“Marquis Brandner’s wife…!”

The one who called out to Avril and Dylan was Marquis Brandner’s wife, whom they had met at a previous salon concert.

The Marquis of Brandner family had five children. Their second son, Cyril, provided his assistance during the downfall of Avril’s family, the Count of Allingham. Meanwhile, their fifth son, Samuel, had become a good friend of hers after they became close at said salon concert.

The marquis’ wife herself was also someone who had long been acquainted with Dylan’s mother, Lady Anastasia, and could be trusted.

After a brief exchange of small talk, the Madam seemed to have a kind of favor to ask. With an apologetic expression, she lowered her brows. “I’m terribly sorry to bring this up so soon after meeting, but I have a personal matter to consult you about.”

“If it is something our household can do, then by all means.”

Dylan’s cool appearance often led people to misunderstand him as cold-hearted, but in reality, it was the opposite. He was, in particular, a person who treasured connections. When he responded with his usual grace, the marquis’s wife smiled in relief.

“In truth, we are looking for a place our Samuel may train in etiquette. Might you be willing to have him under the care of the Duke of Lancester’s household?”

“Your son’s place for training in etiquette…!”

Avril’s eyes were sparkling as she listened from beside them.

A custom existed among the nobility of this kingdom, one where sons were sent to serve and train in etiquette at the estates of higher-ranking nobles where they could build future connections for employment or to gain social experience.

Normally, the Brandner Marquis household was on the receiving side of such arrangements, and thus their children had no need for such an experience. Samuel, however, was the fifth son.

The Madam likely wished for her son, who would most certainly leave the family in the future, to gain experience in another household. With a formal air, she bowed her head.

“Samuel was only eight years old when the honor of meeting you both occurred, he is now ten. He is a good child, so I believe he will not be any trouble. Please, would you see to it that he is taught with strictness?”

At the Madam’s words, Avril and Dylan exchanged glances.

That Samuel… coming to our household…!

The Samual Avril had met at the salon concert had been an intelligent, adorable, and well-behaved boy who was flustered by the presence of a villainess. Having him at the Duke of Lancester’s household would surely be enjoyable, and he would be worthwhile to teach.

Moreover, Avril, who had once been saved by her tutor as a child, had since harbored a certain admiration for the figure of a teacher.

I would very much like him to come.

Avril nearly spoke out a response ahead of herself, but unexpectedly, Dylan appeared somewhat hesitant. Carefully, he posed a question to the Madam.

“……Are you truly certain about this?”

“Why of course. I have long been acquainted with Her Grace the Duchess, your mother. If the Duke of Lancester household would be so kind as to take care of him, there could be no greater fortune for that child.”

“In that case, as you wish, our household will accept him.”

“Thank you very much. I am certain that child will be delighted.”

With a refined, pleased smile, the Madam said, “I shall call on you again to discuss the details,” and then took her leave. Watching her depart, Dylan let out a sigh.

“Lord Dylan?”

At Avril’s asking, her husband smiled with an expression of helplessness.

“It seems she’s willing to lend us assistance in clearing away the Duke of Lancaster’s bad reputation. Truly, this is something to be grateful for.”

“Brandner Marquis household holds immense influence in society. By sending their son to us for education, she must be intending to help raise the Lanchester Ducal house’s trust and reputation, correct?”

“That’s quite likely. She has been concerned for us ever since my mother left the household, but I never imagined she would go this far.”

“We truly owe her a great deal. She is a wonderful person.”

“Fufufu,” Dylan pressed a kiss to her forehead as she gave a light laugh. Though it was through her bangs, the fragrance of Dylan’s cologne reached her, and she felt as though she were being embraced.

She could tell that those around them, who had been watching the pair from a distance, began to stir with murmurs. Yet Dylan paid them no mind, running his fingers gently through Avril’s hair. Within that sweetness, she again felt happiness well up inside her.

“Today’s garden party seems like it will mark the end of the social season.”

“That’s true. Summer is already coming to an end, after all.”

In the Kingdom of Branwill, the social season lasted from winter through summer. With that in mind, she nodded. Dylan’s expression, however, clouded a bit at that.

“No… do you remember the young lady with whom you were speaking with earlier, the Earl of Fitzroy’s daughter?”

“Yes. The one who ended up running away from me, correct?”

“Correct. The truth is, I had heard a rumor that someone from the Earl of Fitzroy had fallen ill to an epidemic. Only, spreading such gossip is a common tactic used to disgrace other houses, so I hadn’t taken it seriously…  Yet today, both the earl and his wife were absent from the gathering, and only their daughter attended. It may not be entirely false. If a disease is spreading, social gatherings will come to an end.”

I see, that’s why Lord Dylan said the social season is coming to an end. Epidemics are frightening.

The Kingdom of Branwill was culturally advanced compared to neighboring countries, and its research on illnesses along with its awareness of sanitation were quite developed. Even so, once every decade or so, a new kind of disease would inevitably spread uncontrollably, taking the lives and disrupting the daily routines of many.

Avril understood her husband’s concerns, but she could do nothing more than pray for peace and safety.

“I hope it’s nothing more than gossip.”

“Agreed.”

A breeze carrying the feeling of autumn drifted through the garden enveloped by the splendor of the garden party.

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