Attending the Monterio literature meeting, Viare was engaged in conversation with fellow members, holding a book in her arms.

The casual greetings and brief introductions about the book she brought created a peaceful and warm atmosphere, unlike the social circles she was used to. Viare of the past, at nineteen, was almost entirely secluded in her room, almost completely cut off from the world.

This new life felt refreshingly different to her. One notable change in the Monterio literature meeting was the absence of Dension, who was not a member here, unlike before.

For some reason, the current Dension neither joined the literary group nor attended its meetings. Another change was the last member being Rosalyn.

Rosalyn, who joined last year, quickly adapted to the group, likely due to her interest in books. Gaizen also wanted to join but repeatedly failed the tests and had to give up, probably due to his heavy workload leaving him little time for reading.

“Shall we leave now, Lady?” Rosalyn asked Viare with clear eyes as the meeting concluded.

Viare, who used to pick up Rosalyn from the Duke’s mansion for meetings, would always have secretive conversations with Gaizen, presumably because Rosalyn wanted to see her fiancé more often.

The two, having grown closer, spent time together after meetings, and today they planned to visit the square.

As they got into the carriage, Rosalyn suddenly remembered something and turned to Viare.

“Lady, have you heard the news?”

“What news?”

“The Duke of Berdeum attended the central governance meeting.”

“The central governance meeting?”

Hearing this, Viare’s eyelashes fluttered in surprise. The Duke of Berdeum’s family had long refrained from attending the main council after pledging loyalty to the royal family.

Dension attending the meeting implied a renewal of that loyalty, equivalent to formally joining central governance.

‘Does this mean he’s pledging loyalty again?’

The situation, differing from the past, baffled Viare.

‘What are you thinking, Dension?’

While she worried about Dension’s actions, Rosalyn mentioned that related articles might appear in the newspapers tomorrow.

Rosalyn seemed curious about Dension, who hadn’t appeared in social events until now.

“People who have seen him call him this.”

“How?”

‘Could it be…’

“The Silver Owl.”

A slight smile escaped Viare’s lips. His nickname remained consistent over time, even though he didn’t like it.

Dension, particularly handsome in the Berdeum family known for silver hair, was called the Silver Owl, a symbol of the family.

Even in the past, Viare occasionally teased him by calling him the Silver Owl.

“He must be quite handsome.”

“Yes, that’s the reaction of the noble ladies who have seen him.”

To Viare, Dension was indeed exceptionally handsome, remarkably so.

Rosalyn added coyly, “But you never know. The face a man sees and a woman sees can be different.”

As they conversed about Dension, their carriage arrived at the Arcan capital’s square.
The place they visited was a café with delicious desserts, a place Rosalyn had long wanted to go. Viare, planning for a light tea, had instructed her loyalists to spend their time outside.

“Please let me return the favor for the gift you gave me before,” said an excited Rosalyn, insisting on repaying despite Viare’s protests that it wasn’t necessary.

Viare, slightly embarrassed by Rosalyn’s delight over a modest gift, paid the bill ahead.

“I was going to order…”

At her crestfallen voice, Viare warmly replied, “Seeing you enjoy it is thanks enough for me.”

Soon, a tray with a coffee, Earl Grey tea, and a three-tiered dessert arrived at their table. Even the usually mature Rosalyn sparkled like a young girl in front of the desserts.

Well-informed, she was abreast with various matters, from social gossip to imperial affairs. Viare suspected where Rosalyn got her information.

‘Elmada Social Club.’ It was clear Rosalyn was a member there.

Viare had only responded to Elmada’s invitation, not yet visiting. So, she was grateful to glean information through Rosalyn.

While they were deep in conversation, a figure appeared behind Rosalyn in the window.

‘Gaizen?’

Though his words were unclear through the glass, his lip movements were unmistakable.

‘Sister, can I come in there?’

It seemed Gaizen wanted to join his fiancée but was too shy to say so.

Viare thought they matched well, unlike the past when they barely conversed. Now, it seemed they were always talking.

Viare excused herself to Rosalyn.

“Miss, it seems Gaizen wants to join his fiancée.”

“Really?”

Rosalyn, surprised, turned and saw Gaizen, her expression shifting from annoyance to a sly smile.

“We can’t neglect the fiancé, can we?”

Gaizen entered the café, heading straight for Viare’s side, but she glanced meaningfully.

“He’s supposed to sit next to you.”

“What?”

“Please, sit next to me, Lord.”

They looked at each other as if in a silent battle, and Gaizen finally sighed and sat beside her.

‘Did they have a fight?’

Seeing their similar expressions, Viare wondered if they had argued.

“Lord, aren’t you supposed to be working now?”

Rosalyn’s sharp tone was met by Gaizen’s exasperated reply.

“I was returning from a business trip and saw a familiar face.”

“Oh, so you’re here despite unfinished work.”

Her exaggerated tone irritated Gaizen, who replied somewhat irritably.

“Don’t worry. I handle my work. But…”

His smirk resembled his chess-playing countenance.

“Is that handkerchief new?”
“Oh, this? It’s a handkerchief personally made by the Lady,” Rosalyn said, showing off the gift from Viare, which seemed to imply ‘you don’t have this, do you?’, making Viare feel awkward.

“Ah, are you talking about this?” In response, Gaizen triumphantly pulled out his own handkerchief from his pocket and looked at Rosalyn.

“……How could you, Lord Gaizen.”

“Why wouldn’t I have one? It’s a gift from my sister. Surely, you didn’t think you were the only one to receive it?”

‘Why are they making such a fuss over it?’

Viare, thinking it was time to put an end to their childish love spat, was about to intervene when Rosalyn, her face flushing, looked at Viare with wavering eyes.

“Lady, is what Lord Gaizen said true?”

At Gaizen’s words, Viare sternly looked at him and stepped on his foot.

“Ouch!”

Gaizen winced in pain, tears welling up in his eyes. Viare, embarrassed to have caused such a misunderstanding, replied with an awkward smile.

“Yes, it was a gift I thought would suit both of you.”

“……I see. I just remembered a forgotten appointment. I must leave.”

Rosalyn hurriedly gathered her things and left. Before Viare could stop her, Gaizen burst into laughter.

“Safe journey, Miss!”

As Gaizen waved her off, Viare shook her head.

“That’s not right, Gaizen. Why tease your fiancée?”

“Lady, whose side are you on? Your brother is me.”

Gaizen looked incredulously at Viare, shrugging his shoulders and adding,

“You saw it. Miss misunderstood, and I just clarified it.”

‘When will he ever grow up…’

With a sigh at her brother’s childish antics, Viare could only watch the door Rosalyn had exited through.