Chapter 83

Well, after that, things got all mixed up.

Edi was surprised by the sudden (or not?) intrusion of Eiren, who started crying and shouting, "No, this is not what it looks like!" Then, noticing me standing behind, she snapped in a threatening tone, "Are you cheating on me, you bastard?" Meanwhile, Eiren's ex-boyfriend (or so it seemed) turned to Edi and yelled, "So you're the one who deceived Eiren, you scoundrel?!" It was a full-blown battlefield. Honestly, it was scary.

When I tried to say that I wasn't involved, the situation didn't allow it.

The head of the Outer Palace appeared after hearing my report, and I handed over the responsibility to her, but then I had to run errands for the Chief Maid and go to her office... Edi maintained her dignified attitude as a knight, so she should be fine, but I'm worried about the head of the Outer Palace. Although weapons are generally prohibited at the garden party, some guards are allowed to carry them, so it would be terrifying if any sword fights broke out!

When I reported the incident, the Chief Maid seemed composed, but I suspect she might have lost consciousness for a moment.

Other guests were looking at us with interest, so I'm sure those scolding voices, which sounded like screams, reached some people's ears... Did this tarnish the garden party?

Of course, it's not my fault, but Eiren is a maid of this country. For a maid of this country to meet a man in a secluded place and then have a public meltdown and a verbal showdown with her fiancé is nothing but an embarrassing story!

While it might be an exaggeration to call it a love triangle from Eiren's perspective, it certainly looked that way to others. If they hadn't properly broken up, it was definitely a love triangle...

This time, I don't think I'll be blamed. I acted quickly when trouble seemed likely, reported to the responsible person, and didn't act alone!

However, I can't help but reflect that if the knight I had brought wasn't Edi, Eiren might not have lost her composure so much.

Who could have predicted such a situation would arise...

Fortunately, most of the guests didn't notice the commotion, and it wasn't something that would interest them. The main venue of the garden party remained peaceful.

If it had been a noble from another family, it would have quickly become a scandal in the social circles.

"Ah, Yulia-sama."

"Meina, is everything alright?"

"Yes, is something the matter?"

"Yes, well. We'll talk about it later."

"Yes."

"Yulia-sama."

"Scarlett."

"During your absence, the son of the Minister of Shagran came and said his family wanted to speak with you."

"...I see. Thank you."

Why are they calling me... I was trying to avoid the minister and was looking for small tasks to do elsewhere.

While watching Lady Primera and Dean Dain, I thought I was safe by leaving the serving to Sebastian... Was this divine punishment for my thoughts?

But, it's work, after all. I can't run away... as the head maid, I should greet them! Compared to other guests, I didn't really talk much. I can't let this tarnish Lady Primera's reputation!!

Scarlett is doing a good job of keeping up appearances, and Meina is trying her best despite being visibly nervous... I have to do my part too.

"I was called, Your Majesty, Princess."

"Oh, I'm sorry to trouble you, especially when you're busy."

While the guests called me, my master is Lady Primera—this country's royal family.

So, the proper thing to do is to bow to the Queen Mother and Lady Primera first, hear the matter, and then attend to the guests. I don't find it troublesome. This is etiquette. I don't find it troublesome, and I said it twice because it's important!

"I heard you met the son of the Minister of Shagran at the party. He wants to speak with you again... Can you spare some time?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

When asked if I can, I can't say no. This is just a formality where the higher-ups 'ask' but actually mean 'you have to do it.'

It's the same in my past life; unreasonable requests from superiors are usually unavoidable...

"Indeed, I appreciate it. So, Yulia, my son wants to speak with you. I don't know what connection you have, but can you hear him out?"

"Yes, I understand."

"Good."

The man who nodded condescendingly is the father of Gilderock Jude, the son of the Minister of Shagran. Honestly, they don't look much alike. Gilderock Jude pushed past his father and smiled at me.

Incidentally, the minister's wife seems completely uninterested and is just drinking wine... Is that not a bit excessive?

"Sorry! But I thought this would be a good place... First, I apologize for my father's condescending attitude. He's basically harmless but tends to make enemies due to his attitude. If I've caused any misunderstanding, I'm sorry, but he means no harm!"

"Um, ...yes."

How can this guy suddenly badmouth his father so much? This is the worst kind of unintentional and harmless... The minister is smiling but has a slight vein popping, saying nothing. The Queen Mother is laughing, and Lord Aldar Saul behind her has a distant look... The minister's wife is still chugging wine... The only thing that's comforting me is that Lady Primera and Dean Dain are looking at me with concern...?

I wonder, how much easier it would be if I could just run away...

"So, the reason I called you is that I want to reward you. This man is my father and a noble of Shagran. Sometimes, his subordinates do foolish things, and he overlooks them... No, that's just an excuse. But the fact that our family name and my father's reputation were not tarnished is thanks to your actions."

"...No, I can't accept a reward."

"After some thought, I decided that it would be appropriate to discuss this in the presence of Princess Primera and the Queen Mother."

Listen to me!!

I'm saying I don't want it. Please, just hear me out a little more!

By the way, the 'man' he mentioned earlier was his father...

What is it? This guy might have high principles and a strong sense of justice, but he's also wrong in many ways and has the same condescending attitude as his father. I want to say that, but I won't.

"Yulia von Vandied. I want to make you my mistress!!"

...What did he just say?

I couldn't help but stare at him in shock. He seems completely serious, which is making my head hurt...

"I hear you are a lower noble's daughter, a late bloomer, with no beauty or connections, and you've reached your current position through the trust of the princess. So, if you come to me, I can offer you the position of a mistress in a noble family of Shagran. No need to thank me. It's a great honor, but it's my way of showing gratitude to you!"

"I must respectfully decline your generous offer."

"Really? ...Why? Is it because you can't be my official wife?!"

"No."

"Your status isn't suitable for the wife of a noble like me, and I already have a wife. Oh, are you worried about my wife? She won't mind. She's a broad-minded woman, so don't worry!!"

"That's not the reason. I decline for all the reasons you mentioned."

Just listen to me!!

In general, a noble's offer from someone of higher status is usually accepted with enthusiasm. For commoners, it's even harder to refuse. If this were an offer from a duke of our own country, it would have been very difficult to refuse. But, these are from another country.

Still, I should have declined more tactfully and gracefully.

It could have embarrassed the guest. But I felt I had to be straightforward with this guy...

So, I bowed deeply.

"I wish to serve Princess Primera for the rest of my life. Please understand."

"Yulia...!!"

I could see Lady Primera looking touched, but I might have worried her.

Well, such situations are rare. I hope she doesn't get scared of public duties.

I want to reassure her later.

"Hehe, Duke Balmonk, your son is quite hasty. Proposing to make a noble's daughter of our country his mistress? Isn't that a bit inappropriate, even as a joke?"

"No, ...I heard she is a very talented maid, and our family would welcome her if she wishes... My son may not be good with words, but he is a principled and honest man who won't make her unhappy..."

The Queen Mother must have been speechless. She slammed her fan into her palm and glared at the minister.

Her stern tone suggested she was angry... Indeed, Gilderock Jude did insult me a lot while proposing to make me his mistress. Who is a late bloomer with no beauty or connections?!

...Well, I can't completely deny it.

(At least someone cares about me!)

I glanced over and saw Lord Aldar Saul looking at me with a very good smile.

Oh, that's definitely the face saying, "Why are you flirting with another man when I'm waiting for your answer?" I get it.

Ugh, even before we're officially together, I can understand what he means just by eye contact... I wish it was a bit more romantic?!

In the first place, this is not my fault at all, right?!