Though Avril tried introducing herself at first, the gentleman refrained from telling her his name.

That meant he either wasn’t accustomed to evening parties, or he had some circumstances which made him not particularly want to give his name. However, judging from his behavior, the former seemed not likely to be the case.

It isn’t good to judge people by their appearance, but considering his age, he doesn’t appear to be a nobleman who needs to actively participate in society. Perhaps he simply wants to enjoy conversation without revealing his status…

If that was the case, then his not bringing up information connected to his identity in conversation was understandable. Convinced, Avril lowered her guard. She then smiled brightly so as to better fill her role of a villainess.

“Fufufu, Samuel is such a cute little servant.”

Samuel continued without missing a beat.

“I am Lady Avril’s servant. I was made to recite poetry again today. It was very boring.”

This conversation was something they had practiced in case she ever had to behave like a villainess.

During practice, Samuel, perplexed, asking, “Would it really be all right to flatly state, ‘It was very boring’?”  Avril confidently replied, “It’s fine. My younger stepsister hated reciting poetry from memory, yet she still captivated Her Highness, the King’s younger sister of the neighboring kingdom!”

Incidentally, Chris was watching over them from a short distance away. Samuel was acting as her escort today, but Dylan had assigned one of his close attendants to Avril in preparation for any unforeseen circumstances. Had the earlier greeting with Fernand not ended as mere small talk but instead had escalated, he would probably have stepped in. 

The gentleman, seeing the two demonstrate their teamwork exactly as they had practiced, laughed even more.

“Hahaha. This is excellent. You’re just as wicked a woman as the rumors say.”

“I am grateful for your words of praise.”

She seemed to have behaved as was expected. Avril was filled with satisfaction. However, the gentleman’s eyes narrowed, and the topic of conversation changed in much the same way.

“I believe you serve at the royal palace as Miss Alexandra Lindberg’s conversation companion? What are your thoughts on Her Majesty the future Queen?”

“My impression of Her Majesty the future Queen…”

I never imagined I would be asked something like this.

It was already well known that Avril was Alexandra’s conversation companion. There wasn’t any issue with that part, but being asked about her personal impression of Alexandra was unexpected.

Moreover, judging from the gentleman’s tone, he didn’t seem to be looking for the usual compliments such as “kind” or “worthy of becoming the mother of the nation.” Avril was bewildered.

Until I know who this gentleman is, I mustn’t reveal anything about Her Majesty the future Queen’s private life. Yet, I cannot answer with something superficial…

After thinking for a few seconds, Avril opened her mouth.

“Actually, Lady Alexandra and I had the same governess when we were younger.”

“Oh?”

As the gentleman’s eyes widened, Avril continued.

“Lady Alexandra is a very compassionate person, and I am grateful for being fortunate enough to have a connection with her from those days. At a tea party the other day, there was an unexpected guest and she taught that person proper etiquette in her own way. She is so kind and considerate of those around her that I find it hard to believe she is said to be inflexible. Just as the rumors say, she is one of the most intelligent people in the Kingdom of Branwill.”

“…Is that so?”

The gentleman smiled warmly. He exuded an air of dignity. When he smiled, wrinkles formed around his eyes and mouth, making him appear even more distinguished. He continued the conversation.

“I have a granddaughter. She was born to my married daughter. Her name is Martina.”

Avril, who had been maintaining a composed, social demeanor, involuntarily repeated the name.

“Martina.”

At that moment, the image of a young lady in an unusually revealing dress, with red lipstick and thick eyeliner extending beyond the corners of her eyes came to her mind.

Wasn’t that the same name as the young lady who had interrupted Alexandra’s tea party, yet had been trembling in fear the whole time?

No, there is no way that could be the case.

Avril pulled herself together and raised her face. The gentleman continued speaking.

“I hear she was invited to Miss Alexandra’s tea party the other day. And that the Duchess of Lanchester, who is rumored to be a villainess, was there as well.”

“Aa… ah!?”

Avril was utterly crushed.

While there was a difference between having been invited and not having been invited, this was undoubtedly about that Martina. If so, then this gentleman might be a member of a family that wanted to approach the Duke of Lancester family through improper means.

She had completely let her guard down and had been enjoying the conversation, but apparently this was not the time for that. Even so, taking all of that into account, there was something Avril absolutely wanted to tell this gentleman.

“There are many things I’d like to say, but Lady Martina… well, I don’t believe she is suited to being a villainess…”

“…Ahahahahaha!”

The gentleman suddenly burst with laughter.

“Hahaha! Ahahahaha. I see, you’re right. She isn’t suited for it. I thought so too.”

An ordinary fit of laughter apparently was not enough; the gentleman doubled over onto the balcony railing and began laughing even harder. His whole body was shaking. He seemed to be quite struck by it, and his laughter wouldn’t stop. On top of that, she could even see tears in his eyes. Avril had thought him a cheerful person from when he first spoke to her, but she had never expected him to laugh this hard at an evening party.

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