Chapter 89: The Sunlit Balcony.

Chapter 89

Once the heavy double doors slammed shut behind the intruder, Lady Beatrice turned back to Sigrid. She immediately dropped into a deep, formal curtsy, bowing her head in profound respect. "I offer my most sincere apologies for this deplorable incident, Your Grace. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive my oversight in allowing such a person entry."

Sigrid offered a cool, reassuring smile, stepping forward to gently signal for Beatrice to rise. "Do not distress yourself, Lady Beatrice. You could not have possibly foreseen that she would carry such an absurd burden into your gathering."

Beatrice released a soft sigh of relief, her bright, sunny disposition returning instantly. She turned toward the rest of the silent, wide-eyed crowd of noblewomen and clapped her hands together with effortless charm. "Please, ladies! Do enjoy your tea and sweetmeats! Do not allow the aftermath of such a dramatic spectacle to distract you, lest your tea grows bitterly cold."

With the crowd slowly returning to their hushed chatter and delicate refreshments, Beatrice motioned gracefully toward a private, sunlit gazebo tucked beneath a stone balcony. Sigrid followed her host, with Lilith keeping a respectful distance behind them and Chester positioning himself near the garden arches to keep a watchful eye. The glass-enclosed balcony was warm and quiet, completely shielded from the lingering gazes of the crowd.

A maid hurried forward to set down a fresh pot of steaming floral tea alongside delicate pastries before bowing and retreating.

Beatrice lifted the silver pot and carefully poured a cup for Sigrid, her hands steady as she offered a warm smile. "I hope this brew suits your refined palate, Duchess."

Sigrid took the porcelain cup, lifting it to sample the fragrant liquid before setting it down. "It is exquisite. Thank you, Lady Beatrice, for such a gracious welcome despite the chaotic turn of events."

For a few moments, the two women sat in pleasant silence. However, Sigrid quickly noticed that Beatrice was shifting slightly in her seat, her brown eyes darting back and forth as if she were desperately fighting the urge to speak. "Is something troubling you, Lady Beatrice?" Sigrid inquired gently.

Beatrice let out a long, nervous breath, her fingers twirling the edge of her napkin. "I know this may be entirely too forward of me, Duchess... but may I address you simply as Sigrid?"

Sigrid tilted her head, a faint, amused smile gracing her lips. "It is indeed quite forward for a first meeting, but you may certainly do so."

Beatrice exhaled heavily, slumping her shoulders in immense relief. "Oh, thank goodness! Referring to you as ’Your Grace’ and ’Duchess’ felt far too stiff. And in return, you must call me Beatrice! If you wish to, of course. I am not forcing you to, it is entirely your choice, I just thought—"

She cut herself off, her cheeks turning a bright, brilliant crimson as she began to stammer over her own words. Sigrid could not hold back the light, melodic chuckle that escaped her lips. Beatrice looked even more horrified by her own lack of composure, burying her face in her hands. "Please forgive my dreadful lack of restraint, Sigrid!"

"There is absolutely nothing to forgive," Sigrid assured her, her crimson eyes gleaming with rare warmth. "You have done nothing wrong. Truthfully, you are the very first person of high noble standing I have ever witnessed stumble over their words with such endearing honesty."

Beatrice peeked out from behind her fingers, a shy smile breaking across her face as she softly muttered, "You are just so remarkably cool..."

Sigrid smiled, resting her chin lightly on her hand. "Now then, Beatrice... what was it you were so eager to ask me?"

Beatrice sat up straight, taking a deep breath to gather her courage. "I desperately require your guidance."

"On what matter?"

"On the matter of a man," Beatrice confessed, leaning in slightly across the table.

Sigrid raised an eyebrow. "A man?"

Beatrice nodded fervently, her eyes practically shining with romantic idealism. "Yes! I observed you and Duke Soren at the grand ball recently, and the two of you look utterly magnificent together. You are both so striking, so sophisticated, and the dynamic between you is simply breathtaking to behold! It is truly wonderful to see a couple who never shies away from demonstrating their affection so openly."

Sigrid blinked, her mind momentarily stalling. "Demonstrating our affection? Whatever do you mean?"

"When he carried you!" Beatrice gushed, clasping her hands together. "Not just once, but twice! Right in front of the entire high court!"

A rare, unmistakable blush crept up Sigrid’s neck, reaching the tips of her ears. While she had appreciated Soren’s strength and found comfort in his broad chest at the time, remembering the sheer embarrassment of being carried princess-style through a crowded ballroom was still deeply mortifying.

Beatrice continued, unaware of Sigrid’s internal embarrassment. "You see, there is a certain gentleman whose attention I have been trying to capture for quite some time, but he never seems to spare me a second glance. The other ladies in my social circle mock me for my efforts, but you..." Beatrice looked at Sigrid with pure, unadulterated reverence. "You had the absolute boldness to propose directly to the Duke of the North—a man feared by the entire realm! You didn’t care what anyone thought!"

"You certainly do not hold back your thoughts," Sigrid noted dryly, though her heart warmed slightly at the girl’s lack of malice.

"Because it was incredible!" Beatrice insisted. "You are so graceful, so intelligent, and you graduated at the very top of our year at the Imperial Academy! Please, Sigrid... will you teach me how to make a man fall in love with me? Will you teach me how to possess such absolute grace?"

Sigrid looked across the table into Beatrice’s wide, pleading brown eyes. The girl’s intentions were entirely pure, free from the calculated venom that usually plagued noble society. Sigrid remained silent for a long moment, carefully organizing her thoughts before she spoke. "Beatrice... I must clarify something for you. The Duke and I are not wildly in love. We simply do not shy away from acting with mutual respect and playful banter. There is no grand romance between us just yet. He carried me simply because I was exhausted, and he is a gentleman. No deep passion was required for that act. Furthermore, I lack any real expertise in matters of the heart."

Sigrid leaned forward, her tone softening with genuine warmth. "However, I can assure you that you have no need to learn grace from me. I saw how you handled that enraged woman moments ago. You were the very epitome of authority and poise. If you wish to pursue this man, then do so with confidence. Do not concern yourself with the petty opinions of others, but remain sharp. Protect your heart, and do not allow yourself to be deceived."

Beatrice listened intently, her eyes growing wide as she absorbed every word. "Oh..." A look of profound inspiration washed over her face, and she stared at Sigrid with even greater admiration. "You really are as brilliant as everyone says."

Brilliant? shocker to my ears. Sigird thought wondering when her name ever had such positive aspects to it.

Without warning, Beatrice stood up from her chair, thrusting her chin into the air with dramatic determination. "I will not waste another moment worrying! If you say I am capable as I am, then I shall believe it!" She settled back into her seat, beaming at Sigrid. "Thank you so much, Sigrid. I am truly overjoyed that I summoned the courage to invite you today. That gentleman has been consuming my thoughts endlessly."

Sigrid took a slow sip of her tea, a curious glint in her eyes. "If I may pry... who is this young lord who has managed to captivate such a beautiful and intelligent lady?"

Beatrice suddenly looked sheepish, rubbing the back of her neck. "Ah... I am afraid I cannot tell you."

Sigrid raised an eyebrow. "And why is that?"

"Because... he resides in another kingdom," Beatrice admitted softly, looking down at her teacup.

Sigrid’s crimson eyes widened in total disbelief. "Pardon?"

"I caught sight of him during a diplomatic journey with my father a year ago," Beatrice explained innocently. "He was just so remarkably handsome!"

Sigrid stared at the young noblewoman, her mind processing the sheer absurdity of the revelation. "Let me ensure I understand this correctly. You invited me to your estate, faced down a hostile guest, and asked for romantic counsel... all to approach a man from a foreign realm whom you may never cross paths with again?"

"Yes!" Beatrice replied cheerfully. "But the advice will prove invaluable for my future endeavors!"

Sigrid let out a low scoff, shaking her head as a genuine, fond smile broke across her face. "The sheer audacity..." she murmured softly, taking another sip of her tea as the soft rustle of garden leaves filled the quiet balcony.