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The weekend has arrived.

It was truly a splendid day.

The weather was so nice, with a cloudless sky and a refreshing breeze that naturally lifted Bella’s spirits.

Yes, today is a perfect day for a date.

But, as expected, the clueless guy probably wouldn’t know that on such a day, the man should be the one to suggest a date.

‘Hmph. He’s such a coward…’

Acting like he owns the world, yet he can’t even catch onto something so basic.

Well, it’s kind of cute, actually. No, no. Scratch that. Just a tiny bit cute.

Thinking about it again, it’s really infuriating.

After promising to train together, Bella had been waiting for Tristan’s call.

Even at the Izakhel Mansion, she paid attention to her posture and attire. But whether he knew her feelings or not, he hadn’t contacted her for days, let alone visited.

In the end, it was Bella who ran out of patience.

He said we should train together sweetly!

When did he ever say we should hold hands and train together nicely!

…Well, thinking about it, he never actually said that, but whatever.

Bella gathered all the wooden swords from the dojo and changed into her training uniform. Ready for battle. She headed straight to the Ruelberta Mansion with Blanshe.

Maybe Tristan had anticipated that Bella would do this.

Just as prideful as she was, he hated losing just as much.

‘Hmph. I’ll gladly play along.’

This is definitely not giving in to him.

It’s just because the weather is so nice.

It’s just too good to pass up.

Bella nodded to herself.

She should say she came to train when she suddenly showed up.

That’s all she’s doing. It’s his job to suggest a date.

Bella, you’ve done enough. Yeah, yeah.

Arriving at the Ruelberta Mansion, Bella started to worry as soon as she got out of the carriage.

“Blanshe…”

“Yes, miss.”

“It’s unlikely, but… did the coachman drop us off at the wrong place?”

In response to Bella’s question, Blanshe looked around. True to her meticulous nature, she carefully examined the surroundings and finally concluded.

“No… This is definitely the Ruelberta Family’s mansion.”

“Then what is it…? Why is it so…?”

“Could it be the princess?!”

A guard from the mansion recognized her and hurried over, saluting.

“Sorry, I should have greeted you right away, but we’ve been busy… Did you have an appointment with the Count?”

“No, I came unannounced today. But between me and the Count, it’s not strange, right?”

“Ah… Yes, yes! Of course! Not strange at all.”

Bella smiled subtly at the guard who quickly agreed and asked the question she had been holding onto.

“But what’s the occasion today? The mansion looks quite splendid…”

“Ah, that’s… It’s hard to believe, but the Count… uh…”

The young guard scratched his head like a boy telling an obvious lie.

“He’s hosting a tea party.”

*

“With the title of Ruelberta Head Butler, I will prepare the most luxurious tea party!”

When I casually mentioned the idea, the seasoned butler, unusually excited, declared.

I hadn’t expected such a reaction.

I had only intended to gather the mansion staff for a chat. The weather was nice, so I thought it would be good to have tea outdoors.

I even used the term “tea party,” something nobles enjoy.

But before I could finish, the butler, with the face of a vanguard charging into battle, vowed to prepare the most luxurious tea party.

True to his word, the central garden, the stage for the tea party, was transforming remarkably.

Tables were set up in the garden, and decorative flowers, brought from who knows where, added a vibrant atmosphere. It felt like being at an outdoor wedding.

I might not know much about noble culture in this world, but I thought tea time and tea party were the same.

No, even so, it’s just a tea gathering. There’s no need to go all out like this.

Just in case, I told the butler again.

This tea party isn’t for inviting other nobles, but just to share something with the mansion staff.

But the butler, as if he already knew, just told me not to worry.

From morning, the mansion staff was bustling. Watching them move in perfect harmony, Wendy, dressed in her maid uniform, approached.

“Goo-good morning, Count.”

“Hmm.”

After some small talk, when the topic of the tea party came up, Wendy, as if she had something to say, opened her mouth.

“Umm… Count. I heard from others…”

Listening to Wendy, it seemed this was the first tea party held at this mansion.

For noble families, they usually have one every month, or at least once a year, but this was the first for the Ruelberta Family.

Listening to Wendy, I roughly understood.

The black lion, symbol of the Ruelberta Family, and the mansion itself had a generally gloomy atmosphere.

Far from a vibrant tea party. Whether they knew it or just disliked parties, Tristan and previous heads of the family rarely appeared in social scenes.

‘Well, a villain like Tristan showing up at a party would just ruin the mood.’

Thinking about it, not just Tristan, but the whole family was like that.

The relatives I’ve met so far were only interested in making money or business, rarely gathering, and when they did, it was just for a quick meal before parting.

Thinking that, Wendy tried to approach the busy staff.

“Wendy. Where are you going?”

“I, I want to help!”

“…Stay quietly by my side.”

Don’t go breaking plates trying to help.

“Okay…”

Though I didn’t say it out loud, my expression must have conveyed it.

Wendy’s slumped figure looked pitiful.

Making sure no one was watching, I patted Wendy’s head.

Instantly, her previously slumped face brightened with a smile.

“Hehe…”

“Don’t laugh.”

“But, but it feels good when the Count pats my head…”

“I wasn’t patting. I was wiping something off my hand.”

“Eek?! Really?!”

“Just kidding. Don’t make a fuss.”

“Ugh… You’re so mean…”

Now, teasing her this much doesn’t make her tear up. Instead, she looks at me with a pout.

She probably thinks she’s expressing strong dissatisfaction, but to me, it just looks like she’s being cute.

Trying not to laugh, I decided to give Wendy a task.

“If you really want to help, go bring your family from the villa. Everyone in the mansion will be participating in today’s tea party.”

“Us? But we’re just staff…”

“Do I look like someone who would invite other nobles?”

“No…”

“That was quick.”

“I, I’m sorry!”

I know I don’t have any friends.

I lightly pinched Wendy’s cheek.

Playing with her soft, mochi-like cheek, I said.

“Originally, this tea party is for the mansion staff. Go bring your family to join.”

“Ye, yes!”

Wendy, with her cheek being pinched, quickly ran off.

Today, I planned to gather the mansion staff to discuss the northern expedition.

Recently, the mansion family has grown a lot. Some might not have been properly introduced yet due to overlapping duties.

Though it went differently than I intended, seeing the staff’s excited expressions, this didn’t seem so bad.

A tea party usually involves sending out invitations to various families, but I don’t have any close noble families. Just gathering our family should make it lively enough.

“Count!”

Huh?

Hearing a sudden voice, I looked towards the mansion’s main gate.

There, an unexpected guest was striding towards me.

Now that I think about it, there is one noble I’m close to.

*

“Ah, really. If you’re having a party, you should have told me earlier!”

The silver-haired princess, Bella, sat at the temporarily set table, grumbling at me.

“…I decided to have the party suddenly today.”

“What if I hadn’t brought a dress? My thorough preparation saved you, you know.”

“Saved me?”

“Were you planning to invite a girl to a party without a dress?”

“…I don’t recall inviting you.”

Bella had changed into a dress at my mansion and reappeared ready to enjoy the tea party.

How did she know to show up without an invitation?

“So, what brings you here?”

“What do you think brings me here?”

I briefly recalled earlier memories.

Before changing into a dress, Bella was wearing a neat training uniform.

That means… she came for the training we did at the imperial palace last time.

I completely forgot.

Well, more accurately, I missed the timing to set a date.

But admitting that wouldn’t be like Tristan.

I let out a bit of ‘pride’ and spoke.

“I see. You came to receive my teachings.”

“…No? You came to receive my teachings.”

“Speak clearly. You’re receiving my teachings.”

“No, I’m not.”

“Don’t be stubborn.”

“I’m not being stubborn.”

“Don’t bluff.”

“I’m not bluffing. If anything, you’re the one bluffing. In swordsmanship, I’m at least… no, at least three steps ahead of you.”

“Three steps? I’ll catch up quickly. Haven’t you heard the fable of the tortoise and the hare?”

“The tortoise and the hare…? What’s that? Is it famous?”

“You don’t know? How uncultured.”

“Hahaha…”

Creak.

Bella, who had been laughing strangely, stood up from her chair and glared at me.

“…Don’t expect any culture from my sword today.”

Her gaze was so cold that without ‘pride,’ I might have shivered.

But I maintained my composure, sipping tea, and spoke.

“Bella.”

“What? It’s too late to beg now.”

“I never expected culture from your sword.”

“Ah, really! You’re so annoying!”

 

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