CHAPTER 89………………………………….
“Who is the lady next to you? She looks a bit like Lord Jaen.”
It wasn’t a joke—the duke really didn’t seem sure if it was Laseil or not.
Laseil paused for a moment, considering why, then quickly reached a conclusion.
“No wonder he wouldn’t recognize me.”
She rarely dressed like this when meeting dukes. Most of the time she wore her uniform, and her hair was neatly pinned up. Often, after sparring with the knights, it would be in a mess anyway. And this was her first time attending a ball held by the House of Sieren.
“Yes, you are Lord Jaen, right?”
“…Really?”
The duke looked at Laseil again and awkwardly apologized. It seemed he had only just recognized the familiar features in her face.
“Sorry, it’s been so long…”
“It’s fine.”
Laseil herself had thought she looked very different from usual. Miren had probably put a lot of effort into styling her hair.
“Then…”
Just as Irenes tried to continue speaking, the voice of the duchess reached them.
“Irene? You’re back already? And who’s this beside you?”
The duchess moved closer to Laseil, looking her over. She didn’t seem entirely certain that this was the person she knew.
“So… Lord Jaen? Right?”
“Yes.”
“I was wondering who the guest you brought was! Enjoy yourselves. Oh, and you said you were invited to dinner, right?”
The duchess smiled brightly.
“Perfect timing. There’s too much food for just us. Riela! Come on down!”
…It seemed that Laseil would have to greet everyone in the household. As expected, Riela came down from the second floor shortly after.
“Lord Jaen? It’s been a while.”
Since they were inside the mansion, her demeanor was much more relaxed than when seen outside. It was closer to Riela’s true personality.
“Was the guest my brother said he’d bring Lord Jaen?”
“Yes, didn’t he mention it?”
“Why would he?”
Riela gave a short answer and turned her gaze toward Laseil.
“Thank you for coming. I’m in charge of tomorrow’s ball, so please enjoy yourselves.”
“Of course.”
They were led to the dining room after a little more conversation. The duke and duchess were unusually interested in Irenes and Laseil’s relationship. Riela, though pretending otherwise, also seemed intrigued. Answering all their questions led to a never-ending conversation.
“Shouldn’t we start eating soon?”
If not for the head maid worrying that the food would get cold, they might have kept talking all night.
“Oh, look at the time already.”
Everyone realized how hungry they were. After entering the dining room, they ate without much further conversation. Laseil did notice Irenes’ reaction to the small gesture of passing the salt.
“Is it really worth such an intense reaction?”
She hadn’t expected such a fuss over just a fingertip brushing against the salt. Perhaps because of that, Irenes’ face seemed redder than usual. There was a bit of a commotion, but the food was excellent. It was prepared differently from the House of Resean’s cuisine, which made it feel unique.
“By the way, Lord Jaen, I heard you even attended the ball at your estate as a partner.”
Once the table was somewhat cleared, the duchess spoke again.
“Did Irene properly ask to be your partner? Surely she didn’t just say yes swept up in the atmosphere?”
“She formally asked, and I formally accepted.”
And in the most traditional manner. She even received accessories to wear at the ball as a gift.
“That’s good to hear. Is the duke well?”
“He’s always in good health.”
“And Yujire will surely be well too.”
The more the duchess and Laseil talked, the more uncomfortable Irenes seemed, as if worried some hidden story might come up.
“Anyway, it’s good.”
“Yes?”
“Irenes wrote me three letters asking how to propose being my partner… she even tried contacting Riela…”
“Mother!”
“She was troubled about it.”
Irenes quickly interrupted the duchess and bowed her head. Her face, which had just returned to its normal color, flushed again.
“That’s right, she writes so much about Lord Jaen in her letters!”
The duchess’ story ended, but now Riela became the problem. Irenes couldn’t even think to stop her, just stared at Riela.
“Just collecting the letters about Lord Jaen would make a thick stack.”
Laseil let out a small laugh. She imagined Irenes writing letters all by herself.
“Lord Jaen?”
“Oh, sorry.”
Laseil apologized softly.
“It’s just… I thought it was cute.”
Riela and the duchess quickly exchanged glances. A few words like “Still?” and “Really?” were overheard.
“Anyways… thank you for coming, Lord Jaen.”
Riela cleared her throat awkwardly and greeted Laseil once more, similar to before.
‘You seem especially nervous today.’
It was easy to guess why. Tomorrow’s ball was Riela’s first time handling entirely on her own. It would be a chance to prove her ability as a minor duchess.
‘There are still many who resist her.’
Especially among noble families who valued bloodlines. Many still didn’t recognize Riela as a minor duchess, separate from being accepted as part of the ducal family.
“You must be tired, you can go ahead… No, no! I don’t mean go away.”
Hearing her ramble like this made it even clearer. Laseil even thought she bore a strange resemblance to Irenes.
“Then I’ll be going. I really am tired.”
Laseil smiled faintly and stood. She needed to start preparing her things. Her outfit wasn’t suitable for wearing any longer anyway.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Yes, see you tomorrow!”
The morning of the ball was far busier than expected. They checked the mansion, ensured the ballroom was clean, prepared snacks… And Irenes had one more task.
“Ella?”
She had to fetch her partner just before the ball began.
“I’m coming out now!”
As the voice sounded, Laseil opened the door. Irenes froze as her eyes met Laseil’s.
‘She’s beautiful even normally…!’
Today, she looked even more stunning. At that moment, Irenes nearly fainted. No exaggeration—it was undeniable.
“Irene?”
Her long lavender hair was braided with small flower decorations. Her pale green dress embroidered with gold made the hair stand out even more. She gave off the feeling of a spring garden in full bloom. Her violet earrings and necklace matched the dress perfectly. Everywhere Laseil walked seemed brighter, almost as if it were spring.
“Irene? Are you okay?”
Laseil’s voice sounded worried as she asked. Irenes, finally regaining composure, nodded.
“Of course! The dress suits you so well.”
She wanted to describe in detail just how beautiful Laseil was, but the short compliment was all she could manage.
“Shall we go down now?”
“Yes.”
Laseil holding Irenes’ hand felt much more natural than before. Perhaps because they had recently spent more time together as partners.
‘Partner…’
Irenes’ ears turned red thinking of it. She recalled that a ball partner often became a life partner. She only managed to process that thought after entering the ballroom.
“There aren’t many guests yet.”
“It’s early, that’s why. Ella? Could you help me a little?”
Irenes looked around cautiously and spoke.
