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Hesta quickly understood the purpose behind Stella's outfit tonight.
When Stella stood among the crowd, alongside women she had never spoken to before, the air they shared—the exposed necks and arms, vivid lips and sleek hair, exquisite and expensive clothing and accessories—quickly made them seem like the same kind of people.
She laughed and chatted with them, following rhythms and topics they all knew... as though they had known one another for ages.
Hesta looked elsewhere—bringing Stella had been the right choice.
She casually picked up a glass of water and began wandering through the hall. Hesta sensed many people watching her, but no one came forward to greet her.
Everyone was observing.
"Jane." A familiar voice came from behind her. Hesta's expression shifted subtly; few people made their voices sound so deliberate and affected when calling her name.
She turned around, and in that instant, Kovishik immediately realized that his appearance had not pleased her.
"You're here too."
"Yes..." Kovishik looked away.
Hesta glanced at him. His voice seemed to have returned to normal. "Is the Governor upstairs?"
"He seems to be feeling unwell today. He's been nauseous and uncomfortable since this morning," Kovishik said. "The Baron is upstairs keeping him company—I mean, Baron Trion."
"Mm." Hesta nodded and looked at Kovishik. "You don't need a wheelchair anymore?"
Kovishik froze, then was suddenly overcome with emotion.
"...Ah, that's because... I..." Kovishik lowered his head blissfully. "It's still somewhat inconvenient, but... but I..."
"But you can walk now." Hesta directly finished the sentence for him.
"Yes..." Kovishik nodded with something close to a sigh.
"Very good, very good." Hesta walked forward thoughtfully, glancing toward the second floor. If Arevalo did not intend to appear at tonight's banquet, then he should have sent someone to explain the situation by now.