Chapter 40

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 40

Chapter Title: The First Tea Party

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As soon as Agatha's approval came down, construction began immediately.

Under normal circumstances, she would have only heard reports from the new house and visited after all the preparations were complete. But this time was different.

Agatha skipped breakfast at the Capital Aratus Residence from time to time and spent her days decorating the mansion, tending to the garden herself.

In the process, she naturally ran into Isabel several times.

"The mansion must be so noisy. Isn't it uncomfortable for you?"

"No."

Isabel, with her long blue hair cascading down, shook her head, her pale green eyes gleaming.

"Still, home is the most comfortable place."

Isabel, who hadn't even been able to properly debut in high society due to the tyranny of her relatives, was now preparing for her re-debut.

'Come to think of it, Isabel doesn't have any adults to help her with her debut.'

With Enoch's return, Isabel's position wouldn't be the same as before, but debuting in high society still required someone to guide and protect her.

Agatha ordered a light tea set from the head steward, Ben, at the nearby terrace and sat down across from Isabel.

"I've heard you're putting a lot of effort into re-debuting in high society these days. May I ask how your preparations are going?"

"I've had a new dress made. And I bought a few new pieces of jewelry."

At just eighteen, Isabel was young but steadily doing everything she could on her own.

New clothes, new shoes, new jewelry.

They were all undoubtedly essential for attending high society events. But true high society required more than that.

"How much experience do you have attending social gatherings?"

"Not much. I'm still clumsy with society language."

It wasn't just society language. In Agatha's eyes, Isabel sorely lacked the discernment and connections expected of a noble.

Invitations would pour in, but without an elder from a family to guide or protect her, she'd just become easy prey for the nobles.

She seemed aware of that and cautious, but going into society like that defeated the purpose.

Having organized her thoughts, Agatha picked up her freshly poured warm tea and spoke.

"Once the mansion renovations are done, I plan to open it up and host a small salon for guests."

A bit puzzled but taking Agatha's plan seriously, Isabel listened intently.

"What if you were the second host at that time?"

"The second host?"

"Yes."

Isabel's eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected proposal, and she clasped her hands together.

"Until the autumn social season, why don't you join me to get used to social activities?"

It was called a small salon, but the people around Agatha were all influential figures with their own power bases.

Being around them would naturally sharpen her discernment and familiarize her with society language.

And with Agatha by her side, any mistakes Isabel made would be overlooked generously.

"What do you think?"

Blinking rapidly, Isabel replied in a small voice.

"Do you think I can do well?"

"Everyone starts somewhere. You begin like this, and later you might even host your own salon."

Agatha was offering Isabel a chance to fill in her lacking experience and connections.

"Don't feel burdened. I'm stepping up because I'm the last remaining elder of the Aratus family by your side."

After gazing at Agatha for a moment, Isabel bowed her head slightly.

"Thank you for your consideration, Madam Agatha."

Watching the scene, the head steward Ben smiled warmly.

The renovations to the Capital Aratus Residence progressed swiftly.

They artistically trimmed the garden that had been full of only trees and filled it with blue roses. They also purchased paintings and sculptures to decorate the finished mansion.

New furniture was bought, heirloom plates, teacups, and tapestries were brought out, and trendy teas and fine wines were procured.

Curtains and drapes changed to white and blue to match the season, vases crafted by imperial artisans, and elegantly refined decorations.

The stately old Capital Aratus Residence gained a touch of sophisticated elegance.

With the mansion nearly fully decorated, Agatha sat down with Isabel, who had grown much closer to her, and began compiling the guest list.

"Do you have any noble friends you'd like to invite?"

"No. I don't have anyone I'm close enough to invite."

"Then take a look at this list."

Agatha showed Isabel the list she had prepared.

It was a selection of young ladies around Isabel's age with good character and from reputable families.

Becoming friends with any of them would allow Isabel to settle smoothly into high society.

"If there's anyone you're wary of or on bad terms with, let me know."

Isabel scanned the list with sparkling eyes and smiled.

"They all seem like wonderful people."

"Then we'll send out invitations based on this list."

"Yes, Madam."

Agatha pulled out a pre-prepared sheet of stationery and handed it to Isabel.

"Why don't you try writing the invitation wording?"

It was an essential experience for Isabel, who had never written an invitation before.

"How about this?"

"That's fine. What scent would you like to apply to the invitations?"

"Since we planted roses in the garden, shall we spritz them with rose perfume?"

They also decided together on the tea leaves to serve and the menu for the refreshments.

It was practically the same as slowly showing her how a tea party begins from the very start.

With the first social gathering after the Capital Aratus Residence's makeover decided to be a tea party,

the thing awaiting Agatha, who returned late to the new house at night, was an invitation to the first performance of the orchestra she sponsored, scheduled for late summer.

"Madam. It seems the first performance this year will also be by the Abram Orchestra."

"Is that so?"

Agatha, fresh out of her bath, took the invitation from her close attendant maid, Jessie.

The Abram Orchestra was the ensemble sponsored by Agatha.

After the sweltering heat subsided but before autumn arrived.

This was the season when artists supported by noble families showcased their achievements through performances and exhibitions.

The first performance invited not only sponsoring nobles but also influential high society figures.

Unless something urgent came up, she would have to attend.

"I'll need to adjust my schedule."

Even after Agatha set the invitation down on the table, Jessie hesitated without withdrawing.

"What's wrong?"

"Shall I speak to the steward and request the marquis's attendance?"

"......"

Agatha silently walked over to the bedroom window. Careful hands gently touched her still-damp hair.

"Just in case."

Jessie added softly. Couples usually attended first performances together.

Art patronage was one of the major endeavors among noble families.

Though unspoken, many servants had noticed the awkwardness between the couple lately, just like Jessie.

The knights who always escorted her would be the same.

Agatha closed her eyes and murmured softly.

"He'll handle it himself."

He wouldn't skip it and fuel rumors of discord.

That was the kind of man Enoch was, as far as Agatha knew.

'......Though I'm not sure about now.'

Hiihing-

The sound of a horse neighing outside the window and the steward greeting someone reached her ears.

She opened her eyes. In the darkness, familiar blue hair came into view.

"It seems the marquis has returned."

"......I suppose so."

The moment their gazes met—those deep ash-gray eyes.

Agatha reflexively pulled the curtain closed, covering the window.

"Madam?"

"I'm going to bed now. Everyone out."

The other close attendant maid, Marie, glared at Jessie behind Agatha's back as she left the room.

With the area cleared and her flustered heart settling, Agatha still couldn't reopen the curtain.

Outside, Enoch, who had just dismounted, stared up toward Agatha's bedroom for a while.

"Marquis?"

"......It's nothing."

Enoch handed the reins to the puzzled steward and entered the main residence.

Before turning left from the central corridor on the fourth floor, he glanced toward his wife's quarters opposite and asked his aide, John.

"You said there's a tea party at the Aratus Residence soon."

"Yes, my lord."

"Clear my schedule then."

The aide's eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly bowed his head.

"Understood. I'll make it so."

Only then did Enoch turn toward his private study. His retainers followed behind, their faces noticeably brighter.

On the day of the tea party at the Capital Aratus Residence.

It was still early, before the salon began, but visitors had been overflowing since morning.

Even those not invited to the salon could tour the first floor by reservation.

Word had spread that it was the first time the mansion was opening and that Agatha Noblesse had secluded herself to decorate it, drawing crowds of visitors.

The nobles who toured the mansion, even briefly, all said the same thing.

-The biggest disappointment is not being able to see the sponsorship garden up close!

It was a lament because the rare blue rose garden was reserved only for salon invitees.

As the midday sun began to tilt, casting shadows.

Just as Agatha intended, perceptions of the Aratus family were gradually shifting from the roots, and in the garden inaccessible to general visitors, guests were being welcomed in full swing.

Agatha smiled, greeting Vanessa Beatrice, the lady marquess heiress and one of her closest allies, alongside Isabel.

"Welcome, Lady Vanessa."

"Thank you for inviting me, Madam Agatha. The mansion is beautiful. As expected of one you've personally overseen."

"You're too kind. Oh, this is Lady Isabel Aratus."

Isabel stepped forward and bowed slightly.

"Hello, Lady Beatrice. I'm Isabel Aratus."