Meiana responded, “First, consider that as an option, and maybe think about something else?”

Ariante, with her lips pouting, said, “Is it not good?”
“No, it’s not that it’s bad… It’s just that there seems to be too much of the word ‘tremendous’! It’s not bad. Hmm, should I change the expression a bit?”

“Just say it’s going to be incredibly wonderful and fun.”

Well, that’s true… Meiana thought. Of course, it might be wonderful and fun… However, Ariante’s plan for the tea party invitation seemed more like a promotional phrase one might find in a musical performance pamphlet rather than an invitation from a duke’s mansion. It was unclear where she learned such words.

Meiana struggled for over an hour, sticking by Ariante, who was determined not to give up on the words ‘tremendous’ and ‘amazing.’ Eventually, after dragging Sedillo’s name into it, they managed to break away from the somewhat pamphlet-like wording.

Although it still resembled a playful letter rather than an invitation to the duke’s tea party…

“No, young children might actually like this kind of thing. There might be something relatable for peers.”

Meiana thought.

Ariante folded and inserted each invitation into an envelope after the ink on the dry invitation had been sealed. Meiana assisted by melting the wax and stamping the seal engraved with the duke’s statement.

“Meiana, would Father come to the tea party?”

Ariante, who was folding the paper, suddenly asked. Due to folding and unfolding multiple times to align the corners of the paper, the invitation was crumpled.

Meiana, receiving the paper after stamping the seal, helped align the corners for Ariante. As Ariante pressed down on the crease lines with a firm hand, she asked again.

“Will Father come until then? The tea party is next week. Will he come by then?”

Meiana said, “He didn’t say when he would come, but he’ll probably come by then. If you’re worried, I’ll send a letter as I did before.”

“That would be great!”

Ariante’s voice suddenly became louder. Why didn’t she think of that until now! Her sparkling eyes seemed to be saying just that.

“Send a letter to Father. Tell him it would be great if he could come on the day of the tea party. Okay?”

Meiana nodded with a gentle smile.

“Alright, Lady Ariante. I’ll do that.”

“Right now! Go send it now!”

“Now? I need to finish this…”

That’s when it happened. The door, slightly ajar, opened without a sound, and Ivi revealed herself.

“Ivi! Just ask Ivi to do it.”

Meiana turned her head to look at Ivi.

“Ivi, where’s Bridgit?”

Ivi answered, “Miss Bridgit went to the warehouse to get a new vase. Do you need me to do something?”

Ariante nodded, making gestures while still folding the paper multiple times, making the invitation crinkle.

“Here! Come here and do it like Meiana. Stick the envelope. It’s easy! If you don’t know how, I’ll teach you.”
Ivi blinked slowly. Meiana stood up as if she had no choice, making Ivi sit at the table.

“Melting the wax and stamping the seal should do it. Since it’s Lady’s tea party invitation, be careful not to make a mess. Can you do it?”

“It’s easy!”

Ariante shouted again, rolling her eyes.

Ivi, without saying a word, stared down at the envelope. Just before Meiana urged her, she spoke.

“Of course, I can do it.”

Meiana sighed.

“All right, I see… Then please. I need to go to the village for a bit. Since the melted wax is hot, Lady must not touch it under any circumstances. Understand?”

Ivi, very carefully – Meiana tried not to feel frustrated – nodded and held the stamp firmly in one hand, holding the wax towards the flame.

Meiana unknowingly stood in place, watching anxiously. Then Ariante said,

“Meiana! Why are you just standing there! Hurry, send a letter to Father. Quickly!”

“Oh, yes. I’ll be going, Lady.”

She untied the apron strings and hastily turned around. Just before Meiana went outside, Ariante shouted from behind.

“Bring chocolate when you come back! Quickly!”

Lord Glodon’s funeral was grandly held.

Nobles from the capital who had a close relationship came to pay their respects, and the King of Elmerat also sent the second prince to express condolences for the faithful servant dedicated to the Kingdom of El Bluin.

Cedloy stared at the lifeless face of Lord Glodon for a long time. His expression lying in the coffin seemed peaceful as if he had finally found rest. There was no more horrifying coughing or struggling breaths; he peacefully slept.

“Marquis Valtermin.”

Cedloy turned his head and, seeing the man standing behind him, faintly smiled.

“Prince.”

The one who called him was Prince Harman of El Bluin, who was standing behind him. Realizing that the attention of those around was subtly watching the two, Harman nodded.

“Let’s step outside for a moment.”

Cedloy quietly followed him out.

When they reached the deserted terrace at the end of the corridor, Cedloy let out a faint trembling sigh.

Harman said, “Mother can’t sleep because of your worries. Are you okay?”