“How did you end up choosing the 4th Princess, who already has a lover, as a marriage partner?”

Surely, if it were Walter, he would have done it for strategic reasons.

Russell never thought for a moment that Walter would have any feelings for Odette.

Thanks to that, he ended up feeling human compassion for the 4th Princess, whom he had never even seen.

Moreover, it was not just that.

Knock, knock.

Behind the flustered Russell, there was a knock at the door.

And without waiting for permission to enter, the door cracked open, and a cheerful voice rang out.

“Your Grace? I heard you were here.”

Soft beige hair that flowed down to the waist.

And round pink eyes that resembled a rabbit.

While she was not a beauty to turn every head, the woman who entered the room with light steps had an impressive, adorable atmosphere.

Russell’s face stiffened as he recognized her.

“……Elodie, you must not enter His Grace’s office without permission.”

“Um, but I knocked, so isn’t it okay?”

“It’s not okay[Dash].”

“Leave her be. It’s not a situation where she can’t come in.”

At Walter’s words, Elodie’s face brightened.

“Thank you, Your Grace!”

Elodie’s smiling face was as bright as the sun, but Russell’s expression was heavy.

That lovely lady was the very cause of the wrinkles on Russell’s brow.

‘Elodie Montuar.’

She was the daughter of the Montuar Viscount family, one of the noble families under Duke Ertman, who had recently come to the capital to make her social debut.

No, to put it more bluntly.

‘His Grace has called for her.’

It’s commonplace for rural nobles without connections in the capital to request social networking favors from the highranking noble family they serve.

Just a while ago, the Montuar Viscount, along with Elodie’s portrait, had requested Duke Ertman’s assistance in debuting his daughter.

[Dash] Since they asked us to find her a place in the capital, we’ll arrange a salon for her to stay. Since the widow Countess Grimoire, who was friendly with the late Duke, is looking for a young lady to accompany her daughter, let’s send her there…

[Dash] No, manage her in Ertman. Bring her here. Let her stay in the annex.

[Dash] ……Yes?

However, Walter made this sudden decision after seeing the portrait.

Even then, Russell doubted Walter’s sincerity, but Walter indeed arranged for Elodie to stay in Ertman.

Even worse, he showed leniency, leaving her alone as long as she did not cross the line excessively.

‘Why on earth?!’

Now, even among his subordinates, rumors were circulating that ‘His Grace may have fallen for that woman.’

And it made sense; looking at Walter and Elodie together, they did make quite a picture.
“Greetings are over. What’s the matter?”

“I’m considering the decorations to add to the dress, and it’s so difficult. Look at this. This blue ribbon goes well, and the yellow ribbon doesn’t look bad, right?”

“Well, if you’re really worried, buy both and add them as you please.”

“But Montuar’s finances aren’t very good. We need to save where we can. We have already exceeded the budget.”

“Then let Ertman cover the cost of some dresses. Choose comfortably and tell me.”

Upon Walter’s words, Elodie’s eyes widened, and she squealed.

“Thank you so much! I can’t call it a return gift, but I’ll show Your Grace the dress first when it’s finished!”

Elodie, brightly glowing like the spring sun, and Walter, with a somewhat indifferent expression in contrast.

Though usually cold and sharp, Walter appeared somewhat neutralized, more indifferent than sharp, when standing next to Elodie.

In fact, Walter was rather soft towards Elodie.

So it was not at all excessive for the followers to gossip about the two.

“There’s no need to show it to me first. I was about to tell you that your debutante’s ball is set.”

“Really? When is it?”

“In two days.”

“My God, so soon?”

“It’s urgent, but this time, the Count of Xavier is hosting a grand banquet. Considering Xavier’s reputation, there won’t be a bigger event this season, so it’s perfect for your debut.”

“Then I must consult with the designer quickly! See you at dinner!”

Elodie seemed to think Walter’s words made sense, so she nodded hurriedly and left the office.

Russell sighed at her cheerful, if informal, behavior, and shook his head.

“Your Grace may have your thoughts, but … can she debut like that?”

To the aristocratically savvy Russell, it seemed absolutely impossible.

He could swear on his honor.

“She only has two days, so there won’t be time to prepare. How can Miss Elodie handle a sizable banquet like Xavier?”

Then Walter scoffed.

“You worry too much. She’ll do better than you think, so don’t worry.”

“How can you guarantee she’ll do well? She seems far from ready to debut.”

“Debut is not my concern.”

“Then…?”

“Didn’t you just see?”

With a mechanical expression, Walter’s hand spun the pen holder.

“Maybe not anything else, but she’s good at seducing men, right?”