If someone had asked Wei Wei if she wanted to return to the Great Song when she first arrived, the answer would have been a resounding yes.
But now, Wei Wei no longer harbors that desire.
Leaving aside the fact that her identity is fabricated, even with the system's assurance, Wei Wei feels that returning would be perilous. As a young woman traveling from Europe back to China, she would inevitably attract attention. If word reached her predecessor, and he decided to investigate her activities in Europe, could her identity remain hidden?
And if it were exposed, could she expect him to shed tears of nostalgia with her, fellow time-travelers reuniting?
Don't be naive. More likely, she'd be thrown into a dark cell. Not to mention, who wouldn't want to claim a golden finger like the Encyclopedia Library for themselves? Even if they couldn't take it, they could force her to become a scribe, right?
Wei Wei doesn't believe she could stand against a predecessor who also possesses a golden finger and is, moreover, a ruler of a nation. So, for the sake of her safety, she won't return until he's gone. And by the time he's gone, she'll have already put down roots in Europe. Why would she risk her life to go back?
The journey east is no easy feat. As someone who grew up under the red flag and is now pampered with good food and drink, she's not cut out for such hardships.
Besides, it's not her true homeland. If it were, she might grit her teeth and try. But it's not.
Of course, aside from concerns for her safety, reluctance is another significant factor.
Wei Wei has already accepted Felix's proposal, so she has feelings for him. She's not the type of woman to shirk responsibility. Having agreed to marry him, she wouldn't abandon him and run back just because of this news.
She despises heartless scoundrels and scoundrels who play with people's emotions!
Once Felix confirmed that Wei Wei was sincere about not returning, his mood improved dramatically.
All thoughts of darkening or taking drastic measures were discarded. He was once again the upright and reliable Earl.
In high spirits, Felix suggested to Wei Wei that they could go out together the next day.
Wei Wei naturally agreed to the invitation: "We have a lot of things to buy, so we'll have to bring Dolores along, and a few more people to carry the items."
Felix, who had initially hoped for a private outing, could only nod in agreement.
When Felix went to meet Allen that evening to fulfill their drinking plans, the latter noticed his improved mood.
Allen breathed a sigh of relief. Though curious about the reason for Felix's uplifted spirits, he wisely avoided the topic to prevent another misstep and instead steered the conversation toward Felix's business.
Despite being the third son in his family, seemingly destined to inherit nothing upon his father's death, Allen is actually in a better position than Felix. He has a title to inherit.
Not his current title of Baron, nor his father's Dukedom—the former he earned through military achievements, the latter is reserved for his eldest brother.
Allen's father, the Duke of Devonshire, is not a member of the royal family. He earned his dukedom entirely through his military prowess, and his original title and lands remain his. Thus, the Duke of Devonshire holds not only the primary title of Duke but also two secondary titles of Earl, one from his own family and one from his wife's family.
These titles, except for the Dukedom, which requires significant military achievements to inherit, can be allocated by the Duke as he sees fit.
With three sons, the Duke has decided to distribute the titles fairly among them.
Allen is set to inherit the Earldom of Prinsia, from his mother's family. This is both the family name and the name of the territory. Upon inheriting the title, Allen will also adopt the name Allen Devonshire-Prinsia, as agreed upon by his parents before their marriage.
The reason he hasn't inherited the title yet is that his father believes in treating his children equally. Since the eldest son must earn military achievements to inherit the Dukedom, the other two sons should also prove themselves.
Thus, Allen is currently serving in the military. Fortunately, with Pradi and its neighboring countries at peace, there are no large-scale wars, allowing him time to reunite with Felix in the capital.
Of course, as the designated heir to the territory, although Prinsia is nominally managed by his mother, Allen has already begun taking over.
Prinsia County isn't too far from Sardinson County—about a day's ride.
So, discussing cooperation with the Lord of Sardinson County is a logical move.
Felix is also keen on collaborating with Allen. Not only are they close friends with neighboring territories, but Prinsia County's proximity to the Mediterranean, its favorable climate, and its port make it a hub for trade with other countries. Partnering with Allen would be beneficial for Sardinson County.
Thus, what was supposed to be a casual drinking session turned into a business discussion that lasted late into the night. By the time Felix prepared to leave, it was snowing again.
"It's so late, why don't you stay the night and leave tomorrow?"
"No, I'm taking Wei Wei shopping tomorrow," Felix replied, putting on his cloak.
Having drunk quite a bit, Allen was less cautious about bringing up Wei Wei. "You're willing to go shopping with someone? That Eastern lady must have you smitten."
"Of course," Felix smiled, not hiding his affection for Wei Wei. "I'd accompany her in anything she wants to do." Besides, the shopping trip was his idea.
Allen's eyes twinkled. "You've been away from the capital for so long, you probably don't know how much it's changed. How about I show you around tomorrow? I'll bring Aveline along; they might get along."
"Aveline?" Felix frowned. "Your new companion?"
Allen, around the same age as Felix, is also unmarried—not because he's been preoccupied with knight training, but because he's a notorious playboy, changing companions every couple of months. However, he never engages with noble ladies aiming for marriage.
Thus, his companions range from lonely widows to famous socialites—precisely the type of women Felix wouldn't want Wei Wei associating with.
Allen looked at his friend incredulously. "Am I your best friend? Aveline is my sister."
Felix recalled that Allen did have a sister, around Dolores's age, though he couldn't remember her name.
"Fine, but we're leaving early. If you're not here by eight, we won't wait."
Felix pulled up his hood and left, leaving Allen lamenting the early hour.
Despite claiming he couldn't wake up early, Allen arrived an hour ahead, at seven.
He was glad he came early, just in time for breakfast at the Williams household.
While this era typically features two meals a day, those who rise early for work or training can't sustain themselves without breakfast. Thus, both Felix and Allen have the habit of eating breakfast.
Having rushed out without eating, Allen shamelessly asked to join them, especially upon seeing unfamiliar dishes.
Aveline, who had come with her brother, looked mortified as if she wanted to drag him away.
In the end, both siblings joined the meal.
Today's breakfast was prepared by Penny and the mansion's chef: fried eggs, bacon, smoked meat sandwiches, and drinks—a common combination at Sardinson Castle. The difference was that Felix preferred his with beer, while Wei Wei and Dolores had honey lemon water with lemon slices.
These were quick dishes to prepare, so the kitchen promptly served the additional guests.
The fried dishes and meat-filled sandwiches were a hit. Allen, never one to stand on ceremony with Felix, ate until he was stuffed and insisted on learning how to make the sandwiches.
Felix looked to Wei Wei, who nodded with a smile. "You can send someone here to learn."
Allen immediately understood that Wei Wei was the true lady of the house.
After breakfast, it was time to head out.
Dolores skipped to the door, reaching for her cloak.
Once dressed, she eagerly asked her new friend, Aveline, "Do I look good?"
Being her first time in the capital, Dolores was worried her fashion sense might not align with the latest trends.
"Very pretty!"
Aveline, a lively girl with red hair and green eyes, was genuinely impressed by Dolores's cloak.
Unlike the typical floor-length cloaks, Dolores's was a pink woolen cloak in a Lolita style, trimmed with white rabbit fur and adorned with long bunny ears on the hood. It had a large ribbon bow at the neck and big buttons down the front, ending in a wide, flower-like hem at thigh length.
The cloak was sleeveless but had slits at the sides for arms, keeping her warm without restricting movement.
Wei Wei had designed it specifically for Dolores, who loved it but worried about others' opinions.
With the hood up, Dolores looked like a pink bunny, so adorable that Aveline wanted to hug her and squeal.
Cuteness is universally appreciated.
Aveline exclaimed, "This cloak is so pretty! I want one too!"
Dolores quickly offered, "I have a few different ones. Would you like to pick one?" Since cloaks aren't size-specific, Aveline, though a head taller, could still wear them.
Aveline's eyes lit up. "Really?"
Dolores was about to agree but remembered the cloaks were specially made for her by Wei Wei. She glanced at Wei Wei for approval. "Can I give one to Aveline?"
Wei Wei nodded, pleased that the girl had made a friend. "You can go pick one now. Make sure to give Aveline a set of woolen clothes too, so she doesn't catch a cold."
"We'll be quick," Dolores said, pulling Aveline to her room to change.
When they reappeared, Aveline wore a pure white cloak without fur trim, with a ruffled hem and round bear ears on the hood, complete with a small tail at the back.
Though the cloaks didn't perfectly match their dresses, no one minded since they all looked equally mismatched.
The two girls, arm in arm, declared they were ready to go.
It had snowed in the capital the previous night, and though not heavy, the snow was still falling, which would affect their travel by carriage.
Originally, they planned to visit a tailor and a jeweler to catch up on the latest trends. Wei Wei also wanted to explore the market to prepare for the upcoming feast and purchase items like mica powder that she hadn't found in Sardinson.
But with guests present, taking them to the market for groceries seemed inappropriate. Wei Wei assigned the task to Qin and Penny, providing them with a carriage and two footmen to assist.
Qin was concerned. Without them, wouldn't Wei Wei be left without help?
"Should one of us stay to serve you?"
"No need," Felix interjected. "I'll take care of her."
Since they wouldn't be visiting the market, they didn't need to bring many people.
With the master's word, the two had no choice but to leave.
Neither Allen nor Aveline had brought servants, and Felix's party ended up without any either. Thus, apart from the coachman, the five of them set out.
Their first stop was the tailor's shop, recommended by Allen. The shop's owner was the royal family's tailor, so many nobles frequented it.
"The Queen's birthday is approaching, so the shop must be swamped. It's probably too late to order a dress now, but we can check out the latest trends and have another tailor make them. I know a shop that, while not as famous, is just as skilled," Allen said, assuming they were there to buy clothes.
Aveline rolled her eyes, whispering to the other girls, "Allen is a regular at that shop. He often brings his companions there—different companions each time."
Wei Wei understood: a playboy.
After about half an hour by carriage, they arrived at the capital's most famous tailor shop.
Perhaps because they arrived early, the shop wasn't crowded, but the staff were busy, likely swamped with orders.
Still, they noticed the newcomers immediately.
"Welcome, sir and ladies. I'm Mary. How may I assist you?"
The woman greeting them glanced over the three girls, first noticing the unique cloaks on the two younger ones, then Wei Wei's distinctly Eastern features.
"Please show them your collection," Allen said, gesturing to the ladies.
The tailor shop was spacious, filled with fabrics and ready-made garments. Wei Wei even spotted several bolts of silk prominently displayed.
Mary, new to the shop, didn't recognize Allen or his companions, but that didn't hinder her service.
She showed them the shop's ready-made garments, allowing Wei Wei to gauge the capital's fashion trends. Unlike Sardinson County's simpler styles, the capital favored opulence, with embroidery and jewel embellishments dominating, and colors leaning toward vibrant reds and purples.
Wei Wei's preference for lighter tones and simpler designs didn't align with the local trends.
Dolores whispered to Wei Wei, "I still think your designs are prettier."
Wei Wei smiled, whispering back, "I think so too."
Despite this, they left with several trendy garments, along with fabrics and accessories not available in Sardinson.
Next, they visited a nearby jewelry store. Wei Wei wasn't particularly interested in jewelry, spending most of her time selecting pieces for Dolores. Felix, however, was eager to buy jewelry for Wei Wei, wanting to adorn her with anything he thought suited her. If not for Wei Wei's intervention, he might have bought half the store.
In the end, they spent nearly a thousand gold coins on several sets of jewelry.
Allen was stunned.
Not only was Felix's extravagant spending shocking, but the fact that he was buying so much for a woman made Allen question whether this was the same Felix he knew.
If he ever heard that Felix's family had gone bankrupt, he wouldn't be surprised.
They visited several more places, enjoying a renowned restaurant for lunch. The food was excellent, though some ingredients made Wei Wei uncomfortable.
By the time they returned, it was nearly dark, and Allen and Aveline stayed for dinner.
Upon their return, the mansion's butler presented Felix with a stack of letters. "My Lord, these are the invitations delivered today."
Felix took them, and Allen peered over his shoulder, whistling. "Eight invitations. It seems our Earl William is quite popular."
Felix scanned the names. "Compared to me, the Devonshire family must receive even more."
"Those are for my father and brother," Allen shrugged. "Are you attending any of these?"
"No."
The invitations were from minor figures, most of lower status than Felix. As someone with royal blood, attending would only diminish his standing.
"Before the Queen's birthday banquet, I don't plan to attend any other events."
"I thought as much."
With the King's emphasis on the Queen's banquet, other major nobles would avoid hosting events that might overshadow it.
This reminded Allen of an important question. "Have you sent the Queen's gift yet?"
Felix replied, "Not yet. I'll send it before the banquet."
Gifts for the Queen were to be delivered to the palace in advance. Having just arrived in the capital, they needed time to settle, and Wei Wei insisted on completing the gift before sending it, so they had to wait a few more days.
Allen warned him, "It's best to send it soon. The Queen isn't known for her patience."
As a beautiful and favored princess, Mirabelle's temper is far from mild. However, she's adept at pretending, always appearing gentle and considerate in front of the King. Privately, everyone knows she's highly vindictive, especially in recent years as her life has become more difficult. Rumors frequently circulate about her maids falling ill and needing rest, though everyone knows they were injured.
Having once served in the King's knights, Felix is well aware of this.
"I know what I'm doing."
The matter of the gift isn't just urgent for Allen; others are anxious as well.
The essential oils produced in Sardinson County have become a hot commodity throughout Pradi. Everyone can guess that Felix has amassed considerable wealth from this venture. Under such circumstances, his gift to the Queen cannot be ordinary, as in previous years.
Nobles who had eagerly written to Felix seeking cooperation were naturally dissatisfied upon receiving polite rejections. This dissatisfaction grew when they learned that the merchant Claude was selling essential oils in other nobles' territories. Some petty nobles, envious of Claude's success and resentful of Felix's refusal to cooperate, are now waiting for Felix to present his gift, ready to criticize it regardless of its quality. They aim to make Felix realize he's not dealing with pushovers and force him to offer cooperation.
Of course, this is merely the self-important posturing of nobles in the capital who look down on outsiders, especially those from the border regions. Truly powerful nobles, while equally eager to benefit from Felix's business, would never show such overt disdain. Instead, they would approach Felix with a more diplomatic demeanor.
Meanwhile, Queen Mirabelle is likely the most eager for Felix to deliver his birthday gift.
She believes Felix will surely present her with precious essential oils, as her supply has run out.