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I had initially come to the capital to sell cosmetics and establish a connection with the Marquis.

Since I had achieved my goals, there was no need to stay any longer.

I planned to return as soon as I finalized the schedule for procuring slaves and relocating the estate’s residents.

However, the Marquis of Branford seemed to have other ideas.

“That’s good to hear. I’ll host a banquet soon. Attending gatherings is the quickest way to familiarize yourself with other nobles and strengthen your connections. It would be beneficial for you to attend influential nobles’ gatherings with Rosalyn.”

“Thank you for your consideration. But there’s really no need.”

As far as connections were concerned, just having the Marquis of Branford and Mariel was enough.

I had already achieved my purpose, so what was the point of meeting other nobles? It would only be a bother and a waste of time.

However, the Marquis of Branford ignored my refusal and continued to speak leisurely.

“Since I’ve become your patron, it’s only proper to greet the nobles of the same faction. That way, they’ll be more inclined to assist you in the future. It would also be useful to familiarize yourself with nobles from other factions.”

I inwardly scoffed.

‘Seriously, who in this kingdom knows more about the nobles than I do?’

I might not know their faces well, but I was already aware of most of the information on the more prominent nobles.

So, I didn’t feel the need to bother building connections with other nobles.

“It’s fine. I’d rather just stay at the mansion…”

“Attend.”

At the Marquis of Branford’s stern command, I pursed my lips in dissatisfaction.

With him being this insistent, I had no choice but to attend.

‘Ugh, this is such a hassle…’

I grumbled inwardly, but changed my perspective.

For him to go this far meant that he really intends to firmly support me.

Since it was a good thing anyway, it wouldn’t be bad to look around and see if there was anything I could gain while I was out and about.

As the capital of the kingdom, Cardenia was more developed than other territories.

I might find aspects that could be applied to Fenris Estate, or gain insights on what to avoid among the things I planned to introduce.

“Alright. In that case, I’ll take a little time to rest before leaving for the estate.”

“I’ll send someone to notify you as soon as everything is prepared. Make sure you don’t cause any trouble and wait quietly.”

It seemed the Marquis of Branford had somewhat figured out what kind of person I was.

Considering he told me not to cause any trouble, that was.

* * *

A few days later, a grand banquet was held at the Marquis of Branford’s estate.

Since the banquet was open to everyone, nobles flocked there in droves.

Those who arrived early conversed among themselves as they waited for the event to begin.

The ladies who were particularly close to Rosalyn were all busy talking about her.

“Have you heard? They say Rosalyn’s illness has been completely cured.”

“I’ve heard that too, but isn’t it just a rumor? If she had fully recovered, she would have attended the gatherings by now. Why hasn’t she shown up yet?”

The rumor that Rosalyn’s illness had been cured had already spread throughout the capital.

However, since the person in question had yet to make an appearance at any official event, no one could verify the truth of the rumor.

The topic of the ladies’ conversation shifted from Rosalyn to Ghislain.

“They say her skin condition was cured after using Baron Fenris’s cosmetics.”

“Oh, come on, does that make sense? How could cosmetics cure what even priests and doctors couldn’t?”

“Still, those cosmetics are pretty effective, aren’t they?”

As soon as Rosalyn’s treatment ended, the blockade around Crow Mansion was lifted, and the sale of cosmetics resumed.

The products were still selling well, but no one who bought them thought they could actually cure any illness.

The popularity of the cosmetics was so high that the rumors simply spread as an amusing piece of gossip.

“Isn’t this banquet today being held because of Baron Fenris?”

“That’s right, I heard the Marquis of Branford has decided to become his patron.”

“Isn’t that just another rumor?”

The nobles chattered, half-believing, and half-doubting the rumors they had heard.

Why would the Marquis of Branford, of all people, agree to be the patron of some country bumpkin?

However, since the story had come from nobles close to the royal faction, it was hard to dismiss it as a lie.

Most of those attending the banquet were eager to confirm the rumors about Ghislain and Rosalyn for themselves.

“The Marquis of Branford is entering!”

The servant standing at the entrance of the banquet hall called out loudly. Everyone bowed their heads in respect.

The Marquis of Branford entered, drawing all eyes to himself, and took his seat of honor in the hall.

Soon, several nobles approached to greet him.

The Marquis of Branford rarely attended banquets or gatherings.

As a result, there were countless nobles who did not want to miss this opportunity to make a memorable impression.

“Your Excellency, this is a token of my esteem.”

“It’s something rare from the western region…”

The nobles eagerly presented the gifts they had brought.

But the Marquis of Branford showed not the slightest interest in the presents, only nodding his head.

“Thank you.”

That single word was his only response. Still, everyone was pleased, thinking they had at least managed to make a favorable impression.

The gifts piled up rapidly in one corner. Judging by their value, they were likely worth the annual budget of a decent-sized estate for several years.

As the seemingly endless procession of gifts gradually dwindled, the servant at the entrance called out Ghislain’s name.

“Baron Fenris is entering!”

In an instant, all eyes turned toward the entrance. This was exactly what the Marquis of Branford had intended.

It might have been somewhat unconventional, but the name of the kingdom’s most powerful figure was not something so light as to be shaken by such minor criticisms.

Thud!

The doors opened, and Ghislain entered the banquet hall.

The Marquis of Branford saw Ghislain’s face and curled his lips into a smile.

He wore an expression that anyone could tell was uncomfortable.

It wasn’t a look of fear or nervousness; it was a face that blatantly showed how much he found the situation annoying and disagreeable.

Moreover, despite the numerous noble gazes focused on him, his demeanor didn’t show the slightest hint of being intimidated.

‘As expected, he’s an amusing one.’

Unlike the delighted Marquis of Branford, Ghislain was struggling to suppress his irritation and annoyance.

‘Ugh, when is this going to end?’

It wasn’t that he disliked being the center of attention, but only when he wanted it.

Being forcibly dragged into a situation where he had to observe formalities among nobles was not to his liking.

When Ghislain approached and stood next to the Marquis, the Marquis rose from his seat and addressed everyone around.

“Some of you may have already heard, but I, the Marquis of Branford, have decided to become the patron of Baron Fenris. From now on, when you see him, treat him as you would treat me.”

Though phrased as a request, it was essentially a command.

Nobles across the banquet hall began murmuring among themselves.

“So, the rumors were true.”

“He may be the successor of Ferdium Margrave, but… isn’t that estate practically worthless?”

“He’s far too young. What could someone that young possibly know how to do anything?”

Baron Fenris had recently gained some fame for his cosmetics, but put another way, that meant he was merely a merchant.

He lacked the pedigree to associate with someone like the Marquis of Branford.

Even some nobles within the royal faction, who were in the same camp as the Marquis, shook their heads.

“In these urgent times, how could he back someone like that? There’s nothing he has over the Count of Brivant, is there?”

“The Marquis of Branford must have his reasons.”

“It seems he had no choice but to grant the request because of how he treated his daughter’s illness…”

They clicked their tongues and eyed Ghislain with disdain.

Because of him, the plans led by the royal family and the royal faction had been completely derailed.

Supporting Ferdium, which was much less advantageous, instead of focusing on Brivant Estate.

Though things had ultimately been decided in favor of the Marquis of Branford’s persistent push, there was still much murmuring beneath the surface.

In other words, the Marquis of Branford had taken on a political burden because of Ghislain.

“And about this patronage. If he was going to support someone, aren’t there so many other promising young men from good families?”

“I just don’t understand. The favoritism he’s showing is excessive considering the circumstances.”

“Oh, let’s just keep an eye on him, alright?”

This situation had caused frequent tensions and arguments among the royal faction nobles.

Those who disliked Ghislain couldn’t help, but feel their insides churn.

The Marquis of Branford paid no heed to the murmurs around him and continued speaking.

“Oh, and thanks to Baron Fenris, my daughter Rosalyn has recovered from her illness. This event is also a banquet to celebrate her recovery, so I hope you all enjoy yourselves.”

With that as the signal, the doors of the banquet hall opened. A servant belatedly raised his voice and announced,

“Lady Rosalyn Branford is entering!”

Rosalyn slowly stepped into the banquet hall.

People’s attention instantly shifted to her, their expressions full of curiosity, wondering if it was true that Rosalyn had fully recovered.

As she moved forward, those who got a closer look at her face began to exclaim in admiration, one after another.

“Ohhh!”

“It’s true! She really is cured!”

“She looks just like she used to! No, her skin actually looks even better than before!”

The crowd was buzzing with excitement.

The idea that her skin condition, which even priests and doctors had given up on, could be cured—what kind of extraordinary cosmetics could produce such results?

“Are you telling me a mere cosmetic product is more effective than a priest? I can hardly believe it.”

“Say what you will, but there’s no doubt that Baron Fenris has exceptional skill in that area.”

“It’s legendary! That cosmetic is going to become a legend!”

When Rosalyn haughtily raised her chin, the crowd cheered even louder.

Mariel, who was standing with the other ladies, clasped her hands tightly, her face beaming with joy.

‘She really has recovered. The Marquis of Branford is truly mischievous. Would it have hurt to show us this sooner?’

It would be a lie to say she wasn’t a little hurt, but the joy of being able to reconnect with Rosalyn far outweighed it.

Rosalyn slightly bowed her head, greeting everyone around her.

Her cheeks flushed with emotion.

‘I never thought a day like this would come again…’

How many times had she dreamed of standing before everyone like this once more?

Rosalyn turned her head to look at Ghislain, who was standing with his head raised, meeting her gaze.

The person who had restored to her the joy she had once given up on, forced to live hidden in the shadows.

If not for him, she wouldn’t be standing here today.

When their eyes met, Ghislain grinned playfully and shrugged his shoulders.

After Rosalyn finished her greetings, the Marquis of Branford announced the start of the banquet.

“Now, everyone, please enjoy the banquet.”

Soon, the orchestra began to play, but no one moved. All eyes remained fixed on Ghislain.

Only the sound of music filled the hall; not even the sound of a cough could be heard.

The reason was simple. The high-ranking nobles were not making a move.

The lower-ranked nobles didn’t know what to do and stepped back, watching the situation nervously.

Even though it was supposed to be a joyous banquet, a tense atmosphere hung over the entire room.