Chapter 24

On the day of the party.

Since all the nobles associated with the Duke of Pastore were invited, the driveway was bustling with carriages.

"…We finally managed to pull it off."

Lucrezia had been running around since morning, preparing to welcome the guests.

"Your management was excellent. Everything is in perfect order."

The butler also praised Lucrezia for her efforts.

With all preparations completed without a hitch, it was now just a matter of waiting for the guests to arrive in earnest.

Lucrezia was eagerly awaiting Ramiro's appearance at the entrance.

"He still seems to have some resistance to showing his true face. But he should come out soon."

This was what her close aide, Bosco, had said.

Lucrezia couldn't help but check her reflection in the large mirror by the entrance.

Today, Lucrezia was not wearing a veil. A woman with dull, lifeless eyes had her silver hair styled naturally and was wearing a luxurious dress given to her by Ramiro.

—That's right. Even for me, it took some courage to appear before the guests without a veil.

If it was difficult for Lucrezia, who had no scars on her face, how much more difficult must it be for Ramiro?

"It's fine. I understand the party arrangements, so I can handle it here. Please tell him to take his time."

"Compassionate… compared to my master, how pitiful I am."

"Sir is doing his best. Please don't say such things."

Bosco, moved, pressed a handkerchief to his eyes and returned to Ramiro's room.

—Since Sir is also fighting, I must do my best too.

Lucrezia, who was usually said to have listless eyes, tried to put some effort into her appearance today, making sure her eyes sparkled and her expression was bright.

Lucrezia greeted each arriving guest and greeted them.

"I am Lucrezia, the fiancée."

She had studied the major nobles from notes in the mansion, but there were many families she only learned about when introduced on the spot.

As the flow of arriving guests began to subside, someone stood next to Lucrezia, who had taken a seat on a stool to rest.

"…Hello, good evening."

Lucrezia looked up at him in surprise.

—There was an incredibly handsome man standing there. It was as if a man had stepped out of a nearby fresco and was speaking to her.

He had a strong, determined gaze and a tall, masculine build. His intellectual black hair flowed smoothly in the wind, and his amber eyes exuded elegance.

"Oh, how wonderful, Sir!"

Lucrezia exclaimed with delight.

"I'm not used to this."

"What are you saying? Your attire suits you perfectly and you look absolutely stunning!"

The long coat with gold braid resembled a guard's uniform.

If he were to hold a sword and strike a knightly pose, it would suit the current Ramiro perfectly.

Lucrezia was so happy she could have started humming.

She asked for his escort and held out her hand with a "Hmm!"

Ramiro, hesitantly, offered his arm to Lucrezia, and they stood close together. They were so close that Ramiro looked bewildered, but Lucrezia didn't care.

She wanted to show everyone that they were a close, engaged couple.

"Sir's entrance, please play the march."

"O-oi!"

"Hehehe, this is fun! This day will surely be remembered by future generations! Should I keep a diary and leave it in the library?"

"…Please don't write anything bad about me."

"Such a thing! Sir has no bad qualities at all!"

When Lucrezia pouted in protest, Ramiro covered his face with his hand.

—Since I have Sir's approval, I should buy a beautiful diary later.

The march began with a trumpet solo.

Amid the powerful music, Ramiro appeared in the grand hall with Lucrezia.

Everyone held their breath.

The elegantly dressed noblewomen immediately focused their attention on Ramiro.

Even the distinguished gentlemen with their impressive beards let out suppressed murmurs.

Lucrezia thought it was only natural.

Today, Ramiro looked like a hero returning in triumph, standing out and looking incredibly handsome.

"Is this for real?"

"It's not someone else, is it?"

"Is it really him?"

Whispers from the nearby noblewomen reached Lucrezia's ears.

"Come, Sir. Greet everyone."

When Ramiro began to speak, the orchestra considerately lowered the volume.

"I am Ramiro Pastore. I have been suffering from eye problems for a long time, but I have recovered thanks to my wife's devoted care. Enjoy yourselves today."

People who knew Ramiro well were saying, "It's really him," in disbelief.

Soon, the first dance began.

—Oh? The music is different.

The first dance was supposed to be a branle, a group dance, but an unexpected tune started.

The people waiting to dance were murmuring, unsure whether to start.

When Lucrezia glanced at the orchestra, the butler, who had been giving instructions to the conductor, nodded at her, and she understood.

—We should dance first, right?

"Sir, can you dance?"

"Yes… I think so."

Lucrezia, delighted, quickly faced him.

After the first few steps, cheers erupted from the crowd.

—Sir is such a good dancer!

By the time they had circled the hall once, applause and whistles were filling the air.

Eventually, the announcement was made for the first planned dance, and people began to move.

After Lucrezia and Ramiro finished the prescribed dance and took a short break, they were surrounded by people.

"Congratulations, Sir Ramiro!"

"Please dance with my daughter."

"Well, I…"

Ramiro was hesitating with an awkward smile.

Lucrezia became impatient.

"Sir, how can the guest of honor take a break? It's the host's duty to dance with everyone."

"But I…"

"Does the lady have the right to ask for a dance?"

Before Lucrezia could respond to the well-dressed young man who had spoken, Ramiro embraced her.

"No way!"

The crowd stared in amazement, and gasps of "Oh!" could be heard.

Lucrezia's heart skipped a beat.

"I've just managed to get engaged to her! I'm in the most sensitive period of my life, so please leave us alone!"

Lucrezia touched her cheek. The silk of her gloves felt cool and pleasant. Her ears must have turned red as well.