“As a token of appreciation for your invitation, I brought fans and hats that are popular in Elrab these days. I hope you like them.”

Countess Line, who initially smiled brightly, quickly composed herself.

“What are you trying to do now? Didn’t you suggest talking openly?”

Ruela leaned her upper body toward her, just as Countess Line had done earlier.

“Considering the careful ears around here, it seems challenging to have a more in-depth conversation. Don’t you think?”
Countess Line bit her lip for a moment, then nodded slightly, as if in agreement.

“Please come to Peroz Mansion. Of course, if exchanging words with me isn’t too inconvenient. Judging by the fact that you sent the invitation so eagerly, it seems you’re not particularly pleased, but…”

Countess Line smirked, raising her eyebrows.

“Do you not know us? We’ve exchanged greetings several times.”

The displeased Countess, looking at Ruela, who seemed bewildered, continued, “It seems you don’t remember. Let me explain. Our husband is the leader of the Nobility Council. So, it’s not like we’re in a position to watch the king closely. But, since trade with Elrab is essential, we tried to become friends with Duke Ferimont, and there was no other intention. Even if someone holds such thoughts, they can’t openly act against the Kurane royal family.”

Ruela felt embarrassed for misunderstanding. However, she couldn’t miss the opportunity to become close with the Countess, so she quickly offered an apology.

“I’m sorry.”

After hesitating for a moment, Ruela continued, “I have partial memory loss since the incident on the stairs not too long ago.”

Countess Line let out an exclamation of surprise with a look of understanding.

“I see. Now I understand. Even though we met several times, it seemed like the first time you treated me like a stranger.”

“Can you forgive my rudeness? Also, would you accept my invitation…”

Unlike before, Countess Line smiled warmly without pretense.

“It’s an opportunity to visit the famous Peroz Guild Mansion; we can’t miss that. May my husband and I join you?”

Ruela also smiled gently in response.

“Of course. We’ll be waiting with Duke Ferimont.”

“When would be convenient?”

Seeing Countess Line bouncing with excitement as if she wanted to visit right away, Ruela chuckled.

“The sooner, the better. We have a lot of external affairs.”

After a moment of contemplation, she asked. Having lived in modern society, she was used to prioritizing speed and practicality, finding the aristocrats’ superficiality and formalities still uncomfortable.

“If it’s not too impolite, how about continuing the conversation right here?”

Countess Line’s eyes widened again.

It was common for close friends to stay and continue chatting after the tea party ends. So, leaving immediately after the party would be considered impolite.

Moreover, considering that it was an invitation from someone they weren’t particularly close to on the same day, Countess Line couldn’t help but feel awkward.

“I understand that it’s impolite. But I don’t like the idea of the conversation being interrupted. However, discussing it here wouldn’t be comfortable to speak freely, right?”
“Is Peroz Mansion alright? There might be many commoners who don’t know who planted it there.”

Ruela smiled gracefully.

“We’re not concerned. All the commoners we know are trustworthy people.”

“Since you’re so confidently vouching for it, I can’t refuse to go.”

Countess Line, after looking at the clock on the display cabinet, stood up from her seat.

“Alright. As the party is about to end soon, I’ll greet everyone as the host and then head straight to Peroz Mansion.”

Ruela stood up, slightly bowing her head in greeting.

“I’ll eagerly await it. Well, I’ll return here right away. I don’t think there’s anyone who wants to bid farewell to me.”

“Sure. See you later.”

As Countess Line headed towards the guests in the garden, Ruela walked towards the carriage, opening the game screen.

Since Kite mentioned it earlier, the names of the colleagues were displayed in the left status window since the party didn’t disband.

[/Party We’ll finish the conversation with Countess Line and her husband at Peroz Mansion after the tea party since I couldn’t say everything. I’m riding the carriage now.]

Kite replied immediately.

[/Party I’ll go right away too. It’s great that Countess Line decided to visit. It seems like she has something to say to me since a while ago, but she couldn’t open her mouth and just beat around the bush.] [/Party Countess Line is the same. We wasted 30 minutes just skimming the surface without getting to the main point of the conversation. It seems unlikely that Count will engage in deep talks. He’s extremely cautious about commoners’ ears.] [/Party Did everyone hear? Clean up thoroughly as guests will be visiting.]