Serena did not want to discuss her sad relationship with her husband while she was invited by Sasha to enjoy the day. She stopped, focusing back on the beautiful market and streets of the capital.
...
'She said that she would be at the Opera. Considering that I am quite late, there is a good chance that she has left already.' Xavier thought in a hurry, he did not wish to leave Sasha waiting for long.
He recalled that Sasha had mentioned to him that she wanted to visit this famous opera house meant for entertainment of nobles only.
'Black hair?? Oh there she is!!' As Xavier looked around the said Opera House, he was able to two beautiful woman walking side by side.
It was not exaggerating to say that they were the centre of attention on the street, even though there ages were past their prime. The natural and mature charm of those two noble ladies elevated the charm of already extravagant street a level higher.
"Hello Sasha. You have a very kind and graceful presence." Xavier greeted Sasha, as he rushed to the woman with friendly face, trying to gauge Sasha's reaction.
"Is that why you arrived so late? Hmm.." Sasha said with a sad face, playing coy like a young lady upset over her lover.
"Apologies. I had something important to take care of. You know how elder Qino gets when someone is not willing assist him." Xavier said with an apologetic face.
Seeing that reaction on Sasha's face, Xavier understood that she was not upset, a few dandelions would be enough to make her happy.
Though, Xavier still mentioned his elder Qino, hoping to get some extra pity points from Sasha.
Hearing Qino's name, Sasha instantly felt angry, upset over that insidious evil man's work ethics. Sasha had heard from her friend Hina, that this Qino guy was very insidious as well as lecherous.
"Here, for you." Xavier presented flower, the dandelions that he had brought as an apology, causing Sasha's already softened face to become lively with happiness.
Sasha thought, relieved, and her tone softened.
"Ohh! You have guessed correctly. She is the Earl who managed to recruit that prodigy." Sasha instantly spoke, boasting about her friend's achievement to Xavier.
Sasha knew how big of a deal it was, to recruit a prodigy like Rae who was rumoured to have reached level four this early.
"What Earl? It's just that my husband who handed his position of Earl to me. The servants and subordinates still refer to him as an Earl. I am just his substitute."
Serena politely said, not wishing to talk about this topic. Anyways, the credit all went to Alice and not her.
And even that Alice was not the sole sponsor of Rae. There was a very complex power dynamic, and even the queen seemed to have some hand in that mission.
Serena honestly said what she felt, she knew that it was her husband Scheta, who was the real Earl, evident from today's situation at the garden.
"You don't need to be humble Serena. Since, he is at your place for a break, the servants can't help but call him by the Earl title. That doesn't make you any less worthy of that title." Sasha instantly spoke up for her friend. She did not want to bring up the matter of her husband because of Serena's mood.
But her suspicions about the relationship between Serena and her child like boy Xavier had instantly made her forget that, causing her to hurt Serena.
"No wonder you decided to stay out and play with me while he is back." Sasha muttered in surprise, recalling the earlier conversation when Serena decided to spend all her day together with her.
Xavier listened to the conversation between the ladies patiently. It felt good to hear the two ladies supporting each other like good friends.
He did not comment in between them, and listened to Sasha speak continuously. His interest in the matter between the husband and wife was not very high, making him dismiss all the gossip between the ladies.
"Anyways, let's go to the opera!" Sasha said cheerfully, deciding to reach their destination. She had wasted a few hours because of Xavier, hoping that he would arrive before their departure to the Opera House.
Finally, they were all gathered. Sasha decided to reach the Opera House, excited to watch a play there together with Xavier and Serena, hoping that she would be able to make them interested in these pastimes.