Concealed Info
In contrast to Francesca who was looking at him in shock, Leonardo showed his usual smile as he continued.
“I know I’m a student as well but, I’m also the head of the Aldini family. As such, as long as I’m older than 16, I should get treated as a regular adult as well, am I correct?”
(He’s right…….! The age of adulthood in this world is 18 but, with Leonardo’s circumstances, he should still get considered as an adult now!)
When it put that way, she realized that that meant that he could also get legally married now as well. Meanwhile, hearing Leonardo’s request, Sofia simply went ‘hmm’ and narrowed her eyes.
“I don’t mind. I’m sure all the guests would be more than happy to get a chance to make connections with the Aldini head as well. But..”
Sofia paused, and glanced at Francesca.
“Is this something you should be asking in front of your fiancée? The reason why minors are not allowed in our parties is because it’s a place for my little sisters to show off their craft. It may not seem that different from your usual night party, but there’s a reason why men don’t bring their wives or lovers with them there.”
“Ah, you don’t need to have one your ladies accompany me. Now, and in the future, until the world ends, I have no wish to escort any lady that is not Francesca.”
(Hmm?)
Leonardo said that with a clear smile but Francesca could only feel a sudden ill omen from his words.
(………Leonardo, he’s definitely hiding something…….?)
It’s not like his actions were that weird or suspicious to her.
But perhaps because he was so natural with everything and she didn’t sense anything like that, for Francesca, that was definitely a sign that something was wrong. And speaking of which, they did have a conversation like this while in the forest a while back as well.
[No matter what I do, I don’t think they’d let me participate right?]
[Even it is a supposedly classy party for nobles, it is still a place where prostitutes will be everywhere………But, it’s not like there’s no way of taking part either though.]
Meaning, Leonardo had already thought up a way to get Francesca inside that party.
(And before I can figure that out, he’s trying to finish the conversation as fast as possible.)
Mumumu……..she stared at Leonardo but he simply feigned ignorance.
“Both you missy, as well as Aldini, you two are staying at one of our vacation villas for a while right? I’ll send the details for the event to Aldini later over there then.”
“Thank you. I’m sure the guests list is full of esteemed people from all sorts of distinguished backgrounds, right? I’m looking forward to it.”
“Well, even that Marquis Savini has been betting on this party for quite some time it seems.”
Stating that, she sent a wink towards Francesca.
“Do give my regards to your other school friends as well, okay? Serranova’s young master…….as well as your [caretaker] who fought so gallantly.”
(……..looks like even Sofia-san has already guessed Graziano’s true lineage.)
Well, with how much he resembled his father, it wasn’t that hard of a thing to do. Francesca also stood up following Leonardo, and then nodded.
“Yes, I will.”
“Thanks.”
For a moment it seemed that Sofia seemed to laugh with a hint of loneliness, but perhaps that was just Francesca’s imagination.
(if I recall, Graziano’s mother was also one of Ranieri family’s prostitutes wasn’t she? I wonder if Sofia-san knew of her maybe?)
A once high class prostitute suddenly had to move to the slums and live in the worst of conditions, and then died of illness. Normally, even when a prostitute births an illegitimate child, the Ranieri family would often take those kids in and would protect them.
But what situation led to such a drastic chain of events for Graziano’s mother? Unfortunately, that all had not been explained in the game. She wondered if perhaps Sofia had a better idea of the truth.
As if to hide it all, Sofia exhaled a large cloud of smoke in front of her and smiled.
“Oh right, missy. While you’re living inside this forest, you’ll also go and enjoy our various concerts as well as buffets, right? If you’re ever in the mood to dress up a bit differently than your usual style, do come to me for help and without any restraint okay?”
“Different style, you say?”
“That’s right. We have a lot of more mature dresses and I could really doll you up like you’ve never done before.”
“Really! Thank you so much.”
Francesca had lived her entire life in an all male household, so she never had the chance to let someone do her makeup for her and exchange makeup tips with anyone before. It was a really attractive proposal for her so she gave her thanks with genuine excitement.
(She may not exactly be a friend, but this will still be a first experience for me! It’s such a rare chance, I might as well ask her before the trip ends maybe?)
While she was pondering such things, Leonardo put his hand on Francesca’s shoulder from behind.
“If you want different dresses to wear Francesca, I’ll gift you so many from here on that you’ll get tired of them. Tell me, what kind do you want?”
“Leonardo, you don’t get it. This is only exciting because a [pretty big sis is lending] these to me! Understand?”
Hearing Francesca’s rebuttal, Sofia snickered happily.
“A pretty big sis eh, well that’s nice to hear. Like my other little sisters said, it really does make me want to tease and spoil you more and more. But……”
And then, she narrowed her gentle eyes into something sharper.
“Just what exactly did you all really come to this forest for?”
“——…….!!”
And in an instant, the atmosphere inside the room completely changed.