Lucia stood still, gazing at the unfamiliar interior of the place. The lively music filling the store, white tablecloths draped over numerous tables like snow, and the sweet fragrance of red winter berries adorning the place made it a dessert cafe called “Posette Peperon.”

Although she had briefly observed it from the outside during a picnic, it was a place she would never visit alone unless for a special reason.

Therefore, the out-of-place Lucia found herself here due to an unexpected invitation when she was about to pack Nia’s belongings for the upcoming departure to the royal capital.

Feeling pressed for time, she wanted to decline, but rejecting the invitation without saying anything to the two ladies who had taken care of her so far would be impolite. Hence, she reluctantly accepted the invitation.

As she sat down in the welcoming atmosphere, another lady approached.

“You’re here! Lady Lucia, I’ll prepare the table right away.”

“Oh, it’s been a while, Lady Julianna.”

Ivane’s mother, Julianna, with her impressive red hair, seemed to have just come out of the kitchen, as she still wore an apron.

The waiter following her skillfully filled the empty table with various dishes, and the quantity and quality were truly remarkable.

From a cake adorned with various tropical fruits obtained somewhere in winter to warm and savory-scented scones and small sandwiches made with light vegetables—everything was included in the beautifully arranged afternoon tea set, more splendid than the usual tables serving simple desserts and tea.

“Oh my, oh my! It’s beyond expectations. Lady Juli, how can this tea set be so fabulous?”

“Indeed, Lady Merah is right. Look at this teapot. How are these fresh fruits so plump and lively? What’s the secret?”

As the praise from the two ladies continued, Julianna proudly looked at the set she had prepared with her own care, based on the existing menu.

“Hoho, you’re exaggerating, ladies. Well then, please enjoy it to your heart’s content.”

“Ah, what about the lady…?”

When Lucia looked at Julianna with a puzzled expression, the answer came from the mouths of the two ladies.

“With the business doing so well, the kitchen must be on fire by now.”

“Yes, indeed. Even though we asked her to join us, she said she had to go stand in line soon.”

As the ladies spoke, Julianna seemed quite disappointed.

Then, she suddenly took Lucia’s hand.

“I haven’t properly thanked you for teaching us the violin all this time. …We must invite you. Lady Lucia.”

“Oh my, then let’s all get together next time!”

“Yes, please make time for us too! We’d love to be invited together~!”
Even amidst the bright laughter of the two ladies, a hint of sadness appeared in Julianna’s eyes. Though not explicitly expressed, she probably knew about Lucia leaving through Gilly. However, Lucia couldn’t respond. It might be due to Julianna’s sudden departure, but there could have been another, more significant reason.

With an unspoken farewell, the tea time began—fragrant tea, delicious desserts, and ordinary conversations mixed with laughter from the usual ladies.

“This must be normal.”

Watching the joyful ladies, Lucia thought about the snacks she would have eaten around this time on a regular day. No matter how hard she tried to remember, whenever a cake was brought out, everyone would grab a piece and enjoy it wholeheartedly, whether it was messy eating, licking cream off fingers, or spilling it.

All those pathetic memories, yet now, she felt a bit sentimental as it was something she could no longer see easily.

Observing Lucia lost in thought, the ladies exchanged glances.

Now it was time to bring up the main topic for which they had brought her here.

First, Mrs. Serdin, who usually had a smiling face, spoke with a serious expression, “Lady Lucia. You may not know because you weren’t there, but this event is on an absurd scale.”

“Yes, it is.”

As Lucia responded soullessly to the meaningfully brought-up story, Mrs. Merah next to her spoke as if nudging her, “Oh, you’re too calm. Lady Lucia! Honestly, the torture was so biased! There’s a rumor that among the graduating children, there are those from prominent noble families and close friends of the Duke’s family…”

The story that began from these displeased ladies, who didn’t bother hiding their bad mood, was about the excessive budget spent on expensive flowers in winter, famous designers accompanying simple congratulatory gatherings that weren’t even graduation ceremonies, and other luxurious details.

“Ah, Lady Lucia, you don’t know how surprised we were because you didn’t come.”

“Yes, she boldly said it was because upperclassmen didn’t send invitations.”

“Is that so? I’m fine.”

Lucia, once again, naturally responded to the rekindled discussion. The proactive ladies were laying the foundation for sensational news, but since the person involved was so indifferent, they seemed impatient.

“No? No way! Lady! Listen to the reason! The graduating Swans’ class lady volunteered to prepare what the Sparrows’ class should prepare. Does that make sense?”