Chapter 6 - -6 : Canary
There was always a nominal meeting scheduled at the Herhardt's mansion every summer. But this year, everyone knew that Claudine von Brandt did not visit Arvis just for that simple reason.
The meeting was created for the two families to pre-negotiate and promote friendship between the different parties before announcing the engagement to the public. The two families' purpose of the meeting was clear and neither side had tried to hide it. Especially Claudine.
"Hello, Duke Herhardt."
Claudine greeted Matthias with perfect courtesy. The cousin that stood in front of Matthias had grown into a refined lady. He could barely see any traces of the short, whiny girl.
"Welcome, Lady Brandt."
Matthias also formally greeted Claudine back.
The two gracefully smiled at each other.
There was nothing new going on between the two. Although they weren't very close or intimate, they have seen each other for a long time, so they both knew: how thoroughly aristocratic Matthias von Herhardt and Claudine von Brandt were to the bones. And that was the most biggest and obvious reason why they chose each other.
Matthias skillfully escorted Claudine. Elysse von Herhardt had ordered her servants to prepare their afternoon tea in the glass greenhouse connected to the back of the mansion. It was one way of showing Elysse's consideration for Claudine because she loved the greenhouse.
"This greenhouse is always beautiful every time I visit. It's as if Duchess Elysse has moved heaven in here."
Claudine, who drank the tea without a sound, gladly complimented. She spoke in a cheerful, yet calm manner like a courteous lady.