The Flower on the Cliff - 2
The news that the coming-of-age ceremony for the second son of the Franz family was being held had reached him, but the event had been arranged quite suddenly. Normally, such gatherings were announced well in advance. It was basic etiquette in high society, and especially for the ladies, who needed time to commission new dresses. That was why Enoch had not attended. He had not even received an invitation, and besides, another member of the Tatra faction had gone in his stead while he handled family matters. Perhaps that was why he had learned of the rumors so late.
The exchange meeting that followed Irina Boran’s return from the ceremony. When Enoch, excited at the prospect of seeing her after so long, arrived at the gathering, the rumors had already spread throughout the room.
“That’s absurd. How could anyone claim that Lady Irina of the Boran family would hold her coming-of-age ceremony in another territory?”
“Yet the rumor is circulating through high society. Has your house not heard anything?”
“Hmm. I have been occupied with other family affairs lately… So you’re saying the story is true?”
At Enoch’s question, the young man before him nodded with a sigh.
“It is true. Word is that she declared it publicly at the ceremony, in front of everyone, that she would pledge herself to the second son of the Franz family.”
“No, that can’t be… Has Count Boran said nothing about this?”
“How would I know? Still, the fact that the adults have remained silent suggests it’s already been decided.”
Enoch bit his lip at the reply. The elders still treated them as children, only informing them after everything had already been settled. It was not only them. Looking around, most of the hushed conversations among the clusters of young nobles were surely about the same matter. Though the gathering was meant for networking, its true focus was Irina Boran.
“Holding the ceremony in Muller of all places… that can only mean one thing.”
“We still don’t know for certain.”
“But…”
The worried expression on the man’s face made his thoughts plain. The Boran and Franz families had long been close. They were among the leading houses of the south. It was known that they had exchanged children in marriage before. Yet it was not always the case, and this time both eldest sons were already married—Boran’s eldest even had a child of his own. The relationship between the two houses was famous. If there was no pressing need to grow even closer, the Boran daughter would usually be sent to another family.
Leoric Franz. The man closest to Irina Boran. Enoch had only heard rumors about him. Those rumors had spread not only through the south but even to the capital and other regions. He was a man shrouded in mystery. Just like those who coveted Irina Boran, the position of a count’s second son was immensely high. Even without being the heir, the value of that bloodline and the mana of his title were nothing to scoff at. It was a lineage that could marry into a marquis, a duke, or even royalty without issue of rank.
He would have received countless invitations. Yet he never attended social clubs or banquets. When he did appear at important events, he would vanish almost immediately. There were whispers that he had displayed something extraordinary at this coming-of-age ceremony, but…
‘That must have been the power of the Franz family!’
That was what Enoch and many others believed. The rumors spreading now were not something an individual could accomplish alone. Pouring out ideas in literature, art, medicine, construction, architecture, and more? Even a genius had limits! Of course, Enoch did not think the rumors were entirely false. Leoric was clearly talented and had likely demonstrated his abilities at the ceremony, but the stories had clearly been exaggerated.
Enoch glanced around briefly. Even those who were not part of the same circle were faces he had encountered many times. Among them, he spotted the man he was looking for.
“Ahem. Arwin. It’s been a while.”
“Ah, Enoch. Indeed. I missed the last riding club meeting because of work, so it’s already been two months.”
Arwin was a young man with light brown hair and a gentle impression. Enoch knew he belonged to the same academic society as Leoric.
“So, what brings you here?”
“It’s nothing much. You attend the same academic society as Lady Irina, don’t you? …The one that also includes the second son of the Franz count family.”
“……Ah.”
At Enoch’s words, Arwin’s eyebrows twitched. Enoch noticed it too—the glances that swept over them in an instant. As expected. They knew as well. Pretending to be unaffected by the weight of those covert stares, Enoch continued the conversation.
“I’ve heard he doesn’t participate in outside activities. I’ve only heard rumors about him myself. What sort of person is he?”
“Hmm.”
Arwin’s expression darkened at the question. Enoch looked at him curiously. What was that reaction? It seemed troubled, almost embarrassed.
“I have met Lord Leoric a few times and exchanged greetings, but he is not a frequent attendee. Even on the days he does come, he leaves right away, so I’m afraid I can’t really describe what kind of person he is.”
“But you must know something, at least?”
“Something, you say…?”
Arwin muttered for a moment, then gave a bitter smile.
“He’s a frightening man.”
“What? What do you mean by that…?”
Enoch frowned at the unexpected answer. A frightening man? Did he mean Leoric had a bad temper? Just as he was about to question it, the attendant standing by the door raised his voice.
“Lady Irina Boran of the Boran count family has arrived.”
The true mistress of this social club had appeared.
* * *
The door opened and she walked in with confident strides, as though her dress were of no consequence.
“It’s been a while, everyone. How have you all been?”
She was still beautiful. Her gait did not violate etiquette, yet there were those who whispered behind her back that she was unladylike and lacking in refinement. None of them, however, could voice such criticisms to her face.
“You must have had a tiring journey.”
“Hehe. It wasn’t that long a trip. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see Count Franz, but the Franz territory was as beautiful as ever after so long.”
“Oh, is that so? I’ve always wanted to visit that famous Franz territory myself.”
“Hoho. It’s a wonderful land. Especially the view of the Great Mountain Range from the Franz domain is truly magnificent.”
“H-Hahaha…! I-Is that right?”
Like bees drawn to a flower. Enoch watched from a step behind as people gathered around her, saying things they did not mean and wearing smiles they had practiced. Seeing it from behind made him feel, uncomfortably, that he was no different from them.
Shaking off the thought, Enoch cleared his throat and approached.
“It’s been a while, Lady Irina.”
“Oh my. Indeed it has, Lord Enoch.”
When their eyes met, his heart raced. He wanted to talk with her forever, but Enoch forced himself to hold back.
“If it’s not too rude, there’s something I’d like to ask.”
“That’s rare. Yes, it’s fine. What is it?”
Feeling the gazes converging on them, Enoch composed his expression and looked at Irina.
“Is it true that your coming-of-age ceremony will be held in Muller?”
“Ah… so that’s what this is about.”
Irina gave a faint smile. She glanced around the now-silent banquet hall where everyone’s attention was fixed on her, then spoke with a laugh.
“Yes. It’s true. I intend to hold my coming-of-age ceremony in Muller this time.”
“S-So it’s really happening.”
“Good heavens…”
“My word.”
As the hall erupted into noise, Enoch frowned. Arwin, standing beside him, asked Irina directly.
“Then that rumor is true as well. That Lord Leoric has become the lord of Muller.”
“Yes, Lord Arwin. The one who will now govern Muller is indeed Lord Leoric.”
Though Muller was not a particularly large territory—mostly farmland—it was still land. While it was not unheard of for a second son to govern a subordinate domain while the eldest ruled the main family lands, actually putting it into practice was another matter.
“Hmm. The influence of the Franz count family will grow considerably.”
At Arwin’s murmur, Enoch realized the truth. The Franz family had effectively secured most of the land toward the Great Mountain Range in the south. With their renowned military strength, they would no longer have supply issues either. But that was not the important part.
“Why hold it in Muller? There’s no reason it has to be there, is there?”
“Hehe.”
Irina smiled faintly at Enoch’s question.
“It’s obvious, isn’t it?”
“Pardon?”
Looking at the dazed Enoch, Irina spoke quietly.
“It’s because of Lord Leoric.”
“……”
Glancing around the silent hall, Irina clapped her hands together.
“Perfect timing! I’ll be inviting all of you to the coming-of-age ceremony I’ll be sharing with Lord Leoric. I’ll send formal invitations separately, but I do hope you’ll attend!”
At Irina’s bright smile, Enoch found himself at a loss for words.
* * *
In the distance, the city of Muller territory came into view. Watching the young men whispering among themselves with displeased expressions—especially Enoch Tatra at their center—Arwin gave a bitter smile. They were openly showing their discontent. It would be fortunate if their heads remained intact. Arwin sighed inwardly.