After the sweltering summer, the lush greenery began to fade in the early autumn, marking the start of the social season in earnest.

Having already sorted out and responded to the necessary invitations, Biare had a few days off from attending tea parties.

Today, her close friend was visiting, so with the help of her servants, Biare was preparing to welcome her guest.

Her father, who had been working in the study, decided to stay at the mansion today, putting aside business matters for such a special occasion.

Although they had maintained their friendship through letters, the thought of meeting her friend from three years ago gave Biare a slight apprehension about potential awkwardness.

However, the lively style of the letters reassured her that her friend, Ushua Genxaoti, hadn’t changed.

Ushua, set to take over her family’s business, had been expanding her domain steadily and impressively.

Biare knew well that Ushua would fulfill her role as the future head of the Genxaoti family.

Excited to meet the seventeen-year-old Ushua, Biare was more animated than usual, and her servants shared in her joy, eagerly awaiting the guest’s arrival.

Soon, the Genxaoti family’s carriage arrived at the Duke’s mansion, and the Luscheff family warmly welcomed Ushua Genxaoti.

“Ushua, welcome to Luscheff Duke’s mansion,” said the Duke, genuinely welcoming Biare’s only close friend and offering a handshake, a greeting from Ushua’s homeland in the Eastern countries.

The handshake, an uncommon gesture in the Northern countries, where Martha Empire was located, seemed to deeply touch Ushua.

“Father, to be welcomed so warmly!” Ushua said, gripping the Duke’s hand and laughing heartily.

She addressed the Duke as “father,” a term of endearment for her friend’s father. The Duke didn’t seem to mind this informality.

The Duke, fond of Ushua, had once playfully suggested arranging a marriage between her and his son, Gaizen.

“I was so upset when I heard you were getting engaged,” Ushua said, not really bothered but playing along with their usual tease at Gaizen’s expense.

“Okay, enough,” Gaizen said, his face flushing, as the two enjoyed their laughter.

But Gaizen wasn’t aware that Ushua’s teasing had just begun.

“Achacha― so you’re not my husband now?” Ushua said, recalling how she used to jokingly call him her husband as a child, causing Gaizen to burst into tears.

She often asked about Gaizen in her letters, teasingly referring to him as her husband, a term used in the Eastern countries for a spouse.

The Duke, unable to contain himself, laughed heartily at Gaizen’s expense, tears of laughter in his eyes.

For Gaizen, Ushua Genxaoti might have been his greatest nemesis.

Seeing the situation escalating, Biare thought it best to intervene before it went too far and gently said, “You must be tired from the journey.”

Instead of a handshake, Ushua responded with a hug. “My sister, Biare. I’ve missed you so much.”

Biare, equally delighted to see Ushua, gently patted her back.

After the warm greetings, the Luscheff family, along with Ushua, headed to the mansion’s dining room.
In the dining room, there was an abundance of food that could only be tasted in the Eastern countries, a gesture of the Luscheff family’s consideration for Ushua, who had come from afar.

“I’m not sure if the food will suit your taste.”

“I love all these dishes. I might even kidnap your chef on my way back,” Ushua playfully said, causing the chef to shudder momentarily before she reassured him it was a joke.

“You had a lot of luggage, what was all that?”

Gaizen, who had been sulking, asked grumpily. Ushua shrugged and replied, “Gifts for your sister’s birthday. I brought presents for you and your father too.”

“You’re like a daughter to me, you know. You could have come empty-handed,” the Duke said with affectionate reproach.

“Think of it as Genxaoti’s charm,” Ushua retorted with a squint.

“Charm can freeze to death…”

“Gaizen, you’d better look forward to your gift.”

“I don’t need any gifts from you.”

As Ushua’s sparkling eyes turned to Gaizen, he seemed to cringe and promptly got up from his seat.

Seeing her playful target leave, Ushua looked a bit disappointed.

“Did I go too far with your brother?”

“Are you aware we’re becoming adults next year?” Biare asked, not answering her question directly.

Ushua hesitated uncharacteristically before setting down her fork with an embarrassed look.

“Hmm, I should apologize to him.”

“But what brought you here suddenly?”

In the past, Ushua had visited the Martha Empire only to enjoy the social season and then left. If it were before, Biare wouldn’t have been suspicious, but now she surmised there must be another reason for Ushua’s visit.

A sudden memory made Biare’s heart heavy, prompting her to ask directly.

Ushua, hesitating unusually, burst into laughter and said, “You’re sharp as ever, my sister.”

Then, after a pause, she added something serious.

“May I ask the servants to leave the room?”

The Duke obliged, asking the servants to exit the dining room.