Why Did House Clavel Let You Go?

Thanks to Lucien’s consideration, Marguerite obtained clothing suitable for movement, and starting the following week she began preparing for the “tea gathering” requested by Noel-sama.

Lady Yumila formally apologized to Marguerite once more.

“…I am sorry for all this time.”

‘To think I would hear such words from my mother-in-law…!?’

Since it had already been decided that they would leave the Royal Capital and relocate to the territory, Yumila was finally able to accept Marguerite honestly as the new lady of the house.

Moreover, once she removed her prejudice and looked properly, Marguerite proved to be exceptionally capable.

“In addition to the standard Salem tea and Erlin tea, we will also serve Slant tea leaves harvested in the de Broy territory. Erlin has a deep flavor, so perhaps we should serve honey and fresh cream with the scones?”

“…Yes.”

“For the tea set, shall we choose orange tones to match the season? Or since Noel-sama will also be attending, would it be better to unify everything in white?”

“I leave it to you.”

“Then, since this will be incognito, we will go with orange. Richard will handle greeting the guests as usual, Ferris and Dorea will be in charge of service, and for the sweets we will place an order with the West Trading Company…”

“You not only have extensive knowledge of tea and tableware, but you also have a complete grasp of the servants and even the merchants that frequent our house.”

“House Clavel’s territory borders the de Broy territory. Our distribution routes are similar, so we often use the same merchants.”

As Yumila murmured in admiration, Marguerite smiled shyly and spoke.

After her mother’s death, it had been Marguerite who managed House Clavel’s tea gatherings and banquets. She had acquired all the necessary knowledge. However, those events were enjoyed by Maurice and Isabella, and she herself had not even been allowed to participate.

Her understanding of the servants’ roles and abilities came from having blended in among them shortly after her marriage.

As for the merchants, it was because they passed in front of the northern annex and carried goods through the service entrance. Even from a distance, she could tell familiar merchants apart and knew what goods they had brought.

‘…Could this perhaps be a lucky find?’

At last, Yumila also began to understand Lucien’s evaluation of Marguerite.

Having secured Yumila’s approval, Marguerite explained the tea gathering arrangements to Lucien.

“…And that covers the necessary preparations for the tea gathering, as well as the flow of events on the day itself.”

On Marguerite’s lap lay the cat gifted by Noel-sama, sprawled out on his back. Named “Marron” after the color of his fur, he was assigned a dedicated attendant and was being cared for with great attention.

Purring sweetly in time with Marguerite’s voice, Marron lifted his head the moment her voice stopped.

Reflected in Marron’s eyes was Lucien’s stunned expression.

“Did you think of all of this yourself?”

“Yes. However, Lady Yumila also reviewed it, so I believe there should be no issues… Is there something that concerns you?”

“No, the opposite. It was so perfect that it surprised me.”

Lucien did not understand tea gatherings. Even so, he had harbored several questions. Marguerite’s explanation answered every one of them, giving him a sense of relief.

“I also handled arrangements at House Clavel, and since the Clavel territory borders the de Broy territory…”

When she repeated what she had told Yumila, Lucien suddenly looked as though he had realized something.

“Wait. Does that mean you know your territory well enough to give instructions to others?”

Climate, terrain, specialties, trade, transportation connecting the Royal Capital and the territory, and the cities along the way—there was a vast amount of information required even to simply say “one’s own territory.”

Marguerite accurately understood Lucien’s surprise.

“Ah, yes, that’s right. I believe I could assist you as well, Lucien-sama. That is, if it is acceptable for me to know the details of the de Broy territory…”

At her family home, she had assisted Maurice, and Marguerite had managed part of the Clavel territory herself.

She had assumed she would never be entrusted with confidential matters, which was why she had not mentioned it, but supporting Lucien, who would become the head of the house before long, was also something Marguerite could do.

“…Why did House Clavel let you go…?”

The more Lucien learned about Marguerite, the more he found himself questioning House Clavel’s judgment.

“My father favored my younger sister…”

“To me, you look like nothing but a perfect wife.”

“…Thank you very much.”

When Lucien spoke his praise plainly, Marguerite blushed and smiled bashfully.

Lucien himself suddenly realized what he had said.

Blushing at each other, Lucien and Marguerite fell into silence for a while.

Noticing that Marguerite had stopped stroking him and that her gaze had turned toward Lucien, Marron rubbed up against her in protest and let out an indignant “Myaaow.”

A picture-perfect moment of happiness.

However, from Maurice’s and Isabella’s perspective, the current situation apparently amounted to “dumping an unnecessary older sister onto House de Broy.”

‘Are they saying that that younger sister is more valuable than Marguerite?’

When he thought about it after being alone, anger welled up inside him.

At the same time, Lucien felt a chill at the sheer lack of realism in such a judgment, and he furrowed his brow.