Chapter 138
Chapter 138 Waiting. (1)
“I don’t really have anything. I plan to go back to the territory as soon as the work is finished.”
I originally came to the capital to sell cosmetics and build connections with the Marquis.
Now that I’ve achieved my goal, there’s no need to stay longer.
I intended to return right after securing a schedule for buying slaves and relocating the territory residents.
However, it seemed Marquis Branford had other plans.
“Good, then. I’ll hold a banquet soon. It’s fastest to meet nobles and forge connections by attending gatherings. You should also accompany Rosalyn to the prominent nobles’ meetings.”
“Thank you for your consideration. But there’s really no need for that.”
With connections, Marquis Branford and Meriel are more than enough.
Besides, having already accomplished my purpose, what would I gain by meeting other nobles? It’s just a hassle and a waste of time.
But Marquis Branford ignored Ghislaine’s refusal and leisurely continued speaking.
“Now that I’m your guardian, it’s proper to greet the nobility of the same faction. That way, they can help you in the future. Familiarizing yourself with nobles from other factions will also be beneficial.”
Ghislaine scoffed inwardly.
‘Really, who in this kingdom knows more about the nobility than I do?’
She may not know their faces well, but she had most of the information about the well-off nobles.
So she didn’t feel any necessity to build relationships with other nobles.
“It’s fine. I can just stay at the mansion…”
“Attend.”
At the Marquis’s coercive order, Ghislaine pouted her lips in discontent.
At this point, there was no choice but to attend.
‘Ah, this is so annoying…’
Still grumbling internally, Ghislaine changed her mind.
This kind of insistence meant he really intended to support her.
Thinking that it’s better to have something good come out of it, she figured it wouldn’t be bad to look around and see if there was anything worthwhile while she was out.
Cardenia, being the capital of the kingdom, was more developed than other territories.
It might inspire her regarding what to implement in the Penris territory, whether there are any flaws in her future plans.
“Understood. Then, I suppose… I will rest for a while before I go.”
“I’ll send someone as soon as it’s ready. Don’t cause any trouble and just wait quietly.”
It seemed Marquis Branford had realized a bit about what kind of person Ghislaine was.
Given his warning to not create any accidents.
*
A few days later, a grand banquet was held at the House of Marquis Branford.
Since it was publicly opened for anyone to attend, nobles flocked in droves.
The nobles who arrived first chatted away, waiting for the banquet to start.
Especially, the noblewomen close to Rosalyn were all busy gossiping about her.
“Have you heard? They say Rosalyn has completely recovered from her illness.”
“I’ve heard about it too, but isn’t it just a rumor? If she was truly better, she would have attended the gatherings already, right? So why hasn’t she shown up?”
The rumor of Rosalyn’s recovery had spread throughout the capital.
However, since the person in question had not appeared in official settings, checking the rumor’s validity was impossible.
The noblewomen’s chatter shifted from Rosalyn to Ghislaine.
“They say using Baron Penris’s cosmetics cured her skin disease.”
“Come on, how is that possible? Not even priests or doctors could cure it, so how could cosmetics do the trick?”
“Still, the cosmetics do have good effects, don’t they?”
Once Rosalyn’s treatment concluded, the siege on Crow Mansion was lifted, and the sale of cosmetics resumed.
Sales were still going well, but no one buying them thought they could cure any disease.
The popularity of the cosmetics had simply turned the rumors into mere subjects of interest.
“Wasn’t today’s banquet held because of Baron Penris?”
“Right, Marquis Branford agreed to be his guardian.”
“Isn’t that just another rumor?”
The nobles all chattered, doubting and speculating about the rumors.
Why would the Marquis act as a guardian for such a rural fellow?
However, since it was mentioned by nobles close to the Crown Prince faction, they couldn’t dismiss it outright.
Most attendees were eager to verify the rumors directly concerning Ghislaine and Rosalyn.
“Marquis Branford is here!”
The attendant guarding the banquet hall announced loudly. Everyone lowered their heads in respect.
Marquis Branford entered, capturing everyone’s attention and sitting at the head table.
Soon, several nobles approached to greet him.
Marquis Branford rarely attended banquets or gatherings.
Thus, nobles hoping to make a good impression didn’t want to miss this opportunity.
“Your Grace, this is my tribute.”
“This is said to be valuable from the West…”
The nobles hurried to present their gifts.
However, Marquis Branford showed not the slightest interest in the gifts and merely nodded.
“Thank you.”
That was all he said. Yet everyone was glad simply to feel they had made an impression.
On one side, the pile of gifts amassed madly. Just the value of the gifts alone could serve as the budget for an average territory for several years.
As the boringly long presentation of gifts gradually subsided, the attendant at the entrance loudly announced Ghislaine’s name.
“Baroness Penris is here!”
Everyone’s gaze instantly turned to the entrance. It was exactly as Marquis Branford had intended.
Though it deviated slightly from custom, the title of the kingdom’s highest power wasn’t something lightly shaken by such small criticisms.
Boom!
The door opened, and Ghislaine entered the banquet hall.
Upon seeing Ghislaine’s face, Marquis Branford lifted the corners of his mouth.
It was an expression unmistakably showing discomfort.
She wasn’t scared or nervous—her expression clearly conveyed how much she found the situation annoying.
Moreover, despite the crowded gazes of numerous nobles, her demeanor was entirely unfazed.
‘Truly an interesting one.’
Unlike the delighted Marquis Branford, Ghislaine was struggling to suppress her irritation and annoyance.
‘Ugh, how long is this going to go on?’
She didn’t mind being the center of attention, but that was only on her own terms.
Being dragged into such a situation among nobles and having to observe etiquette wasn’t her style at all.
When Ghislaine approached and stood beside Marquis Branford, the Marquis stood up and looked around at everyone.
“Some may already know, but I, the Marquis, have agreed to be the guardian of Baron Penris. Please treat him as you would treat me in the future.”
Though it was merely a request, it was practically an order.
Nobles in the banquet hall began murmuring among themselves.
“Wow, the rumors were true.”
“Even if he is the heir of the Duke from Perdium… isn’t that territory virtually useless?”
“He’s too young. What can that young man possibly do?”
Although Baron Penris had gained a slight bit of fame through cosmetics, he was essentially just a tradesman.
He lacked the foundation to associate with the Marquis.
Even some nobles from the Crown Prince faction shook their heads.
“To support someone like that in such urgent times—he’s not even better than Count Brivan.”
“Surely the Marquis must have something in mind.”
“Perhaps he just felt compelled to grant a request because of his daughter’s treatment…”
They clicked their tongues, looking at Ghislaine with scornful eyes.
Because of that one guy, the plans led by the royal family and Crown Prince faction had been completely derailed.
Now, supporting Perdium, which was much lesser than Brivan, was a mess.
While the decision ultimately aligned with the will of Marquis Branford, whispers continued to float in the background.
In other words, Marquis Branford was laden with a political burden because of Ghislaine.
“And regarding my role as a guardian. If I were to support someone, wouldn’t it make more sense to support talented offspring from good households?”
“I just can’t comprehend this. The favor he’s receiving seems excessive for his talents.”
“Come on, let’s just watch, shall we?”
Because of this, nobles from the Crown Prince faction often faced heated arguments with each other.
Thus, those who disliked Ghislaine could only continue to boil with rage.
Ignoring the murmurs, Marquis Branford continued speaking.
“Ah, and my daughter Rosalyn has recovered from her illness thanks to Baron Penris. This banquet is also to celebrate my daughter Rosalyn’s recovery, so I hope everyone enjoys themselves.”
With that statement, the doors of the banquet hall opened. The attendant belatedly raised his voice.
“Lady Rosalyn Branford is here!”
Rosalyn slowly entered the banquet hall.
People immediately turned their attention to her. Everyone was clearly curious to see if Rosalyn was truly cured.
As she walked, those close to her began to express admirations one by one.
“Oh wow!”
“It’s true! She really is better!”
“She looks just the same! No, her skin seems even better!”
People were caught up in excitement.
To heal a skin disease that priests and doctors had given up on, what kind of amazing cosmetics could accomplish such effects?
“Huh, are you telling me that a mere cosmetic is better than a priest? I can’t believe it.”
“Regardless, Baron Penris is definitely exceptional at that technique.”
“It’s a legend! That cosmetic is going to become a legend!”
As Rosalyn held her head high, people cheered even louder.
Meriel, who was with the noblewomen, clasped her hands, her face glowing with joy.
‘She really did get better. The Marquis is just cruel. Why didn’t he show me sooner?’
It would be a lie to say she wasn’t a bit hurt, but the joy of being able to reconnect with Rosalyn outweighed that feeling.
Rosalyn slightly bowed her head and greeted everyone.
Her cheeks flushed with excitement as she basked in the moment.
‘Who would have thought a day like this would come again…’
How long had she dreamed of standing here once more?
Rosalyn turned her gaze to Ghislaine, who was looking up at her from below.
The one who restored the joy she had given up after being forced to live in darkness.
Without Ghislaine, she wouldn’t be standing there at all.
When Ghislaine caught Rosalyn’s gaze, she smiled playfully and shrugged her shoulders.
Once Rosalyn finished her greetings, Marquis Branford announced the start of the banquet.
“Then, everyone, please enjoy the banquet.”
Soon, the music from the orchestra began, but no one moved. Everyone was staring at Ghislaine.
The only sound filling the banquet hall was the music; not even a cough could be heard.
The reason was simple. The high-ranking nobles were not moving.
The lower-ranking nobles shuffled back, unsure of what to do, and merely observed.
It was clearly a celebratory banquet, yet tension filled the air all around.
