“Yes. He’s been here since yesterday and will be returning in a few days. He’s a bit shy, and always hides his face from people …”

“I see …”

Something was suspicious, but she couldn’t forcibly look at the face of the Duke’s distant relative. The Countess, who bit her lip regrettably turned her attention again.

“Nevertheless, can you spare some time for me?”

“Now?”

Those words came out of the blue. This was a precious time she got to spend with her son , even more precious than gold and jewels. As Rowena’s complexion darkened, the Countess continued assertively.

“It’s something important. You’ll regret it if you don’t hear it.”

The subdued tone somehow gave me a feeling that I had to listen to whatever the Countess wanted to say. If she didn’t, the Countess might start to hate her, and that in itself could cause her a headache later. Rowena, who sighed to herself, turned her head to Melissa.

“I’m going to the salon for a bit. Take care of the young master here for me.”

“Are you going on your own? I know Joanne is on vacation today, but can we call her so she can accompany you?”

“I’m not going too far; it’s just a salon I frequent. We shouldn’t call Joanne just to accompany me; it would make me feel bad to call someone who’s on vacation for such a small matter.”

Rowena, who had kindly declined, got out of the carriage and switched to the Countess’ carriage.

* * *

Contrary to the expectation that there would be other ladies in the salon, Countess Rachel’s townhouse was empty. She sat alone with the Countess, facing her, in the large parlor where two or three guests were usually present all the time. As soon as the maid stepped out of the room, the Countess asked her straightforwardly.

“Miss Philone, Are you aware that you are in a terrible situation?”

“… What?”

“Based on your expression, it seems you still didn’t hear about it… I was wondering if you knew. As expected.”

The Countess, with an innocent face, cleared her throat before she continued.

“I told you before, didn’t I? That my sister is the Queen’s handmaiden.”

Rowena nodded. Although the aristocratic council was created after the absolute monarchy and the Queen’s power was not what it used to be, the meaning of the crown in this country was still more important and heavier than anything else.

As an example, unlike the maidservants, who were in charge of miscellaneous tasks, the handmaidens, who were close to the Queen , talking to her and taking care of her, had a higher status. It was such an honor and prestige for the families that volunteered ahead of time to have their daughters serve the Queen , even though the wages were not very high. 

The Countess boasted about the fact that her sister was the Queen’s handmaiden all the time, so the possibility of Rowena not knowing that was not an option.. and the Countess knew that well. Perhaps that was why she asked, satisfying her ego or something…

After clearing her throat for a while, the Countess continued her talk with a serious face.

“This is confidential information that my sister telegraphed to me in secret, but yesterday, after the Queen had ridden to the royal castle, she invited a young lady from a Marquis family to the castle, not from the main gate but from the back entrance!”

For someone who made it seem so tragic as if reading out a death sentence, the content was rather dull. Silence settled in, and the Countess sighed as Rowena blinked at her.