“Ah, Elder Brother.”

Turning toward Samuel’s voice, Avril saw Fernand standing among a circle of nobles a short distance away.

He was often seen surrounded by young ladies at the royal palace, but today he looked different than usual.  He was most likely playing the role of heir just like when he visited the music festival in the Duchy of Lancester.

Avril found herself impressed as she watched him despite knowing he was as a playboy.

“Today’s evening party is being hosted by the Marquis of Brandner.  As the family successor, Lord Fernand must be very busy. The way he switches between his roles is splendid.”

“Yes. Usually, on days like this, I hardly ever get the chance to speak to my brother. His demeanor is so different that I’ve often wondered if there were actually two of him.”

“Samuel’s elder brother seems to be quite the mysterious man…”

Avril had been constantly pestered by Fernand since they first met, but her impression of him had recently begun to change.

I’ve been running into Lord Fernand almost every day lately. He’s a little different from the image I had of him from when we first met.

The recent changes in the circumstances surrounding Avril were related to explaining that impression.

As she had realized during the tea party that Martina barged into the other day, the number of people who wanted to get close to the Duke of Lanchester truly was increasing. This naturally affected Avril, who frequented the palace as Alexandra’s conversation partner.

In fact, people had begun to lecture and admonish her that a villainess was not suitable for the Duke of Lanchester while she walked around the palace.  She didn’t know at whose request they were acting, but she was certain that she was about to be drawn into someone’s scheme.

Furthermore, according to Samuel’s deductions, Avril had become the ladies-in-waiting’s object of hostility due to becoming the next queen’s conversation partner despite being a villainess. That, too, was making the situation more troublesome.

I understand how they feel. The position of a conversation partner for someone as special as Her Majesty the Queen is often a position that can only be obtained after a long period of advancement and earning the trust of one’s master.

Avril thought it couldn’t be helped if she, who had appeared out of nowhere, would be resented.

However, it was also true that the refined and indirect harassment from the ladies-in-waiting employed at the palace was largely ineffective against Avril, who had been treated poorly by her family at her parents’ home. This was where Fernand came in.

Just the other day, after finishing her duties in Alexandra’s chambers, several ladies-in-waiting blocked Avril’s path as she was about to leave the palace.

“This gate is reserved exclusively for members of the royal family.”

With those words, they blocked off the gate she had used without any trouble the day before. Thus, Avril and Samuel obediently headed for another gate, but the next gate they reached was also blocked with the message, “Those who are not affiliated with the palace may not use it.”

The ladies-in-waiting smirked at her. Avril smiled back and said, “In that case, we’ll find another gate. Let’s ask Lady Alexandra for gate that even outsiders can use.” The situation was easily reversed.

Just as Avril sensed the shock and bewilderment of the ladies-in-waiting, who had been expecting her to cry or make a scene, Fernand happened to pass by.

Seeing Avril surrounded by the ladies-in-waiting, he apparently grasped the situation. He spoke to them with a sense of familiarity. A few seconds later, the ladies-in-waiting blushed and giggled. The gate that supposedly would not open for outsiders opened without difficulty.

After waving to the departing ladies-in-waiting, Fernand gave a wry smile.

“—This gate is supposed to be one that even outsiders can use.”

“Yes, apparently so. I also came through it when I entered the royal palace.”

She answered with a smile, to which Fernand’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Then why didn’t you say anything? They were clearly bullying you.”

“I’d would feel regretful for involving Samuel. Regardless, even if I were to fight them here, they probably wouldn’t open the gate anyway, and furthermore, if I were to make a fuss, that would only be exactly what they wanted… Accepting it and looking for another way was better.”

Fernand was impressed by Avril’s words.

“Contrary to appearances, you’re actually quite calculating.”

“Considering the current position of the House of the Duke of Lancester, I thought it would be better for Lady Alexandra to speak to them and dissuade them before this sort of thing could escalate. I don’t like borrowing the tiger’s authority, but… it would also be in the best interest of those ladies-in-waiting.”

When she showed that she had acted while even considering their positions in the workplace, Fernand appeared genuinely surprised.

He looked at her with a strained expression.

“…Could it be, when I kept bothering you at the music festival, did you calculate everything so that I was even maneuvered into performing?”

“Eh?”

While she had carefully considered how to deal with the ladies-in-waiting who seemed intent on keeping her trapped in the royal palace and not letting her leave, Avril hadn’t acted with so much composure at the music festival. She simply went along with the flow, desperately trying to resolve the situation as the hostess.

Fernand, however, seemed to have reached his own conclusion and laughed.

“I see. As expected, there’s a reason that Dylan Lanchester is so infatuated with you. Even though you’re a villainess who throws everyone around you into confusion, you’re wise and intelligent.”

“No, well?”

How did the conversation suddenly turn to this? As Avril stood there bewildered, Fernand tried to take a step closer. At that moment, Samuel stepped between them, blocking his way.

“Hmm?”

Samuel spoke firmly as he looked up at Fernand who was lowering his gaze.

“Lady Avril is the mistress of the ducal house I serve. Please refrain from speaking to her with a level of familiarity greater than necessary. It could give rise to misunderstandings.”

Samuel…!

After spending nearly half a year together, Samuel had truly grown into his etiquette training. Witnessing his growth left Avril deeply moved.

And this seemed to be a joyous occasion for Fernand as well, having spent the past ten years with his youngest brother. He met his youngest brother’s gaze and offered a courteous apology.

“I sincerely apologize.”


Avril, having finished her recollection, reflected on her impression of Fernand.

Lord Fernand isn’t really a bad person. He seems to be a good older brother to Samuel. It’s just that he has a strange sense of personal distance when it comes to women… There have been many times when he helped me.

---

Read more than 10 posts ahead and support Faux on Patreon for only $3~

<Previous Chapter

Next Chapter>