Arthur's group watches as the two nobles descend from the elegant carriages, surrounded by servants and guards. Everyone wants to follow the duo, but the woman signals to the servants, and they stay obediently at the gate while she walks inside with calm and elegant steps.
The young nobleman seems reluctant and stays at the gate, glancing between the woman's back and Josephine with an impatient expression.
The woman maintains a friendly expression as she walks toward Arthur's group, her sharp eyes wandering between Josephine, Aria, and especially Arthur.
Josephine can already predict many scenarios in her mind, all ending with a problematic outcome, so she tries to get ahead and walks toward the woman.
"Look at you, already a grown woman..." Josephine speaks in a gentle tone, also with a friendly smile on her face.
"Madame Josephine," the woman walks up to Josephine and bows slightly in a casual but respectful greeting. "It has been many years, hasn't it?"
"More than fifty, I think," Josephine laughs. "I'm very old now and don't remember things clearly anymore..."
"Did you forget me?" The woman pouts.
"Oh, dear, no," Josephine steps forward and touches the woman's shoulder. "I still remember that little cute girl by her father's side... but you've grown and become a beautiful woman."
"Hehee..." The woman giggles with a slightly embarrassed expression, leaving the young Drummonds confused. But Arthur can see that behind her friendly smile and silly expression are sharp eyes that analyze everyone in a calculating manner.
'She is dangerous,' he comments mentally to Nyx.
'I can feel her Astral Beast active; it seems to be watching us as well,' Nyx responds, also analyzing the mysterious woman.
Aria is also observing the woman, but most people around don't notice such things, as all they see are the performances of Josephine and the charming lady.
"Oh, what am I doing?" Josephine exclaims as if she had forgotten something and then takes the woman by the hand, leading her toward the group at the tea table.
"This is Eliza Whittlee, Viscountess of Quilveron, and of course, the daughter of our beloved Count," Josephine introduces the mysterious woman to everyone in a casual manner.
Eliza slightly bows with one hand on the hemline of her dress that reaches her knees. "Hello, everyone, it's a pleasure," she smiles at all the Drummonds around, but her eyes shine more when she glances at Margaret, Aria, and especially Arthur.
"Your Grace," all the Drummonds bow a bit lower than Eliza and greet her in a respectful tone, including Oliver.
While Aria and Eve show no reaction, Margaret has a slightly concerned expression on her face, and Arthur just nods slowly to Eliza, making her even more curious about them.
Josephine notices how Eliza becomes increasingly interested in Arthur, and while she can't blame the woman, she wants to avoid them interacting too much for now.
"This is my son," she pulls Oliver in front of Eliza, "He wasn't born yet the last time you visited our little town."
Oliver bows again, "Your Grace."
"What an impressive young man," Eliza comments in a gentle tone and then extends her hand to Oliver. He lowers his head and kisses the back of her hand.
"It's an honor to meet you, Viscountess," Oliver says, trying to maintain his composure despite the palpable tension.
Eliza smiles warmly. "The honor is mine, Oliver. I see that Lakeview has nurtured some remarkable young people."
"Oh?" Josephine feigns a confused expression. "Well, our young ones were always competing for everything, but I think that's normal at such an age."
"Yes, that is part of youthful behavior, but..." Eliza's face turns cold for a moment. "The manner in which Lord Isambard died still seems very curious to me."
"Curious?" Josephine raises an eyebrow. "You seem quite aware of the events, so I assume the Captain has told you how Dmitri went mad and attacked the young ones, ignoring Emilio's direct orders."
"Yes, yes, I read the reports," Eliza gestures and then turns her gaze back to Arthur, her lips instinctively curling into a smile. "Yet, a veteran Elite Warrior being killed instantly by a young Mystic Knight... that story is spreading through every corner of Lumindell."
Arthur does not avert his gaze and continues facing Eliza. "People blinded by arrogance sometimes make stupid mistakes..."
"My brother was extremely arrogant," Eliza quickly comments, making everyone tense, but then she makes a disappointed expression. "I mean, that's why our father sent him away from Quilveron... Emilio made new enemies for our family at every step; I'm surprised he lasted as long as he did."
Arthur grows increasingly curious about Eliza and comments mentally to Nyx, 'She doesn't seem stupid like Emilio... maybe she's even more different from him?'
'Or perhaps she just knows how to hide that side more easily,' Nyx responds. 'But who knows? Are you interested in getting a new wife? You could be a Count one day...'
'She's not bad, to be honest...' Arthur doesn't deny that Eliza's appearance is above average, which would make her a beauty in Liam's world.
But when he glances at Aria, the comparison is inevitable, and the poor woman doesn't have any remarkable beauty compared to a goddess.
Arthur's silence leaves Eliza even more intrigued, or rather, the fact that he doesn't seem to fear her at all.
'His aura is impressive...' She wonders and then glances at Aria. 'But she... I can't sense her aura clearly. Maybe she is above the Ascended Rank?'
The strange silence and exchange of glances make the Drummonds even more tense, and Josephine again tries to calm things down. "Eliza, I understand you came here because of your brother, and I want to make it clear that my family will cooperate in every possible way to help you resolve it."
"Oh, no," Eliza shakes her head. "I'm not here exactly for Emilio; after all, he's already dead. Well, I would like to understand what happened, but my main concern now is with the people."
"The people?" Oliver asks, curious.
"Yes," she nods and smiles gently. "Lakeview may be small, but it is part of my family, and we care. My father wanted to come personally, but things are complicated in Quilveron. Many demands from Ravenwing; war provisions, they say..."
"But that doesn't matter now," Eliza turns her gaze to the other Drummonds. "My job is to show the people of Lakeview that our family continues to care for them. I know I have a lot of work to do to regain the trust Emilio lost, but I have to start somewhere, right?"
"Indeed," Josephine nods. "It's very good to know you care for us."
Eliza extends her hands and holds Josephine's. "In dark times, we need to stand together. That's why I'm organizing a banquet tomorrow for the main families of Lakeview, and of course, your family is a vital part of this."
"A party?" Josephine doesn't like that idea.
"A gathering of friends," Eliza responds. "You know, having the best people of Lakeview in one place so we can plan our future together."
'And having all the main suspects in her brother's death in the same place so she can look them in the eyes...' Arthur comments mentally to Nyx.
'Well, she already looked into the eyes of her brother's killer just now, but she didn't seem to want to hurt you; on the contrary...' Nyx responds in a teasing tone. 'I wonder what she would do if she found out.'
'Now I'm curious too,' Arthur comments as he looks at Eliza.