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~Chapter 17~
‘Ah, I guess it’s okay to take a look at this now?’
I reached out and unfolded the layout plans for the salon.
The buffet-style food tables, the placement of the artwork on display, the plush sofas for nobles and writers to sit and discuss, and even the vibrant floral arrangements.
The setup itself was flawless.
But—
“Um, Princess,”
I spoke up without thinking.
“This is just my opinion, but I don’t think there’s a need for so many flower arrangements.”
“Huh? Why not?”
“Well, I think they might disrupt the viewing paths for the artworks.”
I pointed to a large flower vase, nearly the size of a person’s torso.
“Take this vase, for example. If it’s placed here, wouldn’t people’s attention be drawn to it instead of the art?”
…Ah.
The princess’s eyes widened in surprise like a startled cat, but only briefly.
Soon, her gaze turned sharp as she stared intently at the layout.
“You’re right.”
“So, maybe we can remove this vase and focus more on the lighting instead?”
“Lighting?”
“Yes. After all, the stars of the salon are the artworks, right?”
I continued explaining calmly.
“To make the pieces stand out even more, how about we get advice from a lighting expert and arrange the lighting accordingly?”
“Hmm, good idea. Then should we increase the budget for lighting?”
“Rather than increasing it, how about we cut a bit from the flower budget and shift that amount to the lighting?”
I replied without much thought.
At that moment, the princess fell silent.
‘Huh?’
I looked up cautiously.
And that’s when I saw it.
The princess staring at me with sparkling eyes.
Why is she suddenly looking at me like that?
It’s too intense!
Unable to withstand the pressure of those glistening eyes, I cautiously spoke.
“Well… I may not be of much help, but I could assist with reviewing some of the documents.”
“Really?!”
Overcome with excitement, the princess shot up from her seat.
Though she quickly collected herself,
“Ahem. Hm.”
She cleared her throat and sat down with exaggerated elegance.
“T-then… I suppose you may assist.”
She’s so adorable.
Suppressing a laugh, I picked up the guest list first.
Since budget matters were a bit too sensitive, I planned to review only the documents suitable for an outsider.
As I skimmed through the list quickly, a wicked gleam entered my eyes.
As expected.
Well, it was only natural.
There were no names of Seraphina, Gregory, or even the Gusto Count family.
* * *
Late at night.
Dietrich entered the townhouse with an exhausted expression.
“……Phew.”
He sighed deeply without realizing it, tugging irritably at the cravat around his neck.
I don’t even know how the time flew by today.
Another chaotic day had passed.
Yet Dietrich’s list of responsibilities only continued to grow.
“Welcome back, Your Grace.”
Right on cue, the butler bowed politely to Dietrich.
“Your room has been prepared. Please rest soon.”
“No, I still have things to check. Bring me some coffee, please.”
Dietrich shook his head and glanced sideways at the butler.
“By the way, how are the preparations for the salon going?”
Given the number of prominent artists the salon would feature, the Claudius family couldn’t afford to neglect it.
Even with his busy schedule, Dietrich had been squeezing in time to check on the salon’s progress.
“Ah, Your Grace. There is something I must tell you about that.”
The butler hesitated for a moment before speaking carefully.
“The princess has reviewed the related documents and sent in her feedback.”
Dietrich’s expression shifted to surprise.
“Eva did?”
Evangeline.
His one and only younger sister had always been his soft spot.
Dietrich had lost their parents at a young age and inherited the title of Duke.
Though he grew up to be a noble of great esteem and the most respected lord in the Empire, there was one area he had always struggled with—
He had been too busy to give his sister the attention she deserved.
Maybe that’s why… he never wanted her to suffer.
He had given her a nominal role as the lady of the house, but had always ensured others handled the tough responsibilities.
“It’s fine for now, but what if the princess gets married in the future?”
“If she becomes the mistress of another household, she’ll need to manage it properly.”
His retainers had voiced such concerns, but Dietrich didn’t even flinch as he replied:
“What’s the point of having money and people?”
“Pardon?”
“If Eva marries, we’ll send her with a dowry and a team of administrative aides to support her.”
A dowry so immense no family would dare object.
And at least ten skilled aides.
Though his retainers were horrified and shook their heads, Dietrich was serious.
He would rather support Evangeline forever than see her struggle.
He had cherished and protected her all this time.
Eva reviewing documents… she shouldn’t have to deal with complicated things like this.
While he was proud of her, he also felt frustrated that she’d gone looking for such burdens.
Clicking his tongue inwardly, Dietrich extended his hand to the butler.
“Let me see.”
“Here you are.”
The butler respectfully handed him the documents.
At this point, Dietrich didn’t expect much.
She had never received any proper training—surely the documents would be amateurish.
He flipped through them absentmindedly… but then paused.
His blue eyes widened.
“This is…?”
Eva made these documents?
The layout was flawless.
As he examined the plan in detail, he turned to the next set of documents.
It was the guest list.
Since invitations were typically selected by the Duke’s family, he didn’t expect any notable notes.
‘Hm?’
There were several detailed suggestions attached:
“Since most of the attendees are older nobles, consider prioritizing comfortable seating.”
“Some of the guests have poor drinking habits—perhaps only serve low-alcohol beverages.”
And even more specific, insider-level insights:
“Lady X and Lady Y are not on good terms, so place them far apart.”
“Poetry is trending among the nobility these days—having relevant books available could be helpful.”
After reading everything, Dietrich was certain.
Eva couldn’t have prepared this on her own.
The documents reflected the finesse of someone with years of experience and training in the field.
And Eva had neither.
Most of all—
Eva is one of the highest-ranking nobles in the Empire.
Someone of her status wouldn’t usually bother with such fine-grained social awareness or subtle seating arrangements.
She’d always lived without having to care what others thought.
There was no way she could suddenly be this perceptive.
“Are you sure Eva sent these documents herself?”
“Yes, Your Grace. However…”
“However?”
As Dietrich tilted his head, the butler bowed again and added respectfully:
“She was assisted by Lady Ansi while preparing them.”
“…Lady Ansi, you say.”
Dietrich repeated the name, rolling it slowly on his tongue.
