Chapter 118

It was his sister’s first official occasion to begin seeking a husband, and a chance to dance with many men and present herself to society.

At a debutante’s birthday ball, it was a social rule that every unmarried man invited must dance with the host’s daughter at least once.

“Sarah, never trust a man with vulgar eyes or an easy smile. Also, men who walk sloppily or dress carelessly are the same.”

“I understand, Brother.”

It was only natural for an older brother to worry excessively when his younger sister had just made her debut.

“If you ever get the sense that someone’s a low-quality man, signal me right away. That way, I can help you.”

“I said I understand, Brother.”

No brother in the world would want his sister involved with a man of poor character.

But with her nerves already on edge, Sarah snapped irritably as her brother’s nagging continued to pile on.

Feeling embarrassed, Henry cleared his throat and changed the subject.

“…If only our older brother could attend too. What a shame.”

“There’s nothing we can do. He can’t attend a ball in his condition.”

Their eldest brother had recently fallen while riding and broken his leg.

He couldn’t possibly show up at Sarah’s ball on crutches, and so was stuck in his room.

“…Brother, but do you really think it’s true? Duchess Bayern is really coming today… right?”

Sarah, the star of the day, asked with a worried expression.

How could a child not know that her parents didn’t have impressive connections?

She had seen the reply from House Bayern with her own eyes, but it still felt like a dream.

Henry felt the same. He did his best to hide his anxiety as he replied,

“Of course. The Duchess herself said she would come, so don’t worry. They even said the Duke would accompany her. And it’s all thanks to me, so you should be grateful to your brother.”

The Duchess had replied that she was impressed by the olive tree illustration on the invitation envelope and would attend in person.

They had sent it knowing full well she would likely decline, but put their heart into decorating the envelope just in case—and she had accepted.

Thanks to that, announcing the Duchess’s attendance had drawn many guests.

If not for her, half of the people currently visible through the window wouldn’t be here.

“Oh, right. Brother, you didn’t forget to guide the Duchess to the Long Gallery, did you? Since she said she liked your painting, Mother insists you absolutely must build a connection with her this time. Especially with those rumors going around lately…”

“Rumors?”

Henry tilted his head in confusion.

The first image that came to mind when one mentioned Duchess Bayern was that of a ‘wicked wife’.

He wondered if another scandal had broken out again, but to be honest, it didn’t really matter to Henry.

Regardless of her reputation, artists tend to feel affection for those who recognize their art.

“Yes, apparently the Duke and Duchess have become quite close lately—wait a moment.”

Though their mother didn’t have a wide social circle, she did have a few deep friendships passed down from the previous generation.

And one of those friends had recently heard at a boutique that Duke Bayern had purchased the entire season’s new collection of dresses for his wife.

Thanks to that, even if you tried to make a reservation now, you’d have to wait a long time.

And it wasn’t just from one boutique, either.

“Could it be… the Duchess is expecting…?”

Not long ago, Duchess Bayern had been in seclusion.

But considering how cold their relationship had been until recently—and how, just a little while ago, an indecent rumor had even spread—it was a surprising turnaround.

Since the source of the rumor was her mother’s friend, the boutique part likely wasn’t false.

“Brother, please forget what I just said. Anyway, this isn’t something we know for sure, alright?”

If it was about a pregnancy, it was proper etiquette not to speak of it until the expecting mother herself were to announce it.

Just then, Sarah’s expression darkened.

“…But Duchess Bayern is known for her beauty. What if everyone pays attention to her instead of me?”

Henry winked and teased playfully.

“Don’t worry, Sarah. Today, you’re the main character. It’s the only day when you don’t have to worry about being a wallflower.”

Still… the fact that the Duchess liked his painting—that someone recognized his art—it made him happy.

Henry’s eyes shifted to the grand carriage that had just pulled up beyond the window.

It was the carriage of House Bayern.

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