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Chapter 106

"Would it be possible to extend our contract term—just a little?"

"Yes."

The answer came so quickly, as if he'd been waiting, that Emilia blinked.

Seeing her expression, Kayden gave a small cough.

"Ah, thank you."

Only then did Emilia awkwardly offer her thanks, then brought up another matter.

"And there's one more thing I'd like to ask."

"Anything."

At his unusually eager tone, Emilia tilted her head, then spoke.

"I'd like to go to the Founding Festival ball together."

"..."

But this time, Kayden didn't answer.

"Your Grace?"

At her call, Kayden frowned, looking somewhat suspicious.

"What is it today?"

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"...Never mind."

At his strange reaction, Emilia continued, puzzled.

"You mentioned before that you'd be meeting someone from the Holy Kingdom of Hypria at the Founding Festival ball—someone who would take Ivan."

"Yes."

"I'd like... to meet them too."

Emilia fidgeted, smiling awkwardly.

She wanted to see for herself the person who would take Ivan to the Holy Kingdom of Hypria.

Of course, nothing would change even if she did—but she felt it would put her mind at ease.

And...

She glanced at Kayden.

It would be a lie to say she didn't want to attend a ball with him at least once—and perhaps for the last time.

Feeling shy, she lowered her gaze and asked.

"Is that too much to ask?"

"No. Let's go together."

Again, the answer came immediately.

---

At the Empress's Palace.

Empress Seraphina was enjoying a cup of tea.

Knock, knock.

A knock came at the door.

"Come in."

At her permission, her advisor entered and bowed.

"What is it?"

The Empress set down her cup and raised an eyebrow.

"Word has just come that the Duke and Duchess of Valen will be attending this year's Founding Festival ball."

"What?"

The Empress's eyes widened.

"The reply arrived today."

Invitations were sent to each house in advance, and replies were required to determine attendance and seating arrangements.

A smile spread across the Empress's lips.

"Is that so."

She had been wondering how to lure the Duchess of Valen to the ball.

"Since she's attending of her own accord—"

The Empress's expression brightened with anticipation.

"We must prepare a most heartfelt welcome for the Duchess."

---

Meanwhile, at the Imperial Finance Department.

The office was bustling with activity.

Preparations for the upcoming Founding Festival ball were keeping everyone busy.

One man's gaze fell on an empty desk.

"Tsk."

He clicked his tongue in annoyance.

"As if we weren't busy enough..."

At his muttering, a colleague looked up from his documents.

"Ah."

Following the man's gaze, he shook his head.

It was the desk of Cedric, a colleague who had joined the department at the same time.

Cedric had taken leave to attend the hunting competition after begging his superiors.

And he hadn't returned since.

He'd submitted a medical leave, claiming he'd been injured during the competition.

"But it doesn't really matter, does it?"

"What?"

"Honestly, I can't tell the difference whether he's here or not. I'm still not sure how he even passed the exam."

His colleague shrugged.

In truth, Cedric had no grasp of even basic regulations, let alone practical work.

He'd nearly caused a major incident by incorrectly entering figures in a tax ledger.

That was a real scare.

And when confronted, instead of admitting his mistake, Cedric had turned indignant.

Yet he'd fawn over his superiors without shame.

From his colleague's perspective, he'd rather Cedric never come back.

"Well, he's probably out there trying to win someone's favor as we speak."

He chuckled and made a lighthearted remark.

---

Late afternoon.

At the Eberwine Marchioness's residence.

Returning from inspecting his territory, the Marquess entered the house looking somewhat tired.

Just then—

"Dear!"

A cheerful voice approached, and the Marquess's stern expression softened slightly.

But he soon frowned, examining his wife's face.

"You're not well—why are you rushing about like that?"

"It's nothing. Don't fuss."

His wife laughed and waved her hand.

But the Marquess spoke as if coaxing a child.

"It's too much for you. So, what's the matter?"

"Ah, well. While you were away, a reply arrived from the House of Valen."

"Ah."

The Marquess nodded.

He'd recently received a letter from the Duke of Valen—unexpected, as they had no prior connection.

But the contents were even more surprising.

The Duke was inquiring about the double ledgers from the orphanage they'd once sponsored.

The Marquess immediately recalled the past.

Nine years ago, on a certain day.

An envelope had arrived at the residence.

Inside was a copy of the double ledgers from the orphanage he supported.

The letter seemed hastily written, but the content was thorough and meticulous.

It had not only transcribed the director's double ledgers but also marked, with dates and amounts, exactly what was wrong—lest the recipient fail to understand.

The Marquess had turned each page with a wry smile.

Without delay, he used his influence to have the orphanage director investigated.

Only after a new director was appointed did the children's faces regain color.

Relieved that the matter had been resolved, the Marquess was still left with one question: who had sent the letter?

It bore no sender's name.

Who could it have been?

Clearly, someone familiar with the orphanage's internal affairs.

But he hadn't sought the sender out.

After all, it was an internal report—the sender must have wanted to remain anonymous.

Now the Duke of Valen needs those same ledgers.

He still had them, so handing them over wouldn't be difficult.

But he couldn't do so without knowing the intent—so he'd asked for an explanation.

And now, the reply had come.

The Marquess's eyes widened as he read the letter.

And his wife, who had already read it, spoke with excitement.

"The one who sent those ledgers back then—it was that child."

---

Emilia had chosen the neatest dress from the ones filling her dressing room.

I'm a little nervous.

She checked her skirt for wrinkles.

She recalled what Kayden had told her recently.

"The Marquess and Marchioness of Eberwine would like to meet you in person."

"Huh? Me?"

"Yes. They said they'd very much like to speak with you. Would you be willing to meet them?"

Emilia blinked in surprise.

The Marquess and Marchioness of Eberwine...

She searched her memory and recalled an old connection from the past.

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