felt uneasy that the trust stemmed from Colin’s name, not hers.

Meanwhile, Miles still seemed curious and raised his hand again, but Kyle grabbed his shoulder to stop him.

As if ordered, Miles quickly lowered his hand and sealed his lips.

Seizing the moment, Fleur spoke brightly again.

“We have desserts prepared for this party. Please take your seats, and we will serve them immediately.”

The servants guided the nobles to their seats.

Seeing this as a chance to change her guests’ perceptions, Fleur vowed she would succeed no matter what.