It's been six months since they started the production of honey, hibiscus tea, and lavender tea in their kingdom. The sales and profit of it are doing great. After the party in the Royal Palace happened, the nobles became a huge supporter of these products.
This is actually good news for Marquis Cres Val. This plan indeed helps not only to satisfy the needs of their people but also to raise the reputation of the Cres Val family. Not only that but the news that Viel Cres Val, the youngest General of their country and the eldest son of Marquis Cres Val, is the one who created these wonderful products spread all over the country. Because of it, the Cres Val family is once again acknowledged for their contribution to the country.
When Gian heard about this news, he didn't say anything. He just acted as if the news doesn't matter to him. Marquis Cres Val had already made an explanation if Gian will make a fuss or complained about it. He just didn't expect his youngest son to ignore the news.
Or so he thought.
It's already been months since Gian was treating them differently. He was usually apathetic and silent, but Gian never treated his family like this. Whenever they had a chance to talk with Gian, either he will make an excuse that he doesn't feel well or will answer them as short as he can.
Marquis Cres Val tried to talk and explained everything with his youngest son, but Gian firmly refused it. Frederick and Viel became helpless. They know that once Gian had already made a decision, he will become stubborn to the very end. Frederick also tried to apologize to his youngest son, but Gian only looks at him with a blank expression.
"It's okay. I understand." Gian acquiesced. That was what he said before shutting himself inside his room.
Viel and Frederick decided to let Gian to do whatever he wants for a while. They all know that Gian has a habit of telling them what he is doing in his room or library. Then maybe that is also the case this time. They will give Gian a space for now.
After the day he concludes that his father values his older brother the most, Gian was obviously hurt and disappointed. Even though Marquis Cres Val is stern and strict, Gian still believes that his father is fair and rational. He didn't expect that the Marquis also values their reputation just like the other nobles.
If not, then why he would insist that Viel is the one who came up with that idea even though the both of them know the truth? Obviously, because Viel is an excellent man and he can bring more glory and fame to their Cres Val family. Between the eldest son who achieved a lot of recognition and the youngest son who has nothing to brag and has a weak body, anyone will of course choose the former. And in their case, the Marquis values his eldest son the most.
Of course, Russel is aware of these things. Seeing Gian acting like this, Russel can't help but to feel guilty and sorry for him. Russel really knows what Gian is feeling right now since he experienced it a lot of times in his past life. And bruh... It's really sad and disappointing.
Every time Russel talks with Gian, he really has this itching feeling to tell Gian the truth. Russel can't help but to feel pity for the Marquis and Viel. He can clearly see that they are sincere and honestly care for Gian. Though they are overprotective for Gian, to which Russel can never understand.
But of course, Russel didn't dare to be a blabbermouth and tell Gian the whole truth. Not when he clearly knows that Femora is watching them all the time. And lastly, Russel still wants to observe the situation.
The Marquis doesn't want his youngest son to be recognized in the kingdom? That's really odd. As a parent, he should be proud that he has a very capable son aside from Viel. Watching and observing the current situation, Russel's intuition tells him that there is more behind this simple reason.
"Dude, are you depressed?"
"No."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Then... Are you really not depressed?"
"No." Gian answered as he closes the book he's currently reading, or rather, staring at. "How many times do you need to ask me that question? I'm not depressed. I just don't feel like doing anything today."
"Oh, okay. So what's our next plan?"
"Nothing."
"See?! You keep on saying that you are not depressed, but you don't have anything you want to do. Ah! Now you are making me depressed!"
"This is a useless conversation. Let's stop it."
Before Russel can speak again, someone suddenly knocked on the door.
"Who's there?" Gian asked.
"Young Master Gian, it's me, Linda."
"...Come in."
A young maid timidly opens the door and bows her head at Gian. Linda is the young maid that Viel assigned for Gian's medicines before. Because of her negligence, Viel almost threw her out of the mansion. But before it happened, Gian stopped Viel from firing Linda and assigned her to make his tea on a daily basis.
If not because of their Young Master Gian, Linda will possibly lose her job and will be forced to go back to her family without any money with her. Or worst, she will be put in a jail for causing harm to her employer. She knows that Young Master Viel was serious at that time. Thankfully, she was saved. Since then, Linda promised to serve their Young Master Gian with sincerity.
Linda stands up straight and looks at the young man solemnly sitting on a sofa. Even though she always sees her young master, Linda would still be inadvertently surprised by this sight. Young Master Gian is always calm and quiet, but for whatever reason, Linda always feels intimidated by him.
Linda already served the Cres Val family as a maid when she was still fifteen years old. For the past two years, Linda has already met a lot of different nobles. They are all well-educated and naturally knows the etiquette of being noble, but no one aside from her Young Master Gian can give her an intimidating feeling with just one look.
'Did that intimidating presence naturally comes to anyone born and raised in high society? But Marquis Cres Val and Young Master Viel are not like him.' Linda thought to herself.
"Planning to stand there all day?"
Linda flinches a little when she heard Gian's voice. She quickly bows her head and asks for forgiveness due to being absent-minded. When she stands up straight again, Linda informed Gian that he has a sudden visitor. A young lady from the Cladeu family visited their mansion and asking for their Young Master Gian.
Gian was slightly surprised but still asked Linda to tell Lady Cladeu that he will meet her in the receiving room.
"Wait. Do you know where is my father and brother?" Gian asked Linda.
"Marquis Cres Val left the mansion early this morning with Young Master Viel. I didn't know where they will go, but they informed the head butler that they will be back before dinner." answered Linda.
"I see. You may go now."
When the young maid leaves Gian's room, Russel suddenly bombarded him with questions.
"Dude, you have a lady friend?!" Russel exclaimed. "Why didn't you tell me?! Is she pretty? How does she look like? Is she the angel-type lady or the seductive type lady?"
"Stop it. Lady Shannen and I are not acquainted with each other."
"You're lying!" Russel bleated. "Then why is she visiting you?"
"I don't know why she suddenly visits me." puzzled Gian as he stands up and properly wears his coat. "I'm pretty sure I told her in the letter that I'm severing the small friendship that we had."
"Oh! I know! I know!" Russel squealed. "This Lady Cladeu is visiting you because she likes you!"
"That is impossible." Gian flatly said.
Gian didn't have any interaction with Lady Shannen in his past life. In fact, he can't even remember her face and appearance. But he remembered that Lady Shannen married a widowed Earl to pay her family's debt. And when Gian was still trying to live as a commoner, he heard some rumors in the marketplace that Lady Shannen was murdered by her own husband.
Lady Shannen's life was truly tragic. Although he didn't know her that much, Gian still feels remorse and sympathy for her.
After making sure that he is presentable enough, Gian steps out of his room and goes straight to the receiving room where his visitor was waiting. He also didn't forget to bring Russel with him, though he keeps on rambling about nonsensical things.
"It's a pity! If that Lady Shannen is proven to be a beautiful lady, I would love to meet her in person!" effused Russel. "I bet she will fall in love with me the moment she laid her eyes on me!"
"Can you stop talking now? Your voice is starting to make me feel irritated." Gian pointed out as he grabs the pen on his breast pocket. "Speak another word and I will leave you in my room."
"Fine, fine. I will be quiet now. Just bring me with you. I really want to see this Lady Shannen."
Gian loudly sighs as he put the pen back in his pocket. When he arrived at the receiving room, the aroma of freshly brewed lavender tea is wafting around the room. In the middle of the sofa made of rabbit fur, a lady was sitting on it while patiently waiting for him.