Seraphina was extremely satisfied.
It was easy to go from frugality to luxury, but hard to return from luxury to frugality. Once these “wild boars” tasted fine bran, who would willingly go back to rooting for coarse grains in the wilderness?
At her father’s signal, Ailinuo began toasting the important guests. The first, naturally, had to be Seraphina.
When she approached—heart pounding, nerves fluttering—her cheeks were already tinged with a faint blush.
“Y-Your Highness…” Her voice trembled slightly. She held the wine cup with both hands and bowed. “Thank you… for attending my coming-of-age ceremony. It is… it is my greatest honour.”
She lifted her head. Those ruby-like eyes sparkled, brimming with pure, unhidden, and utterly unashamed admiration.
Seraphina raised her glass in return, her tone calm and gentle. “Congratulations, Lady Ailinuo. Your future will undoubtedly be even brighter.”
Just as Ailinuo, at a loss for words, was about to use the wine as her reply, Seraphina stopped her.
“Lina.”
At her call, Lina stepped forward at once. On the tray she carried were two tall glasses filled with fruit juice.
Seraphina took one and offered it to Ailinuo.
Before the girl could react, Seraphina smoothly removed the wine cup from her hands.
“Lady Ailinuo, I assume you have never drunk alcohol before. There is no need to force yourself tonight.”
Then she swept her gaze across the room and addressed all the guests. “I also ask everyone not to press Lady Ailinuo. This is a night worth remembering. I would not wish for her to look back on it and recall only… unpleasant things.”
Since Seraphina had spoken, no one dared refuse her this face!
In truth, this had been one of Dekrian’s worries. The toasting ritual could not be omitted, and no one knew his daughter’s tolerance better than he did.
If something went wrong… if she embarrassed herself… his own reputation could recover, but Ailinuo only had one coming-of-age banquet in her life. He did not want her to regret it forever.
Yet he could not openly declare that she could substitute juice for wine.
“Ah…” For a moment, Ailinuo was too stunned to react, standing frozen in place.
Only after drinking the juice did understanding dawn on her.
Her Highness… spoke up for me?!
When she searched for that black-clad figure again, it had already been swallowed by the crowd…
Seraphina walked slowly to Dekrian’s side. “Is Her Ladyship not present today?”
“Hm…” Dekrian gave a small nod.
“Is there some reason she cannot attend? Of course, Your Grace need not answer if it is private.” Seraphina handed her empty glass to a nearby Bloodborn maid. “Thank you.”
Lina set down her tray and retreated a few steps.
“No, nothing of the sort. She simply… dislikes noisy places. She is in the back right now.”
Seraphina detected no unusual expression on Dekrian’s face.
Still, it was a family matter. An outsider like her should not pry.
The two of them leaned against the windowsill in companionable silence.
Once all of Ailinuo’s formalities were complete, she returned to Seraphina’s side.
She took a deep breath, gathering her courage, then lowered her voice with a trace of pleading. “Your Highness… there is something I… I would like to speak with you about alone. On the small terrace in the back. It won’t take much of your time…”
Seraphina raised an eyebrow. She looked at the girl—who seemed ready to bury her head in the floor from nervousness—then glanced at Dekrian beside her.
Dekrian gave an apologetic look, yet in the depths of his eyes Seraphina clearly read a trace of… gratification?
Gratification for what? For his daughter?
Even Dekrian, master of concealment, could not fully hide his emotions tonight. That only showed how strong they were.
After a moment’s thought, Seraphina nodded. She had been wanting some fresh air anyway; the noisy hall was beginning to tire her.
She turned to Lina, who had been quietly blending into the background. “Stay here. Do not leave Duke Dekrian’s side even half a step. He will keep you safe.”
She spoke softly, yet loud enough for Dekrian to hear. She gave him a small nod.
He answered with a smile.
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Ailinuo had invited only her. Lina should not follow.
Besides, Lina was human. Leaving her alone might invite trouble—even if no one would dare act openly.
Better to entrust her to Dekrian.
“Lead the way.”
Pure joy burst across Ailinuo’s face; she nearly jumped in excitement but quickly forced herself back into ladylike composure. She guided Seraphina through the crowd toward a side door that opened onto a quiet little terrace.
The terrace was not large, furnished only with a few comfortable wicker chairs and tables.
Cool moonlight spilled down, forming a stark contrast to the blazing lights inside the hall.
A woman in an elegant violet gown stood with her back to them, leaning against the railing and gazing at the moon in tranquil silence.
At the sound of footsteps, she turned slowly. Her features resembled Ailinuo’s, only more mature—her expression gentle and serene.
“Mother,” Ailinuo called softly. “Her Highness Seraphina is here.”
From the back view alone, Seraphina had already guessed her identity. Ailinuo’s words confirmed it—this was the lady of the house herself.
The woman smiled warmly and curtsied with perfect grace. “Your Highness, I am Dekrian’s wife, Finiel. Thank you for gracing us with your presence. The front is too noisy for my taste, so I have been stealing a moment of quiet here. I hope you will forgive me for not greeting you sooner.”
Her voice was soft, carrying a soothing warmth.
Seraphina inclined her head. “You are too kind, madam. The moonlight here is beautiful. Had I known sooner, I would not have lingered inside so long.”
Finiel looked at her daughter with fond affection. “This child has been beside herself with excitement for days, asking over and over whether Your Highness would truly come. If her two older brothers weren’t at the border, she would have driven them mad as well.”
She patted Ailinuo’s hand lightly. “I hope she has not been impolite in your presence.”
“Not at all. Lady Ailinuo’s manners are impeccable.”
“That is a relief.” Finiel rose. “Then I shall not disturb your conversation. I must show my face inside for a while, or tongues will wag.”
With another graceful curtsy to Seraphina, she left the terrace as lightly as a breeze, leaving the space to the two of them.
Seraphina watched Finiel’s retreating figure and could not help but think:
With a wife so wise and gentle, how could Duke Dekrian ever worry about failure?