Chapter: 49
The Senior Manager’s report came in quickly.
– We have eradicated all the rebels without exception. His Majesty the Emperor was also quite pleased.
In just a few hours, they had completed the report for the Emperor. As expected from the Senior Manager. Even though I was absent from the Inspection Department, my only concern was the Manager trio’s unpredictable actions; I wasn’t worried about the department itself. The Managers were diligent when tasks were assigned, which was all the more reassuring.
“Well done. You never disappoint me!”
They finished the task I had assigned by noon before the sun even set, and reported back. If there’s anyone who wouldn’t be satisfied after hearing about such impeccable work, that person must lack a brain.
As I’m not brainless, I nodded appreciatively and praised the Senior Manager, who bowed his head and responded briefly with a thank you.
“Tell the Managers that they did a great job.”
– Everyone will be thrilled to hear it.
I hope so.
I cut off the communication with a slight smile. That was all settled. The Third Honor and all those rebels who had collaborated with them had been wiped out. Not a single one left behind.
‘What a relief.’
Those who had the audacity to insult them. And I dealt with the rebel who had carelessly talked about them to that scumbag. Though I didn’t handle it directly, my subordinates stepped in, so I might as well take some credit.
It was undeniable that I rose to this position because of their sacrifice. They could not return, and I merely survived, which is why I ended up here. I could endure the insults thrown my way.
But that bastard didn’t hesitate to insult them too. He dared to say I rose to power on their blood. Their lives weren’t that cheap. Their sacrifices were not something that could be tossed aside just because of my success.
‘How disgusting.’
Feeling a wave of self-loathing, I sat on the edge of the bed. Even I wondered what sort of nonsense this was. While I could not deny that I rose to power thanks to their sacrifice, my mind revolted at the fact that their deaths only resulted in my success. I felt like a kid being confronted with an uncomfortable truth, reluctant to admit it.
But what can I do? Out of the seven, I alone survived. As long as I’m alive, that stigma will never fade away. The only thing I can do is eliminate that bastard who keeps bringing it up.
Now that that particular annoyance has been dealt with, I felt somewhat relieved. The banquet would begin soon, and luckily, I’d be able to attend with a lighter heart.
Knock knock
‘Who could it be?’
I thought about sneaking in a quick nap before the banquet began, but just as I laid down, someone knocked on the door like a ghost. Nobody was supposed to visit me here; it’s not like it’s the club room or anything.
“Sir Carl, it’s me.”
“Mar?”
Even the fact that it was Mar who came to visit was unexpected. If it had been the Vice Principal or Villar, I wouldn’t have been surprised, but I didn’t see Margeetta coming. For a moment, I wondered how she knew where my room was, but it was a lodging for inspectors who regularly stayed here. Being in the student council, Margeetta must have known.
“I’ll be out right away.”
Anyway, I stood up and walked to the door. Since she came all the way here, it seemed urgent.
“Mar, what brings you here—“
As soon as I opened the door, I momentarily lost my words at Margeetta’s unexpected appearance.
“Sir Carl. If you’re okay, would you like to go to the banquet hall with me?”
In front of me was Margeetta, not in her usual school uniform but in a dazzling red dress, softly smiling.
*
On the evening of the awards ceremony of the club fair, a banquet is held. During the fair, they built connections with nobles from outside, and now it was time for classmates who had competed in good faith to reinforce their friendships.
In truth, the reason is secondary. For the nobles, receptions and socializing are everyday matters. As long as they have a decent excuse, they’ll throw a banquet. That’s the nature of noble banquets.
I attended last year’s reception concluding the fair, but I only briefly showed my face before quickly leaving. Despite being eager to meet Carl, the whole experience was exhausting due to the fair-related tasks I was facing for the first time. I couldn’t find the merit in enduring the tiredness to enjoy the banquet.
This year is different.
This year, Carl is here! Not only that, but he’s also the advisor of the winning club, so there’s no way he wouldn’t be present. I was almost grateful to Lady Louise for making this possible. If Carl was at the banquet, I’d go even if my legs fell off!
Carl hardly ever shows up at social events, so this really is a fateful opportunity from the heavens.
“This is troublesome…”
However, this unexpected opportunity caught me unprepared. Last year, I just wanted to pop in and out, so I prepared a casual dress, and I took it off immediately, leaving it at the back of the closet.
And now, I remembered it. The result before me? A plain dress staring back at me.
I can’t possibly stand in front of Carl wearing something like this!
“Nanny!”
– My Lady? What brings you here at this hour?
I felt a bit bad for calling the nanny so urgently, but I did so immediately. Thankfully, it was still morning. There was no need for me to attend the awards ceremony, so I had plenty of time before the banquet.
“I need that dress! The fancy one!”
You know, the dress! After meeting Carl for the first time last year, I bought it to attend the banquet together, but he was too busy for me to wear it. I preserved it for the engagement ceremony, but after Carl rejected the marriage proposal, I hugged and cried over that dress more than once.
…It’s not exactly filled with good memories, but it was the best dress I had because I intended to wear it on a special occasion.
– That dress? Ah, that one… Why the sudden request?
“I can attend the banquet with Carl!”
In that moment, the nanny’s expression changed completely.
In the blink of an eye, the nanny and the maids who served me at the mansion rushed into my room with the dress and all sorts of accessories. According to the nanny, my father had even been grumpy but still hired a teleportation wizard to help me out.
‘Thank you, Father.’
I should tell my father I love him tonight.
“Miss, let’s start by putting on the dress.”
While sending my silent thanks and love to my father, the nanny urgently dragged me along. Ouch, that’s a bit painful, nanny…
“Miss, can you spread your arms out?”
“Yes.”
But I couldn’t complain to the nanny, who had come all the way to the academy because of my request. I let her handle it as she quickly slipped the dress onto me. It’s amazing every time—this isn’t an easy dress to wear, but somehow it goes on perfectly when the nanny dresses me.
“Thank you, nanny!”
How embarrassing would it have been to show up in the dress I wore last year? It would have been totally mortifying to present that to Carl! Not just for me, but Carl standing next to me would also clearly prefer not to have a shabby-looking lady beside him. I mean, surely any guy wouldn’t want that, right?
So, expressing my genuine feelings to the nanny, she smiled back and seated me in front of the mirror.
“There’s still plenty to do, so I’ll hold off on my thanks until later.”
“Ah.”
Oh, dear…
I quietly closed my eyes while the nanny and maids rushed around me.
Right, make-up time was always the hardest. Even if I think I look fine, the nanny tends to find many things to improve, resulting in a seemingly endless cycle of touch-ups. I had forgotten about how trying the make-up could be because I was so absorbed in the dress.
But I need to endure. I have to show my best appearance. I can trust the nanny’s skills and her keen eye for beauty. If I can hold out, surely the results will be worth it.
“You look absolutely stunning, my lady!”
“You’re amazing! Sir Carl will surely be captivated by your beauty!”
After what felt like an eternity, when the nanny’s hands finally stopped, I heard cheers and compliments echoing from the maids beside me.
When I opened my eyes, I saw the nanny nodding her head in satisfaction.
“Take a look for yourself. Do you like it?”
The nanny stepped back slightly, allowing me to see the mirror. Though she asked if I liked it, her expression oozed with confidence that I would unquestionably love what I saw.
“Yes, I like it!”
And the nanny’s confidence was indeed based on solid ground. The reflection staring back at me was genuinely beautiful. It’s a bit embarrassing to say, but it’s true—and that just goes to show how talented the nanny is.
“Nanny, really, thank you—”
“Now we just need to pick the accessories.”
“Ah.”
With not much time left until the banquet, it was finally time to finish getting ready. The result was undeniably impressive. Given the effort everyone put in, it was only to be expected.
“Thank you, everyone…”
In exchange for all of this, I was entirely drained of energy before even entering the banquet hall! Nonetheless, I felt proud of myself for making it this far to Carl’s quarters.
Even with perfect styling, it tends to get slightly disheveled over time. The most stunning appearance is right after the makeup session. It’s for showing my absolute best self to the one person I want to impress the most that gives me the strength I didn’t think I had.
Thus, with the encouragement of the nanny and maids, I headed towards Carl’s quarters.
“Mar, what brings you here—”
Seeing Carl’s surprised expression was immensely satisfying.
Tonight, I’m going to tell my father I love him twice. And I’ll make sure to do the same for the nanny!
*
How does it feel when an unexpected person shows up in an unexpected place looking unexpectedly fabulous? I never cared to find out until now, but here I am.
“Sir Carl?”
Since I was silent, Margeetta tilted her head and spoke to me again. Oh no.
“Ah, sorry. I was just lost in thought for a moment.”
“It’s alright. Showing up so suddenly is my fault, after all.”
I awkwardly smiled at her bright visage. It was an unfamiliar sight from Margeetta that I hadn’t seen in a while, even pulling memories from a year ago.
Honestly, even I—who generally doesn’t care much about makeup or accessories—could clearly tell she went all out. The balance was so perfect it didn’t seem overdone in the least. Even to my untrained eyes, it was an impressive transformation.
“Did you ask me to go to the banquet together?”
“Yes, does that sound alright to you?”
“Of course.”
Seeing her face light up in joy at my reply was something to remember. It looks like none of the iron-blooded Duke’s nature made it through to his daughter. I’ve never met her mother, but her genes seem to have done the trick.
“You look especially beautiful today. It took me by surprise!”
“R-Really?”
I blurted this out as I gazed at Margeetta, and right away she looked flustered. She stammered in response to my sudden compliment, her face reddening quickly.
She hurried to hide behind her trademark fan and coughed, but what’s the point? I’ve seen how breathtaking she looks, so if Margeetta finds some comfort from this, that’s good enough for me.
A grin crept up at the corners of my lips. I understood exactly why Margeetta had dressed up like this, and I’m not heartless enough not to compliment her for it.
Anyone who wouldn’t call Margeetta beautiful at this moment must have a heart of stone. At the very least, I am definitely not one of those!
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