Maria sat in a spacious carriage made of polished wood, its plush cushions adorned with golden embroidery that felt far too extravagant for the occasion.

Beside her was Aria, who, as usual, wore a calm, nearly unshakable expression as she gazed out the window at the passing scenery.

Maria, however, couldn't stop stealing glances at her, still incredulous at how they had ended up here.

Everything had happened so quickly that her mind could barely keep up.

But still...

"How on earth did you manage to convince them?" Maria muttered, leaning slightly toward Aria, careful not to draw the guards' attention.

Without turning her gaze from the window, Aria responded in her usual dry and direct tone:

"I used logic. It's more efficient to keep us together than to conduct two separate interrogations."

Maria's jaw dropped.

"Efficient...? That's your explanation?"

Aria finally turned her head to look at her.

"There was no reason to refuse my proposal. The shopkeeper had already agreed to come, and you were irrelevant to the overall situation."

"Irrelevant?!" Maria clenched her fists, trying to keep her frustration in check. "I don’t even know how to react to everything that just happened..."

Before she could continue, the carriage came to a halt with a soft screech.

Maria peeked out the window and saw an imposing castle, its tall gray stone towers rising against the sky. The escort of horses surrounding them moved into formation in front of the grand wrought-iron gates.

"We've arrived," Aria commented, as calmly as ever, as she stood up.

Maria barely had time to process how fast everything was moving before a guard opened the carriage door and gestured for them to step out.

The interior of the castle was equally majestic, with gleaming marble floors and crystal chandeliers reflecting light in every direction.

Aria walked ahead, followed by Maria and the shopkeeper, while two guards escorted them.

Though the sound of their footsteps echoed in the vast hallway, Maria felt like her own heartbeat was louder.

At that moment, a very small but crucial detail came to her mind.

Manners.

If there was one thing Maria hadn’t taught Aria, it was noble etiquette!

‘Damn it!’ Maria thought as she frantically sifted through her memories, trying to recall if she'd ever covered that subject with Aria.

Stolen story; please report.

Nothing.

She couldn’t find a single instance of teaching her anything remotely related to noble manners!

When they finally reached an audience chamber, a tall man with silver hair and an imposing presence awaited them. He sat on a grand throne carved from dark wood with intricate details. His red velvet cape draped elegantly over the back of the chair, and his piercing blue eyes scrutinized the group with curiosity.

"Aria Ascent," the man pronounced, leaning forward slightly.

Maria felt a shiver run down her spine as the count addressed Aria by her full name with such certainty.

But what truly left her stunned was Aria’s reaction.

The girl stopped before him, made a flawless curtsy, and responded in a clear voice:

"It is an honor to meet you, Count Roderic."

Maria could hardly believe her eyes.

Where had Aria learned such impeccable manners?

The count smiled faintly, narrowing his eyes.

"I see the Ascent family still upholds its elegance and formality. Tell me, young lady, what relation do you have to the Ascent family?"

"I am the daughter of Albert Ascent, the current patriarch," Aria replied without hesitation.

The statement seemed to surprise the count, who leaned back on his throne with a pensive expression.

"Albert, you say... It's peculiar for the patriarch of such a prominent family to allow his daughter to travel without a proper escort. Is this true? Are you accompanied only by this maid and a shopkeeper?"

Aria nodded.

"That is correct, my lord. I saw no need for an entourage on such a simple journey."

Maria had to muster all her willpower not to react visibly.

‘Simple? We were nearly robbed by bandits...’ Maria thought, pressing her lips together.

The count remained silent for a moment before continuing.

"And what brings you to my lands, young Aria?"

Aria held the count’s gaze, her tone cool yet polite.

"I was interested in purchasing a dress. I had heard that this city produces pieces of exceptional quality, and I wished to see them for myself."

That was clearly a lie!

Neither she nor Aria knew anything about this city, so that couldn’t possibly be true.

But, to Maria's surprise, the statement made the count burst into a deep laugh.

"So, my city has caught the attention of the Ascent family! It is an honor to know that one of our modest shops is worthy of your interest."

"Your lands are charming, my lord," Aria added, with a slight nod that seemed almost calculated.

The count nodded, visibly pleased, before turning his attention to the other two women.

"And who are they?"

"My maid, Maria," Aria said, gesturing lightly toward her, "and the shopkeeper involved in the incident with the bandits."

The count fixed his gaze on the shopkeeper.

"And what is your purpose here?"

The woman stepped forward, offering a deep curtsy before speaking.

"My lord, I am here to testify on behalf of Miss Aria. She did nothing wrong. On the contrary, her intervention saved my employees and me from losing our belongings and perhaps even our lives."

The count raised an eyebrow.

"Are you suggesting that my guards would have been incapable of handling the situation?"

The shopkeeper maintained her composure, though her hands were tightly clasped in front of her.

"It is not my intention to doubt the capabilities of your forces, my lord. But Miss Aria’s actions saved valuable time and resources, allowing your men to focus on protecting other citizens."

The count let out a small sigh and nodded.

"You make a valid point. It is... reassuring to know that a noble from a respected family like the Ascents acted with such courage in my lands. I consider this matter resolved."

Maria, who had remained silent throughout the conversation, felt a brief wave of relief, but it was cut short when the count’s gaze fell directly on her.

"And you, Maria, is it true that only you and Aria came to my lands?"

Maria felt sweat begin to bead on her forehead. She swallowed hard before answering:

"Y-yes, my lord. We brought no one else with us."

The count stared at her for a few seconds that felt like an eternity before nodding.

"Very well. I expect that the next time you visit my lands, you won’t cause such a commotion."

Maria quickly bowed her head.

"Of course, my lord..."

The count rose from his throne, his cape billowing behind him.

"Then, you may leave my city without issue. Consider this incident closed. But be more cautious in the future."

Aria once again made a flawless curtsy.

"Thank you for your understanding."