Chapter: 266
The New Year’s Ball—a gathering where all titled nobles of the Empire swear their loyalty before His Majesty. It’s grander and more dazzling than any other event, yet as heavy and burdensome as a mountain.
So, while I felt a flicker of curiosity about the New Year’s Ball, I never actually wanted to attend. Once I inherit my title, it’ll be a must, even if I don’t feel like going.
I’ve heard that some people attend to expand their networks, but even if I become a Baron, I’d rather stay cozy in my territory than be here. My father understood my feelings, so he didn’t even suggest I come to the capital.
‘So this is what it’s like.’
But this year, I did attend the New Year’s Ball, and not by my father’s urging; it was because of my own will. My father was so shocked when I suddenly said I wanted to go.
Well, to be fair, it was really influenced by the Lady’s words, so maybe it counts as her will instead?
‘What does it matter?’
Whether it’s my will or the Lady’s, the result is that it’s my first time at the New Year’s Ball. So now, I should explore and enjoy it as much as I can.
As those thoughts flickered in my mind, a sudden chill touched my cheek.
“Eep—!”
“Ahaha, surprised, were you?”
Shivering slightly, I turned to see Irina smiling at me, holding a small glass.
“Drink up. It’s juice, not alcohol, so don’t feel pressured.”
The glass she handed over, likely the culprit of the cold touch, was almost icy, with frost forming on its surface. Even though we were indoors, who’d shove something like that at me in the middle of winter?
“Could’ve just handed it normally.”
“I thought you were too lost in your world.”
My slightly resentful comment couldn’t hold against Irina’s cheerful giggle. Admittedly, I had no intention of coming, but I couldn’t deny I was curious. Everything around me was new—as if I was stepping into a world of wonder in the palace, which was a place many nobles wouldn’t dare visit outside of the New Year’s Ball.
“…Was it that obvious?”
“Yep, very much so.”
But it’s embarrassing to be seen as a ‘naive girl coming from the countryside.’ Especially since I actually am one!
“I felt the same earlier. But now that I’ve seen a bit, it’s okay.”
Noticing my slightly downcast mood, Irina laid a light pat on my shoulder. She mentioned she’d also been wide-eyed earlier, but now she’d gotten used to it.
Sad, but her warm words made me feel a bit more bashful. It just meant my reaction was so glaring that it needed comforting.
“I’m glad to hear that…”
Still, I couldn’t ignore Irina’s kindness, so I feigned a relaxed demeanor.
…Right, what am I even sightseeing for? I came to show off my connection with Oppa, not to be a tourist!
If I look too eager, I’ll end up missing everything. Resolving to keep my eyes downward as I sipped my juice, I suddenly felt a hand on my shoulder, and there was the Lady herself.
“When it’s your first time, it’s completely normal. I felt that way too, so don’t worry, Lady Louise.”
“Oh, Senior!”
“Sorry to interrupt your fun, but let me join you! It’s boring over there.”
Looking in the direction the Lady was referring to, I understood her reasoning for feeling bored. The elders from the three families were huddled together—it’s not a lighthearted gathering, even for the Lady.
“That’s why Carl is on his way here.”
With a smirk, the Lady pointed forward, and both Irina and I quickly turned our gazes.
That was fast. It was just moments ago that the Iron Duke left to fetch my brother, yet he’s already back?
‘Not exactly a small space.’
Even though we were indoors, it wasn’t cramped by any means. Considering it was the venue for the Emperor’s New Year Address, it was reasonably spacious. Honestly, how could he locate someone that quickly in such a vast area? Is this some special noble ability?
“…Doesn’t seem like he’ll be coming anytime soon?”
Irina murmured reluctantly as she spotted my brother amid the crowd.
Belatedly seeing him as well, I awkwardly smiled. Is that even an accurate way to say he’s on his way? It feels more fitting to say he’s caught up in something.
My brother made his way through the crowd of nobles, nodding to those trying to approach him for greetings. Although the Iron Duke was with him, it only encouraged the nobles to approach him more; he wasn’t really a shield.
“It can’t be helped. Carl rarely shows up in social circles.”
The Lady shrugged, but there was pride on her face, as if showing off her brother’s position within noble society.
And honestly, I felt the same pride. I was witnessing my brother in a brand new light—the image of the Executive Manager rather than the club advisor I usually saw.
High-ranking nobles, their faces full of awe, approached him respectfully, some of whom were barely my age themselves.
‘So cool…’
Looking at him made my heart flutter even more. That’s the real version of my brother—not the gentle and kind one I adore, but the nobleman he’s become.
I’m already smitten, and now I’m falling for him even harder. Mother always said men who are dedicated to their work are attractive; this is what she meant.
*
“Damn, let’s keep this moving.”
I swear, it’s like everyone’s a Pokémon trainer; they bolt right at me whenever we make eye contact. Are they offering prizes for defeating me in conversation?
“Ah, it’s been a while! I heard you’ve been promoted as the commander of the Eastern regional forces. The glory of the commanders must be enough to make the kingdoms tremble!”
“I received your last message. I’m grateful and wish to return the favor, but it seems that Your Honor, the Chief Justice, lacks nothing, so I’m at a loss as to what to give.”
“My son is reportedly working at the Imperial Military Headquarters and rumored to be quite brilliant as noted by the Vice Captain.”
But chatting with nobles chatting with me like I’m some kind of top-tier celebrity means these are pretty high-profile figures. If I piss them off, my future’s about to vanish into thin air.
Even now, the crowd is made up of commanding generals and high-ranking nobles. The type that have their own influence and voice. I can’t even pretend these are unfamiliar faces; trying to recall names is taxing.
But what can I do? To maintain a smooth and peaceful civil service lifestyle, I can’t afford to make enemies.
‘Nobody can survive alone.’
I’m just a 19-year-old executive with a title. Sounds impressive, but if you strip it away, I’m just a kid who jumped ahead of everyone else, totally ignoring age and experience. No denying it thanks to the Crown Prince’s backing, but I’m stil an outsider in a system twisted enough to view me that way.
I could shove my way through with brute force, but that’s limited only to my division of the Information Department. If I retaliate against another department’s officials, that’s just plain crazy.
So, I’ve got to show only the best side of myself. If I were running wild and enjoying life without a care, I’d have gotten wiped out or dropped by the Crown Prince long ago. The Crown Prince needs a loyal hunting dog and not a barking lunatic.
…If I ponder long enough, it all seems to stem from the Crown Prince.
‘What a jerk.’
No help in my life whatsoever. That’s not new.
“Being treated with such consideration from the Executive Manager is embarrassing. I’ll be sure to send a generous wedding gift.”
As one noble subtly tossed out a commission, another suddenly dug up a booming comment that turned the atmosphere upside down.
“I appreciate the sentiment. Is it okay if I begin building up anticipation for that?”
“Of course! I’ll make sure it’s something that satisfies even your standards!”
As soon as that was said, attention shifted to me in what felt like an instantaneous gravitational pull. If looks had weight, I would’ve vanished.
‘Here we go.’
An ironic smile nearly slipped out as nobles, who had merely exchanged pleasantries before, shifted into serious mode.
For seasoned nobles with titles of their own, discussing a marriage for someone younger than them likely felt awkward. But since some other noble brought it up, it’s only right they join in!
“It seems the Executive Manager will find a partner soon. A blessing for the Empire.”
“True enough. And that partner is such a treasure from Barenti, no less!”
If anyone else had said that, I would’ve been intensely embarrassed, but I caught a glimpse of the Iron Duke’s playful smirk.
Though I couldn’t be sure if he noticed the jibe, I knew what he meant—he was lowkey thrilled about Margherita being referred to as a treasure.
“Your Honor, congratulations! Where else can we find a son-in-law like the Executive Manager?”
With well-timed congratulations, the Iron Duke merely grunted in response.
“Congratulations should be reserved for him. How would my boy find a wife like Margherita?”
“Haha, that’s true! My thoughts were rather short-sighted there.”
His pride and affection for his daughter was apparent, causing the surrounding nobles to chime in with laughter.
With how he’s known for his family values and being doting towards the youngest, that kind of reaction was expected. It’s almost like anyone else making a congratulatory remark would’ve found themselves suddenly regretting it.
But the important part is that I never denied being his son-in-law. I’m now officially part of Barenti, recognized by the Iron Duke.
“I completely agree. My wife is truly extraordinary.”
When I threw in a comment, I could see the Iron Duke’s grin widen even more.
“Having met six such women, I can hardly contain my joy.”
Even with words that sound almost overly delicate, the Iron Duke’s smile didn’t falter.
Thank goodness he doesn’t seem to care about the potential for multiple wives. As long as Margherita remains the first, he appears remarkably forgiving.
I mean, he has several wives, after all. It wouldn’t be fair to treat me any differently.
“Your endorsement genuinely brings me joy as well.”
And just as that amicable reply returned, I felt immobile.
“However, remember this. While I may have six, you will always be my number one.”
With a very familiar voice, the crowd parted like the Red Sea.
This ability to command the room and part the crowd is classic of noble stature.
“Lou! How have you been?”
The moment I saw my brother smiling wide, my mouth involuntarily dropped open.
What happens if Beatrix shows up right now…?
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