TRST 30

Chapter 30

The capital had been bustling for days with preparations for the upcoming feast. Not only was there a banquet hosted by the royal family, but across the city, preparations for the festival honoring the Goddess Kaepprild were also underway.

Flags representing the Goddess Kaepprild fluttered above the lines strung between houses, and every alley was adorned with carefully crafted decorations, enhancing the festive atmosphere.

I stepped out onto the terrace to enjoy a rare moment of rest. Master Cesare would not be visiting the mansion for the next two days due to preparations for tomorrow’s banquet, giving me this brief respite.

The wind stirred gently. The joyful laughter of people in the air revealed how exuberant everyone’s spirits were.

“I’m so glad we can enjoy the feast here at the mansion too, thanks to your kindness, Master.”

Rivet laughed and chattered cheerfully.

There was a reason Rivet said this. Since a significant amount of the alimony money remained, I had allocated part of the budget so that the mansion staff could also enjoy the festivities.

Using that budget, the staff, including Rivet, had spent the entire morning decorating the mansion and preparing food for the banquet, ensuring the atmosphere felt lively.

Flags and banners honoring the Goddess Kaepprild were hung throughout the mansion, and angel dolls praising the goddess adorned every windowsill. Meanwhile, delicious dishes and sweet desserts cooking in the kitchen filled the air with a mouthwatering, fragrant aroma.

“I’m glad you’re happy. Come sit next to me and rest for a while.”

“Eh? But I couldn’t possibly…”

When I offered her the seat beside me, Rivet hesitated noticeably, flustered. I took her hand and gently drew her closer. She awkwardly sat down next to me, rolling her eyes in a way I found endearing.

“By the way, did the letter you were supposed to send to the Graham household get delivered?”

“Yes. I delivered it. They said the reply would take a little time, so I returned first.”

“Good. As long as nothing unusual happens, they probably won’t refuse. Tomorrow, enjoy yourselves without me.”

“Are you sure that’s alright? This is the first festival we’re celebrating at the mansion, and it would be nice if you were here too.”

Hearing that I wouldn’t be at the mansion, Rivet slumped her shoulders. But I didn’t want to change my mind.

Even though I tried to treat the staff kindly, if I joined them in a relaxed setting, they wouldn’t be able to enjoy themselves freely.

It seemed better to step aside for just one day, letting everyone enjoy themselves without worry.

“It’s fine. You’ll enjoy yourselves more without me. Don’t feel burdened—just relax.”

“Yes! Then I’ll escort you on the way to the Graham mansion tomorrow.”

“Thank you.”

Tomorrow, I planned to go to the Graham mansion. Naturally, it wasn’t to meet Ains.

Ains would have to attend the royal banquet, so the Graham residence would be empty. I planned to take advantage of this to visit my grandfather.

When Ains had visited the mansion before, he said I didn’t need to contact my grandfather if I wanted to visit him directly—but I couldn’t bring myself to just show up.

After all, Ains and I were divorced. It was only proper to maintain a respectful distance.

Since meeting Cecilia, Ains had been unusually pensive. Jackson and Jacob, who assisted him, occasionally paused in their work to watch him with concerned eyes as he seemed lost in thought.

“Are you alright?”

Jacob asked cautiously. Ains lifted his head. Normally, he might have laughed it off or teased Jacob for asking a silly question, but this time, he just stared. Jacob lowered his gaze, uncertain.

After a while, Ains nodded slightly and returned his attention to the documents. Only then did Jacob glance at Jackson, wondering what had happened that made Ains seem so absent-minded after visiting Cecilia.

Even if Jacob wanted an explanation, Jackson couldn’t reveal much.

The truth was that Ains had visited Cecilia but had been firmly refused, leaving him no choice but to return. Revealing this might cause unnecessary trouble, especially since it concerned a superior’s private matters.

Still, Jacob could infer the general situation from the context.

“Deliveries for the banquet preparations are proceeding smoothly, right?”

“Yes?”

“Ah, yes. I’ve checked multiple times already.”

Jackson answered on behalf of the distracted Jacob.

“Good.”

Ains glanced briefly at Jacob before returning to the documents. Jacob, relieved, followed his gaze to his own papers.

At that moment, a light knock sounded sharply in the tense office.

“Master, it’s Rachel Lorette. May I come in?”

At the polite inquiry, Ains looked up and toward the door.

“Come in.”

With permission granted, Rachel carefully opened the door and entered the office, her movements quiet and graceful.

“What’s the matter?”

Having assisted Cecilia since childhood and now serving as the head housemaid, Rachel rarely approached Ains unless it was a work-related matter, so this visit was unexpected.

“A letter has arrived. I thought it would be best to deliver it to you personally.”

After speaking, Rachel approached Ains and handed him the letter. He checked the sender and looked up at her. Rachel nodded with a small smile.

“Yes. It’s a letter from Viscount Marves. I haven’t read the contents, but I thought it best to bring it directly to you.”

Ains immediately retrieved a letter opener, opened the envelope, and read the contents.

The letter was brief.

It stated that tomorrow, during the feast for the Goddess Kaepprild, Cecilia intended to visit Ains’ grandfather, Damon Graham.

Ains read the letter, then read it again. There was nothing else.

Satisfied, he placed the letter on the desk.

“Sigh.”

Ains leaned back in his chair, letting out a long exhale as if laughing softly. The stiffness from handling paperwork melted away, leaving a refreshing relief.

“I told her there’s no need to contact me.”

Muttering, he pulled out a blank sheet of paper and wrote a brief reply, just like Cecilia’s letter had been.

“Send this back to her. And, if possible, convey this message as well.”

Rachel took the letter from him and set off toward the Viscount Marves residence.

A knock sounded on the window glass. Soon after, the voice of a maid followed.

“Master, a letter has arrived. And…”

I had been waiting for a reply from the Graham residence, so the maid’s words were welcome. But her trailing off was odd. I turned to see a familiar silhouette behind her.

Curious, I stood and opened the door. Seeing the familiar face before me, I smiled broadly.

“Viscount Marves, it’s been a while. How have you been?”

In her gentle, kind voice, Rachel asked after me. I held her hand and nodded vigorously.

“Yes. Rachel, thanks to your concern, I’ve been well. I didn’t expect you to come personally.”

“I came to see you directly, Viscount Marves. And here’s the letter.”

Rachel handed me the letter. With no tools nearby, I opened the wax seal and read it.

It was absurdly brief:

“Visit without prior notice.”

I let out a wry laugh at the simplicity.

“And she said to tell you that in the future, you don’t need to contact her when coming to the Graham mansion.”

Not only had it been written in the letter, but she had instructed Rachel to convey it as well.

I smiled bitterly. If I contacted her again, Ains might just come to see me.

“Alright. I’ll do as instructed. Could you also tell the Duke that I understand?”

Rachel readily nodded.

“Yes, I’ll convey it.”

“Now that you’re here, take a rest before leaving.”

I invited Rachel to sit. She glanced at the other maids before taking the seat I offered.

Rivet, being considerate, brought another teacup and prepared tea for Rachel.

It was a perfectly peaceful day.