For a while after that, I had various conversations with Marquis Puridi. We discussed the future policies of Prince Lucas’s faction, and exchanged opinions on the Divine Blessing Church and Lecty. I think I had a very meaningful time.
The reason it wasn’t as awkward as last time was probably because Marquis Puridi kept the conversation flowing. As Lily’s father, he has a quick mind, and more than anything, he’s a skilled conversationalist. You could call him a communication master.
Before I knew it, time had passed quickly. The topics gradually shifted from serious matters to more personal ones, and Marquis Puridi was enthusiastically talking about Lily’s childhood.
He talked about the moment Lily first spoke, and how he still keeps the portrait Lily gave him for his birthday in a frame in his study…
I was starting to get tired of just nodding along. It’s a heartwarming story, but I felt a little bad for Lily if I listened too much…
That said, it’s difficult for me, as a guest in the mansion, to cut the conversation short. As I was wondering what to do, the door finally opened and Lily showed her face.
“Sorry to keep you waiting, Hugh. It’s about time… Ugh, Father.”
Lily, who had only peeked her face through the door, made an obviously displeased face when she saw her father. It seems that Marquis Puridi’s return was unexpected for Lily as well.
“I thought I asked everyone in the mansion to keep it a secret…”
Lily looked around the room with a sharp gaze, and the servant who had been serving us quickly averted their eyes.
“…Well, it doesn’t matter. Father, I was about to have Hugh look at the dress I’m going to wear to the Night Soiree. Would you mind leaving? You probably snuck out in the middle of work, right?”
“Well… but, you see…?”
“Please consider your position and act accordingly. Father, you are currently the head of Prince Lucas’s faction. It’s not as large as Prince Slay’s faction, nor is it as strongly united as Prince Brute’s faction. The rise and fall of Prince Lucas’s faction depends on you.”
“Y-yes, that’s… true…?”
Marquis Puridi glanced at me. Noticing this, Lily sighed softly.
“Once things have calmed down, how about we invite Hugh for dinner, the three of us?”
“That’s a great idea! There are still so many things I want to talk to Hugh-kun about. Let’s definitely do that. Is that alright with you, Hugh-kun?”
“Yes, I’d be happy to join you.”
Satisfied with my reply, Marquis Puridi nodded and stood up from the sofa.
“I also plan to attend the Night Soiree hosted by His Majesty the King the day after tomorrow. See you again, Hugh-kun.”
Leaving those words behind, the Marquis briskly left the reception room. Lily, who had probably exchanged a few words with the Marquis outside the room, appeared before me after a while.
What caught my eye was a chic, dark navy dress. It was simple yet sophisticated, with small jewels subtly embedded in the chest area. The elegantly flared hem was scattered with silver thread embroidery, reminiscent of stars floating in the night sky.
If you were to turn Lily’s elegance and intelligence into a dress, it would probably look like this. The dark navy dress suited Lily so well.
“Fufu, since you’re silently admiring me, I can assume that I’ve won again this time, right?”
“It’s a complete defeat. You can count it as my second consecutive loss.”
I raised both hands to show my surrender. Lily, smiling contentedly, asked, “So?”
“Would you like to hear my impressions?”
“Well… The crimson dress from before also suited you, but if I had to choose, I’d say I like that dark navy dress better because it feels more like Lily.”
“Like…?”
“It suits Lily’s calm demeanor and intellectual vibe. It’s beautiful.”
“I-is that so? Then, I’ll wear this dress to the Night Soiree. I was actually planning to show you more dresses, but if Hugh likes this one, then I’ll choose this dress.”
“There’s still time, I’ll accompany you for as many as you want?”
“No. I also liked this dress, and that’s not the main purpose of today. The main issue is from here. Can you take a look at Lecty’s dress?”
“Ah, yes. Understood.”
…I actually wanted to see Lily in more dresses. I have a feeling she might show me if I asked, but I’m too embarrassed to say it. Besides, it seems that Lecty is waiting outside the door.
When Lily beckoned, Lecty peeked her face in, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
“L-Lily-chan, I’m still embarrassed…”
“Now, now. What are you saying after coming this far? Come on, we’re holding things up, so hurry up and come out.”
“Ugh… Hugh-san, please don’t laugh if it looks weird…?”
As she said that, Lecty entered the room wearing a delicate, light purple dress, as lovely as a noble flower.
The color, reminiscent of lilac, harmonized well with Lecty’s lustrous, pale blue hair. A simple pearl necklace sparkled around her neck, further enhancing her beauty.
“U-um… How is it, Hugh-san…?”
“Lily, this is bad. She’s so beautiful that every single unmarried noble at the Night Soiree might propose to her.”
“Eeeh!? P-propose…?”
“But that doesn’t mean the main attraction of the Night Soiree can dress strangely. There’s even a possibility that she might enter the venue escorted by His Majesty the King… Besides, her natural beauty is so great that she looks good in any dress. I did hold back, you know, somewhat.”
“She’s this beautiful even after holding back…”
I couldn’t help but stare at Lecty’s dress.
Certainly, the dress is more subdued compared to Lily’s dark navy one, and the only accessory is a necklace. It’s a simple outfit with minimal embellishments. That’s probably why her natural beauty stands out even more.
“H-Hugh-san. It’s embarrassing when you stare at me like that…”
“Sorry, I just… But what are we really going to do about this…?”
“At this point, we have no choice but to ask Prince Lucas to request His Majesty the King to change the Night Soiree into a masquerade.”
“That’s impossible…”
I know she was just joking, but I feel too bad for my older brother who would be burdened with such a request. For now, I should consult Prince Lucas about Lecty’s situation…