Chapter 76………………………………..:
Masquerade (3)
“This is tricky… What color would suit this person? Perhaps a sophisticated, light purple, like the color of sparkling eyes, would look nice.”
“Eh, rather than that, wouldn’t it be better to add purple as a highlight in the necklace or earrings? By the way, we just got a new batch of purple sapphires…”
“Since it gets chilly after sunset, it would be better to go with a design that looks good with a shawl draped over the shoulders.”
“For your hair, would you prefer it up or down, styled neatly with a curling iron?”
Temia’s eyes spun as she was bombarded with questions from everyone around her. The sheer force of it made her feel dizzy.
“W-wait! Could we maybe go a little slower… one thing at a time?”
“Oh my, that won’t do~ The schedule you requested is a bit tight, so we don’t have much time. Please understand. By the way, your hair… it looks like it’s been cared for before. Are you really coming to the boutique for the first time…?”
“Time!!! Since there’s no time, we have to start right away! Make it look mature, please.”
Before she could even process the difficult questions, Temia blurted something out to interrupt the flow, clutching her pounding heart in surprise.
Through the mirror, she saw someone staring at her, holding her own hair as if in curiosity.
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‘…How did I even end up here?’
She had ultimately accepted Rio’s proposal to find out what Lowell was up to. When she agreed, Rio, as if he had been waiting, grabbed her.
“Everything’s ready, all you need to do is show up.”
He said it in a thoroughly scammer-like way.
She wanted to ask questions, but there was no one to answer them. She couldn’t exactly follow the master secretly to see what he was up to, so even Lery had been kept in the dark. Naturally, Lery felt a little disappointed when Temia said she would go out following Rio.
“Am I going to be left alone again…? That’s so unfair…”
“S-sorry, Lery. The place is… well, it would be difficult for you to come along.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll invite a friend so you won’t be bored. How about a very cute little bird?”
“Take care, Lady Temia!”
Her eyes, still wet as if about to cry, brightened instantly at Rio’s sudden words. Temia felt a subtle sense of betrayal but managed to leave the workshop safely. And so, without knowing exactly where she was being taken, she ended up here: the boutique.
“Since it’s such a special place, some preparation is needed to look natural.”
“…!”
“This is where you’ll be dressed suitably to attend the masquerade. It’s one of the finest in the kingdom, so nothing will go unnoticed.”
“Even so, a place like this would need a reservation. Is it okay to just drop by like this?”
“Do you know who you’re talking to? Money and status can often make the impossible possible. If one’s abilities aren’t wasted, why hold back?”
As soon as they entered through doors adorned with luxurious decorations, all the staff immediately bowed to her. It was a spectacle, yet the sudden VIP treatment was a bit overwhelming. Still, there was no atmosphere to complain. The only conclusion Temia could draw was:
‘Well, if it’s come to this, I might as well enjoy it!’
After a long series of detailed discussions with various experts, she could only blink in blank surprise as each decision was made. That was her current state.
Soon after, Rio visited to see her fully prepared. Seeing Temia’s eyes subtly drawn to the dazzling jewels and clothes, he quietly smiled.
“Considering how rushed this was, it’s not bad. It’ll take time to adjust the measurements, so why not get a massage in the meantime?”
At his words, exclusive maids for luxurious perfume and massage surrounded Temia. The scent perfectly matched her tastes, and she was now afraid to ask how he knew her preferences. Either way, it was very convenient.
Luckily, everyone who had been involved had been discreet, so no one gave her a disapproving glance, thinking her just a commoner. Thanks to that, she could calmly prepare her mind and body before the actual social gathering. As she relaxed, a question came to her mind:
‘Earlier, I went along with it because I got swept up in the atmosphere… but what exactly am I supposed to do at a masquerade?’
The Lowell she knew was not someone who would enjoy crowded places. Even if invited, he would have rejected without a second thought.
‘Maybe he needed to deliver something in person…?’
If it were something that important, he would have come directly.
Or… could it be that meeting someone in person inside was the point?
‘If he chose this place to meet naturally…’
Given the nature of a masquerade, with so many people, it would be perfect for a discreet meeting. And with masks, it would allow for secret conversations while maintaining distance.
‘One problem after another…’
Even though she had enjoyed a brief peace thinking about the future less than a month ago, now her heart was consumed again by tension. Her trust in Lowell had somewhat recovered, yet even a minor trigger could make her mind waver.
‘I haven’t even accused him of anything… I feel bad for doubting him.’
Feeling a pang of conscience, Temia swallowed an apology quietly and closed her eyes.
After resting sufficiently, she boarded a carriage and arrived at the masquerade.
‘Why do my eyes feel so heavy? Strange.’
As she blinked, she felt her eyelashes flutter at the edges of her vision. Her view through the thin mask felt narrower and unfamiliar. Even taking a step felt cautious, yet she felt reassured that a single mask could conceal her identity.
“Ready?”
“Of course.”
The soft touch of silk gloves on her fingertips and the firm hand holding hers felt strange. Wrapped in a heavier dress and receiving proper escort, she finally realized she was truly entering a social gathering she had only heard about.
As a child, she had been bedridden, and then busy with the academy, so she never had the debutante experience most girls have at fifteen. Occasionally, her family worried, but other things were more important, so she never felt much regret.
That thought hadn’t changed, but seeing herself dressed up, the stark difference and unfamiliar experience brought a quiet sense of joy.
‘If only I had shown my face with my family a few times…’
Yet, the fleeting thought ended with images of her family fussing over her, urging her to have the most magnificent debutante ball in history, with tears in their eyes.
“Hmph, no, I should live my life as usual.”
As she shook her head to dispel the thought, she heard a soft laugh and a whisper:
“Are you thinking of something else with a partner beside you? Don’t you think I’m enough to occupy your mind right now?”
Contrary to his words, a gentle smile was on his face. Shaking her hand lightly, his gesture was almost a subtle request to be noticed. Not offended, Temia slid out of the carriage, giving only a brief glance in reply.
“I was just thinking about my family. I wondered how it would be if they were here.”
“Your family? Isn’t it too soon to introduce them? I prefer to take things easy.”
“W-what are you saying? Today we’re just business partners! Only a temporary, purely professional partnership.”
“Right, that’s enough for now. Anyway, today I’ll have your full attention.”
Before she could respond, people began pouring into the hall. Temia’s gaze was immediately caught by the colorful crowd. Like peacocks, each wore different clothes and masks.
It was the most dazzling sight she had ever seen, with reflections from the chandeliers almost blinding her. She peeked around in awe, realizing why crows might like shiny things.
As the crowd thickened, whispers came from those nearby, likely about other attendees.
“Did you hear? Today the second son of the Trea family attended.”
“Oh my, that person… Isn’t he a genius magician? I heard of him a long time ago, but he’s hardly been seen publicly since.”
“Yes, he’s here today! When he was young, he was known for his tall, handsome looks, so everyone’s excited.”
“My goodness. I thought he’d be holed up in research all this time. It’s surprising he’s appearing in society now. Could something have happened…?”
“Well, there’s a quiet rumor going around.”
“A rumor? What kind of rumor?”
“Well….”
