Chapter 81

After Lord Aldar Saul left, I took a deep breath.

Of course, I tried not to make it too obvious!

Ah... yeah, that’s it. I was captivated by his good looks. No, that’s a lie. It’s not all a lie, though.

A fleeting thought crossed my mind that this garden party would soon be over.

That’s right, now is not the time to think about that.

As the head maid, I need to fulfill my role properly. The other maids are working hard, so it wouldn’t do for me to be distracted by such things. I need to pull myself together!

"Ah, is that Lady Yuria?"

"This is Lord Rizil."

"It’s been a while, young lady."

"Are you enjoying yourself, Lord Gendal?"

"Yes, very much. What magnificent roses. ...By the way, have you seen Marquess Nashanda?"

"Ah... he said he was going to look at the roses and then leave. He said to give you his regards..."

"Hmm, I see."

Though his expression remained genial, his voice dropped a tone!

Beside him, the chairman of the Rizil Company was smiling meaningfully... Sometimes, the two of them, being at the top of their respective organizations, give off an unsettling, unknowable vibe that can be quite frightening. However, since that fear isn’t directed at me right now, it’s not a problem.

I took the opportunity to have a brief conversation with both of them. The stories about the Kingdom of Shagran were quite interesting!

The maid serving the Shagran Kingdom’s minister’s wife mentioned that the maid was actually the minister’s lover. A lover accompanying a diplomatic mission... And even though the wife was there... as a subordinate of the wife... Is it officially recognized? Is it a decadent relationship? I was too scared to ask that far!

There was also talk about the minister’s son, who is Lord Aldar Saul’s sword training partner, not getting along with his father, and being an excellent knight.

Additionally, gemstones are expected to drop in price this year, so feel free to consult me anytime. The fabric from the Count of Ceres is selling very well, making it difficult to secure. ...So, he’s saying he’ll sell the gemstones at a lower price if I can put in a good word with the Count of Ceres later. Understood. I can’t guarantee how much influence I’ll have, but I’ll let the Rizil Company and the Gendal Company know that I’ll do my best.

Though the area is roughly divided, it’s a standing reception, so everyone is moving around freely.

Of course, the royal family members aren’t wandering around. They’re always surrounded by people wherever they go.

(Hmm, are wines popular this year? It doesn’t seem like the brandy is decreasing much... And the tea and juice are also not decreasing...)

Maybe I should ask the head maid to increase the ratio of wine served. As I was thinking about this and turned around, I almost bumped into someone.

"I’m sorry, are you hurt?"

"No, don’t worry. I wasn’t looking where I was going either."

The person immediately acknowledged their mistake and apologized, and I was unexpectedly greeted with kind words.

I didn’t recognize the voice, but I was relieved it wasn’t someone shouting. Sometimes, people get drunk and act overly confident, which is really scary... Being shouted at is terrifying...

"Hmm? Are you a maid here? I’m looking for someone."

"Oh. Who are you looking for?"

"Guard Knight Aldar Saul von Baum."

"...Excuse me, sir, but who are you?"

"I’m Gildelock Jude von Balmunk, a knight of the Kingdom of Shagran!"

Bingo!

Is this the person, Lord Aldar Saul’s training partner?

A well-tanned, muscular man, about the same age as Lord Aldar Saul?

This person, with a slightly arrogant attitude and a loud voice, is the minister’s son, right? The fact that he didn’t introduce himself as the minister’s son seems to confirm the rumors about their poor relationship. Or maybe it’s just his pride as a knight.

Anyway, his voice is really loud. Just saying his name made people turn around... Is he deliberately speaking loudly because we’re outside? Or is this his default volume?

It’s possible he’s famous, but I heard people say things like, "I was startled" and "I thought something happened," so I think it’s because of his loud voice.

"Right, there’s someone else... As a maid, you might know her. I’m also looking for a woman named Yuria von Vandied, who serves as the head maid to the princess."

"Yes."

Why did my name come up there?!

I couldn’t help but look up at him in surprise, and our eyes met. He looked down at me without any concern for my reaction.

"What’s wrong? Is something the matter?"

"N-no. It’s just unusual for a guest to be interested in a maid."

"I see. I was told she has black hair and wears glasses... Hmm? You..."

"Y-yes. I am Yuria von Vandied. Have I done something wrong?"

No, it’s our first meeting!

Wait... Is he here to complain about the Grand Duchess? No way! Did something happen to the minister’s family that they’re holding a grudge? No way...

I was worried my face might show my shock, but I tried to maintain a serious expression. He was staring at me intently. I’m not a rare creature, you know?!

"So, you’re Yuria von Vandied!"

"Y-yes!"

His booming voice made me shrink back, but I didn’t bow my head in fear.

In situations like this, I tend to break out in a cold sweat, but I’m looking him in the eye! I haven’t done anything wrong. ...Right?

"I had something I wanted to say to you!"

"What is it?"

"Good job!"

"...Huh?"

What? What is he talking about? I don’t remember doing anything to deserve praise from him.

"I heard you were the one who foiled that man’s ridiculous scheme! It’s a disgrace to Shagran. That’s why I wanted to praise you!"

"O-oh..."

"I’d like to give you a reward."

"No, that’s not necessary."

"Hmm. ...Well, that’s fine. So, where is Aldar Saul?"

"...I believe he’s guarding the Dowager Queen. That direction."

What a one-sided person... Who is "that man," anyway? I’m completely lost.

Dealing with him is exhausting. I understand why Lord Aldar Saul didn’t want to see him. I totally get it!

So, I’m sorry, but I have work to do.

Please deal with him over there. I’m sorry, Lord Aldar Saul!

"Thank you, I appreciate it!"

"No, it’s my job."

I wonder if I look really cold right now. But I don’t mean to be. I’m just really tired... I don’t get along with this person. Everyone has someone they just don’t click with.

"I’ll think of a reward for you later!"

"No, really, that’s not necessary!"

He’s the type who doesn’t listen, isn’t he?

I’d like to watch Lord Aldar Saul’s interaction with him from a distance. Seeing Lord Aldar Saul in a difficult situation or making a face of dislike would be rare. I’ve seen it before when he was dealing with Scarlett or Eren, so maybe it’s not that rare.

Still, he ran off with such momentum... I hope he doesn’t bump into other guests.

He was like a charging bull.

I don’t think he’ll challenge the Dowager Queen to a duel in front of her. I hope not! But he might, considering he said he’d challenge someone to a duel instead of exchanging seasonal greetings.

Hmm, another intense person... With so many people here, it’s no surprise there are all sorts of characters. I never heard such stories at the garden parties before, but maybe I just didn’t notice.

Lord Gildelock Jude had short, golden-brown hair, a confident face, and golden-brown eyes. He had a masculine appearance, but I’d say he’s handsome. I’d like to hear what Scarlett thinks.

He’s quite different from Lord Aldar Saul, but since they trained under the same master, they probably have similar fighting styles.

If he’s challenging someone to a duel, he must be about as skilled as Lord Aldar Saul and wants to prove to the world that he’s the stronger one. So, he’s probably the type who likes to show off.

I really hope he forgets about the reward.

"Head Maid of the Princess, the head maid called for you."

"Got it, I’ll go now."

A passing maid informed me, and when I went to the head maid, she was surrounded by people who wanted to speak with the king. I reported the wine situation while I was there, and it was decided to open more barrels, so I saw people drinking wine everywhere.

I wondered if this year’s wine was particularly good, and I daydreamed about having a drink with Lady Primera someday while I continued my work.

...But someday, I hope it can happen!