“The value of labor is not solely due to the value created by work. Discussing the preciousness through such things is vulgar. In the end, it’s a matter of personality. I think Mr. Yesak must have meant to highlight the gratitude for others that one can realize while working and the patience one learns.”

It was a story from ‘Meditation for the Seekers of Answers’, a commentary on the ‘Meditation Records’, by Sister Clairbell. Isabella just parroted the content she roughly understood. She didn’t particularly agree with it.

‘Learn patience, my ass. Just spewing bullshit.’

But she didn’t give away a thing and met eyes with the Countess of Balzo, speaking seriously. A light seemed to emit from Isabella’s pure and beautiful face. It was an immersion that was second to none, even compared to any actor.

“Everyone hosts things like charity bazaars to accumulate virtue and sponsors the poor with money, but you noble people washing your hands in cold water during the cold winter and taking care of the children is truly wonderful. Cardinal de Mare also said so.”

At the appropriately flattering words, the Countess of Balzo’s eyes were already sparkling. Clemente was staring at Isabella with a dumbfounded expression from the side.

“My, you have thought a lot for a young woman. It’s different from the world’s opinion.”

‘Good. It’s coming.’

Isabella lowered her head and put on a sad expression.

“The world’s opinion is bound to be wild…”

Jacopo Atendolo stepped in from the side.

“In high society, where there’s smoke, there’s fire.”

Isabella hadn’t planned on speaking so bluntly, but it wasn’t bad if Jacopo was going to help her like this. She didn’t have to set up the whole story herself, just pretend to be nice.

“Oh my… I must have done something wrong, so bad opinions are going around.”

“Young ladies of exceptional beauty like Miss Isabella easily become the targets of envy.”

Jacopo was gradually crossing the line. When one openly says in front of other ladies that ‘someone is envied because of her beauty’, it tends to be offputting. The less the age difference with the other party, the more so.

Not only Clemente de Bartolini, but also the Countess of Balzo was a young noblewoman compared to her social position. She quickly changed the subject.

“I’ve been thinking a lot about what life is after my mother passed away. Now I want to live a life of sacrifice and service.”

Fortunately, it seemed that the Countess of Balzo didn’t pay much attention to Jacopo’s words.

“Ho? Are you interested in volunteer work?”

“Yes! I’ve been wanting to do handson volunteer work like Countess Balzo, but I just didn’t have the right place to do it.”

It was a blatant lie. Isabella was the daughter of Cardinal de Mare. She was in charge of the wideranging orphanage and poverty alleviation projects, her biological father in control of such facilities and projects. But she showed a faint smile.

“I didn’t know where to start.”

“Isabella, can’t you ask Countess Balzo to go with you?”

Leticia helped from the side. Good, you. You’ve repaid the favor to your brother. You’ve earned your keep.

Surprisingly, Countess Balzo didn’t seem to dislike the suggestion.

“Then, will you come next time, Miss Isabella? The Duchess Salvati has been bedridden lately, so we have a vacancy.”

Behind the twisted expression of Clemente, Isabella smiled brightly like a peony in May. But one should not ask too hastily. Friends gained easily are lost easily.

“Oh, why did Duchess Salvati leave the gathering?”

“Ah, why. Hasn’t the rumor spread to our unmarried friends? There was an incident where a royal clown confessed his love.”

The clown, who was paraded around as a novelty by the royal family, confessed his love to the noblewoman he had long admired. It was a serious love confession. However, the woman was married, the clown was a buffoon, and there was no such mutual feeling between them.

“There was a big fuss last fall.”

“Duke Salvati couldn’t bear it and went to find the clown and beat him to near death.”

“Because of that incident, Duke Salvati couldn’t follow the royal court to Taranto.”

“Isn’t it common for a knight to swear love and devotion to a noblewoman?”

“How can a knight and a clown be the same?”

“That’s true. Even the confession is unpleasant.”

“It was a foolish thing, and it would have been better if Duke Salvati had just laughed it off. There is no denying that he unnecessarily escalated the situation.”

After chattering among themselves for a while, Countess Balzo and her group suddenly realized that they had excluded their younger friends. Countess Balzo looked at Isabella and kindly replied.

“Anyway, due to that incident, Duchess Salvati feels embarrassed to be seen in public and doesn’t often attend gatherings. We have a vacancy.”

“That’s… Duchess Salvati really had it tough.”

Isabella cast a glance full of sympathy at the floor, then turned to Countess Balzo with a sweet smile on her face.

“I would be happy to attend if you invite me.”