On a late summer day, when sunlight filtered through the dense leaves, it was just past noon. The servants of the Duke’s mansion bustled about, preparing to welcome distinguished guests.

The Duke, who had ordered even the highest chandeliers to be cleaned of every speck of dust, finally appeared to be satisfied with the preparations.

Spotting his son Gaizen, who was sitting sulkily on the sofa, the Duke admonished him.

“You should at least show some enthusiasm.”

“Considering I’m even sitting here properly is fortunate enough,” retorted Gaizen, sighing deeply.

It was clear that Gaizen was displeased with the current and impending events, likely due to the visit from the Dantelro family, with whom talks of marriage involving him were underway.

Biare, observing the two, gently touched Gaizen’s shoulder, who was leaning against the sofa.

“Gaizen, stand up. We need to maintain the decorum of the Ruscheff family.”

Even if the situation was undesirable, as a member of the Duke’s family, they had to be prepared to properly receive their guests.

Reluctantly rising, Gaizen followed his sister, prompting the Duke to chuckle in disbelief.

“Huh, this kid absolutely melts for his sister.”

The maids assisting Gaizen in his room quickly left at Biare’s nod, closing the door behind them.

Dressed in custom-made attire and with his hair neatly styled, Gaizen looked quite presentable. But just as he was loosening his cravat, catching Biare’s eye, he laughed awkwardly.

“Ha, habits die hard.”

“Come here. Let me do it for you.”

Gaizen approached, slightly bending his knees as Biare neatly adjusted his cravat and then smiled satisfactorily.

“Not just because you’re my brother, but you really look handsome today.”

Embarrassed by the unexpected praise, Gaizen couldn’t meet her eyes and pretended to be distracted.

“I’ve always been good-looking and charming.”

Chuckling, Biare gazed at her brother and then softly called his name.

“Gaizen.”

“What is it, sister?”

“If you don’t want to do this, just say it.”

“…”

“I’ll help you.”

Her words carried a double meaning – one about the marriage talks and the other about the plans he was formulating.

However, Gaizen nonchalantly shook his head and replied.

“…No need. I can handle it.”

“Alright, I understand.”

As they descended the stairs together, the head butler Henderson announced the arrival of the Dantelro family.

The Duke and his children proceeded to the main entrance to greet their guests, soon joined by the arriving Dantelro family.

“Thank you for coming all this way.”

“Good to see you, Duke Ruscheff and your children.”

Receiving the Dantelros’ greetings, Biare and Gaizen then courteously responded.

“Welcome to the Ruscheff family, Dantelro family.”

The Dantelros, except for the Duchess, all shared the same hair and eye color – a hibiscus-red hair and golden eyes, signifying their family lineage.

As the adults engaged in their conversations, Biare’s gaze inadvertently fell on the Dantelro siblings. The young lady, avoiding eye contact and focusing on the floor, seemed as reluctant to be there as Gaizen was.

Rosalyn Dantelro, before the regression, was Gaizen’s fiancée. The youngest daughter of the Dantelro Duke’s family, she was betrothed to Gaizen solely for being from a prestigious family.
In the Marta Empire, among the high nobility’s daughters, aside from Biare, who held the highest status, there were three daughters from the Duke’s family. One of these young ladies had already finished her engagement, and another was from a family that would disparage the Ruscheff family whenever possible.

The remaining lady was Rosalyn Dantelro. Despite being a lesser daughter, she was officially known as the primary daughter. Rosalyn, with her witty eloquence and stunning beauty, quickly dominated the social scene after her debut.

However, this would all happen a year later, so her current standing was not yet solidified. Biare had barely conversed with her, who was engaged to Gaizen, in the past.

Yet, Biare distinctly remembered a conversation at a certain banquet where Rosalyn confessed a secret about her birth status.

“All I want is a place that truly belongs to me.”

Born as a lesser daughter in the Dantelro family, subjected to constant disregard and disdain, she yearned to break away from the Duke’s family.

Although Biare and Gaizen knew about her hidden status only later, it was surprising why she would confide in Biare, who she barely knew.

“She mentioned my fiancé relies a lot on you, my lady.”

After parting ways with Dension, Biare had not left the manor, so that conversation turned out to be their last.

Biare had never been much interested in politics or social activities, so she had little connection with influential figures.

This became a regret as she endeavored to uncover Dension’s death. If she had cultivated those connections, perhaps she would have found more leads.

Utilizing Rosalyn’s social skills could have eased access to them.