Chapter 80

In the beautiful garden, where people of the upper class were gathered in their elegant attire, the following scene unfolded.

After receiving the greeting from His Majesty the King, the standing reception began. However, from the early morning until the three o'clock tea time, we, the servers, must not let our guard down.

"Scarlett, please add more canapés to that table."

"Understood."

"…Is there any strange man approaching?"

"No, but I can feel some gazes."

Scarlett responded politely to my words, showing a smug look on her face.

Yes, she's still the same... No, I should think she has grown! After all, she hasn't taken off her cat mask in this formal setting. Well, she does look a bit suspicious in places... but she seems to be playing the role of a mysterious beauty.

At the main table, where Her Majesty the Queen Mother is present, Princess Primera is handling the occasion with more dignity than I had anticipated.

Mostly, she is greeting and smiling, and to avoid any political issues, Her Majesty the Queen Mother is mostly conducting the conversation... but she looks very happy now.

I understand why—Sir Dean Dain is sitting at the same table, having come to greet her! Of course, it's because Her Majesty the Queen Mother invited him, saying, "Wouldn't you like to chat here, Lord Baum?" Sitting at the same table as the royal family requires permission or an invitation.

Well, this certainly reinforces the impression that "Dean Dain von Baum is the princess's fiancé."

Oh, I wish I could serve those two!

Why do I have to go around greeting old nobles, merchants, and officials?

...No, it's important. As the head maid, I must do it properly for the princess. I believe that greetings are the smallest yet most significant form of communication.

Impressions can change based on whether someone is greeted or not. Of course, it's not the only way to judge someone, but I want to make a good first impression!

Especially since I tend to be perceived as aloof... I'm just nervous in front of important people or handsome men and beautiful women... but it's hard to explain that to others, so I don't say it. Honestly, that's the truth.

However... I remember that the border barons who came this time were two in number.

Which one of them brought the monster?

"Lord Yuria, it's been a while."

"Marquis Nashanda! I'm sorry for the late greeting... Have you already greeted Her Majesty the Queen Mother and the princess?"

"Yes, I did a while ago. Lord Baum is quite a refreshing young man."

"I'm sure Lord Baum will be pleased to hear that from you, Marquis."

"Haha, indeed. Still, the autumn roses in the royal castle are magnificent."

"Yes, I think they are very beautiful."

He's as romantic as ever!

His gentle smile while sipping wine is incredibly cool.

"But it's unusual for you to come to a social event, Marquis Nashanda."

"Haha... Yes, you're right. I actually wanted to stay and study roses, but Roberto insisted that I come here to promote the special products of the Nashanda Marquisate, not just leave it to the Jenda Trading Company..."

"Oh, I see."

It's a great help that the Jenda Trading Company handles the special products, but of course, the lord would want to promote them himself. Since I'm credited with creating the rose jam, I'm happy if he puts in more effort!

I don't think it's good to openly say he didn't want to come... but since only I can hear it, it's fine, right?

"Oh, Lord Yuria! Marquis Nashanda is here too... It's been a while."

"Lord Céleste, Marquis."

"Keith, it's been a while. You haven't come to see the roses recently, have you?"

While looking around for the border baron, Lord Céleste approached me. Beside him was his wife, a beautiful woman, and he was smiling broadly!

I remember that his wife is a talented woman, and they both serve as diplomats... amazing, right?

As expected of Lord Céleste, who has a wide network, he seems to be on good terms with Marquis Nashanda, who rarely appears in social settings.

"No, no, I've been busy since I introduced a new fabric from my territory! I was talking with my wife about coming to see the roses again when we have some free time."

"Oh, you're still good at business. I should learn from you."

"Haha, what are you saying! I heard that the rose jam, which is becoming popular among the nobility, is a new product from the Nashanda Marquisate."

"Oh, you're well-informed. Yes, we developed it with the help of a lady here."

"Hmm, Lord Yuria, you did? Hmm..."

What's with that meaningful smile!

"I didn't do anything significant, really!"

"No, no, haha. Our fabric also became popular thanks to her."

"Oh, is that so?"

"Yes, at her debut in society—"

"Excuse me, I need to go around and greet others..."

"That's not good, I shouldn't have detained you during your duties. I was planning to leave after looking at the roses in the garden, so I'm glad I could say hello before I go."

I thought he was going to talk about her debut in society, so I was about to leave, but when Marquis Nashanda said that... my conscience. Ouch!

Maybe he's just not good with crowds. But then, what about the promotion...?

"Tell Roberto I appreciate it!"

"Ah, Marquis Nashanda?!"

He passed it off so smoothly!

...Well, I need to greet the head of the Jenda Trading Company too. I'll pass on the message, but I can't predict the outcome.

Lord Céleste also waved and smiled, so... these kinds of events are always nerve-wracking.

No, it's not that I dislike these social interactions. I'm just a bit timid and worry about fitting in.

...Hmm? If I had relied on Lord Céleste, I could have greeted the border baron... No, no, I don't need to jump into a minefield. Okay, okay, let's calm down.

I can't solve everything like Superman. I just need to act while being aware that something might happen.

"Lord Yuria"

"Lord Aldar Saul"

"Everything seems to be in order."

"By the way, have you met the person in question?"

There's that brother disciple who challenges me to a duel as a greeting. I greeted the minister of Shagran Kingdom, but his son was wandering around the venue, so I couldn't meet him. I think he was probably looking for Lord Aldar Saul.

Lord Aldar Saul made a clearly displeased face at my question. Ah, he's avoiding him, I see.

"...I want to avoid meeting him as much as possible."

"But from a security standpoint, that might not be—"

"Yes, you're right. But I want to avoid meeting him as much as possible."

He doesn't need to say it so forcefully.

I can't help but laugh!

The guards also look cool in their formal attire. It's a formal event, after all, and they also want to show off their strength and coolness to the guests.

They usually wear their work uniforms inside the castle, which are like everyday uniforms for the guards.

Today, they are in proper formal attire, which looks a bit ornate... but it's designed to be functional in case of emergencies, so it's not uncomfortable. We need to rely on them in emergencies!

Still, the guards, who are the elite of the country, receive admiring glances from all around.

But a monster that even they fear must be something extraordinary. In games, it was tough, but the heroine had cheats, so it wasn't that scary if you raised her properly... but if it appeared in front of me, it would definitely be terrifying.

"Then I will return to Her Majesty the Queen Mother. Please let me know if anything happens."

"Yes, thank you."

...Hmm, he's still so handsome...

I still don't understand why such a person confessed to me!

I'm not doubting why he likes me, as he told me, but... "Why?" still comes to mind...

Bad loser? Leave me alone!

Chapter: The protagonist's social circle is expanding.