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~Chapter 30~
The dining room was busy and full of movement.
The maids were pushing together several long tables, while Emma set out the tableware for the retainers.
Normally, such a large gathering would be held in the ballroom. But since the Pontus estate’s ballroom was under renovation, we had to use the dining hall instead.
I gave a few clumsy instructions, based only on things I half-remembered from books: put silver candlesticks in the center of the tables, bring out the best wine, things like that. They were small, simple orders, but thankfully the servants understood me perfectly and got everything ready without trouble.
Soon, appetizers were served—plum salad, fresh and tangy for summer, and mushroom soup. From the ovens came the savory smell of roast turkey, filling the entire first floor with a mouthwatering aroma.
Just then, Wilson approached.
“Your Grace, the meeting has just ended.”
“Really?”
I checked my pocket watch. It was well past lunchtime.
I quickly inspected the table one more time. The tableware was set correctly, the soup was still steaming hot—good enough.
“Guide the retainers here.”
“Yes.”
Wilson nodded and left. Before long, Apollyon entered the dining room, followed by the retainers.
Once everyone was seated, I took my place at the head table, right beside Apollyon.
“Thank you all for joining this meal. The servants and I worked hard to prepare it, so I hope you’ll enjoy.”
“It is our honor to be invited by the Grand Duchess herself.”
Though it was called a luncheon, the delayed meeting made it more like an early dinner.
At that moment, the roast turkey was brought out, drawing short gasps of admiration. Alongside came buttered corn, pumpkin simmered in special sauce, and nut pies. The table was overflowing with delicious dishes.
Once the servants withdrew, an elderly retainer with white hair spoke.
“My, such a fine welcome! I’m honored.”
I quickly recalled his name.
“…Viscount Idnaers.”
His eyes widened in surprise.
“I didn’t think Your Grace would know an old man like me.”
‘Yes! Nailed it.’
All those hours of cramming had paid off. I recited what I’d memorized:
“Your house has long supported the Grand Duke’s family. I’ve heard how you cared for villagers after the monster attacks. The Grand Duke himself is most grateful to you.”
I smiled politely behind my fan—though in truth, my grin was almost splitting my face.
Apollyon gave me a hazy side-glance, as if silently saying, what are you so smug about?
I quickly hid my expression and urged the retainers to eat.
With Apollyon taking the first spoonful, the rest followed.
The retainers were not overly strict and thanked me repeatedly for the meal. Feeling proud, I poked Apollyon’s side.
“Well? I did well, right?”
I leaned so close that my lips nearly brushed his ear. His entire body stiffened.
“…Yes. You did well,” he said, voice tight.
“Then why do you look so tense? Did I do something wrong?”
“…No. It’s just… your face… too close…”
“Ah.”
Only then did I notice his neck flushing red. Oh. So that’s why.
“I thought I messed up.”
“No. Everything is… perfect.”
I narrowed my eyes at him, tempted to tease, but too many people were watching. A shame.
Just then, one of the retainers smiled warmly.
“You two seem very close.”
I covered my mouth with a napkin and smiled, letting the remark pass. Good. Let them think so.
In reality, our relationship was… strange. No shared feelings yet—just my one-sided affection.
“…Do we really look that way?” Apollyon muttered suddenly, putting down his fork. His tone was unusually heavy.
‘Seriously? This mood-killer…’
Before he could say more, I quickly cut in.
“Apollyon, have you tried the walnut pie yet? It’s delicious.”
“…Not yet.”
“Then here.”
I popped a piece into his mouth before he could protest. Startled, he chewed awkwardly.
“How is it? Tasty?”
He nodded stiffly.
“Good, have some more.”
I piled food onto his plate—of course avoiding beans and spinach, things said to be bad for stamina. Hopefully one day he’d realize my care.
The lively atmosphere continued as retainers chatted.
One drunk baron laughed loudly, glass in hand:
“Ah, seeing you two reminds me of my honeymoon days!”
Others chimed in with jokes about married life, filling the room with laughter.
Then Viscount Idnaers raised his glass.
“May I offer a toast, Your Grace?”
“Of course.”
Ah, so it was beginning—the Welcome Toasts.
Wilson had told me: it was an old tradition in the eastern provinces. Whenever a new family member was welcomed, each retainer gave a toast. And the couple had to drink with every one.
For commoners, it was only a few drinks. But for nobles, with dozens of retainers? Pure torture.
Idnaers stood, and all the retainers perked up, eager for their turn.
I stifled a groan. More than twenty drinks? Petunia’s body had never handled alcohol. This could end badly.
I glanced at Apollyon. His face was calm, as if this was nothing. That reassured me a little.
‘Okay. Don’t get drunk. Don’t lose control. Stay sharp!’
I took the first glass offered.
“To the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess’s happiness!”
“Thank you, Viscount,” Apollyon said flatly, drinking in one go.
I watched his throat bob as he swallowed, distracted by the sight. Only belatedly did I raise my own glass.
The wine shimmered ruby-red under the light. They had poured less for me than for Apollyon, but still far too much. This was no polite sip—it was half a cup!
These people were trying to drown us.
I glanced at Idnaers, then followed Apollyon’s lead and drank.
‘…Oh?’
It wasn’t bad at all.
Instead of bitter, it was smooth, fragrant, sweet with just the right tang.
It was so good that I wanted another glass immediately.
‘This can’t be wine. It’s juice, right?’
But then I remembered. In my old world, I once thought the same—kept asking for more, until I ended up drunk and rolling on the floor like a dog.
I forced myself to put the glass down. Getting wasted in front of retainers would be disastrous.
