Chapter 21

After His Majesty the King's speech, during the reading of the list, I received attention because Lady Primera looked in my direction. However, everyone's attention soon returned to the reading of the list. First came the gifts from other countries, which were indeed luxurious. They included colorful silk fabrics, jewels, rare animals, beautiful artworks, and even performers with special talents.

Are they suggesting I take the performers into my service? No, those aren't Lady Primera's taste, so they're a bit of a tricky gift to handle.

"Then, everyone, please enjoy the party."

When the reading of the list was completed, His Majesty concluded, and the orchestra began to play again. The venue immediately buzzed with excitement, and a crowd gathered around the royal family. Those seated near His Majesty were from neighboring noble families, who seemed to want to speak directly to Lady Primera, but His Majesty did not approve. After all, it's a formality that a child before their debut in society should not say anything that could cause trouble. But the real reason is probably, "I won't let anyone hear my lovely daughter's voice!"

"Lord Yuria"

"Lord Aldar Saul"

"It is a great pleasure to see you looking so beautiful this evening."

"Oh, how kind of you. But yes, this dress is made from fabric recently developed in the Countess Selece's territory."

"Oh, I thought it was a fabric I had never seen before... So, it is Count Selece's pride and joy, then."

"Oh, indeed! Lord Aldar Saul, it has been a while. How long has it been since you last appeared in society? I am Count Selece, Keith Russ, and this is the first time I have met the daughter of the Viscount Fandied."

"Count Selece, it has been a long time."

"Pleased to meet you, I am Yuria of the Fandied family."

By the way, this is a little play I, a mediocre actor, am performing according to a script written by Her Majesty the Queen Mother! I have already met Count Selece at the palace. This exchange is to show that I am following the rules of the noble society and that I have become friendly with the sociable Count Selece.

In high society, a person of lower status can only respond after being addressed by someone of higher status. And only after being introduced can one call the other by name. If one cannot do this, it is considered a disgrace. Since I have just been introduced by Count Selece, I can now return the introduction, and it is established. This script is to ensure that our friendly conversation does not seem out of place.

It's a rather tedious ceremony, but it maintains the hierarchy. I really want to live without involving myself in high society... But I can't navigate it without a script like this...

"When I received the request for the fabric from Her Majesty the Queen Mother, I wondered what it was for, but now I see! I am delighted that it has been made into such a beautiful dress!"

"Her Majesty the Queen Mother?"

"Oh, Lord Aldar Saul, you didn't know. The Viscount Fandied has been working hard for his daughter's debut in society. Her Majesty the Queen Mother, feeling sorry for the misunderstandings that arose, decided to support her. After all, Lady Yuria is also one of Lady Primera's favorite maids."

"Hmm, I see..."

Misunderstandings arose.

Her Majesty the Queen Mother felt sorry for them.

Lady Yuria von Fandied is one of Lady Primera's favorites.

The fact that these keywords can so easily come from the Count's mouth suggests that the information has already been widely disseminated.

I felt tired and looked around to see if Merlek was there, but I couldn't see him.

"Is something wrong?"

"No, Count, I just can't see my brother..."

"Oh, Lord Merlek Lavie. He is very capable and well-mannered. Don't worry."

"Does he know you, Count?"

"Yes. Through your aunt's introduction, I heard he was a very capable nephew, and he certainly is. The future of the Fandied family is bright and enviable!"

"Thank you for your kind words."

"Well, I shall take my leave... Lord Aldar Saul, don't be too jealous, as it can dampen a woman's spirits."

"Hehe, I understand. Thank you for the advice."

"Eh?"

"Until next time."

This conversation wasn't in the script? Well, it's normal for small talk to be included, so it's probably fine...

I looked up at Lord Aldar Saul, wondering what they were talking about, but he just smiled gently and deflected.

"Still, rumors spread so quickly among the nobility."

"Yes, whether true or false, they spread in no time."

"How do you distinguish between true and false rumors?"

"By listening to many rumors, one can naturally tell."

"Ah."

"If you are swayed by them, it is a sign of your own weakness."

"...It's terrifying."

I wanted to sigh deeply, but even that was not allowed. Information that I could normally process as a maid, I couldn't process now.

Being a lady is so difficult... I've simulated it in my head many times.

Rumors can make or break a person in high society, as the Duchess told me. It's true and scary! It makes me distrustful of people. But this time, we are using it to our advantage, and the people being used know they are being used...

Well, it's all part of the "debut in society."

Lord Aldar Saul, noticing my fatigue, smiled and said, "Would you like to dance? I wouldn't want to face Her Majesty the Queen Mother if I ended up being a wallflower." He extended his hand. I had always thought his hand was large and rough. Of course, it's a hand that holds a sword.

I didn't respond with words but placed my hand on his. Of course, I couldn't look him in the eye and have a conversation. No matter how much I studied, it's just too difficult to talk to a handsome man!

"By the way, I have my brother's approval."

"When did you get it?"

"He is probably entertaining Dean right now."

"I see..."

"Yes, the Baum family and the Fandied family should be good friends in the future."

"..."

In other words, we are showing that the future Baum Count and the future Fandied Viscount are building a friendship. The Fandied family is under the protection of the Baum family. The Baum family is a pure military lineage, serving the royal family since the founding of the kingdom, so there are no factions. The Fandied family is weak and has not been accepted by any faction... It's a sad reality.

"I'm not very good at dancing, even though I invited you."

"Oh, is that so? You've gathered so much attention from the ladies."

"That's why I need your help, Lord Yuria, to pretend to be tired after dancing."

"...A knight's stamina won't be exhausted after just one dance."

"Then, however many dances. Can I take your cooperation for granted?"

"Eh, wait a minute!"

"Come, it's a waltz."

Ah, this person is a bit of a bad character too! I'm not good at dancing either! And the jealousy of the ladies is so scary!

But I couldn't say that, no matter how much I wanted to. I'm a coward...

And dancing in high heels is scary. I realized that again.