#13. On a Night Like This, When the Stars Twinkle (8)

The rain clouds that had lingered for days finally cleared, and today, for the first time in a while, the blazing sun showed its face.

The sun, returning after so long, beat down fiercely, as though to announce that spring was nearing its end after those abundant rains.

Beneath that intense sunlight, the gardeners tending the lush green garden had shed many layers; their clothes were now remarkably short and light.

That wasn't all.

Within the black fence surrounding the mansion, the greenery, the servants' attire, and even the atmosphere of the residence had all become unmistakably summery.

The long, long spring, filled with one event after another, was now racing inexorably toward its end.

The elegant and beautiful Béarn townhouse, too, was busy preparing to welcome summer… No, preparations were in full swing for the Founding Festival, which arrived one step ahead of summer.

Young Master Albris had gathered the servants and told them that on the night of the Founding Festival, he would hold a small party in the mansion’s annex for his beloved younger sister.

After all, given everything that had happened… Even setting aside the incident at the mines, the kidnapping that had thrown the capital into an uproar had made it difficult for Lady Eleonore to go out.

Thanks to that, there was more to prepare for this year's Founding Festival than usual...