Chapter 10 - An Invitation

"I have instructed the household staff to capture the rats, but alas, none have been caught as of yet," Madam Perez spoke with utmost care.

Regis closed his eyes and intentionally heightened his senses, keenly aware of every living presence within the mansion. He meticulously accounted for his daughter, who now resided in her room. As he detected no signs of the elusive creatures, Regis opened his eyes and exhaled softly. That is because there are no rats present.

Unaware of the actual situation, the housekeeper grumbled, "Not only are the young women terrified, but Lady Floyen herself is also consumed with anxiety over the rats."

Regis flinched. She's anxious?

"Fetch Derrick," the duke commanded promptly.

Moments later, the butler entered the room. "I heard you summon me, Master."

The duke fixed his serious gaze upon his butler. "Derrick."

"Yes?"

"I require your guidance."

Derrick widened his eyes upon hearing this request. Master is seeking my guidance?'

It was an unprecedented occurrence, as his master typically handled matters on his own.

What is happening? Derrick anxiously awaited his master's words.

"Where do rats usually conceal themselves?"

Derrick wasn't certain if he had heard correctly. He peered at his master with trembling eyes and asked, "Rats?"

The duke sighed at Derrick's nervous tone. "Disregard that. It was a slip of the tongue. How is the progress with Jubelian's list of potential suitors?"

Concerned that his master might be overburdened with work, Derrick felt relieved by this inquiry. "Ah, yes. I am diligently searching and considering various factors, such as family background, appearance, wealth, and prominence. The list should be finalized by today."

"Very well."

Thankfully, his master appeared satisfied. Derrick sighed in relief before revealing something he had hesitated to disclose for a while. "Also... Sir Mikhail has sent another missive."

At the mention of that name, the duke's expression changed. "What did he write?"

Although Derrick was not directly involved in this matter, he was taken aback by the duke's tone. "He persistently seeks an answer and dismisses Lady Floyen's actions as a ploy to capture his attention."

"I see." The duke maintained his usual impassive countenance, yet his eyes turned icy and his aura emanated hostility.

Derrick simply observed him. Master is genuinely angry. It is only fair, as I too would feel wrathful in his position.

Mikhail had gone too far, even in Derrick's estimation. While Jubelian had mistreated him in the past, there was no justification for him to insult her character. Moments later, the duke rose from his seat, leaving Derrick apprehensive.

Does he wish to peruse the letter himself?

Derrick attempted to discern his master's intentions and extended the letter, but the duke paid him no mind.

What is he about to do?

Derrick was on the verge of turning around when he heard a soft voice.

"Burn it."

By the time he turned back, his master had already departed.

***

"I have heard news that a rat was apprehended, Lady Floyen."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, only one was captured! It appears that no further rats are present... It must have been an accidental intrusion into the house!" Sella's excited voice assuaged me.

Excellent. The house is now secure.

I smiled in relief as Merilyn delivered a letter upon a silver tray.

"This is addressed to you, Lady Floyen."

It marked my first reply following the dispatch of a batch of letters. While it was likely a standard response, I needed to peruse it to gauge the typical reactions I might encounter through correspondence. I picked up the letter and noticed a rose embossed upon the seal.

Sent by Count Arlo, perhaps?

Count Arlo shared a close bond with my father, consequently fostering a relatively amicable relationship between his daughter and me. More accurately, we were on relatively good terms at this point in the novel.

Is this a reply to the letter I dispatched to them? With excitement, I unsealed the letter, only to be taken aback by its contents. An invitation!

As I perused the missive, I discovered it to be a lengthy composition penned in charming, girlish handwriting. The sender was Rose, the youngest daughter of the Arlo family. She was renowned for her amiable and vivacious nature within social circles. In the novel, she formed a close friendship with the royal princess and played a role in my eventual downfall.

Should I see what she has written? I commenced reading the letter, harboring a slight concern that her response might be laden with sarcasm.

Hmm?

Within the letter, Rose inquired about my well-being and shared a few details about herself. She also expressed her desire for me to attend her upcoming birthday banquet.

I see. She wishes to ascertain my recovery and whether I can grace her banquet, scheduled for three weeks hence.

This news brought me joy, considering my solitary existence within society. I had no reason to decline her invitation.

"Merilyn, could you fetch some paper and a pen, please?" I asked.

She promptly brought forth the requested materials. I furrowed my brow slightly upon beholding the yellowed paper and the black ink before me. They appear quite drab.

Given that she had extended an invitation to her birthday event, I was disinclined to respond with a lackluster letter. Nurturing a friendly connection with her could prove advantageous, considering her future association with the royal princess. I was determined to avoid my untimely demise at all costs.

I wonder what her preferences are.

Suddenly, a recollection of the times I had observed her flitted through my mind. Though our encounters had been brief, I distinctly remembered her fondness for donning exquisite attire. Her meticulous penmanship further conveyed her attention to aesthetics.

With a clear plan in mind, I summoned the maids. "Sella, please fetch some flowers from the garden. Julia, bring me lace and ribbons."

After a short while, the requested items were procured. "Here are the items you requested, Lady Floyen."

The time had come to showcase my skills as a pen pal.

"L-Lady Floyen...!"

The maids were taken aback by my actions, but their disapproval mattered little to me.

***

Upon learning of Lady Floyen's indisposition, the Arlo family had prepared a gift along with a standard letter.

Rose squeezed her eyes shut. We won't receive a response anyway. Why should we bother sending a letter in the name of Count Arlo?

The duke's only daughter possessed a beauty akin to that of a meticulously crafted doll. At one point, Rose had even held admiration for her. However, upon meeting the lady in person, she discovered her to be impolite, aloof, and unconcerned about others. Jubelian's focus remained fixed solely on Mikhail, neglecting any courtesies toward other individuals. Consequently, Rose deemed it fruitless to personally send gifts and letters to her.

That was until she received a direct response.

Dear Count Arlo,

I express my gratitude for your consideration. How have you been? While my recovery progresses well, it frustrates me to remain indoors even on sunny days.

I have heard tales of the roses nurtured by the Arlo family. I presume they will soon bloom in resplendent glory. I still recall my father's admiration for their beauty, and it saddens me that I cannot behold them firsthand.

Speaking of roses, how fares your daughter, Rose? Although our conversations have been limited, I feel a certain kinship with her, given our similar ages.

Rose's name being mentioned in this letter surprised her. She knows my name! And she thought of me in relation to roses?

While Rose enjoyed a good rapport with various individuals, she was, at heart, an ordinary aristocratic girl. A few peers had even ridiculed her name, which meant “queen of flowers,” asserting that she did not embody such grandeur. For Lady Floyen, who perpetually commanded attention, to mention her by name brought a rush of exhilaration within Rose's heart.

"Father! This letter is from Lady Floyen!"

While one of the count's vassals should have been responsible for drafting a reply, Rose insisted on crafting it herself. However, she found herself at a loss for words and ultimately extended an invitation to Lady Floyen for her upcoming birthday banquet. Rose held little hope that her invitation would be accepted, but Lady Floyen promptly disproved her assumption in the subsequent reply. Trembling hands gingerly unsealed the letter.

Daughter of Count Arlo, how have you been?

Your reply took me by surprise and filled me with delight at the unexpected invitation. This marks my first experience with correspondence, so please bear with any shortcomings. I attempted to embellish it to the best of my limited abilities, as I heard that the esteemed daughter of Count Arlo possesses an affinity for flowers. What are your thoughts? My letter undoubtedly pales in comparison to yours, but I hope you find it pleasing.

Communicating with someone as kind and beautiful as you has proven quite enjoyable, like the roses proudly cultivated by your esteemed family. I eagerly anticipate our meeting and shall save my words until then.

— Jubelian Eloy Floyen.

Not only was Lady Floyen's penmanship impeccable, but Rose also found herself appreciating the letter itself. It bore a delicate lace border, adorned with dainty ribbons and pressed flowers.

She decorated it for me…? Rose giggled, experiencing an unfamiliar thrill as she gazed upon the lady's letter. It was as if she had become someone special to her.

Lying on her bed, Rose reread the letter multiple times before retrieving some paper from a drawer. I must reply promptly!

About to dip her quill pen into the ink, she hesitated. No, I cannot send it like this.

Summoning her maids, Rose made quite a fuss. "Emily, gather some flowers for me! Laura, bring me the prettiest and most colorful ribbons!"

"You don't intend to use them to decorate the letter, do you? What if Madam discovers..."

As Laura trailed off, Rose's expression soured. "Can't we find some ribbons from torn garments?"

With a sigh, Laura replied, "I suppose I can locate some ribbons from torn clothes."

Rose's face brightened, and she nodded eagerly. "Perfect!"