“I have brought it, my lord.”

Domingo placed a silver tray containing several documents on Philip’s desk.

He had just returned from a visit to Hedes Boutique with two escort knights to buy camellia oil. On the pretext of that, he had safely retrieved some important documents as well.

“Well done.”

“Think nothing of it.”

Philip, about to focus again on his work, momentarily set down his pen, thinking of Ellen, who had gone into town.

“Did you by any chance stop by the building on 5th Avenue?”

“Yes, it’s nearly complete.”

“Really? Was Ellen there?”

“My lady was not there. It seems she went to Hedes Boutique, and our paths must have crossed.”

“I see.”

Philip picked up his pen again. But his questions for Domingo were not over.

“Is there anything else regarding Ellen?”

“The art appraiser you summoned will arrive in three days,” he said.

Without any doubt, Philip nodded.

He knew that Ellen had brought in a whole bunch of luxury goods.

Since funds were needed for business now, he thought to sell those items to cover the costs.

“And?”

Upon the subsequent question, Domingo picked up one of the documents from the silver tray.

“All the invitations my lady sent for the party for the young lady have been replied to. Here’s the related content.”

“What?”

Philip doubted his ears. Domingo pronounced more clearly.

“All the invitations to the party hosted by my lady have been replied to.”

“No, not that … Who is the party for?”

“The young lady.”

“……?”

Domingo spoke with a face that seemed to understand Philip, a bit more calmly.

“The list is on the last page. And the front page contains the schedule and budget.”

Philip immediately flipped through the documents, but none of it sank in.

‘For Laila, by Ellen? Why on earth?’

His head was filled with questions.

‘Did they become that close, suddenly?’

Then he realized that he had changed and chuckled to himself.

‘In the past, I would have felt discomfort first, suspecting that Ellen was plotting something.’

But now it was not so. To Philip’s eyes, Ellen’s actions were all lovely.

“A party…….”

He looked forward to it. Because he could have dinner and converse with Ellen, and even dance a romantic waltz.

Lately, he was often refused dinner, so this was really well done.

“Good. Then let’s see … who was invited.”

Upon Philip’s muttering, Domingo slightly straightened his tie.

“I apologize. We sent over seven hundred invitations, but only thirtythree people have responded that they will attend.”

Philip readily nodded. The aristocrats’ refusal was not unreasonable.

And that was fine. The fewer the guests, the more time he would have with Ellen.

‘It’s a party for Laila, so the guests can be left to the children…….’

Philip spoke, looking at the back page.

“But there will be some meaning to this party. As my wife changes, the attendance will gradually increase …… huh?”

Philip stopped speaking and carefully checked the list of attendees.

Domingo tensed at Philip’s suddenly serious demeanor.

“What is it, my lord?”

“No, it’s nothing. I was just a bit surprised that there were more attendees than I thought.”

There was something Philip couldn’t say.

The attendees of this party were all aristocrats closely related to Marlboro’s throne succession.

The list of this party’s invites was not chosen randomly by Ellen.

Aristocrats thought it normal that no one would respond if Ellen hosted a party. It would only be easy to be affronted if they attended.

Especially when the rumor of divorce was widespread, it was even more unnecessary to attend.

Perhaps that’s why only the nobles who needed to face Philip remained. The forces confronting Marlboro paid no attention to this party.

‘Ellen hosting a party turned out to be a good political opportunity. It worked out well. I can discuss things collectively that I was discussing individually.’

The decision on an important plan seemed likely to progress rapidly that night.

Philip crossed out the party’s expected costs that Ellen had requested with his pen. And next to that, he set twice the cost and signed it.

At that, Domingo was taken aback.
Certainly, here’s the translation:

“Master? The budget is already set for a hundred people. Unfortunately, since the number of guests is much less than the budget, shouldn’t we make a reduction?”

“No, it’s a party hosted by the lady for once, so it’s good to put in some effort.”

“Yes?”

“Let it be splendid, befitting the lady’s reputation.”

“But Master, given the situation of the domain…”

“Do as I say. The lady and Laila must stand out among the noblewomen. They should wear the most beautiful dresses.”

“……”

“And the men must have a drink separately. Meanwhile, let’s invite musicians, dancers, clowns, etc., so that the noblewomen won’t be bored. Ah, I would like a fortune teller to come as well.”

At the clear direction of Philip, Domingo respectfully bowed.

“I understand.”

Domingo left the office.

Philip rested his chin on his clenched hand for a moment, recalling the past.