Chapter 22

Chapter 22

 

* * * * * * * * * * *

 

From the next day onwards, I got really busy and didn’t even have time to meet Siegfried.

 

I had to arrange lodgings for the nobles and their knights who would soon visit the mansion.

 

It was customary for Ellifritz to have a gathering every year before Southern aristocrats set out on the expedition.

 

A banquet was held on the first day before the subjugation and on the day before leaving, there would only be a dinner banquet for the whole party.

 

Since the Ellifritz family was the one in charge of subjugating the monsters, I have no time to check if Siegfried’s sulking had faded.

 

After making sure the maids were cleaning properly, I went out to pick out the curtains for the guest room. After that, I checked the ledger.

 

The days went insanely quickly just like that.

 

* * * * * * * * * * * *

 

I went to Abbysion’s office to get the budget and when I came out, a maid spoke to me.

 

“The Viscount Kariel and his companions have arrived.”

 

“They came early. I’ll go down and see them.”

 

When we arrived at the front door, the Viscount got off the horse and was having a conversation with the butler.

 

The white-haired Viscount smiled when he saw me.

 

“It’s been a while, Young Lady Ariel. How have you been?”

 

“It’s been a year. I’m fine, how is your wife?”

 

“Very well, of course. You should stop by our mansion when you have time. My daughter misses Young lady Ariel very much.”

 

I had the servants move the visitor’s belongings to their prepared rooms then I led the Viscount to the room where he will be staying.

 

Starting with Viscount Kariel, others also arrived at the mansion one by one.

 

At some point, Abbysion and Milliard also came down to welcome guests.

 

“There are a lot of people this year.”

 

One of the nobles, who would have been of the same age if my father was still alive, said with a smile.

 

Rumors that Prince Siegfried would participate in the subjugation seemed to have reached far.

 

There were many nobles who wanted to meet Siegfried as soon as they arrived at the mansion.

 

I told them it would soon be time to eat, and added, “His Highness the Prince must have been also looking forward to it. We will be having a banquet later so maybe then you can greet him then?”

 

“You’re right. Then let’s take a break and get refreshed.”

 

All the nobles dispersed after.

 

Some decided to go to their rooms and take a nap, and some decided to gather in the drawing room and have a conversation while having cigarettes.

 

Meanwhile, I checked the hall where the banquet would begin in a moment. The band was also waiting, and all the food that could be easily picked up was prepared.

 

Finally, I lined up the servants and checked their clothes. Okay, everyone is neatly dressed.

 

“Then I have to change my clothes. Can you help me?”

 

I returned to my room with the two maids who usually served me.

 

Perhaps by now the nobles were preparing to attend the banquet in their assigned room.

 

“Lady, what kind of shoes would you like?”

 

“Ummm… silver.”

 

“What about your earrings?”

 

The maids almost ran around me, trimming my hair and putting on my dress.

 

By the time I finished putting on makeup, the sun was already setting. 

 

“Is that possible? I hope you have a good night, Sir Manuel.”

 

Siegfried said, pointing to the door with his own hands. Manuel, who was trying to talk to me again, smiled awkwardly.

 

“Yes, thank you, Your Highness the Prince.”

 

“Is it tomorrow that Sir will be going inside? I even cleared the way so Sir can go out.”

 

“Th-that can’t be.”

 

Manuel, who made eye contact with Siegfried, moved quickly.

 

Siegfried’s gaze followed Manuel’s.