Chapter 9. Invitation

“That’s unusual. He’s especially careful at official events.”

Empress Amy murmured as she set down the morning newspaper. The article featured an image of Alexis speaking to an unfamiliar woman.

There was nothing surprising about another article on Alexis—it was a common occurrence. What caught her attention, however, was the location.

Not just anywhere, but right in front of Emerald Palace, where the Summer Rose Banquet was being held.

According to a trusted aide who had been present at the scene, it was Alexis who initiated the conversation.

For someone who never spared a glance at the women who followed him around, this was unlike him.

<It seemed as if they had met before. I think I even heard them mention meeting again.>

Amy mulled over her aide’s words and murmured softly.

“The eldest daughter of House Helio, was it?”

She was quite a clever girl. The way she had deftly handled Elizabeth’s rudeness was proof of that.

Her ability to remain calm in a crisis while preserving the dignity of both the princess and the empress was truly impressive.

Any other young lady would have either frozen in embarrassment or burst into tears.

But Grace Helio had remained composed—as if she was accustomed to dealing with such tantrums.

Elizabeth was a stubborn child, one even Amy herself struggled to control. As the youngest, she had been spoiled and raised without proper discipline.

Taking Elizabeth to official events was always nerve-wracking.

Yet, on that particular day, Elizabeth hadn’t caused much trouble. She had been too pleased with the twilly scarf Grace Helio had gifted her.

That was why Amy had decided to send an invitation in return.

But now, knowing that this woman had some sort of connection with Alexis, her curiosity deepened.

House Helio wasn’t a bad family. Their founding patriarch had been a meritorious retainer of the empire, renowned for his unwavering loyalty to the imperial family.

To the extent that he had abandoned a central role among the aristocracy and voluntarily chosen a remote territory instead.

Originally, House Helio could have settled in the capital, holding the imperial court in the palm of their hands, but now, they were little more than rural nobility.

Ecleon had changed far too much since its founding.

The fact that the direct lineage of the Helios had now moved to the capital meant they had no intention of returning.

And the reason for their sudden relocation was obvious.

They wanted to reestablish their footing in the political sphere.

Count Helio had been meeting with nobles frequently for business matters. Given his keen interest in the railway industry, it was clear he wanted to establish a foothold in that sector.

His family was already wealthy, thanks to their vast and prosperous territory. In Ecleon, where industrialization was advancing rapidly, wealth could rival noble prestige.

Of course, that didn’t mean a noble family’s name was unimportant. After all, House Helio was still a minor family with nothing to its name but the legacy of its founder.

“Bestie.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

As the head lady-in-waiting stepped forward, Empress Amy handed her the newspaper.

“Doesn’t this seem unusual to you?”

“Hard to say. He’s always been unpredictable.”

“Then we’ll just have to confirm it ourselves.”

“Are you planning to invite Lady Helio? The Duke won’t be pleased.”

“It’s not because of this article, is it?”

“Pardon?”

“I was thinking of recommending her as Elizabeth’s play tutor. Let’s call this invitation an interview.”

“Ah.”

Bestie let out a quiet sigh as she received her orders. Even before this article surfaced, the Empress had already found a valid reason to invite Grace Helio.

And there was no better excuse to keep someone close than making them the princess’s play tutor.

“Understood. I will deliver the message accordingly.”

“No, you will go in person. She helped Elizabeth, after all. We must treat her with the utmost courtesy.”

At the Empress’s command, Bestie smiled faintly. Even if Grace Helio had made an impression at the banquet, it was hardly significant enough for the head lady-in-waiting to personally deliver an invitation.

This level of special treatment could only mean one thing—the article.

Everyone in high society knew that Empress Amy would go to any lengths when it came to her younger brother.

In other words, this was a declaration to the social circles.

A warning that this lady was under the Empress’s protection and was not to be trifled with.

Grace Helio, without even realizing it, had been placed on trial as a potential bride for the Empress’s brother.

Of course, it wasn’t a bad thing for Grace. Even if she didn’t end up linked to Alexis von Václav, the Empress would ensure she had an excellent marriage prospect.

That was the privilege of being personally managed by the Empress.

“If you keep meddling like this, the Duke might lose interest.”

“And what if I do? I’m his only family, and no one cares more about his happiness than I do.”

“It was just a conversation.”

“And that’s precisely why it’s important. He never even spoke to anyone before.”

“That may be true, but… what if, like last time, he threatens to leave Ecleon?”

“Hmph. That boy won’t be going anywhere until I’m fully recovered. He’s already seen me collapse once—there’s no way he’d leave now.”

“Honestly, Your Majesty, you’re quite cruel.”

“The cruel one is Alexis. Imagine making me grateful for my chronic illness—now that’s truly wicked, isn’t it?”

“Your Majesty, please. That kind of joke isn’t funny at all.”

Amy simply shrugged at Bestie’s reproach.

“Either way, we need to observe her more closely. We know far too little about this woman.”

“That’s true. Should we send someone to meet Count Helio? Parents often reveal a lot about their children.”

“A good idea.”

Amy nodded in approval, and Bestie smiled.

“I’ll make the arrangements.”

* * *

The Helio estate was in an uproar.

An unexpected guest of immense stature had arrived at the mansion, interrupting the family’s quiet afternoon in the drawing room.

None other than the Empress’s closest confidante and head lady-in-waiting, the Duchess Bestie Amalie.

She approached Grace and presented her with a jewelry set.

“Her Majesty wished to express her gratitude for your assistance with the princess. It is but a small token of appreciation.”

The dazzling diamonds sparkled under the light, making it clear that this was no ordinary gift.

Caught off guard by the extravagance, Grace hesitated, unsure how to respond. Meanwhile, Valentina blinked in shock and murmured.

“I-Isn’t this one of Master Jeneth’s limited edition sets?”

“You have quite the discerning eye.”

“Oh, my goodness.”

Valentina covered her mouth, struggling to contain her disbelief. She usually had no reservations about handling accessories, but even she knew better than to lay a finger on this one.

Grace carefully closed the case and spoke.

“I didn’t do it expecting a reward. This is far too extravagant for me.”

“Whether it is or not is for Her Majesty to decide.”

“Indeed, my dear,” Count Helio chimed in.

“It would be disrespectful to refuse a gift from the Empress. …But, may I ask, did Her Majesty truly send you all this way just to deliver a present?”

It seemed even Count Helio sensed that Bestie’s visit carried a deeper significance.

Bestie grinned and responded smoothly.

“Of course not.”

She retrieved an envelope bearing the imperial seal from her coat and handed it to Count Helio.

By offering it to him rather than Grace directly, she emphasized the official nature of her visit.

“Her Majesty has invited Lady Grace Helio to the palace tomorrow for a light tea gathering. She also has a task she wishes to entrust to her.”

“Well, well.”

Count Helio, still in disbelief, hurriedly opened the envelope.

The imperial crest stamped on the letter confirmed that the invitation was genuine.

“A-An honor, indeed.”

He stammered, still processing the unexpected fortune.

Since the Summer Rose Banquet, Count Helio had not spoken a single word to Grace. She had defied his authority and acted on her own whims, disregarding his wishes.

They had already been at odds even before moving to the capital, and he had intended to use this incident as an opportunity to discipline her properly.

But now, it seemed she had done something commendable instead.

With the Empress’s most trusted aide personally delivering the invitation, it was clear that this was no minor affair.

As a father, it was only natural to overlook minor transgressions in light of such an accomplishment.

After weighing his options, Count Helio put on a warm smile and spoke.

“If it’s not too much trouble, may my son escort Grace to the palace? Since we’ve only recently moved to the capital, I worry about sending my daughter alone.”

It was obvious that he wanted to introduce his heir to the imperial family. If only Anthony had been present, he could have seized the opportunity immediately.

But before he could push further, Bestie swiftly shut down the request.

“There’s no need to worry about an escort. Her Majesty will arrange for someone suitable to accompany her.”