Guidelines for the Perfect Goodbye - Chapter 180
Viscountess Odridge had distanced herself from the rumors in the capital’s social circles due to her conflict with Viscountess Lope.
“This might be the first time you’ve heard of me. I’ve only come up to Mannheim this season.”
“Oh, so that’s why…!”
Viscountess Odridge felt a sense of relief, realizing that it wasn’t that she had forgotten about someone important.
“Um, by any chance, did Marchioness Rosencrantz not come with you?”
Cecilia bit her lip and offered a sympathetic smile. Just as Viscountess Odridge was about to slump her shoulders in disappointment, Cecilia spoke.
“Actually, I came in secret.”
“…Without the Marchioness knowing?”
“Yes, I really wanted to attend this party today… but my aunt was adamant that I had to go to the duchy’s party since it was my first time in the central social scene.”
“…”
Viscountess Odridge frowned. Though it hurt to admit, she couldn’t deny it. A young lady making her debut in the capital would naturally choose the most glamorous party she could attend.
“But I really wanted to come to your party… so I took the liberty of coming here alone.”
“Oh…”
Most noblewomen would have scolded Cecilia for disobeying her elder and secretly attending another party.
However, Viscountess Odridge had experienced every bitter emotion possible at her party today.
Rather than feeling the need to educate a young lady as an elder, she was moved by Cecilia’s words, which expressed a preference for her party over the duchy’s.
“I heard you invited a circus troupe. Are they here as well?”
“Oh, yes, they’re here, but…”
They were probably drunk by now. If she asked them to perform now, they’d likely embarrass themselves, falling from trees like monkeys.
Rather than showing such a shameful spectacle, it would be better to quietly wrap things up.
“I’m sorry to say this, Cecilia, but the party is already over.”
“Oh, did I arrive too late…?”
Seeing Cecilia unable to hide her disappointment, Viscountess Odridge felt awkward. Usually, when told that a party was over, other nobles familiar with the capital would quickly move on to the next party location.
But this young lady hadn’t yet stepped into the capital’s social scene. Since she said she came secretly, she likely came here solely in anticipation of this party.
“W-Well, at least come inside. You can’t drink yet, but let’s have some tea.”
After hesitating for a moment, the viscountess gestured towards the interior of the hall.
After all, Cecilia was a guest who had brought an invitation. It would put her in a difficult position if it seemed like she was being turned away.
* * *
Logan swirled his wine glass, the red wine swirling along the glass’s edge.
“How’s the wine?”
In response to Viscount Odridge’s question, Logan replied with a slight smile.
“It’s well-aged.”
“Don’t even get me started. I let it age a few extra years to get this flavor.”
“The aroma is fresh too.”
“Indeed. You wouldn’t find this scent from the damp lands of Caswick. It’s hard to find a region with ample sunlight.”
“Did you import it from the continent?”
“I didn’t get it myself, but my son sent it to me while studying abroad. Haha, it’s amazing how well he knows my taste and sent me just the right gift.”
After boasting about his son out of habit, the viscount glanced at Logan and looked slightly embarrassed.
“My, I’ve been too boastful in front of you.”
“No, it’s heartwarming to see.”
Logan smiled casually, but that smile made the viscount uncomfortable.
‘Am I becoming more like my wife? I seem to be getting more thoughtless.’
He regretted it internally, pretending to be relaxed as he raised his wine glass.
“Oh, that’s right. Isn’t there something to congratulate you on?”
“Something to congratulate me on…?”
Logan looked puzzled but naturally raised his glass to meet the viscount’s.
“Your engagement, of course. Why didn’t you tell me earlier? I would have congratulated you sooner.”
“Ah… it was an engagement made verbally. It hasn’t been long since I actually met her.”
“You didn’t even know what she looked like?”
The viscount’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.
“So, how is she? Now that you’ve seen her in person, do you like her?”
“Well…”
Logan stared at the red wine swirling in his glass. Eventually, a slight smile curved his lips.
“She’s not bad.”
“I said the exact same thing when I saw my wife for the first time. Little did I know I’d be spending over twenty years with that woman. It was quite a presumptuous evaluation.”
The viscount chuckled as he looked at the green leaves outside the window.
“Youthful love is a beautiful thing. Ah, to be young again.”
Logan also turned his gaze to the window.
But he wasn’t looking at the leaves. His eyes lowered slightly to the front door on the first floor.
He saw a familiar face, the maid arguing with the doorman. His eyes narrowed as he focused.
A frown creased his brow.
‘That woman…’
The maid of his fiancée was standing at the doorstep of the house where he was staying.
