Chapter 59

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 59

Chapter Title: Garden Whispers

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"Even so, if you're curious about what happened on Palavi Island, I could say this much."

She deliberately lowered her tone and quickened her pace before continuing.

"Thanks to this trade deal, not only Noblesse and Aratus but everyone involved stands to make a fortune. Just as His Majesty was exceedingly pleased."

As she mentioned the investment opportunity that had all the noble houses scrambling since not everyone could participate, laughter began to ripple through the previously hushed garden.

"Indeed. Baroness Mident asked something so predictable."

"I heard His Majesty was overjoyed at the time."

After that, Agatha didn't need to steer the conversation any further. Those gauging her mood took it upon themselves to expand and embellish the topic.

"By the way, this year's wines are all superb."

"I need to pick up some of that red from the southern regions."

"The ones that came through the Noblesse trading company, right?"

"Lady Agatha must have selected them meticulously, so the quality is guaranteed."

"I should buy a few more cases myself."

Agatha tapped her glass lightly and smiled. Like a sea grown calm after the waves subsided, no more talk of the Mainucor delegation surfaced from the group, though she knew currents still swirled beneath the surface.

"I think the wine's gone to my head a bit. I'll step out to the garden for some air."

"Yes, my lady. Take your time."

Agatha left Isabel, who had come with her, among the now-docile ladies and slipped away. As she settled onto a sofa bathed in lantern light, Lady Iris approached.

"There were no signs of Baroness Mident cozying up to Neuta."

"I figured as much. She's always had a bit of a rude streak."

It seemed rumors had spread that Second Prince Fernando was part of the Mainucor delegation.

For someone like Baroness Mident, the appearance of Agatha—who had just held her seventh wedding—and her second ex-husband must have been delightful gossip fodder.

'Maybe I should dial back the attention a little.'

She usually turned a blind eye to whatever chatter went on behind her back, but this was different.

The woman had dared to wag her tongue right in front of her.

Besides, considering what lay ahead, a gentle squeeze now might be wise.

After all, there were always those who thought, just this once won't hurt.

"The Mident baron's finances aren't in great shape these days, are they?"

Lady Iris smiled at Agatha's words.

"I heard the trading company they invested in didn't perform well."

"Oh dear, when they're so desperate for help. I wonder if anyone has the spare funds to assist these days."

"Still, with the family's reserves, they should hold out for a while, no?"

"That would be fortunate indeed."

No one within the reach of Noblesse Trading Company's influence would lend money to House Mident.

It wasn't some grand maneuver, but it served as a light warning.

With her mind much lighter, Agatha rose from the sofa.

"I should head back to the mansion now."

Enoch would be waiting. And she'd spent just the right amount of time.

As Agatha signaled her departure, Viscountess Jodolph—the hostess of today's tasting—came out to bid her farewell.

"Leaving already?"

"Yes, I had a wonderful time, thanks to you."

"Nonsense. There must have been shortcomings, but I'm delighted you enjoyed it."

"Until the next gathering, then."

"Safe travels."

The moon hung full and lush. As Agatha gazed blankly out the moving carriage window, her eyes suddenly sparkled.

No sooner had they passed through the gates of the newlywed mansion than she spotted someone standing before the main residence in the distance.

Her husband.

"Enoch."

"Welcome home, Agatha."

The moment Leon, the first vice-captain who had escorted her today, opened the door, Agatha flung herself into his arms.

"Agatha?"

The man who naturally caught her whispered softly, as if sensing something was amiss.

"I'm glad you're at the mansion."

"......"

He let out a long breath and smiled faintly.

"Worth the late wait."

"I have something I'm curious about."

"What might that be?"

Agatha rested her chin on his firm chest and looked up at Enoch. His hand, still rough around the edges, gently stroked her cheek.

"Tell me. I'm curious too."

"I ran into Baroness Mident at the salon today."

"Mident."

"Seeing her brazenly mention the Mainucor Empire's delegation right in front of me made me think someone might be saying similar things to you."

"......Is that so."

The man, who had gazed at her as sweetly as melted sugar, slowly shifted his eyes beyond her. Agatha furrowed her brow.

"What was that look? I've already dealt with the baroness, for now."

"Well done."

He brought his gaze back and chuckled lowly.

"Your turn now. Did anyone dare say anything to you?"

"No one. And if there were, they're gone."

Really?

Agatha narrowed her eyes and stared at Enoch. The slight buzz from the wine made her feel a bit hazy.

The hand patting her back slid lower, and suddenly Enoch scooped her up.

"It's cold out here. Shall we continue inside? I'll carry you to the bath."

"......All right."

That night felt even hotter, or so it seemed. Waking the next morning, Agatha recalled their conversation and pressed her forehead, then forced a positive outlook.

At least there were no issues with Enoch.

After Agatha made her move, no one asked her about the Mainucor delegation again.

Her warning, delivered through House Mident, had spread effectively throughout high society.

Autumn, as the leaves began to turn.

As the fall social season kicked off, the biggest news to sweep in was, predictably, the arrival of the delegation dispatched from the Mainucor Empire.

Agatha, who had been overseeing renovations at the Aratus mansion in the capital, the newlywed residence, and even Noblesse's first and third estates, set down her papers at the distant cheers echoing over.

"They've arrived."

"They just passed through the city gates."

Esel, the first aide reporting on the renovation progress, spoke up.

Just as she was about to sigh.

A polite knock sounded, and in came her trusted maid, Jessie, who curtsied.

"I'm back, my lady."

The maid Agatha had sent to the gates timed for the delegation's arrival had returned.

"How was it?"

"They were entering amid flowers strewn along the main avenue. His Highness the Second Prince led the way."

"Things are about to get really noisy now."

High society had already been abuzz at mere rumors of her second ex-husband's visit.

She'd issued warnings, but with the man himself here in the flesh, who knew the chaos.

And with Neuta demanding attention too, the timing couldn't have been worse.

"Um, my lady."

"Yes?"

Jessie, who had been fidgeting with her hands the whole time, suddenly spoke up.

"I heard a new rumor on my way back."

"What rumor?"

"They say the Second Prince's son is with the delegation."

"What?"

Agatha blinked rapidly in surprise. Having served through her second marriage, Jessie had seen Fernando's son—Adan Mainyu—before.

"You saw him yourself?"

"Yes, at the tail end of the delegation."

Bringing the imperial grandson to Roxiba?

"Good heavens."

Was it boldness or sheer stupidity?

Agatha's head throbbed. Truth be told, what Fernando did with his son was none of her concern—but dragging him to Roxiba was another matter entirely.

Given that he traveled with the delegation, the boy was likely past adulthood.

Probably around sixteen or so.

'......He didn't bring him here to find a bride, did he?'

She shook her head, dismissing the absurd thought.

High society—and the capital itself—would be even more uproarious now.

"Esel. Find out what the Second Prince intends by bringing the imperial grandson."

"Understood."

Whatever his plan, better prepared than blindsided.

'I need to keep a closer eye on Neuta.'

And high society's movements too.

Agatha immediately pulled out stationery. The recipients: Lady Iris and Madam Shallet.

The delegation from the Mainucor Empire entered the capital of the Roxiba Empire amid grand fanfare.

Though he had once been married to Agatha Noblesse, this was Prince Fernando's first visit to Roxiba.

Fernando, who had been scanning for Agatha right up until the imperial audience, bowed formally as majestic trumpet blasts resounded.

"I pay my respects to His Majesty, Emperor of Roxiba."

Emperor Warmirai II of the Roxiba Empire had arrived.

"Welcome to Roxiba, Second Prince Fernando."

"I am deeply honored."

Platinum hair and blue eyes.

The middle-aged emperor bore a striking resemblance to Agatha, as befitted close kin.

At Fernando's signal, Count Montiol—the Mainucor delegation's chief administrator—presented the letter from the Mainucor emperor with utmost respect.

"His Majesty the Emperor of Mainucor sends his regards to Your Majesty. Here is the letter."

The emperor took the letter from the chamberlain and burst into laughter.

"Excellent. It seems the agreement will proceed as planned. A welcome ball will be held soon—rest well until then, Second Prince."

"I am deeply honored."

The emperor's gaze briefly flicked to—and away from—the young man amid the delegation who resembled Fernando.

His brow furrowed ever so slightly before smoothing, noticed only by the chamberlain and the captain of the guard standing close by.