Chapter 14

"I'll give you a rough overview of the manners."

I obediently received the lesson from Lady Eva. I didn't want to keep Nonna waiting after work or during breaks, so I decided to set myself up as "someone who will remember after being taught once or twice."

"That's amazing. How can you learn so quickly?"

"Actually, this isn't the first time I've been entrusted with the role of a repellent. But it was a long time ago, so I lack confidence."

"Oh, I see. That makes sense."

I explained to Lady Eva that "I once worked in a noble's mansion and played the role of a temporary lover to drive away young ladies vying for the position of second wife." That was true. However, my real purpose at the time was to investigate the connections the noble had with people from other countries.

I was prepared for the possibility that she might think I had been a mistress before. If she said, "I can't hire such a woman," I would have looked for another job. But Lady Eva didn't change her attitude even after hearing that. Neither did Lord Bernard seem to mind.

Ten days after Lady Eva measured my body, a custom-fitted ready-made dress arrived at Mrs. Yolana's mansion under Mr. Asher's name. The delivery person probably thought the noble in the main house had ordered it. The elegant light purple dress had a tasteful neckline and back, and a pair of shoes in the same color arrived in a separate box.

Mrs. Yolana came with the dress and shoes.

"Are you still seeing the captain?"

"It's hard to say if it's a relationship. The captain sometimes visits Lord Bernard's mansion."

"What about this dress?"

"Well..."

When I explained the situation, Mrs. Yolana laughed happily.

"He's so awkward. He should just ask you directly without making up such a reason."

I smiled ambiguously, not wanting to say that I had already been invited to dinner and picnics, when Nonna reported, "We went on a picnic with three people."

"Oh, really? That's great. You're both single, so the difference in status can be overcome in this era."

"No, it's not that kind of relationship."

"It's fine, it's fine. A little sparkle in life is necessary. You're young, after all."

Mrs. Yolana's support left me a bit perplexed. Since I was playing the role of a repellent, we would be perceived as lovers. Various complications might arise, but I was prepared for them since I had already committed to the role. "I don't make promises I can't keep. I keep the promises I make" is my principle.

On the day of the evening party, I spent the morning getting ready and waited for the captain. At four in the afternoon, as agreed, the captain arrived in a carriage. He was surprised the moment he saw me in formal attire.

"You look like a beautiful noble lady. I thought the light purple would suit you. I'll be exposed to jealous glances tonight."

"Thank you. I accept compliments without limit."

I raised my chin in a deliberately affected gesture, and the captain laughed.

Nonna, at her request, was taken care of by Susan, a lady's maid in the main house.

"I'll take care of her until morning. You don't have to come back tonight."

"Lady Yolana, I will come back. What kind of delinquent do you think I am?"

"Hehe. Have a good time."

I bowed to Mrs. Yolana, who winked and saw me off, and waved to Nonna as I got into the carriage. Mr. Asher's large, calloused, dry, and warm hand helped me in.

"I heard from Eva that this isn't your first time as a repellent."

"Please leave the repellent role to me today. Could you tell me the name of the person who persistently proposes marriage? I need to know about them before meeting."

"Ah. I'll tell you when I see their face. They might not even come."

(Then why am I participating?) I thought but didn't say it. Before I knew it, we had arrived at the castle while chatting.

The castle was lit with many lamps and bonfires in the garden. The brightness of the venue made the darkness of the garden stand out. Outside the venue were dark blue-uniformed guards, and inside were white-uniformed, gold-decorated guards.

The venue was filled with women in large, flower-like dresses. This was my fourth night party at the castle, including those in other countries, but it was the most splendid one. As expected of a commercial kingdom.

As we stepped into the venue, a ripple of excitement spread among the people already there, and everyone looked at us. Some glanced subtly, while others stared openly. The captain was so popular. And the gazes were also directed at me, who was standing next to him.

(Well, let's start my mission.)

I was enveloped in a pleasant tension and straightened my back, smiling as I held onto the captain's arm and looked up at the silver-haired giant.

"The captain is popular with both men and women."

"It's been ten years since I attended with a woman. They must be surprised."

"Huh?"

I hadn't heard that. Ten years? This handsome man? What does that mean?

"Lord Asher, it's been a while. I'm surprised to see you with a woman."

"Lord Wald, I finally found a lady I want to escort."

"Miss, may I have your name?"

"My name is Victoria Serrers. I come from the Kingdom of Randall."

"I see, I thought I hadn't seen you before. You must be a young lady from a neighboring country."

According to the pre-arranged plan, I was to be a relative of the Anderson family who had married into a neighboring country. Lady Eva had insisted, "If I say I brought a commoner, it will only be a topic of conversation, and that would be unfair to Victoria." As a precaution, I had a self-made Randall citizen's ID in my pocket.

After that, I was approached one after another.

A young lady, who was about to turn twenty, approached, dragging her male companion. The intensity of her gaze made me think, (Oh, I need to be careful here), and I subtly signaled Mr. Asher. He nodded without turning his head.

"Hello, Lady Gilmour, good evening."

"Lord Asher, I've told you many times to call me Florence. It's unusual tonight, isn't it?"

While saying this, her gaze was appraising me from head to toe, which was extremely unpleasant. Moreover, her expression was so lacking in grace that it didn't seem like a noble lady's. She had forgotten to maintain her composure due to jealousy. I smiled to project an adult's composure and met her rude gaze.

"Victoria, this is Lady Florence Gilmour. Lady Gilmour, this is Victoria Serrers, a young lady from a neighboring country's viscount family."

"Oh, from a neighboring country."

Her gaze became even more malicious when she realized I was of lower status than her.

(What a fool. To show such a nasty face in front of the person you like,) I thought to myself.

"Victoria Serrers. The young ladies of Ashbury Kingdom are all so elegant and kind, I am deeply moved."

"Ha!"

The captain suppressed a laugh, apparently having noticed my sarcasm.

"She's my important lady. I would be happy if you could get along with her."

Saying this, the captain pulled me closer and kissed my hair.

"Wha—!"

Florence was shocked and stiffened. Her face and neck turned red with anger.

The captain's gesture, after not bringing a woman for ten years, caused a stir among the onlookers. I was also surprised, but since we had been instructed to "act like a very close couple," I said in a sweet voice,

"Jeffrey, you!"

I slightly twisted my upper body and chose an angle where my genuine happiness was clearly visible to others as I looked up at the captain.

So far, everything had gone smoothly.