~Chapter 79~
The only royal family member living in the palace was Emperor Isabel. However, the number of maids working there hadn’t decreased compared to the past when there were many concubines.
Even though the palace was empty of people, it still required maintenance.
It was true that the work was lighter than when there were more royals, so the maids often chatted when they had a moment.
“There’s talk that His Majesty will pass soon.”
“Has His Majesty’s health been bad for just a day or two?”
One of the maids, Charlotte, replied indifferently and grabbed a mop.
She didn’t want to work hard, but because she was near the central hall, it was the most convenient place.
Today was the Founding Festival. Important people from all over the Empire gathered for it.
Of course, people from the East were there too. Mrs. Hilton, Karina, and Camille, who had just been chosen as a royal knight, were sure to attend.
But what about her?
She was wearing a dirty apron, mopping the hallway in front of the main palace. Nobles didn’t pay attention to the maids, but Charlotte was worried someone might recognize her.
“But the head maid doesn’t even switch my area…”
Charlotte thought of the head maid, who was particularly strict with her, and gripped the mop tightly again.
If she couldn’t avoid it, she just wanted to finish her work and rest.
However, the other maids had different thoughts.
“Well, that’s true, but… this time it seems more serious.”
One maid, who had been cleaning the windows, casually placed her rag down and checked to see if anyone was around.
“Recently, the Duke of Armians brought a woman, and His Majesty approved the engagement immediately. No questions asked. It must mean His Majesty’s condition is really bad.”
Charlotte stopped mopping.
“Duke Armians…”
She had never forgotten that hateful name. The man who had made her like this.
Despite her resentment, she couldn’t speak the name easily because of the cold, disdainful look he had given her, as if she were a dirty bug.
“Why, are you interested?”
“…”
“Right. The Duke is perfect—handsome, noble, and even though his personality isn’t great, his other qualities make up for it.”
Charlotte shot the maid a glare, meaning she didn’t want to hear it, but the maid kept talking.
“By the way, they say that woman is from a small village in the East.”
“So?”
At the mention of the East, Charlotte became immediately sensitive. Could it be someone she knew?
“That just means she’s romantic. It’s not for political reasons, but because of real love!”
“Even so, it doesn’t really concern us, does it?”
“I know. Even if she’s from a small village, she’s still noble… and nobles don’t even glance at us lowly people. But hey, we can still dream, right?”
The maid smiled and twisted her body, still holding her hands together.
“By the way, her family… they’re called Rohiltern, right?”
“What…?”
Charlotte looked up.
At that moment, the door to the party hall opened, revealing the interior.
Under the chandelier, which shone brighter than moonlight, Armians stood.
He looked much better than when Charlotte had seen him in the South. He was smiling brightly.
Armians was holding someone’s hand.
“His fiancée…”
Charlotte was shocked.
“Be… Bella?!”
She was so surprised that the mop handle slipped from her hands.
Her expression was exactly like the one Charlotte had seen on the Rohiltern couple a few hours ago, but she didn’t know that.
Although I had attended many parties with Charlotte before, I had always been a mere accessory.
This was the first time I was the center of attention.
Being noticed at a much larger social gathering than the one in the South was both exciting and nerve-wracking.
Many questions came my way, and I answered with smiles or light responses. When there were questions I didn’t know how to handle, Armians stepped in to help. Even he, though, was exhausted by the time the night ended and left with a tired excuse.
The night was truly exhausting, so I didn’t think much of leaving the hall.
But unease always settles into my mind when I have time to think, especially in situations I can’t change.
‘Did I return too soon?’
‘Did I make a mistake?’
‘…I don’t know.’
The Count of Rohiltern had only taught me basic social etiquette. I had to blend in as Charlotte’s companion, so I couldn’t afford to stand out.
I was worried, even without knowing, that I might have done something strange.
I had to think about what came next. My next role could be as Armians’ fiancée, but it could also be as Bella, the apothecary.
The nobles gathered for the Founding Festival (excluding the Rohiltern couple) were powerful figures. It would be dangerous to make enemies with them.
‘If I only did my part, maybe I’ll be fine…’
The next day, I realized how foolish I had been for worrying.
“Look, madam. We’ve received invitations.”
“Then I’m not a madam… Are you saying these are all invitations?”
As I looked at the pile of invitations, I realized how silly my concerns had been.
‘Even when Charlotte was at her peak, she didn’t receive this many invitations.’
But, could these invitations be a trap?
Suspiciously, I began to open each invitation. That’s when Armians entered.
“It’s time for dinner.”
Already?
I looked out the window, but nothing had changed except for the light becoming slightly brighter.
“Even if work is fun, you shouldn’t skip meals. Bella, you’re still weak.”
The maid quickly collected the invitations. I didn’t even have a chance to protest.
At the dining hall, there was more food than usual. I wondered if it was even food for humans. Was I invited to a giant’s banquet?
Armians wrapped his arm around my stiff shoulder and helped me sit down.
“You seemed upset last night.”
“Hmm?”
Did I make some mistake? Is this why he prepared a “punishment meal” for me?
“Everyone seemed healthier than you, Bella.”
So the problem is that everyone seemed healthier than me…
“Hmm?”
“Eat. I realized you like a variety of food—meat, grains, vegetables, and so I made sure to prepare all of that.”
It seemed like Isabel wasn’t even in Armians’ thoughts.
I looked at the food and then back at Armians.
It felt like he wasn’t planning to harm me, and that made me feel a bit more at ease.
“…That’s a lie, isn’t it?”
I could tell it was a joke.
“I’m not falling for it anymore.”
“….”
“I’ve gotten comfortable enough that I can see through you. Should I take that as a good sign?”
Looking at Armians, who always seemed to like everything, I wasn’t sure what to say.
I lowered my head and focused on the food, but a soft hand reached up to my cheek.
“You have something on your lips.”
“I… I can clean it myself.”
“…Now you’re finally looking at me.”
His gentle smile felt teasing, but I couldn’t look away.
“Even pouting Bella is cute, but it makes me sad when you don’t look at me. It’s better to say what you want, even if you dislike it.”
‘What I want…’
There was no right answer. Maybe it was just that the situation was a little uncomfortable.
I thought about the moment right before Armians arrived.
“Well… as you saw earlier, I received a lot of invitations.”
“I know. With the Empress gone, the person I marry will have the highest status in society, and everyone’s curious about that.”
“That’s true.”
“You don’t have to go.”
“Hmm?”
“Bella, you don’t need to care about their opinions. There’s no need to feel guilty. You can come, give your gifts, and tell them to leave. No one will complain.”
“But…”
“Still, don’t they gossip behind your back? Besides…”
“Isn’t that bribery?”
“If you accept the gift and agree to a favor, then yes… but what does it matter? They won’t dare say anything if you don’t.”
Armians seemed indifferent since most of his life had been spent as a prince, but I wasn’t the same.
“Well… actually, I do want to go.”
If I received this many invitations and didn’t go anywhere, I feared rumors would spread that I was arrogant.
‘Especially if I keep stamping my attendance at the palace.’
“You’re too kind. You don’t need to care about the feelings of those pests.”
I could tell this conversation wasn’t going anywhere, so I got straight to the point.
“I hope someone can teach me about social customs and manners for the future.”
