News traveled fast, and Grand Duke Ihar's arrival in the capital was no exception. After Kieran's visit, countless nobles began calling on Claude. Their exclamations of surprise at seeing Camellia with him were uniform. As she had been Camellius Bale the last time they saw her, their shock was understandable. Some received a deep glower from Claude as they gaped at Lia in a dress for too long. She, however, only had eyes for the documents that she held. Caruso began serving as House Ihar's steward, but since he was lacking in so many areas, Claude decided to appoint Lia as his advisor—reasoning that this would mutually help their exam studies—which meant every form and file had to pass through her.
Despite Lia's absolute disregard for the nobles watching her, stories and accounts flew around the capital. People whispered that Camellius Bale had returned as Grand Duke Ihar's woman.