A peaceful ride with him.

Leaving the tiresome party that had unfolded more as a battleground of wits and words than a festive gathering, I found comfort in the sight of the large carriage, its doors flung open as if beckoning me into its warmth. With Lusav's hand clasped in mine, I made my way towards it, my weariness evident. Noticing the fatigue etched upon my features, Lusav, ever observant, inquired, "My lady, did the party pose challenges for you?"

Choosing not to burden Lusav with the trivialities of petty disputes amongst ladies, I responded with a smile, "No, Lusav, it was as anticipated. Although, one might consider the appearance of the Marquesses at her daughter's gathering at the right time, when she was being blamed for the ongoing rumors to be rather unexpected."

"The Marquesses? You encountered her?" Lusav's curiosity piqued.

"Now that the Marquesses is discussed," I redirected, "Lusav, I implore you to delve into the backgrounds of both the Selgae and marquesses's families. While they may not hold immediate significance to me, I believe it prudent to be prepared for any eventualities. One lesson that I learned from the tea party is that not only Clivat, but her mother as well, harbors hidden agendas beneath a veneer of virtue."

"Of course, my lady. I shall procure a detailed report on the Selgae family posthaste," Lusav assured me dutifully in response to my directive.

At the threshold of the carriage, Lusav extended his assistance, ensuring my comfortable seating before attending to his own mount stationed behind. However, I intervened with a different plan in mind. "Lusav, join me in the carriage. I require your updates on the functioning of our mall and the progress of the subjugation team. It has been a few days, and I anticipate an imminent invitation to a victory ball from the imperial palace, heralding Duke Carter's triumphant return after defeating the monsters."

Though initially hesitant, Lusav complied to my insistence, knowing my resolve. Unusual as it may be for a slave to share a carriage with their master, I had a reason behind my command, and it was that, I was unusually fatigued and Lusav being the most trusted person with me, I wanted him beside me as a person to accompany me during this ride, though I did have matters to discuss with him, I also felt a need for support from my trusted aide. Lusav expressed his gratitude, acknowledging my benevolence as he entrusted his horse to one of the accompanying knights before settling opposite me.

As our journey commenced, my maid Lily remained positioned outside the carriage, her presence a precautionary measure for matters of confidentiality that Lusav and I were to discuss. Gazing out the window, I beheld the transitioning hues of the darkening sky, where the radiant orange sun and the ethereal white moon coexisted, casting an enchanting aura reminiscent of a scene from a fairy tale.

Immersed in the serenity of the horse-drawn carriage, adorned in an elegant gown, I marveled at the picturesque tableau unfolding before me. The sky, akin to a canvas freshly painted by an artist's hand, served as a backdrop to our journey, imbuing it with an otherworldly charm.

In the quiet of the carriage, I pondered the complexities of social intricacies, knowing that in the intricate dance of nobility, every step must be taken with care.

Lusav's gaze lingered expectantly upon me, filling the carriage and its surroundings with a palpable silence, punctuated only by the rhythmic beat of horses' hooves echoing like the ticking of a clock. I closed my eyes, allowing my thoughts to drift inward, reflecting on the events of the party.

The first image that surfaced in my mind was that of the verdant greenhouse adorned with fragrant blooms. Yet, even the memory of their scent seemed to exacerbate my headache. Why were such strongly scented flowers cultivated? Perhaps it was simply my aversion to such odors. My musings then shifted to the baffling absence of blame directed towards Clivat, despite my tactful dissolution of our engagement in the palace. Why did everyone blindly trust her? Is it just because this world is supposed to revolve around her?

As I pondered, my thoughts wandered to the jewelry adorning the noblewomen present. Though the pieces appeared cheap, they bore a curious familiarity. Who among them had never held an interest in jewelry? Well that person would definitely be me. I never cared about jewelries, but only the monetary value of the gems within it. While the gems seemed imitation, their allure remained undeniable.

Opening my eyes to Lusav's concerned expression, I teased, "Are you attempting to bore holes into my skull with that stare, Lusav?" His response was a solemn, "I am merely concerned for your well-being, My Lady."

Amused by his evident worry, I reassured him with playful banter, "Why fret? Do you doubt my resilience?" Yet, Lusav's concern remained unwavering. "My Lady, you appear exceptionally fatigued today, unlike your usual self. It's as if your vitality is waning."

His words brought a newfound awareness to my own weariness, a sensation foreign to one accustomed to rigorous training and fortitude surpassing that of many men. It was then that I recognized the encroaching fatigue and drowsiness, a stark departure from my usual vigor.

Perhaps the strong scents of flowers and the chatter of the women had left me feeling a bit fatigued, I assured Lusav. Still, he looked at me with concern. To divert his attention, I spoke up.

"Lusav, in addition to researching the Selgae family, I have another task for you. Today, I noticed two women adorned with inexpensive yet exquisite artificial gemstone necklaces. Could you investigate and inform me about the vendor of such jewelry?" With a puzzled expression, Lusav inquired, "Artificial? What does that entail, my lady? How can gemstones be artificial?" Artificial gems were still a novel concept within the empire, sparking my curiosity about the originator of this modern accessory. Though the pieces appeared cheap, lacking definitive cuts and designs for each stone, their overall aesthetic was captivating. If I could locate the merchant responsible and negotiate a deal, I was confident I could monopolize fast fashion and introduce it as a trend in this novel world. Lost in contemplation, the carriage suddenly jolted, causing me to lose my balance. With heavy eyelids and a sensation of sleepiness overwhelming me, I felt my body slipping from my seat. Just as I began to fall, a sturdy arm enveloped me, gently guiding me back onto the seat. I marveled at how the scrawny slave I had once purchased had transformed into a man with robust arms now supporting me. It was the first time I realized that Lusav had grown into a man, no longer the little boy he once was. His deep blue eyes met mine, silently conveying reassurance: "I am here, my lady. You may rest comfortably." His lips, the color of rich rubies, parted to whisper into my ear, "Please, allow yourself some respite, my master." Enchanted by the golden locks that contrasted with my silver hair, I succumbed to the soothing rhythm of the carriage's slow movement. Though I was too drowsy to investigate the cause of the instability of the carriage, I found solace in the knowledge that Lusav was by my side. As he settled beside me, offering his broad shoulder as a pillow. It was definitely sturdy but was comfortable and cozy at the same time. I couldn't help but marvel once again at the picturesque scene before me: a serene sky, a luxurious carriage, a gallant companion, and the promise of peaceful slumber. Thus, concluded my eventful tea party with Clivat Selgae. Unable to engage in any meaningful discussion with Lusav, I found myself too fatigued from a social gathering to which I was unaccustomed. Wearing dresses and conversing with ladies remained an alien concept for me, an introvert.