Boy and Winter Island (03) - 020: The Heart of High Society
When asked to name the cities at the heart of high society, people invariably point to three: Felts, Clamenia, and Mlrand. Each lived up to its reputation as one of the empire's most prosperous hubs, excelling in countless ways. And it went without saying that their unique characteristics played a major role in that.
Among them, Mlrand held a special symbolic weight as the capital. Any noble-born child made a point of visiting at least once. With everyone setting their sights on Mlrand first, it was simply easier to achieve one's goals there. Naturally, this drew the empire's most prominent nobles, giving rise to exclusive social circles—miniature societies within the greater one.
Mlrand stood at the continent's center in the Claire Empire. Nobles of renown flocked here from every corner, without regard for distance, forging walls of their own that were all but impenetrable. Those at the pinnacle of high society understood their positions intimately. They received rigorous training in their families, always mindful of upholding their dignity with grace wherever they went.
Yet for all its formality, a salon like this became a haven where young ladies could chatter freely—a perfectly natural evolution. Pretty flowers stirred girlish sentiments, and the dainty atmosphere charmed without overwhelming. Amid it all, poise and etiquette reigned supreme. Around these gatherings sprang up shops catering to noble tastes: luxury boutiques stocked with exquisite, high-end goods.
High society's influence soon extended beyond women to men as well, spawning stores for gentlemen's wares. Streets aglow with splendor teemed with nobles in even more dazzling attire. Their status spoke for itself, but to commoners, it was simply another world—one all their own.
And if there was something special, there was always something even more special. In Mlrand, that was the Eclesia Salon.
Bound by tradition to women only, it boasted titans like northern Hiatt and southeastern Rakatus among its backers. Its influence in high society was utterly overwhelming. Even at a conservative estimate, membership required at least a countess's rank—and for lesser houses, applying was unthinkable. Even those hailed as 'flowers' in their own domains were often weeded out.
In Mlrand's central square stood a massive structure. Or perhaps temple was a better word. Whether aiming for grandeur and nobility, its tea house facade felt somewhat alien. Members of Eclesia gathered there, blooming conversations like flowers.
"Lady Lichessa's magic grows more impressive with each passing day~. I wish I could follow even half as well..."
"Please don't overhype me, Lady Daphnis... I hear you just mastered an advanced 1st Hierarchy spell yourself."
"Pure luck, I assure you. Oh, and Lady Ailin last time..."
Their voices were soft and melodic, never grating. It was a vivid display of how carefully they modulated even their tones. Discussing arcane knowledge served the same purpose. After all, the uninitiated couldn't even cast spells, so elevating their discourse in every way affirmed their superiority. These details accumulated, building reputation and authority.
"By the way, have you all heard?"
"Heard what, Lady Daphnis?"
Amid the blossoming laughter, the first speaker clapped lightly to draw attention. The other ladies naturally turned her way. Daphnis's information network was renowned even here in Eclesia.
She was the one sharing that morning's gossip—and her topics were always riveting.
"I heard this yesterday, but I could hardly believe it. I just had to bring it to you all."
And when Daphnis broached a subject with such gravity, it demanded attention.
"It seems the Rakatus lady is returning."
Silence crashed down. Even those shifting in their seats were stunned speechless. Of course they were.
Where did Eclesia's fame and prestige come from? Generations of Hiatt and Rakatus heiresses had served as its figureheads. Even in the Dranus Family Estate's heyday, that held true—nothing diminished their luster.
But circumstances had changed.
Neither northern Hiatt nor southeastern Rakatus had graced Eclesia lately. Hiatt's lady at least had the excuse of disinterest. Rakatus's was a mystery.
Without owners, proxies were needed. It wasn't an exaggeration to say Daphnis and Bel kept Eclesia running. One more lurked in the shadows, but that was unspoken—familiar territory now.
And then, without warning, one of the salon's true owners was back.
No one dared speak.
"...What do you think?"
Daphnis smiled faintly, gauging the mood. Bel's reaction mattered most, but her expression remained unchanged—unfazed, it seemed. A relief. Daphnis wanted Eclesia for herself, after all. Handing over the salon she'd nurtured to an outsider grated on her.
"If I may ask... where did you hear that, Lady Daphnis?"
Clink. A teacup met its saucer with elegant precision.
Daphnis turned, smile intact, to see Bel sipping her tea. Questioning a source was terribly rude—tantamount to 'Can you vouch for that?'
Trust was foundational here. No Eclesia member would spread unverified rumors. It was the bedrock of their name and authority.
Bel had breached that taboo. Yet no one called her out. First, because it was Bel. Second, because it was valid.
Even with trust, the claim was outlandish. Salons typically admitted post-debutantes; unconfirmed newcomers warranted notice. Especially for Eclesia—Hiatt and Rakatus territory. A Rakatus heiress, absent without word, suddenly returning? Hard to swallow.
Daphnis ground her teeth inwardly before replying.
"...Not directly, but inquiring about rival houses is basic, no?"
"Yes."
"Especially Rakatus. I personally confirmed orders for educational supplies and a roster of etiquette tutors. And most crucially—a girl unseen within Rakatus has emerged."
Daphnis fixed Bel with a steady gaze.
"Is that sufficient?"
"Thank you, Lady Daphnis."
The tension between them crackled. The other ladies merely watched warily. Both wore smiles, but that made it scarier. The air hung ready to erupt.
Click. Footsteps echoed from the corridor linking the entrance to the square.
Thud. Steady, quiet strides.
"..."
"..."
The mood was already icy from Daphnis and Bel's standoff. The steps rang louder.
They halted at the door. All eyes turned.
Knock knock. A lady near the entrance cautiously opened it.
In stepped two figures. One—a boy.
"What—"
Before Daphnis could protest, the boy scanned the room, then led the girl to an empty seat. A man daring to enter here? Could the girl not walk alone? And who were they to knock on Eclesia's door?
Questions swirled amid the shock. Then her appearance struck: ethereal, like clouds dyed in the sky. No—even lovelier.
Her demeanor was different too. A touch clumsy, yet it suited her, lending an air of fragile nobility.
The intruders—one already seated—shattered the hush. Bel broke it.
"Who might you be?"
"Rakatus..."
A clear, crystalline voice rang out.
"Eliana Rakatus..."
One of Eclesia's true owners had returned.
*
Daphnis eyed the boy standing beside her. The absurdity had frozen her mind momentarily, but as things settled, details emerged.
'Wh-what...'
Her fiancé? The thought was inevitable. His looks rivaled Eliana Rakatus's—no, matched them.
Someone like that had to be her betrothed.
"E-even if he's your fiancé, a man in here..."
"Ah. My apologies. I'll go."
The boy flashed Daphnis an awkward smile. It had an oddly endearing charm, contrasting his mature features. Dark hair shading to muted black. A calm, steady tone.
His image burned into her retina. Then, in her vision, he leaned to whisper to the Rakatus lady. She nodded faintly, meeting his gaze.
As he turned to leave—
"Y-your name!!?"
Daphnis blurted it impulsively. She hadn't realized why. Her voice cracked unbecomingly high, a shout born of fluster. Poise and refinement fled her.
"Kalen."
The boy's name was Kalen.
*
"Wow! So Lady Eliana mastered spells like that shortly after learning 1st Hierarchy magic?"
"...Yes."
"What's Rakatus's garden like? It's so famous—I'd love to visit..."
"...It seems nice."
Rakatus. The Rakatus.
A newcomer, and curiosity was inevitable. Eliana's vaguely aloof expression only fueled it.
"Your debut hasn't happened yet, has it."
"...Yes."
Even Bel—the salon's iciest personality—joined the barrage.
"Um, Lady Daphnis."
"..."
"Lady Daphnis?"
"Ah, y-yes. Sorry, Lady Lichessa."
Daphnis was the quiet one. She'd been staring blankly since. A far cry from her usual efforts to steer the mood.
No wonder new Eclesia ladies feared her most.
Only Lichessa—her closest confidante—tugged her sleeve gently. Still, scant response.
Perceptive and warm to all, Lichessa clocked it instantly. That sudden Rakatus arrival had rattled her.
Lichessa sighed inwardly. Daphnis like this was exhausting... but what could she do? Even this side was cute.
Feigning nonchalance, Lichessa smiled and tossed out a topic.
"That young lord who came in earlier—he was handsome, wasn't he?"
A typical lady's fancy. Lichessa cared little for such things, but indulging Daphnis was routine.
Or so it should have been—
"...Uh, y-yeah."
"...?"
"He... seemed like it..."
"..."
That day, Lichessa glimpsed a face Daphnis had never shown outsiders—the one behind the mask.
Luckily, with all eyes on the Rakatus lady, no one noticed. Daphnis included, though her interest lay elsewhere.