Chapter 38: Going to the Banquet with Brother

Finally, the day of the Griffith family’s banquet arrived.

Rosa, instead of her trademark deep red dress, was clad in an unusually fresh green dress.

While the color was light for Rosa, it was by no means plain. The dress was adorned with sparkling beads and embroidery, crafted by the renowned designer Madame Monterrosa specifically for Rosa.

It suited her well with her blond hair and blue eyes. In fact, one might feel that there was no color that didn’t suit her.

(Amazing! Indeed, being blonde suits her well. Rosa is beautiful, despite her stern face. It’s puzzling why she isn’t popular!)

With a slightly bitter thought, Rosa contemplated this.

Later, she called Helena and Hugh into the room and discussed today’s strategy.

“Hugh, can you gather information about rumors from guards of other houses and preferably coachmen as well? Helena subtly inquired about my bad reputation from maids of other houses and traced its origins. It might be difficult, but I want as much information as possible.”

“Miss, why not ask the master for help?” Hugh asked curiously.

“If I ask my father, it will be troublesome. It might even lead to a conflict with the Arnaud faction,” Rosa explained.

“I see. That makes sense.” Helena nodded in understanding.

“But people can spread awful rumors. The noble world is scary. After all, Miss Rosa could have truly been in danger with just one wrong step.”

Rosa couldn’t help but wryly smile at Helena’s words.

(Well, that’s because the setting requires me to survive until I’m poisoned.)

“Rather, it would be a miracle if I had lived after being kicked by a horse. So, both of you, listen carefully within reasonable limits.”

“Understood.”

After a brief meeting, Rosa was escorted by Philbert and boarded the carriage.

In reality, Rosa was dissatisfied with this escort. She had intended to attend the banquet alone, but her family vehemently opposed it, exclaiming, “What is an unmarried daughter thinking!”

Even though she wanted to get closer to the Arnaud faction, having Philbert with her would arouse suspicion.

“Well, I’m looking forward to it. His Excellency rarely holds banquets. There might be a surprise tonight, like an announcement of his fiancée.”

Rosa looked at the excited Philbert with a bemused expression.

“There’s no such thing.”

“Why are you so sure?”

Philbert grinned mischievously.

“His Excellency always buys bath bombs containing medicinal herbs.”

“Huh? Is His Excellency a regular customer of your store?”

“Yes, a valued customer.”

Rosa shrugged and let out a small laugh.

“Amazing… you.”

“Well, the customer is like a god, and money has no color. So, today, I’m thinking of bringing the Arnaud faction members to the store.”

“No, no, that’s impossible, isn’t it?” Philbert grimaced.

“Yeah, if only my older brother weren’t here, I could have approached the Arnaud faction without arousing suspicion.”

Despite saying this, her goal wasn’t to expand the sales of bath bombs. It was to catch the culprit spreading rumors about her.

If she didn’t do that, the rumors would persist endlessly. The rumors were subtle, and they hadn’t reached the ears of her brother and parents.

“Hey, what are you saying? Against your caring brother like this,” Philbert shook his head as if lamenting the state of the world.

“Even if I get closer, the other party might underestimate me as just a little girl. There might be a chance there.”

Rosa tightly grasped her closed fan, looking frustrated.

“Hey, Rosa, what are you doing, breaking the fan before attending the banquet? Absolutely avoid contact with opposing factions. They will surely scrutinize our every move. Be careful not to get too close. If you show any weakness, it’s over.”

A firm warning was given.

Philbert had been asked by their parents to keep an eye on Rosa.

In this situation, it would be Ethan’s turn.

(Is he reliable, that person? No, probably not. Helena, Hugh, do your best!)

In the carriage swiftly traversing the city during the twilight hours, Rosa pondered if there was no better alternative.