After having kept a low profile in social circles for some time, Biare ended her confinement at the duke’s residence and attended a literary gathering hosted by the Monterio family.

Members seemed to have an inkling of her situation, as none of them mentioned her confinement and treated her as they usually would, showing their considerate care in their own way.

“Welcome, Lady Luscheff.”

The host of the gathering greeted Biare warmly as she arrived.

“It’s been a while, Countess Monterio.”

“I see you’ve brought someone new with you today.”

Noticing the keen observation of the countess, Biare glanced at the confidant she had brought along.

“Yes, she will be accompanying me from now on.”

Upon introducing her to the countess, Joyan bowed briefly and then stood silently behind Biare.

For her first assignment with Biare, Joyan was wearing a simple dress rather than a knight’s attire. While Biare usually took Tonio with her to the Monterio literary meetings, she had informed her father that she would be taking Joyan along to gain practical experience.

The duke accepted this, as Joyan was the first knight Biare had personally chosen and was already somewhat recognized for her skills within the knight order.

In truth, Biare had another reason for bringing Joyan out today; they were planning to visit ‘Bernard Street 34′ with Joyan’s assistance.

The day in Biare’s past life that she remembered was when news came of ore being mined from a Luscheff-owned mine, and both Gaisen and the duke hurriedly went to the estate. It was a memorable day for her, as the duke generously rewarded his vassals for the unexpected bounty from a previously overlooked mine.

Therefore, using her memories, Biare planned to visit the underworld today.

They wouldn’t return to the duke’s residence until late at night or possibly the next morning, giving them plenty of time.

“Joyan, go ahead.”

“Understood, Miss.”

With a nod from Biare signaling the start of the mission, Joyan solemnly completed her greetings and left.

At this literary meeting, members were required to have read a designated book, but Biare had already read and discussed it in her past life, making her feel at ease.

The book, though not famous, contained psychological and philosophical elements and deeply resonated with her even upon re-reading.

One particularly striking passage was:

“Believe in the existence of paradise and advance towards the light.”

It was a maxim that aligned well with the practicality of the Luscheff family.

Raised in the family’s doctrine from a young age, Biare’s own views weren’t much different, leaving a bitter taste in her mouth.

She couldn’t help but have the strong blood of the Luscheff family running through her veins.

As Biare was lost in thought, someone whispered cautiously.

“It seems there’s no news again this time.”

“What news are you referring to?”

“It’s almost autumn, but there hasn’t been any announcement of the initiation exam passers yet.”

“That’s true. But good news should come soon.”

Biare was well aware of the members’ concerns.

Dension’s appearance at the literary meeting was expected in late autumn, so it was natural that he hadn’t appeared yet.

‘How should I act when I meet you again?’

Her impending reunion with him was scheduled for her birthday celebration in the fall.

That day, before her return to the past, was when they first met.

The mere thought of Dension weighed heavily on her heart, longing and missing him every day without fail.
However, Biare worried that if she actually met Dension, something misty would moisten her eyes, and before she could dry them, tears would flow.

She was concerned about showing her sorrowful side to him, who would be oblivious to the reason behind it.

Although she always thought she needed to control her emotions until that day, it was a challenging task in itself.

Most importantly, today she had to revisit the underworld and needed to focus on this task.

‘I hope today goes well…’

To unravel the mystery her way, she needed an immense amount of information.

Firstly, information about the Berdium Marquis family and the Luscheff ducal family.

As they were influential families, the information broker would demand a high price, but she was prepared to pay more than the amount she had readied to secure the necessary information.

‘Who would benefit from your death?’

Leaving the count’s residence earlier than the literary gathering’s conclusion, Biare went to find her confidant.

Although she had tasked Joyan with preparing a private carriage, she couldn’t relax, fearing they might be spotted by the Luscheff family’s coachman.

“Miss, we’re here.”

“Did you manage to elude the coachman?”

“Yes, I hinted that the discussion would run late into the night, so the meeting would not end until then.”

“Well done. We must not be discovered until then.”

“Understood. Please be careful, Miss.”