Lucille had always despised social events of any sort. She hated being at locations where many other people were, and she quickly felt sick when she was forced to communicate with them. She resented loud places as well, so it was obvious that balls at the royal palace were part of the worst category of everything.
Tea parties might sound like they were much more relaxed, but they were horrible. After all, they were the perfect chance for everyone to gossip.
When others were being discussed, Lucille found it uncomfortable. When people looked at her, she felt like they were judging her and wanted to hide. The fact that her father had used to send her to do many odd things during tea parties might have played a role in why she despised this sort of event even more.
The only positive aspect about today's party was that Raymond didn't ask her to do anything and that she had only been reminded of it being today in the morning. She hadn't had time to worry about all of this, which was beneficial. That only meant that she was even more scared now though.
Lucille hadn't been able to prepare for this party at all, and now she sat at the table and stared into her cup without knowing what to do. This event might be even more boring than any other ones that she had ever visited. Surely, the garden was gorgeous, and looking around had satisfied her for a while. But the terrace was only so big, and after inspecting the decorations of the many small tables and the buffet, she didn't have much to do. The guests were slowly coming, and everyone had to greet the royal couple while Lucille just waited for them to be done. She had sat here for the past thirty minutes, so her dismay had been growing over quite a long time.
Raymond had come early to act like he and Lucille had arrived together, and he would leave late to keep that illusion upright too. That meant that they would have to sit here for at least three hours, and she was already unwell.
Maybe that was because her father stood behind her the whole time as if he needed to keep an eye on her. She wasn't sure whether he truly feared that she would hurt herself or whether he just didn't want her to embarrass herself, but it was stressful either way. That was why she was almost relieved when her father announced that he would leave her alone for a while.
Raymond didn't seem happy about any of this, but he still had to take care of his duties. “I will walk around to talk to a few people. Stay here at the table, and send a servant if something is wrong. If your wound feels odd, tell me immediately.”
Lucille quickly nodded. “I understand. I will not move away from this spot.” After all, she didn't want to risk having to hide her pain while a few dozen people were watching her.
As soon as her father left, she forced herself to relax a little. This party would be great as long as Raymond didn't make her do something strange. It would be like always.
The influential people would ignore Lucille. In the unlikely case she was approached, she would respond. She would spend most of her time with Fiona. Hopefully, her friend would come quickly. Then everything should be fine. And yet, she was as nervous as always.
It was horrible.
Lucille felt her stomach churn, and she almost wanted to throw up. Why was this so hard for her when everyone around her didn't seem to mind attending balls and parties at all? It made her feel like she was just useless while everyone else functioned normally. And in the midst of all of these thoughts, she could only ponder one topic.
Cedar.
Cedar wouldn't have any issue dealing with this party. But thinking about that didn't calm her when she remembered their conversation last night, even though she would rather want to forget it. Lucille's heart still ached a bit when she thought about that despite nothing bad happening. She shouldn't be so disappointed when she had demanded too much of the other party. Cedar had no reason to tell her about what was going on inside his head. She had no right to learn what he was thinking unless he decided to share it with her of his own free will. His abrupt departure had been justified.
Maybe Lucille should apologize for getting so close to him while he was sleeping. After all, she had made him lie down next to her, and then she had secretly hugged him. He had probably felt unwell and had run away because he didn't want to say that to her face. That thought was enough to make Lucille feel guilty. She would definitely need to tell him that she hadn't wanted to be so nosy or handsy.
And that led to her pondering many other things as well. As soon as Lucille began thinking about Cedar, she couldn't stop anymore.
The prince was always so confident at such events. He wouldn't be as shy as she was. Maybe she would be a bit more courageous if she imitated what he always did. Of course, Lucille would never reach his level, but she could try to keep in mind how he would act.
At least she told herself that, but she knew that it would never happen. After all, she was a shy, cowardly, little daughter of a viscount, and Cedar was the proud and charming prince of Artias. He would be the center of attention if he was here.
And she had to admit that his presence would make her feel at ease. If Cedar sat next to her, she wouldn't feel like sinking into the floor. She wouldn't hide while trying to be as invisible as possible. But her attempts didn't seem to do much in the first place.
Lucille did her best to avoid eye contact, but she knew that she had lost when a shadow fell upon her. She looked up and would have liked to turn away again. Why did she have to be here?
“Good day, Lady Valerian. It's been a while since we met. How are you on this wonderful day?” Jenna Peril showed her perfect smile and gazed down at the other woman with an expression that almost made it seem like she was taunting everyone around her.
Lucille hated that woman so much. After meeting her at her estate, she had found Jenna unlikable, but after Cedar's narration, there was no way that she could talk to the marchioness without being upset. Still, she tried to be polite. She bowed her head before straightening her shoulders again. “Good day, Lady Peril. It has been a month, hasn't it? I am doing very well, so I cannot complain. Thank you for your concern. How are you?”
Jenna put on a bright smile as she responded. “I am glad to hear that. I am well too. It's good that the nobles in the capital do not seem to have too many issues at the moment. It is truly a wonderful time for us to live here in Artias during the reign of such a capable ruler.”
Lucille didn't know how to react to such a long greeting that had said nothing. In the end, it seemed like the small talk with others would be as useless as always. “I can only agree. May I ask how your husband is? I believe that I haven't seen him for much longer than we didn't meet.”
Lady Peril fanned herself some air while looking around. “Oh, he is doing well. He is...” She seemed to search for him for a moment before replying. “There Eugene is. He is currently speaking to His Grace, the Duke of Duremont. I am not sure why, but it seems like they are getting along well.” With that, she turned back to the other woman.
Lucille forced herself to continue smiling while fiddling with her fingers underneath the table. “I see. That is good to hear. Do you perhaps wish to join them? I would understand if you would prefer to speak to the Duremont family instead of staying with me. You do not have to continue-” She wasn't even able to finish.
Jenna let out a small laugh before she pulled back the chair and sat down next to Lucille. “Do not be so shy. I would much rather have a conversation with you. After all, Lady Lamont will join your side soon, and I will not be able to speak to you afterward. You two always cling to each other, so it would be foolish not to use this chance to converse with you during the few minutes that we do have. After all, I happened to forget that I wanted to invite you for a cup of tea. I sincerely apologize for that. We will have to delay our meeting for another few weeks. You see, I am rather busy at the moment.” Then talking to a viscount's daughter instead of addressing the most powerful family after the Estiens wasn't so intelligent. Shouldn't she try to gain connections with the most influential people or converse with friends? Why was she here?
Lucille interlocked her fingers under the table and quickly replied while almost tripping over her words. “I do not mind, Lady Peril.” In fact, she would be thankful if there never was a meeting at all. “At the moment, I do not have time to leave the house either, and receiving guests for the next month or so will be impossible. I sincerely apologize, but I believe I will not be able to meet you in the near future. I also cannot tell you for how long this will go on.” After all, she wouldn't be able to go out while hiding in the palace. If this was helping her decline such invitations, she was almost happy about it.
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“I see. That is a shame. Does it have something to do with the recent events near your estate?” Jenna folded her fan and pressed the tip against her lip. “I heard that a coroner came to your mansion. Did something happen? Unfortunately, I could not find out much since the royal guards seem to have taken over the investigation. It was serious, wasn't it?” For someone who claimed to have little free time, she was awfully well-informed.
Lucille tensed without being able to hide it. She couldn't talk about this matter. It would seem weird, but she had to give a vague reply and insist on it being unimportant. But she wouldn't be able to do that with her lacking acting skills. So, she just admitted a part of the truth that could be told without issues. “I...cannot tell you much. There was a crime, and the perpetrators are currently being investigated. Please do not worry as everything is fine.” People had died, so it wasn't fine, but she didn't know what else to say.
Lady Peril was quiet for a moment before replying. “So, it has to be something rather serious. After all, the royal guards would not get involved because of some random thief. Say, could it be that this matter is related to the incidents in the capital a month ago? I heard that His Royal Highness was seen on the street near your estate. You should be careful when guards search for him. You may be suspected of helping him just because he disappeared near your mansion.” She seemed serious while she spoke but ended her sentence with a smile.
Lucille lifted her hands to grasp her teacup. She drank a sip and then let out a nervous laugh. “Ah. I thank you for your concern. But of course, the Valerian family is loyal to His and Her Majesty. We would never betray our nation like that.” She said that while digging her nails into the porcelain. Hopefully, Lady Peril wouldn't notice how nervous she was. After all, her family had definitely hidden Cedar.
Jenna let out a small laugh at that and then watched Lucille, who shuffled around after just a few moments. “It was merely a joke. I wished to remind you of the fact that there might be a threat directly next to you without you even knowing it. I did not mean to scare you. Of course, I also never wanted to offend you or doubt your family's loyalty. Would you be willing to accompany me for a walk so that I can make it up to you?”
Lucille had no idea what the other woman wanted from her, but she knew that she didn't want to find out what it was. “I sincerely apologize.” She mumbled that and only noticed that she was speaking way too quietly when she had finished. So, she forced herself to be a bit louder. “I am deeply regretful, but I fear that I will have to decline. I was...hurt in an accident.” Her father had told her what she should say as an excuse, but right now, she struggled to remember it. “I...uhm...fell down the stairs a while ago. So, I can't move around.” She felt almost embarrassed to say something like this. Jenna's expression also made her feel like the other woman was judging her, which only made it worse.
Lady Peril smiled at her while opening her fan. “I see. That is unfortunate. I hope that you did not hurt yourself too much. Men do not like bruises or scars, so you should let everything heal as soon as possible. I can recommend a cream that helps with scars, which I personally vouch for. If I may offer my honest opinion, it would be best for you to accept it. It would be a shame if you decreased your chances of marriage because of such a little incident. After all, you were only clumsy once, and it would be unfavorable if that ruined your life.”
Lucille felt her stomach churn at that, but she just lowered her gaze to her teacup. Was she just imagining it, or was Lady Peril purposefully addressing a subject that would make a young woman feel uncertain? It would be extremely mean of her if that was the case, but it truly did sound like Jenna had done this with vile intentions. No one who wanted to be helpful would phrase it like this. “I...thank you for your concern. It should be fine though. I think.” Lucille tightened her hold on her cup and tried to keep herself from showing her uncertainty. She wasn't sure whether she succeeded.
Jenna sounded much happier when she replied. “Ah, there is no need to worry. A young girl like you is at the best age to find a suitor. You need to make a move quickly, or those around you will already have found a partner, but I am sure that you will win the men over with your...” She hesitated and looked at Lucille for a moment. Then her eyes wandered to the other side of the venue. “Oh, my. It seems like my husband is asking for my presence. I apologize, but I will have to cut the conversation short here.” She stood up and smiled down at Lucille. “I hope that you can forgive me for leaving you alone like this.”
Lucille had to refrain from breathing out in relief. “I understand. I do not mind, Lady Peril. Please enjoy your conversation and relay my words to your husband. I wish you the best.”
Jenna gave her a bright smile. “Thank you for being so understanding. I will make sure to tell him that. I am very discontent with needing to end our conversation now, but it won't be an issue if you look forward to the future. We will have enough chances to speak to each other. From now on, we will meet very often. Goodbye, Lady Valerian.”
Lucille watched as the other woman left and only dared to let out a deep breath when Jenna had disappeared. Thank the gods. She didn't have to endure chatting with that woman anymore. Now she just had to be ignored by everyone else.
She quickly looked down to refrain from accidentally making eye contact with the son of the Duremont family, whom she had insulted during the hunting festival. She didn't want to be glared at again, so she avoided his entire family. That wasn't much of a problem when she avoided interacting with others as much as possible either way. She just wanted to be ignored while sitting here in the corner. That should be fine.
Lucille drank another sip of her tea before glancing at the palace. She wondered what Cedar was doing right now again. Even though he wasn't here at all, she couldn't help but wish to know what he was thinking about at the moment. Why was she so focused on him? She had no idea. Lucille took a sugar cube from one of the plates and put it into her tea before stirring. She was already bored, even though the biggest part of the party was still in front of her. That was pretty childish of her. She let out a low sigh before drinking a bit again.
The quiet scraping of a chair against the floor made her lift her gaze again. A woman sat down at the table next to Lucille's while she carefully balanced a baby in her arms. That person was Selena Vasquez, the Duchess of Vasquez and Luciano's mother.
Lucille immediately averted her eyes again and prayed that the other's son wasn't here too. But hoping that would be useless when a duke would obviously attend such an important event. That in itself was fine too. The crucial part was that she didn't want to make eye contact with them. Not while her father was here too and watched her every move. She regretted thinking about that just a moment later.
“Lady Valerian. Good day. Are you busy at the moment, or could I steal a minute of your time?” That voice unmistakably belonged to a young man, who had as much confidence as Lucille lacked. When she looked up, Luciano greeted her with a small smile.
Lucille felt her stomach churn and quickly scolded herself again. She shouldn't be like this because of her father's words. Right now, it seemed like Raymond wanted her to recover, so it should be fine if she talked to Duke Vasquez for a moment. This had nothing to do with her father wanting her to marry that man. “Ah. Good day, Your Grace.” Her voice almost trembled a little when she spoke. “I have nothing much to do. It would be an honor to have a short conversation with you. What did you need from me, Your Grace?”
Luciano showed her the same perfect smile any businessman man would have as he replied. “I can assure you that I will not bother you for long. I merely wished to address your visit to our store. Were you content with your purchase? Until now, I had no chance to inquire whether everything was to your liking.” That was it?
Lucille was pleasantly surprised. She could answer that without any issues. “I truly enjoyed the ornament I bought. I didn't have a chance to wear it more often than once, but I will certainly put it on more often in the future. It is of great quality, and one could clearly see that the creator must have been skilled.” She didn't even need to lie while saying that.
The clasp had truly been beautiful. Luckily, her father had brought that headpiece to the palace too. Lucille would need to wear it soon so that she could justify spending so much money on a single piece of jewelry.
Thinking about that made her remember that she had saved half of the original price though.
Lucille stared at Luciano for a moment. He had probably been the one to give her the discount, hadn't he? In that case, she had to thank him. But what if he hadn't been the one to do it? Wouldn't he find it strange if she thanked him? She wasn't sure. Lucille bit the inside of her cheek before telling herself to stop being a coward. “Thanks to the generous discount, I even paid less than I originally would have had to. Thank you very much, Your Grace.” She seemed to be fortunate.
Luciano grinned at her instead of being taken aback. “There is no need to thank me. You were merely lucky. After all, you were the thousandth customer. You don't have to be grateful to anyone but yourself. If the piece was satisfactory, I am happy.” He paused for a moment before his smile faded a bit. “Lady Valerian, would you be fine with me asking you a question? This is about an important topic, so I need you to answer truthfully.” That was horrible. He sounded like he was truly serious, so the subject wouldn't be pleasant.
Lucille felt her blood drain from her face at even this little comment. What had she done? Had he found out about her father's plan? If so, she was ruined. The duke would certainly be upset, and then she would have to suffer because of Raymond's strange ideas once again. “Yes, Your Grace?” She already prepared to apologize and explain how she would never bother him again if he left her alone.
Luciano glanced to the side to confirm that no one was close enough to listen to them before he leaned down to her and whispered. “I will not ask you to speak about this matter much. I only want a small nod if I'm correct in my assumption. Your estate was attacked by Her Majesty, the dowager empress.”
She had already frozen upon seeing him come closer, but hearing him utter that made it even worse. Her mouth opened, and she tried to respond, but her voice didn't come out. How did he know that? No one should be aware of what had happened.
Luciano didn't budge as he resumed in a just as low volume as before. “You found my cousin and wanted to help him. Then that woman found out and attacked you. She sent men to kill you and to harm Cedar. In the end, he saved you, and you ran out of the building before taking refuge in the palace. Mother heard about the incident and immediately told me that this had to have happened. Is that about right?”
Lucille stared at him and opened her mouth before closing it again. “You... How?” She was completely hoarse while asking that. There was no way that anyone could know that much when they weren't connected to the incident. The royal guards should have treated everything with confidentiality.
Luciano seemed calm to the outside, but his expression revealed that he was in a rather grim mood as he spoke to her. “My mother knows her sister. Please. I only want a response. We are on His Majesty's side, so we won't spread this information. We need to know. The dowager empress hates us too. We have to prepare if she makes her move.”
It felt like Lucille was unable to tear away her gaze when he looked at her with his golden eyes. She truly believed that he wouldn't abuse the situation, but she had promised to keep it a secret. Could she tell someone as soon as they asked? But then again, Luciano already seemed to know what had happened. Keeping quiet now wouldn't help much, would it? Lucille wasn't sure whether her logic or his piercing gaze convinced her in the end. She sank in herself and replied in a broken voice. “You are correct.”
Luciano straightened his posture again when he heard that. “I see. Thank you for telling me. I do not wish to take away more of your valuable time. Please be careful from now on, Lady Valerian.” He almost seemed even more serious than before as he turned around to walk back to his mother and sister.
Lucille was left behind alone as she asked herself whether it had been fine to tell him or whether she had just made a big mistake.