* * *

“Wait a moment. Why are you here so early?”

Rosemary, who hadn’t yet finished preparing, held her cheek in embarrassment as she saw Viscount Clea and Luna, who had arrived sooner than expected.

She had planned to pretend to have tea in the garden before the Viscount and his party arrived, in hopes of naturally inviting them to join.

But she hadn’t even gotten around to preparing for tea time, let alone mentally preparing for their arrival.

This was a problem. She felt anxious. Rosemary turned to her butler in desperation:

“What should we do!?”

“It’s alright. After they look around the mansion, you can simply offer them tea and ask if they have any questions,” the butler responded calmly.

Rosemary’s anxiety settled upon hearing the butler’s composed voice. It was a simple solution, but Rosemary had grown unnecessarily anxious, perhaps because she heard that Antes’s girlfriend was a tricky one.

It was a bit scary.

“And I’ve placed twenty knights around, so don’t worry.”

Comforted by the butler’s keen observation, Rosemary nodded her head. Then, she focused on the carriage visible beyond the window.

‘Recently, they said they discovered a gold mine, but that’s a pretty nice carriage.’

Distracted by such trivial thoughts, soon the door of the carriage opened, revealing the long-awaited guest.

‘…Oh my, Antes really knows how to pick an attractive partner.’

Rosemary had thought him to be clueless, but Antes’s lover was far more beautiful and elegant than she had expected. It was surprising given his reputation.

Yet, she reasoned that any woman who would date him surely lacked blood and tears. Why would a sane person be with someone like him?

Anyway, she did manage to defeat the notorious young master Rodrian.

‘Maybe because he couldn’t stand her insolence, he brought her straight to my mansion?’

Otherwise, there was no reason for them to arrive so quickly.

Rosemary imagined the kind of person who would date Antes, leaning a bit to the slightly opened window to eavesdrop.

Soon, a faint conversation became audible.

“The garden is as beautiful as you said. I would’ve regretted it if I didn’t come.”

“I’m so relieved you like it.”

“But how did you manage to have roses in this weather?”

“We’ve carefully selected high-quality rose varieties that can withstand the cold.”

“It seems you’ve put a lot of effort into the mansion. I understand now why you wanted to show it off so much. It’s truly amazing and enchanting.”

“Ha! I might have exaggerated a bit and felt embarrassed, but I’m grateful for your kind words.”

…Wait? Why does she sound so normal?

Rosemary couldn’t understand why she was praising the mansion and the Viscount so ordinarily.

‘Did I mishear?’

Doubting her own hearing, she strained her ears further.

“Regardless of the rose variety’s resilience, you’d need a skilled gardener to maintain them this well, right?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“If I were to purchase this mansion, could you introduce me to such a gardener? My servants are not skilled in gardening.”

“I’ll convey your request to the owner.”

She probably meant to ask the Viscount, not the owner.

She was reluctant to meet others because the prevailing image was so messed up. If the rumors about the trial had spread, she would’ve known, but it seemed the world was still unaware.

Perhaps the Duke’s family was being cautious or suppressing the news.

When Luna didn’t reply, the keen Viscount Clea quickly added, “Don’t worry. I’m sure they’ll introduce you since you’re a wonderful person.”

“It’s relieving to hear that… but I might need to ask for a favor with a gift.”

“I’ll try to coordinate it in the middle.”

…A favor? A gift? She’s not demanding or threatening?

Rosemary heard nothing but ordinary, or rather, unusually kind and considerate words.

Aristocrats are usually arrogant. They’d boast about having an equally skilled gardener before even asking someone to introduce one. They found it shameful to reveal ignorance.

“She seems oddly… normal,” said the butler, who had been sneaking glances at Luna alongside Rosemary.

“Exactly! How can such a sane person be involved with him?”

Even though a servant named Ron had witnessed it, it was hard to believe.

“I initially thought so too, but when I contacted the Viscount, he clearly said that it was indeed young master Antes who introduced young lady Peils to him.”

No, that doesn’t mean they’re really dating.

Even if, by any chance, rumors or situations turn awry, the fact that he introduced his lawyer and Viscount means he must have some level of affection.

“No. Just watch a bit longer, and his true colors will show.”

Rosemary was certain. The butler also nodded in agreement.

At that moment, voices of Viscount Clea and Luna could be heard through the open window.

“The garden is beautiful, but the main building of the mansion is also magnificent. The exterior, interior, and floors are all constructed with imported high-quality stone. It’s not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable. All materials used in the mansion are documented. This is evidence of our confidence.”

“Really? Can I take a look around myself?”

“Of course.”

Hearing they wanted to tour the mansion, Rosemary’s eyes sparkled as she looked intently at the butler.

“Let’s follow them.”

“Yes, please do so.”

“Let’s go together, what are you talking about?”

“…Do you mean to come with me?”

“So I have to chase alone?”

“Yes. I ask for the sake of our family.”

“William is also from our family, isn’t he!”

“I am from the Fern family.”

“No, I know that, but still…”

“Of course, I intend to devote my life to the Marquis’ family, but I originate from Fern.”

“No, you’re right, but…”

“For the sake of the family, I ask you, Lady Rosemary.”

Left with no response due to the biological argument, Rosemary grumbled, but the butler, who won the conversation, merely bowed his head with a blank expression.

Since she hadn’t intended to rely on him anyway, Rosemary quickly gave up on the butler and left in a hurry to find Luna, hoping that the knights scattered around would somehow help.

* * *

Luna took a leisurely tour of the mansion with the Viscount. Perhaps because she intended to live there, she meticulously felt everything, even the window frames, with her hands.

“How many servants are required to maintain the mansion’s cleanliness?”

“Usually, one butler and fifteen servants manage the mansion, as far as I know.”

“So if you reside here, the number would need to increase, right?”

“Yes. It might be best to ask the owner about the most efficient number of staff?”

“Is it okay to inquire even about such details?”

“Of course. The owner is a bright and cheerful person, and they will surely help.”

While touring the mansion, the Viscount seemed to be hinting at something.

If Rosemary is a good person, you can naturally create an opportunity to have tea by saying, ‘Oh my! You just happened to be at the mansion.’

“It might be good for you to have an in-depth conversation and learn things even I might not be aware of.”

“Hmm, won’t that be bothersome?”

Moreover, most nobles didn’t get along with Luna. Although the only nobles she knew were weird people like Fersen, Seira, or her friends.

“They enjoy conversing and meeting people, so they won’t find it bothersome. They even said they’d like to explain the mansion to the buyer personally.”

If that’s really the case, then there’s nothing better. Laura, the Baron, and Emma are all ignorant of such a great and beautiful mansion, so she had better get some help.

“It might also be a good time to build connections.”

“I wonder. That depends on whether they like me or not. Both for advice and connections.”

She should’ve brought the trial’s verdict to stick on her forehead and roam the streets. She never dreamed the rumors would spread this much.

There are still prevalent rumors that she’s driving a wedge between Fersen and Seira. She wondered if they would view it positively.

Seeing Luna’s wry smile, the Viscount passionately listed Luna’s good qualities.

“Of course they’ll like you. You’re wise, beautiful, witty, dignified, kind, broad-minded, and a good person. The owner is also a kind-hearted person, so they will surely feel affection towards the lady…”

The Viscount overly exaggerated with unnecessary enthusiasm.

How much had they really conversed? It’s always best to be moderate in exaggerations. There were limits to how much you can sugarcoat.

Feeling embarrassed, Luna turned away, catching a glimpse of a dress tail quickly disappearing down a hallway.

‘A pink dress?’

It seemed like an expensive dress that wealthy nobles would wear.

Luna blinked, staring at the empty hallway, and then asked Viscount Clea:

“Is there someone else touring the mansion besides me?”

“No, you’re the first since the mansion was listed for sale yesterday.”

“Is that so?”

He misinterpreted Luna’s question about who was currently there as her being the first to see the mansion. Nevertheless, it was a sufficient answer.

Then what was that pretty dress tail? It couldn’t be something the maids would wear.

Luna looked back again, but no one was there. Surely it’s not a ghost? No, a ghost wouldn’t be out in broad daylight.

Maybe she’s seeing things from touring the mansion too much. Since it wasn’t of much importance, Luna continued on her way.