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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 17
Chapter Title: An Unexpected Talent
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‘Oh, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to take a look.’
I reached out and unfurled the floor plan for the salon.
The buffet-style food tables, the positions of the art pieces on display, the plush sofas where nobles and literary figures could sit and discuss, and even the floral arrangements meant to add a touch of splendor.
The composition itself was flawless.
However.
“Um, Your Grace.”
I spoke without thinking.
“This is just my opinion, but I don't think you need this many floral arrangements.”
“Hm? Why not?”
“Well, I think they might obstruct the flow of traffic for viewing the artwork.”
I pointed to a large vase, as wide as a person's torso.
“Take this vase, for example. If it's placed here, won't it draw gazes that should be directed toward the art?”
…Ah.
For a moment, her eyes widened like a startled cat's.
Then, the Duchess fixed the floor plan with a sharp gaze.
“You're certainly right.”
“So, how about we remove this vase and focus more on the lighting?”
“The lighting?”
“Yes. The main stars of the salon are the displayed works of art, aren't they?”
I calmly continued my explanation.
“I think it would be a good idea to consult a technician to arrange the lighting in a way that makes the art shine even brighter.”
“Hmm, that's good advice. Should I request an increase in the budget for lighting, then?”
“Rather than that, I was thinking we could reduce the budget for flowers a little and redirect the savings to the lighting.”
I replied without thinking.
At that, the Duchess fell silent for a moment.
‘Huh?’
Flustered, I cautiously lifted my head.
In that instant.
I saw it.
The Duchess was looking at me, her eyes sparkling brightly!
Wh-why is she suddenly acting like that?
It's so intense!
Unable to withstand the assault of her glittering eyes, I carefully opened my mouth.
“Um… though I can't be of much help, I could assist with reviewing the documents.”
“Really?!”
Unable to contain her excitement, the Duchess shot up from her seat.
Of course, she quickly regained her composure.
“Ahem, hm.”
She cleared her throat unnecessarily and sat back down with elegance.
“W-well, go ahead and help, then.”
She's so adorable.
Chuckling inwardly, I picked up the guest list first.
The budget was a sensitive area, after all, so I planned to only check documents that would be appropriate for an outsider to see.
My eyes glinted wickedly as I quickly scanned the list.
‘Just as I thought.’
Well, it was to be expected.
The guest list included neither Serapina nor Gregory.
Not even the County of Gusto was on it.
* * *
It was late at night.
Dietrich entered the townhouse, his face weary.
“…Huuuh.”
He let out a long sigh without realizing it, irritably tugging at the cravat constricting his neck.
‘Honestly, I've lost all track of time.’
Today had been another hectic day.
But the number of tasks Dietrich had to manage only continued to grow.
“Welcome, Your Grace.”
Just then, the butler bowed respectfully to Dietrich.
“Your bed has been prepared. Please get some rest.”
“No, I still have work to look over. A cup of coffee, please.”
Shaking his head, Dietrich glanced sideways at the butler.
“By the way, how are the salon preparations coming along?”
As the salon produced a considerable number of famous artists, the duchy could not afford to neglect it.
Thus, despite his busy schedule, Dietrich had been carving out time to check on the salon's progress.
“Um, Your Grace. I have something to report regarding that matter.”
The butler, after a moment's hesitation, spoke cautiously.
“Her Grace the Duchess has reviewed the relevant documents for the salon and sent her opinions.”
Dietrich looked surprised.
“Eva did?”
Evanjeline.
His only sister had always been a tender spot for Dietrich.
Dietrich had lost his parents early and inherited the ducal title.
Having become the empire's sole duke at a young age, Dietrich had grown into a fine lord respected by all and an impeccable high nobleman.
But he had his shadows.
Because he was so busy, it had been difficult to pay proper attention to his sister.
Perhaps that was why he wanted to shield his sister from any hardship.
He had only entrusted her with the nominal position of lady of the house, taking care to ensure that the people around her handled all the difficult tasks.
“It may be fine now, but what will you do when Her Grace marries in the future?”
“If Her Grace becomes the lady of another house, she will have to manage the household as its mistress.”
His vassals had expressed such concerns, but Dietrich replied without batting an eye.
“What are money and manpower for?”
“Pardon?”
“If Eva marries, I'll simply send administrators to assist her, along with her dowry.”
An enormous dowry that would leave the other family speechless.
And at least ten administrators.
The vassals had shaken their heads in dismay, but Dietrich was serious.
He would much rather the family continue to support Evanjeline than see her suffer.
He had the resources to do so, after all.
This was the sister he had so carefully sheltered.
‘Eva reviewed the documents… She doesn't need to know about such complicated matters.’
While he was proud of Evanjeline, he was also somewhat displeased that she had gone out of her way to find work.
Dietrich clicked his tongue inwardly and held out his hand to the butler.
“Let me see them.”
“Here you are.”
The butler respectfully handed over the documents.
Until that moment, Dietrich hadn't had any particular expectations.
She had never received any relevant training, so the documents would surely be mediocre.
He began flipping through the papers nonchalantly.
His blue eyes widened slightly.
“This is…?”
‘Eva prepared these documents?’
The floor plan was nothing short of perfect.
After studying the floor plan for a while, Dietrich moved his gaze to the next document.
It was the guest list.
Since the duchy selected and invited the guests, he hadn't expected to find any particular notes.
‘Hm?’
A few pieces of advice regarding the guests were attached.
[As elderly nobles will be the primary attendees, it would be best to ensure the seating is as comfortable as possible.]
[There are a few nobles who are poor drunks, so how about serving low-alcohol beverages?]
…from general advice like that…
[A certain lady and another lady are not on good terms, so they should be seated as far apart as possible.]
[Poetry is currently in vogue among the nobility, so it would be helpful to have a good collection of related books on hand.]
…to the kind of detailed advice characteristic of someone who has long been a part of high society.
After reading the advice, Dietrich was certain.
‘This is not something Evanjeline could have prepared on her own.’
These documents exuded the seasoned skill of someone with long years of relevant training and experience.
And Evanjeline had neither that experience nor that training.
Above all.
‘Evanjeline has one of the highest statuses in the empire.’
The position of Duchess Claudius was far too high for her to pay such meticulous attention to trivial personal relationships and seating arrangements.
His sister, who had lived her entire life without ever having to care what others thought, could not possibly be this perceptive.
“Are these documents really from Eva?”
“Yes, they are. However…”
“However?”
As Dietrich tilted his head, the butler bowed his head once more.
“I understand that she had the assistance of Lady Ansi while preparing them.”
“…Lady Ansi, you say.”
Dietrich mulled over the name.
