ushernet Chapter 73
Chapter 73
Lianel had once been captivated by Elizabeth.
Her relentless determination, the way she fought fiercely and unflinchingly for her goals, regardless of the means or cost, had deeply impressed him.
‘I thought everything would go smoothly once Julius became Emperor, but it seems even that tenacious Betty has her struggles.’
A faint smile played on Lianel’s lips as he took a sip of tea.
All of it—every choice, every consequence—was Elizabeth’s doing. These were burdens she had chosen, and they were hers alone to bear.
***
After visiting the elementary school, Sain became even more enthusiastic about studying the Imperial language. He seemed eager to learn quickly so he could start attending school.
From time to time, Sain would visit Penelope’s office, stumbling through the words written on various documents. Every time he did, Penelope struggled to suppress the urge to smother him with affection.@@@@
“What did you learn from your tutor today?”
“I learned about grammar... but it’s really hard.”
“Well, that makes sense. Keep at it, though.”
Penelope was in the middle of a cheerful conversation with Sain when the steward entered her office.
“Lord Pablo of the trading company has arrived,” he announced.
“Really? Let him in,” Penelope replied.
“Yes, my lady,” the steward said, bowing before leaving the room.
Sain, sensing it was time to excuse himself, spoke up.
“I’ll go to my swordsmanship training now.”
“Be careful not to hurt yourself,” Penelope advised.
“I will!” Sain chirped, leaving the office.
A few moments later, Pablo entered the room. Penelope greeted him warmly.
“Welcome! I heard things went well with the nobles. You’ve worked hard.”
“It’s all thanks to you, my lady,” Pablo replied modestly.
“No, it’s thanks to your abilities. When the cosmetics are developed, I’ll be counting on you for those too.”
“I will do my utmost,” Pablo promised.
Penelope tilted her head slightly, noticing something odd. Today, Pablo lacked his usual spark. Normally, he would enthusiastically outline his plans, his eyes alight with determination. But today, his demeanor seemed deflated, his confidence dimmed.
“Did something happen in the capital?” Penelope asked.
“N-no, nothing of note,” Pablo stammered.
...So something had happened.
Penelope inwardly scoffed.
She tried to imagine what could have drained Pablo’s energy in the capital but couldn’t come up with anything concrete.
‘Did his pride take a hit dealing with those haughty nobles? If that’s the case, I suppose it’s not something he’d want to report to me.’
Catering to every client’s whims was no easy feat, especially when it sometimes meant swallowing one’s pride.
Glancing at Pablo’s pale complexion, Penelope felt certain of her guess.
‘He must have dealt with some difficult clients in the capital. That’s the only explanation for this slump.’
Clearing her throat, Penelope offered her thoughts.
‘Why on earth would the heroine suddenly take an interest in me? Did she find out about the Tower Master being here? Or maybe the Grand Duke?’
The more Penelope thought about it, the more potential issues came to mind. Too many significant figures were clustered in her small, remote territory.
Even if she were the heroine, Penelope would be curious.
‘So, what should I do now? I can’t refuse the Empress’s invitation. I have to attend the imperial banquet.’
At that moment, a knock on the reception room door echoed through the room.
The one who entered was her secretary, Lucas. He had heard the shocking news from the maids while attending to other duties and had rushed over in haste.
“I heard you’ve received an invitation from Her Majesty the Empress,” Lucas said, slightly out of breath.
“The news has already reached you?”
“There’s probably no one in the manor unaware that an imperial messenger came and went.”
Suddenly, the sound of commotion erupted from the hallway. Penelope turned her head, catching the noisy exchange just outside the door.
“Stop pushing!”
“I was here first! Follow the order of arrival!”
“Do you have no sense of seniority? Clearly, I’m first!”
Clearing her throat, Penelope raised her voice.
“All of you, come in at once!”
The words barely left her lips before the vassals filed into her office. The spacious room quickly became crowded.
Eagerly, they began bombarding her with questions.
“We heard an imperial messenger came!”
“Is it true Her Majesty sent an invitation?”
“Please calm down. Yes, it’s true,” Penelope replied.
She handed the gilded invitation to the steward, who took it with trembling hands.
Instantly, the other vassals surrounded him, peering over his shoulder to read the contents. Each wore a serious expression.
“For Her Majesty herself to invite you, my lady, it’s truly an honor.”
“This is a first in the history of the Halo family!”
“It’s clear Her Majesty recognizes your efforts and contributions.”
The vassals spoke with pride, their faces beaming.
Meanwhile, Penelope couldn’t help but feel conflicted. She asked hesitantly,
“But what should I wear to the banquet?”
“......”
“And, I don’t know anything about court etiquette.”
“Gasp!”
The administrator inhaled sharply, turning to look at the other vassals. They, in turn, exchanged uneasy glances.
“Doesn’t anyone here know court etiquette?”
“I’ve never left Halo in my life. How would I know court etiquette?”
“More importantly, what about attire? What is she supposed to wear?”
At the steward’s pointed remark, the vassals all turned their gaze to Penelope. She flinched under their collective scrutiny, realizing they were assessing her current dress as if it were up for debate.