They immediately begin deciding the preparations for the music festival the next day.

Just like last time, Dylan was busy due to having returned to the territory after a long time away. From early morning until noon, he received greetings from influential figures and priests within the territory, while the afternoon was spent secluded in his study

As a result, the preparations for the music festival were inevitably entrusted to Avril and Samuel.

Avril, having invited Samuel into the lady’s room, spread the plans on a desk. Then, she set down a chair beside it. Whether its size was for an adult or a child was difficult to determine.

“Please make use of this chair. It may be a little small, but adult chairs aren’t suitable for long periods of use.”
“Thank you very much. This… chair has a deep history.”

Samuel was genuinely moved, the sight of which made Avril chuckle, “fufuu.”

“Actually, this seems to be the chair Lord Dylan used as a child.”
“Indeed, this isn’t some makeshift chair, but something solidly made.”
“Yes. I was also quite surprised to discover it had been kept with such care.”

Samuel, at his age, possessed the ability to discern quality. His figure overlapped in appearance with Dylan’s who had used that same chair ten some years go. It was heartwarming.

Incidentally, Grace and Sienna, a maid of the mansion, were waiting in the room. Avril was familiar with Sienna as she had looked after her during her previous stay. No one was allowed in the room unless necessary, and a solid support system was in place.

“Well then, shall we begin? The venue for holding the music festival, the performers, the program, and special guests… there’s a lot we need to decide on!”
“Yes!”

Samuel helped diligently over the next few hours, just as lively as his reply had been.  And just as would be expected of one born to a musical family, he seemed accustomed to arranging these kinds of music festivals due having frequently performed in salon concerts himself.

He seemed to have been taught various things by Marquess Brandner on a regular basis, and in any case, his efficiency was excellent. 

While Avril had decided on the venue, Samuel smoothly picked out the musical pieces and the orchestras likely to cooperate. He even issued a notice requesting cooperation from his own family, the Marquis Brandner household.

Despite having managed preparations for tea parties and balls during her time at the Count of Allingham, even Avril was impressed by his level of efficiency. While sipping the tea served for their break, she couldn’t hide her amazement.

“This is wonderful. Samuel, you truly have a promising future. Whether you serve at the royal palace or find employment in another noble family’s household, I’m sure you’ll be highly valued wherever you go.”
“Thank you very much… but, I don’t want to leave my home.”

That was an unexpected response. Avril blinked at the words typical of the ten-year-old child and then smiled softly.

“That’s true. I also believe loving your family home and always supporting it is a lovely thing.”

Samuel gave a bashful smile at her words.

“My mother… no, could you please keep this a secret from my mother? I’d be embarrassed if she discovered I had complained during my etiquette training.”

“Of course I’ll keep it a secret! Although… this isn’t complaining. It’s only natural to want to devote yourself to your family.”

Samuel’s eyes widened at her firm emphasis. Then, he sighed in relief.

Samuel grew up receiving the full love of his parents. That’s wonderful. As for myself, I have always wanted to work hard for the sake of everyone who helped me, but I never did have any attachments regarding the Count of Allingham household itself.

Having grown up receiving such unfortunate treatment, she understands such a mindset was inevitable. Now, however, she feels happiness to be where she is.

“Lady Avril.”

Suddenly, she noticed that Grace was calling out to her. She turned, as if to say, “What is it?” with her gaze, and saw a middle-aged man with a sullen expression standing behind Grace.

It was Brandon Lanchester, the former duke.

Noticing him, Samuel quickly stood up without a word. Avril also rose. Grace, with an apologetic expression, spoke a few words.

“I tried to stop him, but…”
“It’s alright.”

With a grin, Brandon walked over to the writing desk and peered at the various documents Avril and Samuel had been preparing and organizing just moments before.

“Hmph. Are you planning to start something bizarre again?”
“There is no need for you to interfere.  Lord Dylan—my husband has given me full authority.”
“I have no intention of doing anything like that.”

During her previous stay at the territory, Brandon, seeing Dylan beloved by those around him as the lord, attempted to return to administrative duties for some reason. The way he gathered the documents regarding the duchy’s internal affairs and attempted to create a situation where there were two lords remained fresh in her memories.

Except, that doesn’t seem to be the case this time. For what purpose did he come here?

Even though the situation was nothing but strange, Samuel, who had been listening to their conversation, asked a question in a strangely innocent manner.

“Could it be that Lord Former Duke came here to give us some advice?”
“Wha…?”
“So that isn’t the case.  That is unfortunate.”

Brandon, uncharacteristically, let his gaze wander as though troubled at seeing Samuel’s clear dejection. That was when he noticed a chair for children had been placed beside the writing desk.  His eyes were fixated on it.

“…Where did that come from?”
“Ms. Sienna brought it for us. She said it was something Lord Dylan once used.”
“Hmph,never seen it.”

No matter how Avril thought about at it, Brandon didn’t sound like he meant what he said, yet he seemed intent on pushing through with, “Never seen it.”

He then left the writing desk and began for the exit of the room. Realizing what his possible plans after this might entail, Avril called out to him.

“Are you going out? If so, Lord Dylan left a message for you.  ‘If you intend to amuse yourself with women, please do so outside.’”

“…Hearing your… manner of speaking makes me lose any desire to play around… My amusements are not board games or picnics…”
“Eh?”

As Avril tilted her head in wonder to what that meant, Brandon came up beside her and whispered into her ear. His tone was one she had never heard before.

“…That family, it is a giant that controls high society, one even we cannot ignore. Do not approach them any more than necessary in order to avoid stirring up those surrounding them.”

Eh?

Reflexively, Avril’s head snapped up.

Brandon simply left the lady’s room without looking back at her.

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