It was such a familiar name. There were only a few party invitations that had been addressed to Molitia, who was previously unwell. Apart from a few parties, it would be better for more participants to attend.
She was rarely invited to the small-scale salon parties or even tea parties. But then, there was this invitation that had been consistently addressed to her despite everything, which was known as “The Marchioness of Nibeia’s Salon Party”.
“The Marchioness of Nibeia is a regular salon host. She’s the one who has been hosting and managing the salon herself, which is also the reason why she is so affectionate towards it. Therefore, it doesn’t appear to be a bad place to adjust yourself back into the social world.”
“I think so as well. Then, I’ll be going here.”
“Okay, I will try to get in touch with them.”
As he was the one who sent the letters declaring that she wouldn’t be able to attend because of her being sick, his efforts then would never be forgotten by her. After she had decided where to attend, Molitia straight away felt much lighter than before.
Raven finally arrived home towards the end of her session regarding matching dresses and accessories.
For today, his desire to dine with Molitia was barely even met.
As soon as Raven arrived, he immediately headed to her study, only to be welcomed home by Molitia, who was brightly beaming.
“You’re here already.”
“…I’m back.”
When he saw that smile, he instantly wondered why his shoulders had loosened. Raven didn’t have the slightest idea, but he did realize that it didn’t feel bad after all.
Molitia then gently removed Raven’s coat by herself.
“I’m going to attend the salon party of Marchioness of Nibeia soon.”
Raven wasn’t surprised by Molitia’s sudden words.
“I see. Do you need anything?”
“No, I’ve already prepared them. Of course, only if it’s okay with you.”
“I’m fine, you can do what you want to do.”
“Thank you.”
She smiled broadly at him as it was fortunate that he had granted his permission towards her, without even saying anything else. Still, his brow eventually furrowed at Molitia who was all smiles.
“…who are the ones coming to the salon?”
“Well, I don’t really know for sure because I’m not the one hosting it. However, I did hear that Baroness Nisser, Countess Leonid and Baroness Parvana will be attending.”
“Are there no men who will be attending as well?”
“It’s a salon party of the Marchioness of Nibeia. It’s not that men can’t attend, it’s just that they don’t have husbands who can actually make it.”
Raven breathed a covert sigh at her words.
“Then, that’ll be all right. When are you going?”
Molitia told him the date of the invitation. Suddenly, some wrinkles were deepened at Raven’s brows.
“Will you be very late?”
“It’s a tea party for lunch. So, I’m sure that I’ll be back before dinner.”
“I won’t be able to see you until then.”
He quietly murmured.
No matter how much he dwelled on it, he couldn’t shake the thought of her smile towards others would definitely upset him. He had already heard how it was rare for her to attend a gathering of the society even when she was a Count’s daughter. He wouldn’t have guessed why she really wanted to partake all of a sudden.
“Should I attend the party as well?”
“What?”
Molitia was startled as her mouth went round.
“I’ve never heard of husbands attending the gathering of ladies. Especially to a salon of which will be hosted by a woman.”
“I wouldn’t really mind being the host myself.”
His absurd remarks had made Molitia think that he was only joking around. She shook her head while drawing a slight smile.
“I’d like to fulfill my first event as the Duchess of Linerio without a hitch at all.”
“Okay. Then, I’ll fully concentrate towards my work on that day.”
His hand softly stroked her shoulder as he complied with her. Her head then naturally turned when her small back had leaned against his taut chest.
“But, just let me take over until then.”
“D… Duke?”
“Are you really calling me that when we’re alone right now?”
“Not that, Raven… umm.”
He downright swallowed her small yet twitching lips then and there. His tongue swept her lips open before tasting the sweetness that transmitted over in his own mouth.
Regardless of how he presumed it to be, he couldn’t shake the thought that his wife shouldn’t be outside on her own.