Chapter 43

This is my second time stepping into this castle.

I entered the ballroom, placing my hand on Jeffrey's arm. Just like the first time I came, the garden was lit with bonfires and lanterns, and the nobles near the entrance were engaged in lively conversations.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine, Jeff."

"If anything happens, I'll take care of it, so don't worry."

"That's very reassuring."

As Jeffrey and I entered the ballroom, many eyes turned to him.

The favorite of the Crown Prince, who rose from a royal guard to the commander of the Second Knight Regiment. The man who established a stable supply of medicine from the Shen Kingdom, earning a viscount title despite being a second son.

Not only that, but Jeffrey also discovered a gold mine.

"Lord Asher, it's been a while. You did well with the Shen Kingdom matter."

"I was surprised to discover a gold mine during a family trip. People who are on a roll do things differently."

"I heard your wife set up a workshop for a highly effective ointment."

Jeffrey and I were quickly surrounded by several nobles. Jeffrey listened to their praise with a relaxed smile. I aimed to be unremarkable, keeping a low profile. I looked down and offered a vague smile, being friendly to everyone. I repeated this tirelessly, confident in my endurance.

I smiled with a strange competitive spirit, thinking, "I can keep this up for hours. I'll see it through." But Jeffrey was the first to show signs of fatigue.

"Shall we go to the garden? I'm tired."

"Sure, let's go."

We leaned in to whisper to each other and slowly moved to a different location. We were stopped and detained several times along the way, making the short distance take a considerable amount of time. The moment we finally reached the garden, Jeffrey sighed, "That was a long time."

"It's just the beginning of the ball."

"When I was a royal guard, I stayed in that ballroom from start to finish, but we didn't need to put on a fake smile or engage in polite conversation."

"I want to say you've done well, but we need to return before the royal family arrives."

Jeffrey started to roll his shoulders.

"What's wrong, Jeff?"

"My shoulders are completely stiff."

"That's too soon. Hehehe."

We laughed together when a familiar voice called out. It was Lord Edward Asher.

"Jeff, it's not good to disappear so early. Everyone wants to hear your stories."

"Brother, I've talked enough already."

"Don't be childish. You need to entertain everyone until the end, for the gold and the title. Think of it as part of your job, and you can endure it."

"The title and the gold weren't what I wanted."

"Don't throw a tantrum. Go on, now. I want to talk to Anna for a bit."

"See you later, Jeff."

"I have no choice. I'll be back. Brother, take care of Anna."

As I watched Jeffrey return to the ballroom, turning back twice, Lord Edward spoke to me with a serious face.

"Are you alright? It must be tiring."

"No, I'm fine. I'm the one causing you worry."

"We haven't had much time to talk alone. I'm sorry. But since meeting you, Jeffrey has been more vibrant. I'm deeply grateful as his brother."

"Thank you."

Despite being the head of the Department of Institutional Maintenance and the Department of Records, Lord Edward is a humble and gentle person. Even though he must have heard from Mike that I am the object of another country's dignitary's affection, he doesn't show any displeasure.

"Jeff is like that, but I heard from others that your ointment is highly effective. My wife was very pleased when she told me that the ladies praised it."

"Oh, I made it to be useful for the common people, but the noble ladies know about it too?"

"Medicine is the best advertisement. Once someone is satisfied, they'll spread the word without any reward."

"That's very kind of them."

"Ah, the royal family is entering. Let's go back to the ballroom. Blythe is surely waiting for us."

"Yes, Lord Edward."

We returned to the ballroom, where everyone was standing at attention as the King, Queen, Crown Prince, and Crown Princess entered.

(Here we go. Oh, it's not a battle. I'm Anna Victoria Asher, a commoner from a duchy who became a baroness. Being a little nervous is just right.)

Jeffrey stood next to me and spoke with a hesitant smile.

"I'm a newly-minted noble from a common background, so please be kind to me, Lord Jeffrey."

"Understood. Thanks for the heads-up, Anna."

"You're welcome, Jeff."

I maintained a timid expression and whispered, "I'm trying to act like a simple country girl. I'm charming in my own way."

"Jeff, don't tease me. My night isn't over until I safely return to the manor."

"Understood."

I need to be on high alert all night to avoid any slip-ups.

The King's speech began, and the topic of the gold mine came up. At that moment, eyes turned to Jeffrey. I looked at the back of the person in front of me with a troubled smile.

After the speech, the two royal couples performed a grand dance, followed by dancing with other nobles. I kept a calm expression, hiding my tense nerves.

"Anna, are you relaxed or nervous? Which one?"

"If you can't tell, it's a success. I'm on edge right now."

Jeffrey moved slightly away and looked at me with a tilted head.

"What's wrong?"

"I'm impressed by my wife's skills. You look like a nervous newcomer."

"I am a newcomer, but—"

"No, it's perfect acting. It's a bit scary how good you are."

"Stop it."

I would have laughed if I were relaxed, but I only lowered my eyebrows and pouted slightly. I didn't know who might be watching.

As the song ended, I felt a gaze from behind.

"Jeff, is someone watching us from behind?"

"Yes, it's the Crown Prince. Already?"

"This is the biggest challenge of the night. Don't forget our backstory."

"Got it."

The song ended, and Jeffrey and I bowed to the Crown Prince. He slightly moved his gaze to the back of the ballroom and then walked away, signaling us to follow. We touched the backs of our hands as a signal. "Let's go."

As we walked, I felt another gaze and glanced sideways. Lord Edward and Lady Blythe looked worried.

"Sit down. It's been a while since we've had a private conversation, Jeff."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"I'm glad you're coming to the castle again."

"It's an honor."

"The gold mining is going extremely well. There's been no interference from the Subaru Kingdom so far. The value of that gold mine to our commercial kingdom is immeasurable. Thank you very much."

"I'm the one who should be grateful for the generous rewards."

"Mrs. Asher, it's a pleasure to meet you. How are you adjusting to life in the capital? It must be quite different from the duchy and the Shen Kingdom."

I gripped my hands tightly and replied with a stiff smile, forgetting my ladylike manners.

"The capital is bustling, Your Highness."

"Indeed. Is Jeff treating you well?"

"Y-Yes, very well."

I looked down and answered shyly.

"Next time, let's have an informal dinner with Delphine, you, and Jeff."

"It would be an honor, Your Highness."

"You don't need to be so tense. Oh, by the way, there's someone who really wants to meet you tonight. He's talking to Cedric, but I'll call him over."

"Anna, I've been Cedric's sword instructor for many years."

"Oh, really?"

Jeffrey spoke to me with a gentle face. Unfortunately, the gentle expression was a bit exaggerated, Jeff. It looks a bit forced. I kept my words to a minimum and added a touch of surprise to my expression. Here comes Cedric. I wonder how he'll keep his promise from the other day.

Light footsteps approached, and the door suddenly opened.

"Hey, Jeff! How long has it been? Since we parted in the duchy, it's been more than five years!"

"Lord Cedric, it's been a while. I'm glad to see you're well."

Even though Jeff met Lord Cedric at the castle recently, why is he saying this unnecessary line?

I wanted to close my eyes at the poor acting of Jeff and Lord Cedric but held back.

"Lord Cedric, this is my wife, Anna."

"Anna Asher, it's a pleasure to meet you. This is my friend Gunther, a master swordsman. He's sparring with me."

I sensed someone behind me.

"Lord Asher, and Mrs. Asher, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Gunther Bahl, second son of the Bahl family of the Randall Kingdom. I happened to join the Duke on a journey and am now sparring with him."

"Jeffrey Asher, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"Anna Asher."

The four men then engaged in a lively conversation about swords. I tried to remain inconspicuous while my mind raced.

I had seen the man who introduced himself as Gunther Bahl somewhere before. A long time ago.

(Where was it? Or am I just imagining it? Is it just a resemblance?)