“A letter from the Rosehip Duke’s house?”

“Yes. They’ve requested a swift reply.”

Upon hearing there was a letter demanding an urgent response, Delina quickly left the training ground and took the letter Betty handed her. Delina’s face was filled with questions.

“……An invitation to a social gathering?”

The letter was, as before, an invitation. However, this time the list of attending families and nobles was different.

‘All families of social importance are on this list.’

Unlike the previous social gathering where all nobles could attend, the one Delina was invited to had limited attendance. Furthermore, this social gathering was something even Delina had heard of.

‘Surely this isn’t a gathering anyone can attend.’

It was one of the regular social gatherings hosted by none other than the Rosehip Duke’s house. The organizer this time was Sylvia, who had specifically mentioned wanting to invite Delina in the letter.

‘Why me?’

Delina made a puzzled expression upon receiving a letter from the Duke’s house.

“Why would the Rosehip Duke’s house invite me again?”

“Perhaps, Miss, you did something noticeable there.”

“Hmm, something noticeable…”

No matter how much she pondered, all Delina could think of were the extravagant monkey shows or the particularly tasty cookies she ate. Delina stared intently at the monkey moving around by the window.

‘Come to think of it, they did say it’s a rare animal.’

Delina considered that Sylvia, who had a great interest in animals, might be interested in a monkey considered rare. Whether the monkey understood Delina’s thoughts or not, it threw a banana peel at her while munching on a banana.

“……Do they exchange animals as gifts at social gatherings?”

“If you wish, I can find out.”

Should I leave that wretched monkey at the Duke’s house, Delina seriously considered, while Betty read the letter Delina handed over.

“The dress code is red.”

“Yes, let’s go with a red dress… Ah, never mention the dress to His Highness.”

“Understood. I will make preparations on my own.”

Recalling the disastrous dress from her debutante ball, Delina spoke gravely, and Betty nodded.

“Should we reply that you will attend?”

“Yes. Unless there’s a specific reason, it’s polite to attend.”

Delina had no desire to draw attention by refusing the Rosehip Duke’s social gathering without reason. She was also curious why Sylvia invited her.

“Let’s go with attending, and please take care of the dress.”

“Understood.”

Betty exited the room with a bow. Alone in the room, Delina started a face-off with the monkey.

“Hey, monkey.”

“……”

“You’re as smart as a human, aren’t you? I know you’re pretending not to understand me. No snacks for you then?”

“Chirp.”

The monkey reluctantly responded to Delina’s words. Delina sighed deeply.

‘Why listen to others and ignore what I say?’

The monkey obeyed Bellion, Betty, Felix, and even the other servants. Delina glared at the mischievous monkey and suddenly had a thought.

‘Wait, it’s an animal. Could it be recognizing a hierarchy?’

At the time, she didn’t realize how skilled Felix was, but now she thought that among those in the Duke’s house, she might be the weakest.

Delina sighed even more deeply. Indeed, she was the weakest being—frail and with imperfect abilities. Even that was barely enough to control her five children. And there was another obstacle for Delina.

The Emperor.

The person who was extremely cautious of the Duke’s house, the instigator of the war that killed Bellion and led to Haeir’s death as well.

And then Ashud ascended to the Emperor’s throne….

Delina didn’t want to think about what happened after. She shook her head to rid herself of her thoughts.

The Helium Empire’s palace, standing tall at the center, maintained its tranquil atmosphere today as well. Soon, breaking such stillness, someone was slowly walking down the palace corridor from afar. It was Edwin.

“Ah, what’s this? You’re here too?”

Estel, coming from the opposite direction, pretended to recognize Edwin.

“Exactly. I was wondering.”

“So, you’re here because His Majesty called you?”

“Yes.”

Upon realizing they had been summoned for the same reason, Edwin rolled his eyes. At this point, being summoned by the emperor was not a good sign.

“I sort of feel it coming, but I hope that’s not it.”

Since revealing Noah’s face, they had been prepared for the worst, but it seemed that Hyer had moved faster than expected. Soon, the two entered the room where the emperor awaited. Hyer was sitting there.

“We are in the presence of Your Majesty.”

Both bowed their heads simultaneously. Hyer gestured and spoke.

“Right. It’s been a while since I’ve seen both the Duke and Count privately. Take a seat.”

Edwin and Estel took their seats where he pointed. Hyer paused for a moment, rolling his eyes before speaking.

“Do you know why I’ve summoned you both?”

“I don’t quite know with my limited intelligence, Your Majesty.”

Edwin replied with a smile, and Hyer continued.

“Strange, I thought a Count would at least have some idea.”