Chapter. 4
§ Present §
“Is today the day you said you were going to a tea party?”
“Yes, I have some free time today, so I thought I’d go out.”
Whether they were aristocrats or conservatives, they were burdensome people to meet just to alleviate boredom.
Therefore, Goyo chose a place that was neither aristocratic nor conservative, but strictly speaking, a baronet family too weak to join either faction.
The Vermus Baronetcy was a small family that Goyo had never heard of before, neither in the past nor in the present.
Goyo wore a white Empire dress. The fabric covered her chest in a straight line, and transparent lace that revealed her skin covered her shoulders.
The lace pattern was floral but small, so overall, it was calm without anything conspicuous.
“Is it strange?”
“No, it’s beautiful. I was just confirming the style you prefer.”
“I don’t particularly enjoy it. I just wear what’s familiar.”
Though it did reflect some trends.
“Goyo, have you gotten used to the roses?”
“Why suddenly ask?”
“I was wondering if you’d like some wine in the garden tonight after you return.”
“I’m a bit more accustomed now. I even have favorites.”
“The white roses, I presume.”
Annecy smiled softly at Goyo, who widened her eyes as if to ask how he knew.
“Well, I always watch. If you like the white roses.”
Annecy snapped his fingers. The lace that covered her shoulders split and twirled, decorating her from her chest to her back with several roses.
Additionally, the outermost fabric of her skirt rolled up to form frills under the rose decorations.
The slightly flimsy Empire dress had transformed into a mermaid dress with a lavishly decorated chest.
Annecy laughed at Goyo’s surprised expression.
“How do you like this?”
“You really have many talents, even with dresses…”
“Thank you for the compliment, ma’am.”
Annecy had intended to revert it to its original form if she seemed displeased, but seeing Goyo’s expression, it didn’t seem necessary. Annecy, who had been a bit nervous about his actions, relaxed a bit.
Goyo, fascinated by the dress that changed in an instant, looked into the mirror.
Although it was a form she usually didn’t wear and felt bewildering, her reflection in the mirror didn’t look bad at all. The design was extravagant, but the fact that it was white made it less burdensome.
Annecy approached Goyo from behind.
His large hands seemed to encircle Goyo’s shoulders as if to embrace her, then moved to the slender nape of her neck. A garnet as red as Annecy’s hair gleamed at the empty spot on her neck.
The lace disappeared, and the somewhat empty-looking upper part was completed beautifully.
“It’s a gift, Goyo.”
“Th…thank you.”
Though he was a man, his sense wasn’t bad, but he wouldn’t wear a dress every day. Remembering her somewhat lackluster choices, Goyo felt a slight sense of defeat.
“Do you prefer dresses like this?”
“Pardon?”
“Come to think of it, I’ve only answered, never asked. Your preference, Annecy.”
“Since you’re the one wearing it, it should match your taste, but if it’s for my viewing pleasure, I prefer this one.”
Compared to the previous one, that is. Annecy smiled naturally.
“Madam, it’s time to depart now.”
“It’s already that time. Annecy, I must be going.”
As she responded to the maid’s call, Annecy called out to Goyo.
“Is the Vermus Baronetcy near the Imperial Palace?”
“The direction is similar, but it’s close to the edge of the capital, so it’s not near.”
“I’ll escort you. I’m heading to the palace anyway.”
If he was going to say that, why ask if it’s nearby? Goyo’s brown eyes narrowed slightly but soon understood.
It was her first outing since the marriage, so showing it publicly was also necessary.
“That’s fine, but if you insist on riding a horse-drawn carriage as you do when returning to the estate, I’d rather not.”
“That’s just for show, so don’t worry. The capital is too crowded for horse-drawn carriages to be convenient. We’ll take one with automated magic.”
“You ride such ordinary carriages? I thought you’d take the train.”
“It’s a bit impractical to lay tracks in the middle of the capital.”
Well, it’s not that I don’t own a train.
Hearing the response to her joking remark, Goyo decided not to joke about money with Annecy.
* * *
“Welcome, Lady Rubiette. Or should I say Lady Bethelgius now?”
“I didn’t expect to see Lady Frittil here.”
Wasn’t the host of the tea party Lady Vermus?
Turning her gaze, she saw a woman behind, slightly trembling in the shoulders. Her hair was golden, and her somewhat timid face slightly resembled Melissy’s.
Thank you for coming, hearing the small greeting of welcome, Goyo confirmed that the woman was Elly Vermus.
“We were worried because you haven’t shown your face for so long since the wedding.”
Rante Frittil, the next in line to be the Marquis of Frittil, was well-known in social circles along with her younger brother, Conte Frittil. This was due to her rough and rude behavior, masked as honesty.
Rante enjoyed tearing down those who appeared weak, regardless of age or gender, and she had a particular animosity towards Goyo.
Goyo was the eldest daughter of one of the only two dukedoms in the empire, but she lacked the firm capabilities of someone like Terio Alte. Her quiet and calm demeanor made her appear weak in Rante Frittil’s eyes.
‘She must have looked down on me.’
Though Goyo chose a small tea party to attend quietly, she didn’t expect complete secrecy. With Lady Bethelgius attending, a few others would surely show up.
However, she didn’t expect Rante Frittil to bring her followers to the modest tea party of a baronet’s daughter.
Even though Rante liked to gossip, she wasn’t someone with enough free time to attend insignificant events, as she was undergoing heir training.
Since the guest list provided by the butler Lucullui didn’t include Frittil’s name, it was likely a sudden decision to attend.
But since they had met, the subsequent developments were obvious.
The Marquis of Frittil was a key figure among the conservatives, so he wouldn’t care about the aristocratic Bethelgius. Additionally, Rante knew that Goyo tended to overlook most things to avoid any negative influence on Rubiette.
To Rante, Goyo was just a foolish woman who tolerated unpleasant rumors, fearing they might adversely affect Rubiette.
“I came to see Lady Vermus, but I didn’t expect to see you.”
“Yes, Lady Frittil. It’s nice to see you again after such a long time.”
“Perhaps it’s because it’s been so long, but you look particularly radiant today. Is it that your beauty has deepened since your marriage, or is it due to your husband’s wealth?”
Rante’s gaze traveled slowly from the necklace on Goyo’s neck down to her dress. It was one of the glances Goyo hated, but she felt little more than mild annoyance.
“It’s a joke, madam. I was just lightly speaking out of trivial curiosity about where the Marquis’ wealth comes from. Anyway, it’s nice to see you dressed so brightly.”
“Yes, Lady Bethelgius. You used to dress so plainly that I once thought you had been to a funeral.”
“Lady Renier, that’s too much. Although the madam used to dress simply, frugality and modesty are wonderful virtues, aren’t they? Though today, she seems to have dressed up a bit.”
Goyo sighed inwardly as she watched the group laugh out loud.
Thank you. Goyo offered a hollow greeting and sat in the seat Elly Vermus had prepared. Rante naturally took the seat opposite Goyo.
Even after losing the head seat, Elly couldn’t say much and awkwardly called a maid to place the teacups.
Warm Darjeeling. The scent rising from the richly colored tea reminded Goyo of Annecy.
The unpleasantly strong scent he had when they first met had become familiar and turned into something like the scent of black tea. Perhaps he had worn cologne at the beginning.
Goyo’s thoughts didn’t show on her face at all. Emily Renier, Rante’s longtime friend, smirked at Goyo’s aristocratic expression.
“It’s a relief to see you looking well. We were a bit concerned due to the rumors about the Marquis.”
“Oh, you mean those rumors. Lady Emily. About Marquis Bethelgius’s preferences…”
“I heard too. It was shocking to hear.”
The three of them lowered their voices, glancing sideways at Goyo. Their blatant attempt to provoke unease made Goyo feel rather bored.
No matter what the rumors were, they couldn’t be more significant than the reality behind them.
Sipping her black tea, Goyo asked them the question they were hoping for.
“What are these rumors?”
“I hope you don’t take them too seriously, ma’am. They are just rumors.”
‘If they really didn’t want me to take them seriously, they wouldn’t have mentioned them.’
“Yes, please tell me.”
“Well, it’s said that the Marquis…”
Exchanging glances as if gauging the situation, Bella Pierit lowered her voice.
“It’s said he’s never been with a woman. Not only that, but he’s never even kissed one.”
“Oh my, not even a kiss? I’ve heard something too. He sometimes dances with women, but that’s it. He cuts it off right there. Over fifty ladies have been heartbroken after sending him letters, only to be mercilessly rejected.”
“That’s right. But isn’t it strange? They say he’s so kind to his male aide. You know, the one who lives with him in the same house.”
“You mean that male aide? I saw him with another person. He was guiding the servants, and his expression and tone were so gentle. I’ve never seen him look at any lady like that.”
So what they’re saying is…?
Goyo’s face subtly changed. She was so skilled at hiding her emotions that she almost laughed.
Suppressing her amusement, Goyo asked,
“Are you all suggesting that the Marquis of Bethelgius is homosexual?”
“It’s not our words, just the rumors.”
“It’s just gossip. If he were really homosexual, he wouldn’t have married you. How could he dare, with Lady Rubiette herself? You even gave up on Sir Alte for him, didn’t you? There’s no way he would deceive you and marry if he knew your dedication.”
Their intent to provoke was transparent, but Goyo was more entertained by imagining Annecy Bethelgius’s reaction to these rumors than annoyed by their words.
Annecy himself had told her he had no romantic experience, so such rumors made some sense.
Even in an aristocratic society where political marriages were common, it was rare for someone to have no romantic experience before marriage.
Still, calling someone who married a woman a homosexual was absurd. Goyo briefly hesitated, recalling Annecy’s first kiss.
‘Maybe it’s true.’
A kiss could be forced. He did refuse to consummate the marriage.
Whether it was due to the unsettling nature of marrying the offspring of a disgraced family, or perhaps he wanted to cherish his first experience, the possibility that he was truly homosexual couldn’t be entirely ruled out.
Goyo’s head tilted slightly before returning to its original position.
‘His preferences are none of my business.’
“The rumors seem to have gotten out of hand as we shared them. Don’t worry about it, ma’am. Surely you don’t intend to ask your husband about it?”
“Lady Frittil, your jokes are…”
The three seemed to realize their mockery had gone too far and began to wrap up their conversation.
Goyo, who had been listening with an aristocratic demeanor, spoke in a calm voice.
“No, I do intend to mention it.”
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