NOVEL NEXT Chapter 20
020.
If one were to pick the cities that are at the heart of high society, three would typically come to mind.
Pelts, Clamenia, and Mland.
These cities are worthy of their reputation as the most prosperous in the Empire, excelling in various aspects.
Moreover, it goes without saying that the unique characteristics of each city play a significant role.
Among them, Mland carries the symbolic importance of being the capital.
Firstly, if you’re the offspring of a noble family, chances are you’ll visit Mland at least once.
Regardless of the reason, others also make Mland their primary goal, making it easier to obtain what they desire.
Naturally, with the prominent nobles gathered in Mland, numerous high society gatherings are formed.
A smaller society within the larger society emerges.
Mland is the center of the Claire Empire’s continent.
Without strictly considering the location, noble families from all over gather here.
Thus, the fortress they have built for themselves is said to be unshakable.
Those who are at the heart of high society are well aware of their standing.
They receive rigorous education from their families and are expected to elevate their grace discreetly wherever they go.
Though considered high society gatherings, these events often turn into spaces where young girls can freely gossip.
The charming flowers and cute atmosphere appeal to feminine sensibilities.
Yet, even amidst this, manners and grace are maintained.
Around such high society gatherings in Mland, numerous luxury and high-end stores that cater to the tastes of the nobility have opened.
No longer limited to women, men’s establishments have also increased as the high society influence spreads to them as well.
The dazzling streets and the impeccably dressed noble heirs make this world seem detached from the commoners—it’s truly their own exclusive realm.
And then…
If there’s something special, there’s always something even more remarkable.
In the case of Mland, that is the Eclecia Salon.
An exclusive female-only tradition, bolstered by the backing of Hiart from the north and Lakatus from the southeast.
It is, without a doubt, a gathering with overwhelming influence in high society.
Even at the lowest estimate, only baron-level families and above need apply.
Even among these elite, only those from the uppermost families are eligible.
Even those considered “flowers” within their own regions are mostly filtered out here.
Mland’s central vast square is home to the Eclecia Salon.
Rather, should it be called a temple?
Whether intentionally aiming to evoke grandeur and nobility, the teahouse’s exterior was somewhat unusual.
Those affiliated with Eclecia were gathered in this teahouse, exchanging tales.
“Lady Licheisa, how do you manage to improve your magic skills more as the days go by? I wish I could follow at half your pace…”
“Please don’t flatter me, Lady Daphnis… Didn’t I hear that you yourself mastered the highest-level magic of the first rank recently?”
“It was purely luck. Oh, Lady Aileen did…”
Their voices were sweet but pleasant to the ear, revealing how carefully they managed even the pitch and tone.
Having an in-depth conversation about magic was symbolic of their high standards, as beginners of their caliber generally couldn’t even use magic in the first place.
All these elements contribute to maintaining their status and authority.
“By the way, did you all hear about something?”
“What is it, Lady Daphnis?”
Such was the laughter-filled ambience when the first speaker drew their attention with a light clap of her hands.
It was natural for the other ladies to be drawn in.
After all, Daphnis was renowned within the Eclecia Salon for her impressive gathering of information.
She was the type to bring the latest news from that very morning and share it.
And her topics were always intriguing.
Of course, it would be hard not to be curious.
“I heard something yesterday that I found hard to believe even after hearing it. That’s why I wanted to discuss it with all of you.”
Furthermore, the story Daphnis presented with such gravity could not be brushed aside lightly.
“Lady Lakatus will be returning.”
The moment this was revealed, silence enveloped the room.
Even the ladies who had corrected their posture were left speechless.
It was only natural, wasn’t it?
From where does Eclecia’s prestige and authority stem?
It arose because successive generations of ladies from Hiart in the north and Lakatus in the southeast have represented the salon.
Even during the times when the Dranunus family was prominent, the status only grew, never faded.
However, things were slightly different now.
Neither Hiart from the north nor Lakatus from the southeast currently grace the Eclecia Salon.
While Lady Hiart had at least the excuse of ‘no interest,’ Lady Lakatus had been elusive, with no clear updates.
A gathering without a host still needs a substitute.
Daphnis and Bel had effectively run the Eclecia Salon until now.
Upon closer scrutiny, one more individual existed, though this fact remained concealed.
It had, in fact, become more familiar this way over time.
Just then, without any prior signs…
One of the original hosts of Eclecia Salon was returning.
No one at the salon could casually bring up the topic.
“…What do you think?”
Daphnis smiled faintly and gauged the reactions.
The most crucial point was Bel’s opinion.
Her expressionless face suggested a lack of concern.
Fortunately for Daphnis, who wished to fully claim the Eclecia Salon for herself, it was a relief.
The salon she had worked so hard to nurture and maintain wasn’t something she could easily let go of to someone else.
“Forgive me, but where did you obtain this information, Lady Daphnis?”
Clack—
Teacups were gently clinked together.
Turning her head, Daphnis noticed that Bel was sipping her tea.
In fact, questioning the source of information was incredibly rude.
It was tantamount to asking, “Can you be held accountable for this?”
The foundation here is trust.
It was believed that as a member of Eclecia, one wouldn’t irresponsibly spread unverified or uncertain information.
An unwavering faith built by names and authority.
Bel, however, had touched on this unspoken rule.
Yet, no one challenged her, for two reasons:
Firstly, because it was Bel.
Secondly, her question was valid.
No matter how much trust is placed, the information presented was implausible.
In high society, individuals must generally announce their arrival before they participate fully in ceremonies like coming-of-age rites. If the person was still underage, prior notice was expected, especially when joining such exclusive salons.
After all, Eclecia was a legacy of Hiart and Lakatus. The unexpected return of Lakatus’s lady, who had been absent until now, was hard to believe.
Clenching her teeth silently, Daphnis replied.
“…It’s not direct, but shouldn’t it be common to wonder what one’s family does? Is that correct?”
“Yes.”
“Especially regarding Lakatus—I’ve heard about the educational materials and several tutors being prepared for lessons. Moreover, the most important point: a young girl, who had not been seen within Lakatus until now, has started to appear.”
Gazing directly at Bel, Daphnis concluded,
“Is this enough?”
“Thank you, Lady Daphnis.”
The vibes exchanged between the two.
The ladies caught in the middle could only sense the tension.
Both were smiling, but it was more intimidating than reassuring.
At any moment, one could have stood up and taken charge without it being strange.
Clack,Clack—
Footsteps echoed through the corridor connecting the teahouse entrance to the square.
Thump,Thump—
The soft steps drew closer.
Already chilled by the unspoken showdown between Daphnis and Bel, these footsteps sounded even louder.
When the steps halted just before the door, all eyes turned instinctively.
Knock,Knock—
A lady seated near the entrance carefully opened the door.
As they entered, two figures appeared.
Surprisingly, one was a boy.
“Wh–”
Before Daphnis could interject, the boy scanned the room, then led the girl to an empty seat.
Could a man really have dared to enter here?
Is the girl so incapable she can’t walk on her own?
More importantly, who would dare knock on the doors of the Eclecia Salon?
Amid these bewildering questions,
What caught the eye was the girl’s otherworldly beauty.
Is this what the skies would look like if clouds painted them?
It seemed unimaginable that such beauty could exist without surpassing all others.
Her demeanor was unique too.
Though still a little clumsy, it only served to enhance her noble yet delicate charm.
The sudden arrival of these two,
and one of them even sitting down,
was broken by Bel’s question.
“Who are you?”
“Lakatus…”
A pure and clear voice rang out.
“Eliana Lakatus…”
One of the two original hosts of the Eclecia Salon had finally taken her rightful place.
*
Daphnis stared at the boy standing beside her.
Momentarily stunned by the incomprehensible situation, her mind eventually began to process the details.
“What… who is he…”
Could he be her fiancé?
The boy’s appearance warranted such a thought.
Even compared to Lady Eliana Lakatus, who had introduced herself, he held his own.
Naturally, someone like him would be considered a potential fiancé.
“A, no matter how much he may be her fiancé, no men are allowed here…”
“Oh, I apologize. I’ll leave.”
The boy gave Daphnis an awkward smile.
His demeanor contained a certain cuteness, contrasting with his otherwise mature appearance.
His hair gleamed with an ashen tint, his tone calm and composed.
As Daphnis took in these details, she caught a glimpse of the boy whispering something into the ear of Eliana Lakatus.
She nodded slightly and met his gaze.
Just as the boy was about to leave,
Daphnis impulsively called out,
“Wa–What’s your name!?”
Even Daphnis wasn’t aware of why she had done so.
Her voice had risen high, verging on a scream due to her lack of composure.
In that moment, etiquette and elegance were completely forgotten.
“Kalen.”
The boy’s name was Kalen.
*
“Woah! So Lady Eliana learned high-level first-rank magic not long ago and is already at this level?”
“…Yes.”
“What’s the garden of Lakatus like? It’s so famous that I’ve always wanted to visit…”
“…It seems nice.”
It was Lakatus.
The mere mention of the name was enough to pique curiosity, especially since Eliana had an air of mild indifference that was intriguing.
“Did you say your coming-of-age ceremony is still ahead?”
“…Yes.”
Even Bel, usually known as the most reserved member of the Eclecia Salon, joined in with questions.
Meanwhile,
Daphnis was unusually silent.
She had been sitting there in a daze since earlier, unlike her usual self who always tried to steer the atmosphere.
How could she not be chosen as the most feared by newcomers to Eclecia?
Only Licheisa, who was closest to Daphnis, gently nudged her sleeve to get her attention.
But even then, her response was lackluster.
Licheisa, known for her approachability and social nature, was astute enough to realize that the unexpected arrival of the Lakatus lady had rattled Daphnis.
Sighing inwardly, Licheisa decided against pressing her friend’s discomfort.
Though it was tiring to see Daphnis this way,
wasn’t it still cute?
Licheisa masked her thoughts with a light laugh.
“Just now, when the gentleman came in, wasn’t he handsome?”
Though not an interest of her own, Licheisa played along to lift Daphnis’ spirits.
Surely this would work—
“…Uh, yes.”
“…?”
“That’s… what I felt…”
“…”
That day, Licheisa witnessed another side of Daphnis, one no one else had ever seen.
Perhaps it was fortunate that no one noticed through the attention directed fully to the Lakatus Lady, though Licheisa’s curiosity lay elsewhere, including the state of Daphnis right beside her.