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Chapter 20
Noah shut his eyes tightly, then opened them again, and something began to fill his gaze.
Drawn in as if under a spell, he slowly approached.
Documents were scattered carelessly on the reddish-brown wooden desk.
A blue feather quill lay on the right.
And then…
“Ugh.”
Sticky notes, color-coded and placed over the papers.
Noah furrowed his brows again as a familiar sting returned to his eyes.
But only for a moment.
He reached out and began examining the notes.
The first one he picked up was a red sticky note, standing out against a white document.
<Academy – Finish writing vacation assignments by this week.>
So ordinary, almost boring.
The handwriting was rushed and messy—difficult to read unless you looked closely.
Next to the writing was a crookedly drawn skull.
“Pfft.”
A weak laugh escaped Noah’s lips.
Of course, the note itself wasn’t funny.
It was just… the thought that every one of these notes contained Rosent’s thoughts made him feel a little happy.
He picked up another note—this time, a yellow one.
<Tea time guest list!>
The Maril Countess. The Earth Count family.
The Ricano Marquis family.
And lastly, one name, scribbled in particularly terrible handwriting.
“Countess Ed…ren.”
Honey Edren’s family. Honey’s mother.
The smile that had lingered on Noah’s face froze, and he set the note down.
Chills crept down his spine, and a cold air brushed his neck.
For some reason… it felt like he had seen something he shouldn’t have.
‘Why am I reacting like this?’
It was just a note.
Just some hastily scribbled handwriting—why was he this shaken?
He ran a hand through his short hair.
But maybe it wasn’t just in his head.
The chill brushing his nape wouldn’t go away.
* * *
Lines she had practiced so many times finally left her lips.
“Thank you all for accepting my invitation today.”
The tea party had officially begun.
Everyone responded almost as if they had been waiting for her words.
“I’m so happy to visit the duchy again.”
“This is my first time here, and it’s absolutely beautiful.”
“Truly! My eyes are delighted.”
The guests were:
The Maril Countess. The Earth Count’s daughter.
The Ricano Marchioness.
All active socialites of high standing.
Especially the Maril Countess, who was Pofiny’s mother, and the Earth Count’s daughter, who was a friend of Pofiny.
Pofiny’s letter had said:
<The Earth Count’s daughter is famous for her love of desserts—she’s a regular at a salon called Brioche. Wouldn’t she be perfect for your plan, Rose?>
‘Ahh.’
Honestly, if it weren’t for everyone’s help, none of this would’ve been possible!
Rosent silently bowed her heart to Pofiny again.
Then someone spoke up.
“I’m really looking forward to the new product mentioned in the invitation.”
A soft, pleasant voice.
Rosent smiled toward the source of the voice.
“I’m glad to hear that, Countess.”
It was none other than Honey’s mother.
And also…
“Well, the Agrinda family business has always handled only the most special things.”
Honey’s mother. Eastern’s older sister. Carly Edren.
Carly spoke with a gentle smile.
“Especially since you have ties with my brother, it makes this meeting even more delightful.”
“You must mean the young lord of Rosotherban.”
Rosent was thankful even to the nonexistent Eastern in that moment.
Thank you! Truly!
Everything was going so smoothly from the start.
“As written in the invitation, I’d like to introduce our family’s new product to all of you today.”
Rosent gave Annie a subtle nod.
Soon after, the highlight of the tea party—desserts—were brought out.
Tempting pound cakes.
Crispy and sweet macarons.
Fluffy cream puffs stuffed with whipped cream.
The table, perfectly themed for today’s gathering, looked utterly adorable.
At the same time—
“Please excuse me.”
Annie approached with a tray.
On the tray were glasses of the featured drink, with slices of lemon.
Especially striking were the ice cubes in each cup, sparkling in the sunlight.
“Oh my, how pretty.”
“Just looking at it feels refreshing.”
Of course.
She had saved it for last so it could shine.
The star always appears at the end.
Clink.
Annie served tea to each guest.
The Maril Countess was the first to lift her cup and take a sip.
Soon after, she spoke.
“This is delicious…!”
She cupped one cheek with her hand and added,
“It’s tangy and sweet. If this becomes popular, it’ll be such a treat.”
Encouraged, the Earth Count’s daughter also took a sip.
“Truly! The citrus helps balance the flavor, and it pairs wonderfully with the desserts.”
Yes!
Rosent clenched her fist under the table in excitement.
Today’s timing was perfect.
“……”
The Ricano Marchioness and Carly also smiled and didn’t set down their cups.
Especially Carly’s smile reassured her that everything was going perfectly.
This tea party was a success.
And it was the perfect time to speak.
“The drink you just enjoyed is made entirely of ingredients my little brother loves.”
She began to open up.
“We plan to sell it next week under the name ‘Lemon Syrup’. The glass bottles even have a cute drawing of my brother on them.”
The Earth Count’s daughter blushed.
“That sounds adorable. Can I place a reservation today?”
“Of course!”
And it would be even better if the social world started saying things like—
“You must really treasure your younger brother, Lady Rosent.”
Exactly like that.
Huh?
That line… someone just said it out loud.
“Countess Edren…”
Rosent practically melted at her words.
How could she say exactly what she wanted to hear?
She beamed inwardly.
Perfect! At this rate, today’s goal would be easily achieved.
Now to let the conversation flow naturally.
The gathering began to bloom with chatter.
But things never go completely according to plan.
Suddenly, the Maril Countess asked,
“Will you be participating in the debutante ball this year, Lady Rosent?”
The flow of conversation came to a halt—thanks to her debut.
It was frustrating to lose momentum, but…
Ah, come to think of it, it was time to start preparing for the debutante season.
She’d been so busy she’d forgotten.
“Yes, it’s a tradition I can’t miss.”
She answered calmly.
“I’ve turned sixteen, so it’s time for me to formally enter society.”
“You’ll do wonderfully, I’m sure.”
The Maril Countess smiled gently.
“The invitation today, the tea party—it was all so well done. Very impressive for someone so young.”
“The Duchess would have been proud to see this.”
“Thank you, Countess Maril, Marchioness Ricano…”
To receive such praise from all of them…
Feeling her cheeks warm, Rosent put a fork in her mouth.
Something—anything—to distract from her flustered heart.
But then—
“Your outfit matches the theme today. It’s absolutely charming.”
Carly, who had been focused on the conversation, pointed out her hair accessories.
“Especially the clips on both sides. Such a nice touch.”
“Those were picked out by Noah…”
Oh, Carly.
She caught that, too?
“My, how adorable you two are.”
“I wish my own younger brother could be even half as sweet. I’m so jealous, Lady Rosent.”
As soon as Carly spoke, the others followed by mentioning Noah.
It was a good sign.
They were starting to center their thoughts and words around Noah.
Oh, Carly.
How many times had Rosent called her name in her heart today?
From today onward, I shall call you sister in my heart!
Bringing Carly had been the move of the century.
‘Feeling generous.’
“I’m so happy everyone enjoyed today’s tea. As a thank-you, I’d love to gift each of you two bottles—no, three bottles—of lemon syrup.”
Rosent’s treat!
* * *
“Thank you so much for coming today, Countess Edren.”
After wrapping up the tea party, Rosent quickly caught Carly before she left.
Honestly, without Carly, this plan might’ve failed.
“You helped keep the mood flowing so smoothly.”
“Oh, it was nothing.”
Carly smiled, touched by her gratitude.
“I was simply being truthful. Today’s meeting was one I’ll treasure.”
“Countess…”
Just hearing her sweet voice made Rosent melt.
It had been so long since she felt this way.
“Next time, I’d like to invite you to my estate. Bring the young lord with you.”
“Ah…”
But then, Rosent let out a small sigh.
The Edren estate…
‘That’s where Honey is.’
Was it really okay for her to go?
What if this situation negatively affected Noah?
Seeing her hesitation, Carly tilted her head.
“Did I come across too friendly…?”
“No! Not at all!”
Of course not, sister.
Rosent, panicking, grabbed Carly’s hands tightly.
“Please do invite us!”
Oh no.
She’d done it.
She panicked briefly, but Carly just smiled.
“I’m really happy.”
Thump.
Her heart dropped—no, exploded.
Too much excitement—her heart couldn’t keep up.
This was dangerous.
Clatter.
She quickly shut the carriage door.
Carly looked startled, but Rosent couldn’t help it.
Truly, beautiful people were hazardous to one’s health.
“Phew… haah.”
She took a deep breath, clutching her chest.
Eastern and Carly—what, did they save a country in a past life?
Why were they both so fatally attractive?
“Let’s go!”
She signaled the coachman, quickly turning away.
If she kept looking back, her heart might just melt away.
But just then—
“Milady!”
A desperate voice called out.
That voice… Helen?
“What’s wrong?”
Something wasn’t right—Helen was Noah’s personal maid.
She never left his side.
Worried, Rosent rushed toward her.
Helen, panting, cried out:
“The young master…!”
