Heading to Trier

"Ribak, after I leave, keep in touch with the other neighbors. Once or twice a week will do. Send small gifts and congratulatory cards to keep me in their thoughts.

"Keep in touch with the Veteran Officers Club for me too, especially Mr. Sander. If he asks, tell him I've gone to Trier. He'll understand.

"Keep an eye on Mr. Dantès at No. 160 Böklund Street in the North Borough. Hmm, don't watch him too closely. Just pay attention to the young ladies."

Ribak nodded with a look that said he understood.

Angel turned to the Female Butler beside him, Ms. Kayla.

"Keira, I'll give you another five hundred pounds later. The house needs redecorating for the Social Season after June begins, and we need to prepare for its first ball. We've given away much of the wine in the cellar as gifts, so replenish the stock as needed."

Keira, who oversaw the household and its finances, replied:

"Of course, Miss. Would you like me to invite the guests in advance?"

"Not yet. I'm not sure how long this trip will take. If it's just a week, I'll be back in time for the first round of dinners and balls in early June. If it takes more than half a month, inviting them now might leave them disappointed."

Angel answered.

Looking at her mistress's calm expression, Keira sighed inwardly.

She knew how hard Miss Christine Teresa, who looked barely of age, had worked this month to enter Backlund's high society. Yet just as the Social Season was about to begin, and just as she had made a good impression on her neighbors, the young lady had to leave on personal business. She would miss the crucial first week of June.

Backlund's Social Season began then each year and lasted until