Then I introduced Viola to Hilda.
She looked thoroughly nervous before the lady of the house. Viola offered a proper noble's courtesy, bowing demurely to Hilda. As she watched, a subtle glint came into Hilda's eyes.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, my lady. My name is Viola von Rijeka."
"...A pleasure, Rijeka. Are you from an eastern noble family?"
"Y-you don't need to be so formal with me."
Viola was flustered before Hilda. Hoping to put her at ease, Hilda smiled softly and chatted with her warmly. Viola, for her part, did her best to make a good impression on Hilda.
"I was so surprised, Wolf. What a lovely, adorable girl."
"She's been melting the hearts of every unmarried retainer we have."
"She's such a pretty girl. Girls like that are truly rare..."
Hilda looked at me with an odd glint in her eye. I pride myself on having nothing to be ashamed of before heaven, but I couldn't help shrinking a little under that gaze. A husband is endlessly weak before his wife.
