“Why didn’t I think of that? I almost placed the piece in the wrong spot, but the landing would be perfect,” the noblewoman exclaimed.

“Indeed, the Marchioness’s taste is unmatched,” another chimed in.

“I’ve told you before, don’t try to compare yourself. It’s a matter of innate talent,” someone else added.

Charlotte hid a faint smile behind her champagne glass. The pale green champagne was infused with Luha Mountain raspberries, a delicacy only available at this time of year and only at this department store. The small, heart-shaped, reddish fruits floating in the glass were a work of art in themselves.

“To think that a 21-year-old youth decided to market Luha Mountain raspberries in champagne—it’s still hard to believe. It seems that good taste runs in the family,” one of the ladies remarked, smoothly transitioning the conversation from Charlotte’s discerning eye to that of her son, Oscar, and showering the Marchioness with praise.

As usual, Charlotte said little, choosing instead to listen, occasionally gracing the conversation with her elegant smile.

But then, a question abruptly disrupted the pleasant atmosphere.

“But, Marchioness, why is the Marquis still unmarried?”

The lively conversation came to an abrupt halt. The noblewomen, who were close to Charlotte, immediately turned their gazes towards the one who had posed the question. She sat at the edge of the group, perched on a sofa, looking like a visitor from the capital who had come to see the exhibition.

The other noblewomen subtly retreated into their seats; their curiosity piqued but their manners intact. Oscar’s marriage intrigued many, but no one dared ask outright. It was a matter that should have been under the purview of his mother, the Marchioness, yet there was still no engagement, let alone a marriage.

People assumed that either the Marchioness was not doing her duty as a mother or was unable to. Most leaned towards the latter.

“You’re so attractive, surely you must receive countless proposals. As a mother of a son myself, I can’t help but wonder how many wonderful offers you must receive,” the woman continued, her voice betraying her own curiosity and perhaps a hint of envy.

Charlotte tilted her head slightly, her gaze locking onto the woman who had dared to ask such a forward question. Typically, this would be the moment for someone to retreat, but the woman held Charlotte’s gaze, determined to hear an answer. Charlotte let out a soft laugh before speaking.

“You seem to have many questions, Madam.”

“Well, I recently received a proposal for my son’s marriage…”

“Look around,” Charlotte interrupted with a smile, raising her right index finger. The finely manicured nail gleamed as she gestured in a circle, indicating the entire exhibition hall. The woman caught off guard and hesitantly glanced around the room, unsure of where this was leading. Charlotte continued, her voice calm and measured.

“None of the pieces on display here have a price tag. Do you know why that is?”

The woman blinked in confusion. She had asked about marriage, and now Charlotte was talking about artwork and prices. She couldn’t grasp the connection.

Charlotte took another sip of her champagne before explaining, “There’s no need to put a price on them. The price is irrelevant for those with the eye to appreciate these pieces. For those who can’t, they simply can’t afford them.”

Silence hung in the air as the woman processed Charlotte’s words.

“Madam, did you purchase a piece today?”

The woman’s face flushed bright red as she realised the implication. Charlotte’s smile was as radiant as ever, though her words carried a sharp edge.

“Then you must not have had much to wonder about.”

It was a clear message: Don’t bother asking if you can’t afford it.

The embarrassed woman quickly rose and left the room in a flurry, and Charlotte muttered to herself with a chuckle, “This is the downside of hosting in a public space.”

Watching Charlotte’s reaction, the noblewoman quickly joined in the laughter, shifting the conversation back to lighter topics as if nothing had happened. Charlotte participated in their chatter with the same grace, and the mood gradually lifted once more.

“Mother!”

Just as the atmosphere was beginning to lighten, Sabine returned and took her seat. Her presence brought a fresh wave of energy to the room as if the very season had changed with her arrival. The ladies immediately expressed their delight.