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“Truly, truly accomplished! The masses are enamored with my verse,” Wilhelm breathed, keeping his voice hushed in the secluded piano room. Despite the quietness, the fervor in his tone was palpable.

“If it weren’t for the incomparable Miss Lobelia, I would never have mustered the courage to publish my poetry. My gratitude knows no bounds.” With a shake of emotion, Wilhelm grasped Lobelia’s hand in gratitude, only to quickly realize the impropriety of his actions and sheepishly release it.

“You have done remarkable work,” Lobelia complimented, her own happiness shining through.

“I am honored to reciprocate the favor, Miss Lobelia. Should you ever require anything in the future, do not hesitate to call upon me. Your requests shall always take precedence.”

Wilhelm’s words took Lobelia by surprise, eliciting a joyful “Really?” from her lips.

To be associated with a poet of Wilhelm’s caliber was a great privilege in societal circles, a guaranteed path to immortality in the annals of history.

“Of course,” Wilhelm confirmed, a sparkle in his eyes as he basked in his newfound fame. Whether he fully realized it or not, Wilhelm was destined for greatness, and his future looked brighter than ever.

“If not for Miss Lobelia, I don’t even want to imagine where I’d be today. I can’t promise how much help I’ll be, but if Miss Lobelia asks, I’ll move mountains, even if it means lugging coal from the depths of history,” Wilhelm stated, his cheeks flushing red with embarrassment.

Lobelia beamed at the thought of Wilhelm’s willingness to go to great lengths for her. “Thank you,” she said gratefully. “Come now, the guests are waiting,” she urged, leaving a flustered Wilhelm behind as she approached the regal Countess Dora.

“Ah, Miss Lobelia,” Countess Dora greeted warmly, gesturing for Lobelia to take a seat beside her.

Countess Dora graciously offered Lobelia a seat beside her, and the young woman obliged, feigning the role of the countess’ entourage. As the partygoers slowly made their way out of the grand mansion, Lobelia found herself alone with the countess.

“Please, don’t go yet,” Countess Dora gestured, crossing her arms.

Wilhelm, who had lingered nearby until the end, bade his farewells, leaving Lobelia and the countess to enjoy each other’s company in solitude.

“Would you like another cup of tea?” Countess Dora asked, signaling for her maids to bring in more refreshments.

Lobelia nodded, delighting in the calming aroma of the tea. She observed as Countess Dora savored each sip, and at the countess’ relaxed demeanor, Lobelia’s own demeanor softened.

“Thank you so much, Miss Lobelia,” Countess Dora spoke first, breaking the peaceful silence.

Lobelia put down her teacup, her eyes meeting the countess’ with surprise. “It’s my pleasure. I’m glad I could be of assistance.”

“Thanks to you, my side has stood up,” Countess Dora continued, a hint of gratitude in her voice.

Countess Dora gracefully unfurled her fan, taking a moment to collect her thoughts. Meanwhile, Lobelia sat there, watching the gentle sway of the fan, feeling a hint of nervousness. With the favor of Countess Dora secured, she wondered what was to come next.

“So, what do you want in return?” Countess Dora finally broke the silence, her tone smooth and direct.

“What do you mean?” Lobelia asked, her eyes widening.

“There are no favors without strings attached in our social circles,” the countess explained, a hint of amusement in her voice. “I know you helped me for a reason.”

Lobelia remained silent, her mind racing.

“So, speak up. What is it that you want?” Countess Dora continued, her fan still gently moving back and forth. “I’ll do anything, as long as it’s not outrageous.”

Lobelia’s innocent smile faded as she faced Countess Dora’s gaze.

“As the favored maid of honor of Her Majesty the Empress, I’d like you to deliver a message on my behalf,” she said, “It’s just a single sentence.”

“Do you understand the magnitude of this request?” Countess Dora asked.

“Indeed, it is a significant request, but not an unreasonable one, is it?” Lobelia replied.

The countess remained silent for a moment.

The countess opened her fan, her opinion of Lobelia shifting with each passing moment. “Very well,” she said as she snapped it shut. “What would you have me say?”

“Tell Her Majesty that ‘I’ve found a lost, beautiful drop of water,'” Lobelia instructed. Countess Dora was puzzled by the cryptic message, but she agreed to deliver it nonetheless.

“Is that really enough?” she asked.

“Yes,” Lobelia nodded as she lifted her teacup to hide the satisfied smile that had formed on her lips.

“I see,” Countess Dora hummed. “With this, I’ve settled all my debts.”

Though she couldn’t win over the Countess, this tidy agreement was a win in Lobelia’s book. She finished her tea, politely bid farewell, and left the piano room.