In one of the large rooms at the Bauterminster Duchy, there was a room adorned with a massive tapestry embroidered with the names of the descendants of the ducal family throughout generations.

In that room, there were fifteen portraits hanging together, from the first Duke of Bauterminster to the current Cediloi.

But was that all? Throughout the corridors and at the corners of the winding staircase, Meiana had seen countless portraits of the past duchesses or couples of the previous dukes and duchesses.

Perhaps it was Jocelyn’s vanity, Meiana thought.

However, nowhere in the vast mansion, not even in Cediloi’s personal study or bedroom, could portraits of Verbo, Cediloi’s younger brother, or his wife Liria be found.

‘Surely, they haven’t eradicated them all.’

Cediloi might not have done such a thing, but Jocelyn could have easily been capable of it. Even if she hadn’t completely removed them, she might have used the excuse of the mansion’s aesthetics or organization to stash them away in a warehouse or similar place.

“Have you ever seen a portrait of your mother, my lady?”

Meiana casually inquired with an indifferent tone, as expected, Arianthe only tilted her head.

“Never.”

“Have you ever asked the Duke?”

“My father said there’s no portrait of my mother.”

She lied, Meiana thought. No matter what, it was hard to believe that there wasn’t a single portrait of the woman who married the Duke’s younger brother.

Meiana resolved to ask Cediloi about this when he returned. Of course, Arianthe believed Cediloi to be her father, but even so, it was regrettable that she didn’t know her mother’s face.

Would Arianthe eventually learn the truth as she grew up? Or would Cediloi choose to keep the truth hidden until Arianthe became a capable adult inheriting the duchy…?

‘If he’s determined to do that, who is it for?’

Meiana wondered.

The postal office in the Duchy was housed in a very classical building. Pillars with engraved patterns, resembling raindrops falling, stood on either side of the entrance, and the capitals that descended directly from the roof formed shapes similar to those seen in the Duchy.

The building was larger than Meiana vaguely thought, and the inside was quiet with few people. As Meiana entered, holding Arianthe’s hand, a guide dressed in uniform kindly approached at the entrance.

“Do you need assistance, madam?”
Madam. Meiana chuckled inwardly. However, she soon realized the reason. Since she was with Arianthe, it would naturally seem like a mother and daughter… She didn’t feel the need to correct the employee’s misunderstanding, so she extended the letter and said.

“I’d like to use the express mail carriage. The one that arrives the fastest.”

“Understood, madam. Let me check where you are sending the mail.”

The employee, flipping the envelope she handed over, gave Meiana a quick look. Then, firmly holding her hand and glancing down at little Arianthe, he carefully checked the address on the envelope once again. He seemed to be a cautious person.

“Is this address certain, miss?”

Miss. The title had changed at once. Meiana felt a slight satisfaction at his keen perception.

“Yes, I’m sure. Please deliver it accurately.”

“Very well. Come this way, please, and sign on the mail delivery confirmation.”

Meiana signed as instructed and carefully kept the small receipt confirming the delivery.

The employee bid them farewell with a much more friendly and cautious attitude than when they entered the building. When Arianthe nodded, he made a slightly moved expression and kneeled.

“Excuse me, would it be acceptable to present this to the lady if it’s not impolite?”

Looking up at Meiana, he took something out of his pocket. It was a small candy. Arianthe, who saw the candy with a sparkling paper and ribbon-shaped bow, smiled widely and looked at Meiana. Meiana said,

“Milady, what should you say?”

Arianthe smiled shyly for a moment, then, accepting the candy from the employee’s hand, she said,

“Thank you.”

A wistful smile appeared on the employee’s face. As he rose, he adjusted his slightly crooked hat and looked at Meiana.

“It’s truly an honor to meet milady. Is the young lady your lady-in-waiting?”

“Yes, that’s right. My name is Meiana.”

“Meiana. I see. My name is Luke.”

Meiana nodded her head in response to Luke’s friendly greeting.

“Thank you for your kindness, Luke.”

“Not at all. If milady visits again, you are always welcome.”