Chapter 174

“Could it be that you’re finally approaching the engagement?”

“That’s right. It has finally come to that.”

Unlike her sister, Rebecca, who was unfamiliar with such gazes, raised her head confidently. However, when she met Lania’s stern gaze, she lowered her head again and lightly extended her hand with the ring.

“It’s an heirloom from my mother, and I brought it out in anticipation of the engagement.”

“This is truly the first time I’ve seen such a gem! So, did Lady Lania graciously concede?”

“Concede? Anyone who suits it well is fine.” Not missing the timing, Lania extended her hand and clasped Rebecca’s hand with a humble smile. “Congratulations, really.”

Moved by her sister’s touched smile, Rebecca responded with a touch of sentimentality. She didn’t want to smile but when she saw her rival glaring at her with her chest puffed up, laughter naturally escaped her lips.

‘Widen your eyes and see this clearly.’

“Thank you, sister. You’ve been taking care of me to this extent.”

“Of course. You’re my one and only younger sister.”

As the sighs continued naturally, someone quietly interjected. “Oh, my.”

Although she was slightly shabbily dressed, her impatient face revealed how long she had been waiting for this opportunity to speak.

“Um, Lady Lania.”

“Oh my, Baroness Vennia, it’s nice to see you here.” Lania, who was holding hands with Rebecca, turned her head kindly. As soon as she recognized the owner of the voice, one of her eyebrows twitched, but it was a momentary reaction.

“I heard that you haven’t been feeling well lately, so how did you come all the way here?”

“Ah. It’s not that. It’s just that my youngest son, who went to the military last winter, still hasn’t returned, so I went to the military in the name of the Marquis in case.”

“Lady Vennia, I understand your sorrowful heart, but today is His Majesty’s first banquet. Should you bring up such matters in this place? You can discuss such matters slowly.”

“But even after sending a letter, there was no reply, and since he is my only remaining child——-”

“Everyone here has experienced sadness during the last war. I, too, lost my beloved and respected father.”

“Oh, Lady Lania.”

Unable to contain her emotions, Lania took out her handkerchief, and the surrounding women naturally surrounded her. The displaced Lady Benia desperately reached out her hand, but she wasn’t even given a chance to clutch it. Those who seemed to be in a similar situation to the baroness, unfortunately, held her, but the main character of this seat was decided anyway.

“My Lady, please stay strong. We also deeply sympathize with the Duke’s situation.”

That’s right. Thanks to the Lady’s capable leadership in the northern region, we are truly grateful. How wonderful would it have been if the Duchess had been able to provide support during these times.”

“However, I heard that lately the Duchess herself has been actively involved in the welfare and park projects in the northern region, isn’t that true?”

“….”

A chilly atmosphere settled for a moment with a thoughtless remark from someone. Some glanced at Lania, but not everyone was quick to catch on. There were inevitably foolish individuals who genuinely believed in the notion of ‘work for the northern region, despite the difficulties.’

“I heard as well. When the Duchess was mainly staying at the Duke’s estate, it seemed like her mental or physical condition was not well. But it seems that wasn’t the case. In that case, she could also assist the Lady with her duties.”

“I heard that not long ago, she even accompanied His Majesty to the urban area. If her health is truly poor, could she manage to travel like that? Especially with someone as noble as His Majesty.”

With the discussion of the two individuals, who were the center of attention in the northern region, it was natural for voices to rise. Rebecca once again extended her ring, but it was already too late to change the tide.

“Um, about this engagement…”

“Well, would His Majesty, of all people, keep someone who is truly mentally unstable by his side? Even at the welcoming banquet at the Duke’s residence, everything was covered up. She seemed perfectly fine, both walking and talking, so why——-”

“So, the Viscountess compares it to my mother being held captive against her will.”

“Oh, no, that’s not what I meant…”

Unknowingly, the women who had been talking loudly were suddenly taken aback and covered their mouths. Lania’s expression was extremely elegant, but her smile contained a bone-chilling quality.

“As everyone knows, my mother has not forgotten the sorrow of losing my father. Despite my pleading as her child, she has stubbornly chosen mourning and still dresses in mourning attire.”

“Oh, yes, that’s right.”

“Well, wouldn’t it be faster to see for yourself than to say a hundred words? Perhaps my mother will attend today as well, so why not see her directly and judge for yourselves?”

“….”