While Altair and Vivian were deep in conversation, the washroom door inconveniently sounded.
"Tap, tap, tap."
Before Altair could do anything, Vivian said furiously, "Come in!"
As the door opened, Irene walked in with her head bowed and explained, "I'm terribly sorry, Count Altair, Madam Vivian. Someone just arrived from Count Leif's household with a letter. Butler Hahn thought you needed to read it and reply right away."
Irene had kept her head bowed the entire time. When she finished speaking, she immediately handed over the letter she had been holding against her chest.
Altair patted Vivian's back to calm her down, then took the letter, broke its wax seal, and began to read.
"My dear Altair,"
"May this letter find you well."
"You may have heard the commotion outside and worried day and night, perhaps even making inquiries yourself. Your uncle is both concerned for you and helpless. You are a young lady of noble birth. Such complicated affairs and schemes should never have involved you in the first place."
"Your uncle and the elders will see to these matters properly and won't let them trouble you in the least. All you need to do is stay safe and sound at the manor, read, tend to the flowers, perhaps meet with your close friends, and do whatever you enjoy."
"We will shield you from the storms outside. There's no need to make inquiries or worry and fret. Just enjoy your peaceful days—that will be the greatest comfort to us."
"Pay no mind to worldly affairs, and take care of yourself."
"Your uncle, Leif Strauss"
"August 4"
After reading Uncle Leif's letter, Altair picked up the other letter that had come with it.
It was clearly a high-status noble banquet invitation.
Invitations for the nobility were printed on thick, embossed