#64. Process (1)
Winter was just around the corner.
Sasha was looking at the bare branches outside the window when she sensed someone behind her.
“Ivan? What’s the matter?”
She wondered what Ivan wanted since all the day’s tasks should be done.
Ivan cautiously suggested,
“How about holding a ball to welcome His Highness the Grand Duke’s return?”
“A ball?”
Sasha tilted her head at the unexpected suggestion.
Since coming to the Volkoff territory, she hadn’t done any social activities—not even tea parties or balls.
In the first year, she was practically exiled to the annex because of Count Tula.
In the second year, after gaining the Grand Duke’s recognition, many incidents happened that kept her busy.
Since then, as acting head of the family rather than lady of the house, she had no time for social events.
Managing the territory for the Grand Duke was demanding, with many incidents to handle.
Naturally, less urgent social debut was postponed.
The result was…
“The northern social scene has shrunk, and people are complaining.”
Sasha’s passive social activity affected not only Volkoff but the entire north.
“There’s nothing urgent, and the territory is stable. It’s better to strengthen your social standing.”
Ivan’s words were true.
Since the Volkoff Duke ruled the north, the northern social circle should be led by the Duke’s lady.
But the Bellicordo Castle had long lacked a lady.
The Volkoff Duchess, Pavel’s mother, passed away long ago, and Count Tula also died early.
So without a tiger, the foxes ran wild.
Maria Goriki of the Goriki family, close to the Dukes, claimed to be the social queen.
But they were purged three years ago.
Now the northern social scene was chaotic without a leader.
‘Since I caused this situation, it’s right I fix it.’
Controlling the northern social scene was an important duty for Sasha, called the Little Lady.
Social control took effort but brought many benefits.
Even noblemen sent their wives to society.
Also, she could gain supporters outside the castle.
Though she worked hard and gained support, distrust remained.
Sasha’s position was fragile.
A young woman from a weak family, born outside the north.
Though she solved food problems through Karto, the north remained exclusive.
Especially the nobles.
So building a stronger base in the social scene was wise.
“Okay.”
Sasha decided,
“Let’s hold a ball this coming winter.”
They would celebrate the safe return of the Duke and his army.
Before starting preparations, Sasha sent a letter to Dmitri expressing her wish to hold a ball.
Since it needed a big budget and might cause political issues, she thought it best to ask for permission first.
The reply came quickly:
– Whatever you want to do is permitted.
The short letter gave clear permission.
But things didn’t move immediately.
“I’m not very good at social activities.”
Yelena scratched her head.
Honest and frank, she disliked polite but fake social talk.
Though she raised the family’s prestige as a knight, she was barely tolerated in society.
“I’m sorry, but I also…”
Ivan felt the same.
Though he could lie if needed for official matters, he was honest personally.
He couldn’t fit in with vain nobles focused on appearances.
Also, he was a man.
Since social events were mostly same-gender gatherings, he wasn’t much help to Sasha.
“I have someone to recommend.”
“Recommend? Who?”
“Madam Troyban. She’s retired but once the queen of northern society. She’ll help you adjust.”
“Troyban?”
“Yes. She’s the grandmother of Count Troyban.”
Count Troyban was a loyal vassal of the Volkoff Duke and once invited to a dinner serving Karto.
‘I remember he took four bags then.’
When another territory suffered drought, Count Troyban sent a thank-you letter for Karto’s help.
“Hmm…”
Sasha thought.
She could lead society alone, recalling her past lives as a noblewoman or tutor.
She could quickly adapt and rule society with skill.
But there was a special reason to learn from Madam Troyban.
Not manners or etiquette.
But connections.
Sasha, a foreigner from outside the north, was not easily accepted.
No matter her ability, newcomers were initially rejected.
Madam Troyban would be a strong support.
Even if people ignored Sasha, they wouldn’t ignore Madam Troyban.
She would smile and treat Sasha politely, helping others accept her over time.
Madam Troyban would be a good bridge for Sasha to control northern society.
Sasha said,
“I want to send Madam Troyban a letter. Can you help?”
After hearing more about Madam Troyban to avoid mistakes, Sasha wrote a smooth letter.
She invited Madam Troyban to the castle as acting head.
The letter was sent that day.
The reply came quickly.
– I am honored to be invited. I will come whenever you call.
The elegant handwriting carried a friendly message.
Just as expected.
Sasha politely wrote a short reply and quickly finished.
Her first ball needed more care than the last dinner.
This ball would be the first chance to introduce grown Pavel and announce the Volkoff Duke’s strength.
Knowing its importance, Sasha carefully checked everything, even small details.
Bellicordo Castle saw many visitors daily, mostly merchants selling goods for the ball.
Sasha reviewed recipes for the ball’s dishes and made sure needed ingredients were ready.
“Some things need aging, so bring those a week early. The rest need freshness, so deliver early on the day.”
She chose drinks and liquor herself, considering origins.
“We’ll have 20-year-old Dordonne wine and Fortea Champagne.”
She also bought many items to decorate the castle.
Many places needed dressing.
From the carriage stop, entrance, corridors, the main hall for the ball, to the lounge for guests.
To erase her negative image all at once, Sasha wanted to overwhelm visitors.
That required time, effort, and money.
Time was the problem.
‘But money can make up for lack of time.’
Sasha spent freely without worry.
‘This is why I earned the money.’
She earned income from many sources.
Trading food with central and southern regions.
Excavating artifacts with memories from past lives.
Finding gemstone mines with spirit help.
Thanks to that, the rich Volkoff territory grew wealthier, rivaling the royal family.
The Duke let her use the money as she wished.
Sasha gladly accepted her authority and allocated a large budget for the ball.
Thanks to that, Sasha could do this.
“Add this, that, and all those… No, just buy everything here.”
“All? Everything?”
The merchant’s mouth opened wide.
The next merchant had the same reaction and left the reception room smiling.
All because of the heavy bags of gold coins.
For days, nervous merchants came in with serious faces and left smiling.
Leading all this, Sasha sat calmly on a satin chair, swinging her feet.
Less than a week after spending a year’s budget for a small country, she looked relaxed and peaceful.
She truly felt fine.
‘Money earned for the north should be spent in the north.’
Spending money also helped the local economy.
Like a well-fed cat, Sasha smiled in satisfaction and nodded.
At that moment, a new guest entered the reception room.
