The Weight of a Name
Theodore, left alone, stood in that spot for a long time.
'Why is Via here…?'
An indescribable, heavy emotion and a surge of anger tangled together, piling up deep within his chest. He even doubted whether he had truly seen Olivia. Yet, because he could not bring himself to doubt his own eyes, he began to wonder if everything since his arrival was merely a hallucination.
Why on earth had Count Zeppelin sent him here? Now, even that felt like a source of resentment.
He was sinking into a pit of despair, as if his hands and feet were weighed down by lead. He stood there for a long time, alone. Countless questions rose and flickered out.
What did it mean to be called "Lady Layla"? What was her relationship with Ezekiel Schwaben? Why was she here, and what was she doing…?
Was the person who held me in her arms that day truly you?
Did that night mean anything to her at all?
The music drifting from the annex and the flickering lights all seemed like an illusion. But he couldn't just run away. He was certain that if he turned his back now, he would never be able to reach her again.
It was only after a long while that he forced his heavy feet to turn toward the salon. The Marquis of Berg was another problem. If he hadn't met him, he could have slipped away unnoticed, but now there was someone who knew exactly who he was. It wouldn't bode well if rumors spread that the new Count of Lutgarth had left his first social gathering without even observing basic etiquette.
He had finally found Olivia, yet he felt a sickening irritation at the fact that he had to worry about such trivialities in this situation.
Still, he followed his sense of duty and stepped back into the building.
The salon remained dim, and a young musician was playing the piano. Theodore returned to his place, maintaining a blank expression. He had never been more grateful for his ability to hide his emotions.
The Marquis of Berg beckoned him to come to his side. Theodore walked around the wall to avoid disturbing the performance.
"Where did you go? I was nearly suffocated by people clamoring for me to introduce you to them."
"I stepped out for a moment to get some air."
Theodore answered calmly and slowly shifted his gaze.
Olivia was near the stage. She looked like a flawless noblewoman, as if she had touched up her makeup and adjusted her attire in the meantime.
He didn't want to look, but his eyes kept drifting toward her. The fact that she possessed such a side to her felt alien.
Olivia had grown up lonely at Lutgarth Castle. He had heard she occasionally played the hostess when guests visited, but she had never experienced a grand social gathering even as an attendee. He hadn't expected her to play the role of the host so fluidly.
"Oh, are you interested in Lady Layla?"
Noticing that Theodore’s gaze had been following Olivia, the Marquis of Berg leaned in and asked. Theodore shook his head in denial, but the Marquis didn't listen and chuckled.
"I thought you were a wooden statue, but it turns out you just have high standards. No, no. Don't deny it. She is a woman beautiful enough to warrant such attention."
"I am merely enjoying the performance, Marquis."
"If she receives the patronage of Duke Klaus, a slightly lower status won't be a problem anymore. To share a friendship…"
Theodore gestured for him to be quiet. He wanted to empty his mind, even if only for a moment.
He had no particular appreciation for music, but the melody flowed easily into his ears. He tried to focus consciously on the sound, struggling to clear his head.
But he couldn't stay like that forever.
Soon, the performance ended. Olivia tapped a crystal glass filled with water with a silver spoon to gather the attention of the room and spoke.
"How did you find Monsieur Dubois's new composition?"
People sitting near the stage began to offer their critiques.
"'The Curtain Opens' had a simple yet beautiful melody, and this one is excellent as well."
"But being easy to listen to isn't always a good thing. It lacks a certain dignity…"
Olivia made eye contact with those who spoke actively, offering a smile, and then turned her gaze toward those sitting further away.
"I have prepared champagne and light refreshments, so please enjoy them while you share your thoughts on the performance."
Before her words had even faded, waiters entered carrying trays filled with flute glasses. The guests took the glasses and began to chat happily with those nearby, or stood up to move toward groups engaged in active discussion.
In truth, few people were interested in the theme of the salon itself. The most important thing was that this was the residence of Duke Klaus, and the second was whether Lady Layla could successfully conclude such a large gathering without a hitch.
However, the performance was excellent, and it satisfied most of the attendees.
Olivia walked around to various tables with the composer, making introductions and checking if anyone was uncomfortable. She chatted briefly with several groups and even mixed people together.
Theodore simply watched her, but he was soon surrounded by people trying to greet him. Just being a young, wealthy Count who had recently inherited his title was enough to pique the interest of high society, and he was even a handsome, unmarried man. He was clearly destined to be the hottest commodity in this year’s marriage market.
"I've heard bits and pieces from Sir Knox. When exactly did you arrive in the capital? I had no idea."
"I didn't see the need to announce my arrival everywhere, as I only intended to handle some brief business and return."
"Even so! If you hadn't attended the salon today, I wouldn't have been able to get introduced to you at all!"
"Isn't it fortunate that we met like this? I am delighted."
"Please be sure to attend our family's ball next week. We will welcome you with the utmost care."
"If my schedule permits, I will certainly attend."
"It’s been a while, Count Lutgarth. Will you be staying in the capital for a while now?"
"Good to see you, Sir Dare. I’m not sure yet."
Theodore responded to the relentless stream of greetings and questions with polite but appropriately distant answers. He was mentally preparing what to say the moment Olivia approached him.
And in the end, Olivia never once came near him.
The salon ended successfully.
Even those who weren't avid music lovers left with happy faces, having had a sufficiently good experience. Before leaving, the Marquis of Zallier deliberately held her back and offered his greetings with a very satisfied expression.
"It was a wonderful gathering, Lady Layla."
"You are too kind."
"No, I spoke out of turn. Come to think of it, there was no way a gathering hosted by you could fail. I hope there will be more such opportunities in the future."
"Monsieur Dubois doesn't always have new compositions, so please don't expect too much."
"If you need anything, I will help. There are too many people these days who don't know what good music is."
The Marquis of Zallier left the salon after offering his help twice more. While music salons were becoming popular, it was rare to see a large-scale event that drew in non-enthusiasts like this one, unless it was held at the Imperial Palace.
She was exhausted, but finding the Marquis of Zallier’s sentiment both grateful and amusing, Olivia promised with a smile that she would keep it in mind.
The salon, now mostly empty, was left with empty plates, glasses, and crumpled tablecloths, while waiters moved busily to clear them away.
Adelinde, the Viscountess of Münchhausen, approached her with a light step.
"Lady Layla."
"Thank you for your help today, Grandmother Adelinde. Now…"
"I have escorted the gentleman to the study."
At those words, Olivia caught her breath. Adelinde reached out to her.
Olivia quietly accepted the touch against her cheek. It was only after Adelinde’s hand touched her that she realized she was trembling.
There was no joy or sense of achievement on her face for having successfully concluded the salon. Without pointing out that her fragile, true self had been revealed beneath the mask, Adelinde asked gently.
"Have you done him a wrong?"
"…Yes…"
"But it was something that had to be done, wasn't it?"
Olivia nodded.
Even now, her thoughts remained unchanged. She should not have dragged Theodore into this. He had already done everything he could for her. She had taken his mother and father from him, destroyed everything he possessed, and finally, even caused him to lose his life.
So, this time, she wanted to keep him safe.
Adelinde said.
"Then, go and tell him that. Not knowing anything is truly a painful thing."
Olivia nodded. She took one more deep breath to fill her lungs, and then left the salon.