Chapter 60: 59

59.

Vicente escorted Ercella to the carriage. It was overly polite, with a clear attitude that drew a line.

“Thank you,” said Ercella affectionately.

“I just did my duty.”

Vicente was as hard as a rock that had never worn out in the wind. When the two climbed up, the carriage ran toward the road.

The sudden chill of the air made Adora close her shoulders. The Duchess never lost her smile, perhaps she could not read the room unlike Adora, a third party. Maybe she was a little tactless.

“This will be your first ball, right?”

“Yes.”

Even though it was his first ball, Vicente’s face was not filled with the excitement ordinary people would feel. His gaze, staring through the window like a wooden stone, glided past the Duchess.

In Adora’s eyes, he looked so innocent. That’s because he deliberately showed his unwillingness to make eye contact with Ercella.

“You don’t seem to be really looking forward to it.”

Vicente did not reply.

“What do you think?”

However, Ercella was not easy either. Perhaps because of her back-to-back questions, Vicente’s lips opened like a sigh, “Flashy, loud and uncomfortable… I think?”

The boy was quite sincere. Even if the latter part is in the form of a question, it gives you an answer.

Although he said it’s flashy, loud and uncomfortable, he didn’t say it with conviction. Ercella smiled faintly, “You’re right. The ballroom is flashy because it’s heavily lit, uncomfortable and loud because it’s crowded with many people mostly engaging in superficial conversations.”

For a person who likes banquets, the evaluation was rather harsh. Adora’s thoughts were no different from the Duchess’s. It was a place for everyone to enjoy, but at the same time, it was also full of snake-like smiles disguised as elegance.

“However, it is an unforgettably beautiful place— even if blinding for a moment— where many people can meet and share about their lives, a place where you can find a sincere heart in a formal conversation and establish precious friendships.”

Nevertheless, Ercella loved dancing, loved parties, and loved beautiful chandeliers. She loved everything she passed by.

Ercella wanted Vicente to feel the same, just as she loved every moment there. She wanted Vicente to learn through the tales of other people. There were so many strange and interesting things in the world.

“This party will be a good experience for you.”

Even if he doesn’t make a good impression, it would be meaningful to just experience it.

“Besides, you’ll have your first dance.”

Dance. A word that Vicente didn’t like. He knew how to dance, but he didn’t understand why he had to do something as cumbersome as dancing. Suddenly, a playful voice brushed Vicente’s ear.

“Son, what if you step on a lady’s foot?”

“What do you take me for?” Vicente chewed in his mouth and spoke again, “I would not do that as a Bernhardt.”

The forced reply turned out to be about Bernhardt. He brought the family name into it. Suddenly, the wheel lost its balance and rattled, but gradually returned in place. No, she thought so. Until she suddenly lost her balance and started shaking as she chuckled, “You won’t damage your family’s honor if you step on it once.”

“…”

“Though, it’s another matter if you step on it a hundred times.”

His stern gaze turned and faced Ercella. She covered her mouth in surprise. Nevertheless, his expression of disapproval could not be erased because he could clearly see the faint smile on her fair face.

Ercella did not know what Vicente’s distorted expression meant, but it was hard to hide her smile.

Who would’ve guessed that stepping on your partner’s foot while dancing would directly be linked to family honor? She found it cute and was happy to see his face clearly after a long time, but she stopped joking around, perhaps it didn’t sound very good to Vicente, as she saw him glaring at her.

His blue eyes were so fierce that a cold sweat began to flow down her back. Ercella cleared her throat and wiped all the smiles off her face. When she lowered the hand covering the lower half of her face, there was no smile left.

Though her insides were still a field of laughter, Vicente had no way of knowing that, so it didn’t matter. Ercella continued in a lowered voice, “So what if you cause trouble to the family? Do you think your father will kick you out? You are still his son, my son, and Bernhardt’s son.”

Vicente’s mysterious gaze turned to Ercella.

“Something like that…”

“…”

“It’s not like Mother to say that.”

Ercella’s chest pounded. She had heard that in the back garden before.

“What is it to be like me?”

If so, what does she look like to him?

“What do you think of me?”

Is she still a person of noble blood and upbringing and nothing more than that?

“It’s comfortable.”

“…”

“This conversation.”

However, since Vicente cut off the conversation curtly, Ercella could not even get an answer. She felt like she didn’t even deserve it.

“I’m sorry,” she smiled faintly. At her shaking smile, Vicente turned his gaze out the window.

‘Mommy!!’

Adora rather wanted to suffocate than be in that depressing atmosphere. After that, a familiar silence ensued.

* * *

A total of ten people were in the waiting room, covered in cigar smoke. The sound of glasses clinking reverberated throughout the room. When he saw Harsen’s empty glass, Count Pantetz asked, “Would you like another glass?”

“Thank you.”

At his reply, the Count filled his glass. He burst into a cheerful laugh, “Your Excellency, it’s quite unusual that you don’t mind drinking today. Did something good happen lately?”

Harsen grinned and silently tilted his glass. The King, who was watching apathetically, looked around and spoke without much regard, “There’s an empty seat. Whose is it?”

Count Lydia replied in a confused manner, “If you mean Marquis Visaride… He’s attending the Coming-of-Age party of Lady Garten.”

“I mean, the Lady’s father, the Duke, is here. When did you guys get so close?”

The King pelted Duke Garten sitting on the right.

“I wonder if your daughter’s beauty would be overshadowed by the Marquis’ looks. Oh, there was the Duchess before that, right?”

“I can hear the little girl crying all the way here.”

Duke Garten grinned and rubbed his cigar off.

“Anyway, Duke Garten did a good job after going on a long journey.”

“It was nothing.”

“I’ve sent your daughter a present for her Coming-of-age. So please check it out later.”

“I’m honored, Your Majesty,” putting his hand on his chest, Duke Garten bowed in a graceful motion. Watching it, the king pulled a corner of his mouth.

“You look haggard.”

“I apologize. I was in a hurry, so I was not able to dress properly.”

“Right. There must have been many people in Conrad holding on to your trousers to drag you down.”

“…”

“Or you were caught.”

Duke Garten’s lips hardened for a moment, then drew a smooth curve, “This is shameful. I’m unable to respond.”

There was not a trace of embarrassment on the Duke’s face when he said so. The king looked at him with his chin on his hand and raised his glass in the air.

“I forgot my purpose for today. I called you to honor you, not to interrogate you. Let’s forget it and move on.”

“Glory to Kazarainell!”

“How boring.” The king drank, mercilessly cutting off Count Klaus’s toast. After that, small conversations took place. For an instant, the voices mixed up and it became noisy.

“Is it that they aren’t wary of me? The atmosphere is lively.”

“That’s because Your Highness is so nobly aloof¹.”

“I’m a king, so it’s good to be that way,” uttered the king, jokingly. Duke Garten filled the king’s empty glass with strong liquor. When the atmosphere was ripe, someone narrated, “Hey, did you hear? Count Myla is divorcing the Countess.”

“I know! The divorce process was quite noisy. Wasn’t it that the Countess had an affair with a wandering bard? That the divorce suit was filed by his wife!”

“Just because she has a half-decent face. What a whore!”

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“Well, before we get to that, we should also consider Count Myla’s many mistresses. Anywho, they were a good match. One day you act like you can’t live without each other and the next, you’re in a mess— a whole lot of it. I think there are a lot of people who need to be careful here, too. It’s a terrifying world, so please be careful.”

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“Haha… What do you mean, Your Majesty?”

“Why don’t you be a little honest? Everyone here must have a beau. Oh, except for Lord Bernhardt, right?”

The king looked at Harsen and bent his eyes mischievously. Amid the silence, Duke Garten twirled his glass and spoke, “By the way, the king of Conrad gifted me a dancer. Blonde hair, blue eyes, and unsurpassed beauty. What do you think, Duke? If you desire her, I’m willing to give her to you.”

“…”

“Somehow, I have a feeling that kind of woman would be to your taste.” Duke Garten narrowed his eyes meaningfully at Harsen. The atmosphere waned as if it were splashed with cold water. In the pin-drop silence, Harsen said without hesitation, sparing a passing glance at Duke Garten, “Unfortunately, I don’t share the same hobby as the Duke.”

“Oh, even though she’s pretty extraordinary.” Duke Garten raised his eyebrows regretfully. However, he did not insist anymore. A burst of laughter broke the ugly atmosphere.

“Ahahaha! Blonde hair and blue eyes— is she as fair as the Duchess? If so, then I’ll have her. I’m interested.”

Count Klaus, who imagined the appearance of the dancer in his mind, uttered in a cheerful voice. Harsen poured a drink into Count Klaus’ glass.

“Your glass is empty. I’ll pour it for you.”

Count Klaus was puzzled by the Duke’s generous offer and straightened his posture. “Th-thank you.”

“And, it would be better if you shut your mouth.”

“Huh… what?” The Count asked back as if he doubted his ears, and was startled by the alcohol filling to the brim of the glass. Harsen grinned, eyes unblinking as if he didn’t know what was happening, “I don’t like to be left hanging.”

He nodded at the cup. “Drink.”

Sensing what his low command meant, the Count poured the amber liquid into his mouth in defeat. His throat was burning hot as he gulped down the liquor. The Count grabbed his throat at the ghastly heat and coughed incessantly. Watching him pitifully, the king clicked his tongue. “You’re being harsh on a clueless little kid.”

“Y-your… Cough, Your Majesty, I’m already 28 years old.”

“Ah, is that so? At that age, Marquis Visaride gave a verbal blow to Duke Garten here, and it was impressive. By comparison, you are still a child.”

Count Klaus’ face turned red. A feast of alcohol and shame. The king rubbed his chin as he watched Duke Garten’s lips squirm.

“Oh Dear, our Duke is upset again. This happens whenever the Marquis is mentioned. You’ve been grilling him for eight years, but I guess you’re still upset about it?”

“You already know, that kind of bastard—”

“You’re being too harsh on my brother-in-law. Well, the Marquis, too, has quite the personality with that gentle face. He seems to be hiding a lot now. What is it about the Marquis that makes your sister chase after him?” The question went to Count Gladiam, Eirene’s younger brother.

Count Gladiam smiled politely, “He is a man of great character.”

“Looks like his character is concentrated on his face.”

Laughter erupted. Count Gladiam asked as he poured wine into Harsen’s glass, “How is the Duchess faring?”

“She’s been in a good mood lately.”

“That’s a relief. I recall she had a lot of minor illnesses, and it got me worried. Oh, my wife is getting her medicine from a Rentuan doctor these days. Her ailments have gotten better. May I introduce you to him if you want me to?”

“That’s not a bad idea,” emptying his glass, Harsen replied seriously.

“The Duke drank a lot today.”

“It tastes good.”

“Is it because it’s from Conrad?”

‘Oh, but I’m still going to buy cocktails and champagne from Conrad. Their drinks are good, after all.’

Harsen smiled softly when he thought of Ercella saying that Conrad’s liquor was delicious. Observing him, the king made an invidious remark in a blasé tone, “Are you drunk?”

“I refuse to be treated like a madman.”

“Right. I have to get up now.” The king put his glass on the table and stood up. He beckoned to Duke Garten.

“Have fun. Let me see her sometime.”

“As you wish.” Duke Garten rose immediately, dusting off his clothes.

* * *

The night of the Coming-of-Age party fell brilliantly.

The young ladies from the capital gathered around Olivia.

“Congratulations on your Coming-of-Age, Lady Olivia.”

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“You’ve always been beautiful, but you’re especially pretty today, Lady Olivia. Is that the sapphire blue necklace from the famous Arki mine?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“My word, it’s so beautiful! I can see that Duchess Garten really loves you, Lady Olivia. I’m so jealous!”

“It’s nothing,” Olivia grinned. This was the sapphire-blue necklace that Duchess Bernhardt could not get. Shrugging it off as nothing, Olivia studied the girls’ envious eyes.

“Excuse me… Lady Garten. Did you receive the gift from Sein?” the daughter of Baron Sein asked cautiously.

Her father, Baron Sein, must’ve urged her to ask, thought everyone.

Olivia tilted her head with a troubled look, “I apologize, but I’ve received too many presents. Can you tell me what you sent me?”

“Uh, ah… It’s a hair ornament made of rare minerals found in the Sheriff mine.”

Olivia finally remembered the hair ornament among the other bling-bling presents sent to Duke Garten.

“Oh, I remember. I liked that present. Please convey my thanks to the Baron.”

“It was nothing. I hope it complements the Lady’s beauty.”

When Olivia closed her eyes in response, Young Lady Sein felt relieved in her heart. Then, she heard Olivia say in a bright voice, “Baron Sein is so generous.”

“Pardon?”

“I understand that the value of minerals from the Sheriff mine is worth half a year’s budget for a small estate, yet, he sent them to me as my Coming-of-Age gift. Of course, I’m sure he must’ve given them to the Lady as well, right? I didn’t know since Lady Sein has always been so frugal.”

“Erm… ” Young Lady Sein’s cheeks flared up. Baron Sein was not rich, so she had never received a precious jewel from her father. This present was prepared by selling a portion of the estate that her father had saved in order to be recognized by Duke Garten.

“Goodness, the Baron did? Lady Cader, did you know?”

“I had no idea. I can’t believe you have such a generous father. Why didn’t you tell me before, Lady Sein?”

“I guess it’s because the Lady doesn’t like to show off. I begged my father to buy me a pearl necklace, and my mother gave me an earful for it. I wish they’d learn from Baron Sein’s love for his daughter!”

“Oh, Lady Layton!”

All at once, laughter spread everywhere. Baron Sein’s face was as red as a tomato. She wanted to run away right away, but her parents would reprimand her if she did. She had no choice but to sit there swallowing her tears.

“By the way, Lady Garten. Is the rumor true?”

Young Lady Layton clapped her hands and focused her attention on Olivia.

“What do you mean?”

“I heard that you’re engaged to Bernhardt’s Young Lord!”

The eyes of noble girls, including Layton’s, shone brightly.

“I heard it, too. Is it true?”

“Then, is Young Lord Bernhardt attending the Lady’s Coming-of-Age party today?”

“Of course, he is! It’s the only Coming-of-Age party for his fiancée. If he doesn’t come, won’t she be upset for the rest of her life?”

“Lady Garten! Please don’t hesitate to tell me, I heard that he looked so much like the Duke. You have no idea how much I’ve been looking forward to seeing him. I was so curious that I couldn’t sleep last night!”

Young Lord Bernhardt’s handsomely tall stature and the title of successor to the duke made the hearts of many noble women flutter. At last, Young Lady Tran hung on Olivia’s arm and begged her, and Olivia finally caved into their questions.

“Yes, we are set to get engaged a little after the Coming-of-Age party.”

“So the rumor was true!”

“The marriage will be held after his Coming-of-Age.”

“Oh, yes, indeed.”

I envy you. Their eyes always followed Olivia with that meaning behind them. Olivia felt satisfied.

“Garten and Bernhardt, aren’t they a perfect combination?”

“I hear that Young Lord Bernhardt resembles the Duke of Bernhardt, and the princess is so beautiful that they’ll be an impeccable pair together.”

Bernhardt was a sour grape for them anyway. Even if they were jealous, it won’t be an easy fight because the opponent was Garten. Instead, they chose to glorify Olivia and openly express their envy.

Meanwhile, the words of these little girls began to flow around little by little. Like waves upon waves, the words rode on top of each other and spread throughout the ballroom in an instant.

The chapters are getting exhaustingly long and political, I’m losing motivation. To top that, I had to waste my TL juices on this Oli*** I might take a break all of a sudden after a few chapters.

Footnotes

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