12.

Whats up with that Mrs. Lydia? How could she conspire with the Duchess Garten?! I wont let you stay in high society.

Sierra was angry. She belatedly noticed what the purpose of the tea party was. She hesitated, looking pitifully at Ercella.

Ercella shook her head, saying it was okay and looked at her sympathetically, because she too had gone through many hardships.

You dont have to do that. What power does she possess anyway? And Im fine, Sierra. The Duchess is not wrong.

But Ercella! Its still an insult to you. Arent you angry? Why would you pick on someone elses child?

Shes right, Your Grace. Ive never been to such a rude tea party before.

The Countess nodded and sympathized. Well, it was definitely rude. Ercella agreed on that.

At any rate, it was a trivial matter. The Duchess didnt harm Ercella per se, so she can just let it go.

Im really fine. I dont want to make a big deal out of it.

Ercella smiled as if she couldnt help it. The main culprit behind the incident was the Duchess, but Ercella provoked her first, so there was nothing unfair about it. And the Duchess only told the truth.

Dont worry, Ercella. Everyone who knows knows that youre getting along well with your son these days. Theyll soon forrget how heartless of a mother you were!

Your words hit closer to the bone than the Duchess, Sierra.

Oh, did they?

Sierra hurriedly covered her mouth. At that, the Countess said with a gentle smile.

Anyhow, you need to look after your precious son. Rumor has it that hes sought after not only in Garten, but also in Pantetz, Mayance, and Lapaine.

(T/N: First two names are an enigma to me. I went with what looked better in English. In Korean, its , , )

It was a story that went around in the past. The conversation with Pantetz probably got famous. It didnt work out, though.

Ercella groaned.

How do you know so much about a child whos always at home? At this point, its almost an intrusion in our family matters.

Currently, after Prince Alexis, the most attractive bachelor in this country is Vicente.

Its amazing that people know so much about my son. I guess Ive heard at least three of them in the family.

When Ercella spoke half-worried and half-joking, Sierra opened her mouth as if not to worry.

Didnt you pay your sons tutor for a while? Sometimes, people exaggerate things they see. Dont worry too much, Ercella. Rumors are often inflated.

Ercella had a serious look on her.

Its not just rumors. My son really is handsome.

.

Suddenly, Ercella tilted her head in the breeze.

Sierra, why, whats wrong?

Uh, that.

I was wondering if you always had such a silly side to you.

Sierra and the Countess looked bitter, but since it wasnt untrue, Ercella couldnt help but pout her mouth.

***

Ercella returned home recalling the coming-of-age party of Lady Garten. Before, she was planning to go with Vicente at her coming-of-age party, but now it seems like a bad idea. The Duchess is likely to go after Vicente again when she sees him. Then suddenly she remembered Vicentes coming-of-age.

Come to think of it, Vicente will be an adult in three years.

A woman becomes an adult at 16 and a man at 18. Ercella didnt know how Vicente reached adulthood. She was ill when Vicente had reached adulthood.

Her face became gloomy.

Just because I was given another chance at life, there was no guarantee that I would not die again.

Even if I try to calm down, I still get depressed and scared at the thought of death. There are times when I cant even breathe well for a moment, scared that even a single cough might get me sick.

I cant believe Im going to die again in 3 years. If I get sick again, forget about attending a coming-of-age party for Vicente, I will have to lie on bed like a living corpse. There are so many things I want to do for Vicente but my time is painfully short.

Ercella was sad about that too.

No!

She calmed her breath and shook her head. Ercella wanted to do what she could rather than worry about a vague future that might or might not happen.

Lets prepare well this time.

Ercella decided to be a little optimistic.

Well, what is there that I can do?

If I hold Vicentes coming-of-age ceremony, I want to not only pour money everywhere but also bring everything that is said to be precious. I will show them the height of luxury.

In addition, it would be perfect to invite not only the Capitals and major aristocrats from all parts of the country, but also the Ludelsian aristocrats.

Yes, lets make it as extravagant as possible.

In her head, she already had an image of a perfect coming-of-age party. She felt much better imagining the brilliant coming-of-age party.

Ercella went over her plan and was excited by herself. Lianne came in when she was wondering what expressions would Vicente make while listening to her plans. Lianne was surprised when she saw Ercela sitting on the sofa.

Madam, youre back already? Did you enjoy the tea party?

Lianne asked as she spread the blanket in her arms all over the bed. Ercella shook her head with a sullen face. She looked doubtful.

Why? You were excited to be with Countess Zardea and Viscountess Akla today.

I was cornered.

What?

I struggled to protect my son.

Lianne asked in detail the context of her words. Ercella told of what the Duchess of Garten and Mrs. Lydia had done at the tea party. Quietly listening to the story, Lianne murmured.

Madam almost caused trouble. But you did a good job. If I was there, I bet Id do the same too.

Yes.

But is the Gartens Young Lady that bad? You dont like her much, do you?

Rather

Ercella thought over the end of her words. In fact, Gartens Young Ladys personality was not a big issue compared to her background.

Is there any kid out there who was raised on their own? Still, she was an aristocrat who had to maintain proper dignity. Therefore, no matter how high your nose is in the air, you cant treat your mother-in-law and spouse rudely. But the reason Im against it so much is because,

I just want him to be happy.

Its because I dont want Vicente, who grew up unloved, to have a political marriage without love.

I dont want to discuss which family I should trade Vicente with as a commodity. I just want him to meet his loved one regardless of family and live with a smile.

She wasnt naive. Rather, she was a calculating person. But this time, her choice was entirely for Vicente.

Wheres Vicente?

She rose from her seat, unaware of the change in herself.

* * *

Whats the matter?

I missed you.

When she was told that Vicente was in the study, Ercella moved her feet without hesitation. As she entered the study, it would have been surprising if her wonderful son did not have a book in his hand.

Vicente frowned at Ercellas sudden visit. When he asked her why she came, he heard an innocent answer, I missed you. Vicente gave her a not-so-amused look.

Do I have to spare you some time?

No. Just finish what youre doing. Ill just watch from here.

Thats even more burdensome.

Ercella learned a few new things about Vicente, one of which was that he is surprisingly honest.

Of course, it was limited to spiteful remarks only. Even then, he seemed to want her to go away.

Unfortunately, Ercella was immune to Vicentes coldness by now.

Ercella remained calm in front of Vicente and even held her chin up. Vicente continued to ignore her and read his book, even though he just said that he felt burdened.

I heard you were admitted to the Gracivan Academy?

Yes, I think it was a year ago.

A year ago? Why am I knowing this now?

Ercella didnt know, even though actively participated in society.

I was wondering if the noblewomen were mistaken, so I asked Vicente directly. Turns out it was true.

Ercella became a little embarrassed. When she peeked at Vicente, he was still reading with a strange attitude.

What Im saying is

Ercellas eyes sparkled. She had this question from a while ago.

Why didnt you enter the Academy?

Her eyes glistened as she asked. She had her own expected answer.

He must have been worried that his mother would be lonely without him.

Was it really like that?

Unaware of Ercellas expecting eyes, Vicente simply uttered because his eyes were still fixed on the book.

Father said not to go.

Her rising expectations were completely extinguished in an instant. The truth was useless. Of course. Come to think of it, it was really yes. As she recalled a lady at a tea party who had made her look forward to it, Ercella narrowed her eyes.

Hmm, why did he ask you not to go?

He said the Academy curriculum was too slow.

Huh?

He wanted me to fulfil my my family duties instead and dissuaded me from entering the Academy because I can finish it in just two years.

Harsen was beyond imagination. Gracivan had the highest level of education among the academies near the capital. Since it is an educational institution established directly by the government, the level of teaching will correspond to that.

But hes complaining that even thats slow. It was really Spartan education.

She mourned Vicentes asceticism, but on the other hand he did not take his eyes off the book as if she werent there.

What kind of book should I look for?

She caressed the title of the book on the cover with her slender fingers. She began mumbling without realizing it.

There is truth near the sun. Say, who will seek it?

Vicente tilted his head at the strange language from Ercellas mouth and looked at her. Ercella was glued to the red book.

You know that the truth will burn away before you reach it.

She was looking at the red cover, but what she recited was not the title, rather the contents of the book. Ercella was somewhat bored.

It is the Woods Seeking Truth of Berman, a philosopher from Ludelsia. When I first learned about it, I was sick and tired of it. I dont enjoy playing with words. This person is definitely the kind of person who treats people like idiots and feels superior to himself. I had a hard time because I wrote difficult contents in words other than the official language.

So, I quit halfway into it.

She mumbled cheekily.

Do you know the new Ludelsian language?

Vicente suddenly asked. His voice was filled with a hint of curiosity. Ercella looked at Vicente in surprise. Vicentes eyes were slightly larger than usual.

Were you interested in this?

Of course. When I was young, I learned it as a basic cultural art.

Basic, you say?

Vicentes voice sounded somewhat shaky.

R-right? Maybe they have a lot of books on philosophy and religion? We learn it as basic cultural art.

Say, how many languages do you speak?

I thought you were interested in philosophy, but I guess not.

Ercella tilted her head and answered his question.

I know Granian, Ludelsian, the Conrad Kingdom language and the official language of the Helios continent. You know these four languages, right? But sometimes I forget the Conrad language. I dont have much use for it.

All famous books are translated into these official languages. She added and went back to her bored look.

There was utter silence. When no words were heard from Vicente, Ercella tilted her head to face him.

Vicente had a more stiff face than usual. Ercella noticed that he was panicking. She smiled softly.

Are you surprised?

Yes, a little.

Did you think I was just a Young Lady that lived a comfortable life playing and eating?

Vicente did not deny it.

I guess he really did think that.

It was not entirely wrong, but Ercella laughed aloud. This time, it was a bit more of a roaring sound of laughter. Vicente glanced at her from a corner. He gave a little excuse.

Anyone will be surprised when compared to other noblewomen.

Youre right.

Were you thinking of becoming a scholar?

Scholar, as if. Its tiring.

Then for what reason did you learn four languages?

Its because Im from Visaride.

Is that the reason?

Vicentes face was hard to understand. Looking closely, he seemed somewhat embarrassed. Tapping her cheek with her index finger, she muttered nonchalantly.

It is only up to you to prove your worth.

.

Its my familys motto.

Of Marquis Visaride, you mean?

Thats right. Are you curious?

Vicente nodded without hesitation when she asked in a secretive voice. Ercella opened her eyes as if she was surprised.

I didnt know youd be curious about this.

Its a family surrounded by many rumors.

Ah, yes. Indeed.

Ercella nodded a couple of times in agreement. It was not unreasonable to be curious.

Because of the secretive nature of my family, I had heard some over the top rumours because the world had little information. In the past, after Count Derman was politically ousted after being caught for planting a spy, no one dared to plant people in the Marquis Estate. Thanks to this, my family was rumoured to possess many secrets.

Well, what are you curious about?

Some wholesome mother and son time