Chapter 85
"You must write a reply."
"how?"
"Would you like to meet Mr. Talon?"
“Huh? Y-yes… I think it’s best if I meet him first, don’t you think?”
Despite her attempts to hide her feelings, the redness of her ears was evident, and a shy smile filled her face.
“I will help you write a draft. Write the letter in your own handwriting and send it tomorrow.”
"Tomorrow? Wouldn't it be better to write it and send it today?"
“This is too fast. Send it tomorrow. If you show excessive haste, you will lose your appeal.”
Linnea looked a little upset, but she did not object to what Edel said.
However, it was clear that the idea of her brother was on her mind.
"What if my brother says no?"
“I will speak with the Count. He will not object.”
“Thank you, Edel!”
Linnea ran excitedly to choose the right letter paper.
***
"So, Ian Tallon will be visiting Linnea for tea?"
"Provided you agree, sir."
As expected, Laszlo nodded indifferently.
"Pay close attention to preparing drinks and food."
"Aren't you worried about the possibility of Miss Linnea falling in love with Mr. Tallon? Doesn't that concern you?"
“Do I have to decide on everything? I don’t want to interfere in such matters. My sister can manage her own affairs.”
Laszlo's face bore the same look that indicated he did not understand why this question was being asked.
However, he was not completely uninterested in Linnea's love life.
“Anyway, if it’s about Ian Tallon, he’s not a bad choice.”
"Do you know Mr. Talon well?"
“Calliope’s men conducted an investigation on their own.”
The mercenary unit members were furious at the idea that someone would dare to invite their group's princess to dance, and the top-ranking members gathered all possible information about Ian Tallon.
The second son of Count Tallon was known for his quiet and unassuming personality, and was not very sociable. Despite his attractive appearance, his relationships with women were entirely platonic.
His family connections were good, and he was expected to become an aide to the Count's family, with the help of his elder brother, the family heir. He might even have been granted the title of Baron.
“A clean record makes him initially eligible.”
“But can such a fragile and naive young man make our lady happy?”
"It's okay, once he meets Miss Linnea, he will become stronger over time."
“Even if he were to receive the title of Baron, that would not seem appropriate for her status, would it?”
“This is something our leader can deal with. Sometimes, a rich baron’s house is more influential than a poor viscount’s.”
Laszlo listened to all this talk as if he were not interested, but he was recording every detail in his mind.
"What did Count Talon think? Did he say anything after the last concert?"
“From his point of view, becoming my son-in-law is not a bad option. We are already in the same boat, and this will only increase the strength of the alliance.”
“There are those who may view an alliance between the emperor’s closest aides negatively.”
“That’s their problem. As long as Calliope protects him, Count Talon will be lucky.”
Idil read in Laszlo's expressions boundless confidence, a confidence that indicated he was able to easily deal with any opponent, even one from a family of higher standing than the Tallon family.
“But the worrying thing is whether these two meetings are part of a plan by Count Tallon. He is not someone who could let something like this happen without thinking.”
"Is he someone who cannot be completely trusted?"
“There is no such thing as ‘complete trust’ in my dictionary.”
This statement from Laszlo stirred a sharp feeling in Idel's chest, but it was a fleeting feeling that she did not pay much attention to.
“So, when Mr. Talon comes, he should be watched carefully.”
“Please take care of this matter. If I come myself, Linnea might be upset, so I want you to be my eyes and ears.”
“Okay, understood…”
“Make sure he’s not trying to take advantage of Linnea, mistreat her, or say stupid things. Also, observe how he looks at her. You know, things like that.”
Idil changed her mind.
Laszlo was not indifferent to meeting Linnea and Ian, but he was hiding his interest.
Once I thought about this, I understood the reason for his silence after attending Count Place's party with Linnea, and his sudden decision to promote her to his own maid of honor.
'It is clear that he was not fully aware of the insults Linnea faced in society. If he had known, he would not have let it pass so easily.'
If Laszlo, the devoted brother, had known, he would have stormed the parties with his sword.
Edel felt comforted and proud of this loving brother, and nodded in agreement.
“I will be the Count’s eyes and ears, and I will observe closely.”
A slight smile appeared on Laszlo's lips when he heard it.
***
But shortly before Ian Tallon's visit, another guest was visiting Count Crisis.
“Thank you for allowing me to visit despite the short notice, Count.”
“…I heard that Count Bliss intended to send something with a messenger, but I did not expect the message to be for you.”
The woman carrying an envelope sealed with the Bliss family seal and a box that looked like a gift was Angela Bliss.
“When my grandfather said that someone should be sent to the Count Crisis family, I couldn’t contain my racing heart. You can’t imagine how excited I was.”
"truly?"
“Of course! It’s another chance to see the Count. Does that make you feel uncomfortable?”
“At the moment, that seems to be the case.”
“What a surprise! You seem to be quite shy. Anyway, this is a limited-edition box from the Blue Bird Bakery. I bought it especially for you to try.”
Angela pushed Laszlo with a bright smile, but he felt a strange shiver. He had never before felt like prey before a predator, but now he understood that feeling.
'Didn't Edel once describe me as a mere novice compared to the veterans of aristocratic society?'
László suddenly remembered this cold assessment from Edel. But he had never been an easy target, not even as a twelve-year-old boy running errands. Now that he was an adult, he wasn't planning on putting on a weak performance.
“I am more interested in Count Place’s message than in the sweets.”
“But the tea hasn’t been served yet. Why the rush?”
“That’s right. I may have forgotten because I felt like you’ve been here for a long time.”
Angela's face froze for a moment at these words, which seemed like a clear message of boredom. But she composed herself, remembering the news that several families were preparing for an engagement with the Crisis family.
“It seems the Count has been eagerly awaiting news from our family. I will give you my grandfather’s letter now, even before tea.”
Angela winked as she handed the envelope to Laszlo, but his facial expression remained impassive.
He tore the envelope open silently and began to read the letter quickly.
“There are one hundred excellent warhorses being bred on the Heroes lands belonging to the Bliss family. Should the Commander of the Royal Guard decide to establish a close relationship with the Bliss family, half of them will be available to him.”
The speech did not explicitly state what was meant by “close relationship,” but the choice of Angela as envoy was enough to make the meaning clear.
When Angela Brod noticed Laszlo's reaction, she quickly added an explanation.
“Heroes are known to be of the famous Obley and Carchicha breed. Their value easily exceeds one hundred thousand ringgit each. My grandfather says he was waiting for the right person to appreciate their true value.”
“But if that’s the case, my Obli and Karkisha breeds are very well known. It’s impossible that no one would appreciate their value.”
“But only a few can use it ‘correctly’.”
The phrase “making good use of warhorses” was alarming and could be interpreted in dangerous ways. However, Angela did nothing but curl her lips into a seductive smile.
'What do you mean by that...?'
Laszlo was about to ask, annoyed, when Edel appeared, serving tea.
Seeing Idell in this position reminded Angela of an uncomfortable experience at the last party. Angela watched intently as Idell placed her cup of tea in front of her, making almost no sound.
Edel's beauty and quiet demeanor remained unchanged. Although she had been a duchess previously, she seemed born to be a housekeeper, her aristocratic background fading as she silently performed her duties before withdrawing.
“I’ve heard that having tea served by a servant is considered a sign of the highest level of hospitality. But, she’s… a servant, isn’t she?”
Angela tilted her head gently and asked Laszlo.
“Yes, it is.”
“It was a pleasure meeting you. I’m Edel, the Crisis family’s housekeeper.”
After Laszlo's answer, Edel introduced herself, which prompted Angela to smile slightly.
“Your name is known here, so there’s no need for an introduction. But, Count, based on what I’ve learned and seen, it’s unreasonable that a maid would attend and enjoy a Crisis family party. Is she really a housekeeper?”
"I don't like beating around the bush. What exactly are you trying to say?"
Laszlo said in a sharp tone.
“Oh my God! I only say that out of concern. Count, you must define precisely this person’s ‘role,’ so that no problems arise with whoever your wife will be later.”
Laszlo felt that Angela's behavior had gone too far, and her attitude had become unbearably ridiculous.