When the Female Lead Went Off-Script, the Main Male Lead Became the Tyrant's Empress - Chapter 30.1
Troanne had taught Haster many things.
From how to understand another person’s feelings to how to treat them.
Without her help, he would have behaved as awkwardly and arrogantly as Arden.
Troanne had said that expressing abstract feelings in concrete ways was the most difficult thing of all.
He mustn’t use his inability to express himself as an excuse to run away or start a fight.
Haster followed Troanne’s methods.
Thanks to that, he had been able to earn his niece’s trust and affection.
But Arden hadn’t.
He had no intention of learning, either.
To him, everything in the world was something to be taken for granted.
“You idiot.”
“……Why are you suddenly insulting me……?”
“Tsk.”
Haster sprang to his feet. His displeasure was obvious.
“Follow me.”
“Where are we going?”
“Don’t you need to go apologize?”
To give the conclusion first, Arden apologized, and Clary accepted his apology.
‘Coward. Using Haster to ambush me with an apology.’
‘What a petty brat. Haster asked to see her, and she agreed without even thinking.’
Once again, the two were holding each other in an awkward embrace.
‘Do we have to do this every time we apologize?’
The same question appeared in both of their minds, but neither of them spoke.
They thought doing so would only make things even stranger.
“You two are close.”
“No, we’re not!”
“No, we are not!”
A shudder ran through their very souls.
Arden and Clary vehemently denied it, then looked at each other.
What? If we aren’t close, why did you hug me?
“The reason I arranged this meeting is…….”
Haster slowly opened his mouth.
Their blue and violet eyes turned toward him.
“It was partly to ask for forgiveness, but also to discuss holding an imperial salon.”
“A salon…….”
Salons had originally been held at the imperial palace.
They had begun as gatherings where knights who knew nothing but battle were brought together and taught etiquette, speech, and other refinements by elegant noblewomen.
“This is because of Clary, isn’t it?”
Arden asked.
“Yes.”
Haster nodded in confirmation.
“What? Me?”
Arden patted the shoulders of Clary, who was merely blinking in confusion.
“Come to think of it, it is about time she started learning things in high society instead of only through lessons.”
Ah, fuck. More studying!
Acid rose in Clary’s throat, but she forced herself to look unbothered and asked.
“……What would I learn?”
“Culture, art, science, current affairs, general knowledge, methods of debate, and so on.”
“Participation isn’t compulsory. The atmosphere is relaxed, so some groups focus more on socializing than debating.”
Hmm, so it’s like a social gathering.
But with knowledge added.
Clary nodded repeatedly in understanding.
“The sooner we begin, the better. If we hold it on a fixed day every week so that provincial lords can attend as well, there should be no complaints.”
The plans for the salon proceeded smoothly.
Arden immediately began preparing the imperial salon.
Many people showed interest when word spread that an imperial salon would be held.
Contrary to Arden’s concerns, there were quite a few nobles from the provinces in the capital.
They had arrived early to witness the coronation, which was now not far away.
As night began to spread across most of the sky, the distinguished guests started to arrive.
Not only noblewomen who operated renowned salons, but also famous artists, scholars, and court knights gathered there.
Haster took Clary with him and introduced her to people he considered trustworthy.
There were also young noblewomen around Clary’s age in the grand ballroom.
While Clary spoke with others, he picked out several and watched them closely.
“It seems a certain someone is taking a great deal of interest in the young ladies.”
“Can’t you choose your words more carefully?”
“What does it matter? These days, a certain young lady has made you less interested in that sort of thing.”
Indeed, young nobles and artists had gathered around Clary and were doing their best to win her favor.
They had been invited to debate, yet they were moving their mouths far more enthusiastically for an entirely different purpose.
Perhaps reading Haster’s thoughts from his expression, Arden tried to placate him.
“Come now, don’t glare at them like that. When young men and women gather, all sorts of things happen. You knew something like this would happen.”
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