Lily's eyes widened but then she smiled widely upon hearing those words. It wasn't visible but there was a skip to her steps.
'I haven't been able to say much, but if I go there to Inanis City then I can probably engage in conversation with Lord Asher by asking questions by then.' Lily thought happily.
'Father has spoken much about how Inanis City improved, it'll be truly great to see it for myself as well.' Benjamin mused silently.
So far, the conversation was going well. None of them chose to retire so far into their quarters until baby Cia suddenly let out a huge wail. For no apparent reason, she sniffed and sobbed.
"Oh dear, she's usually so well behaved but now she's being so unruly. Apologies, dear Cia." Alessa flushed in embarrassment and went over to take care of the baby in Kiana's arms.
"Well, she must be tired from all that traveling." John cleared his throat and looked over at their child and tried to pat her back.
It was an unexpected reaction and it was enough to catch the attention of Baron Hugh and his children, alongside the sudden arrival of the Baroness.
The Baroness' gaze flickered towards the child before she cleared her throat.
"Hugh, I'm preparing a small afternoon tea break for our guests. How many of them will be accompanying us?"
Lucius knew that it wasn't a good impression on the Baroness and while he did not know how much influence the woman actually wielded, a noble lady's word could still affect the perception of newcomers, especially that of Alessa and John.
"Kiana, I think it'll be best if you soothe Cia in her parent's room perhaps?" Lucius said.
"Oh, that isn't necessary, Lord Asher!" Alessa tried to protest.
"All of us except Kiana will be joining you for tea, Baroness." Lucius turned to the older woman with a charismatic smile.
The Baroness did not so much look affected, and only nodded curtly. "Thank you. Let me lead you all to the balcony garden then, it has a lovely view there. Isn't that right, Lily?"
"O-oh yes, mother!" Lily blushed and nodded determinedly now that everyone's attention was on her. "The flowers are quite fragrant and there are butterflies. It's quite a cozy place."
While they had no gardens due to being in between several buildings, Baron Hugh's family did their best to make it accommodating for everyone.
"Please follow me." the Baroness said and stepped forwards.
Lucius didn't allow himself to be fazed by the Baroness's lack of reaction and simply trailed after her. He would make it sure that Alessa and John's reputation would be respected despite the slight mishap.
Once they have seated at the balcony garden, Countess Lita paid compliments to the tea brewery.
"This is quite lovely. I adore this flavor, Baroness. Wouldn't you agree, Alessa?"
"Yes. It's quite lovely." Alessa smiled and nodded in agreement.
"Servant, prepare a large pot for the Countess and her friend to bring back for later." The Baroness turned curtly to the servant who served them tea.
"O-oh thank you." Countess Lita smiled, albeit even she looked slightly at loss on what to say to a curt woman.
"Speaking about drinks, we have brought some alcohol for tonight's banquet from Dionysia's Brewery, courtesy of Lady Alessa and Sir John here." Lucius said.
"Humble Blaze?" Baron Hugh's eyes widened.
"Yes, the brewery is owned by Lady Alessa here." Lucius said. This would at least give the couple a way to make up for the slight mishap earlier.
"By Lady Alessa?" The Baroness finally lifted a brow and glanced towards Alessa. "You are the one who facilitated everything?"
"Oh yes. I manage and oversee everything." Alessa said. "My parents have a background of being merchants and I've taken after them."
"Is that so?" the Baroness pursed her lips. "Did you think of the Humble Blaze's recipe as well?"
Alessa smiled, a bit awkwardly. She really didn't want to take credit but that was the arrangement. "It is, but it's a brewer's secret, you must understand."
"Of course, of course. I understand that." Baroness nodded, realized that she had spoken too much and then cleared her throat. "This topic must certainly be boring everyone else and I'm dominating the conversation. Lady Alessa, would you care to discuss this elsewhere with me so as to not interrupt everyone here?"
Alessa felt nervous but then nodded and smiled. "Of course, Baroness."
This was an opportunity to make her way into the nobility's circle so she stood up and excused herself.
"We will see you all later at the party." the Baroness said before she left with Lady Alessa.
Lucius raised a brow.
'The Baroness seemed strange and odd at first, but she warmed up to Lady Alessa. I presumed that she disliked us or had some vendetta of some sort, but what are the chances that she's only wary of strangers?'
"Haha, my dear wife finally spoke up and couldn't even control herself and dragged one of our friends away. I haven't even managed to tell her that we're going to Inanis City." Baron Hugh chuckled.
"If she's that interested in Dionisya Brewery, I think she'd be receptive to it, Baron Hugh." Lucius commented.
pαпdα Й?νê1,сòМ "Indeed, indeed. Makes sense. I think you're right, Lord Asher. Now where we?" Baron Hugh asked as he sipped his drink and became museful. "Oh, Count Gabriel, you must tell me of what happened when you visited His Majesty. How is he?"
"Don't you think that will be more appropriate for later?" Count Gabriel remarked.
"I suppose you're right. I think everyone will ask the same questions for later." Baron Hugh chuckled, but then suddenly snapped his fingers. "Sir John, how does it feel like to have a very successful wife?"
"I'm certainly proud of my wife." John remarked with a smile. "But it certainly means that when it's late at night, I'm the one who takes care of Cia more."
"I can imagine that. Well, it's good to spend time with your children, they grow up so fast." Baron Hugh nodded amicably. "I remember when Benjamin here once tripped himself over while holding up a sword, we were so relieved that he didn't impale himself. I tried to make him take swordsmanship lessons."
"Father, must we really go through such stories? Why not share some of Lily's instead?" Benjamin coughed.
"Brother!"
The conversation was lively and lasted until evening. And soon enough the banquet was about to begin.
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