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Before becoming a lady, a young noblewoman must always be accompanied by a female elder of her family. Though the rules usually loosen after the coming-of-age ceremony, when it comes to the debutante ball to greet the Empress, one must always attend with a chaperone.
Normally, the lady of the house introduces the young woman making her debut. But if the lady’s position is vacant, families sometimes ask a relative already active in society or a lady from another family to serve as chaperone. Such was the case for Retina of House Deneuve, whose duchess was absent.
I forgot about the chaperone.
She’d been so focused on her debut that she’d completely forgotten about the chaperone who would escort her to the Empress. She had almost ended up attending the debut alone, but it seemed her father had found someone to take that role for her. She didn’t get to see him often even after coming to the capital, but she could feel the care behind his actions, and she was grateful.
Grateful… but this is a bit much.
The chaperone was none other than the Grand Duchess Virani. Retina had heard plenty of rumors at parties about the Grand Duchess’s influence in high society—even without appearing in person, her presence was enough to turn heads. With someone like that as her chaperone, Retina knew she’d draw even more attention.
“I guess I have to go, don’t I?”
“It’s not a matter of guessing, milady. You must attend.”
At the butler’s firm tone, Retina let out a groan. She couldn’t skip the event, but she also couldn’t go with her older brothers.
Her brothers always attracted attention just by standing still, and if any young ladies approached her and said something odd, their presence was reassuring. They drew eyes so naturally that Retina could mingle for a while and slip away quietly without anyone noticing. The thought of attending the tea party alone already made her anxious.
“Wouldn’t it be better to meet Her Grace separately? I don’t even know anyone there—what am I supposed to talk about?”
“That’s exactly why such events exist, milady. They are for forming connections.”
“Connections… Do you honestly think anyone will talk to me?”
Unless it’s to pick a fight, Retina thought with a self-deprecating laugh.
“That’s not true. I’m sure there will be some who are well-disposed toward you.”
“And if someone does talk to me, what on earth do I say back?”
“There are plenty of topics. Anything the young ladies are interested in can become a topic of conversation. For example… gossip from the society papers.”
As the butler glanced away, Retina understood easily enough. So basically, pretend to be refined while gossiping or subtly competing with each other.
Her face darkened. And of all times, she had to attend a tea party when her name had recently appeared in the society pages. Well, at least she wouldn’t have to worry about running out of conversation topics.
“Even if I really don’t want to go, you’ll make me, won’t you?”
The butler simply smiled in response. No one could ignore an invitation sealed with the Grand Duchess’s name and crest, no matter how they felt.
With a sigh, Retina penned her reply accepting the invitation. She felt like she was being led to the slaughterhouse, but her handwriting remained neat and composed, betraying none of her feelings.
“No other invitations have come, right?”
“None, milady. If any arrive, I’ll bring them to you immediately.”
“Hmm… No, that’s fine. Just keep giving them all to Sart, like usual.”
She waved her hand dismissively after a moment’s thought. She’d received the Grand Duchess’s invitation directly only because her brother Sart was away today. Normally, he filtered the invitations for her, deciding which were worth their attention. Since Retina didn’t fully grasp which houses were powerful and which weren’t, leaving it to Sart was much less stressful.
“Oh, and send the society paper to my room from now on.”
I’ve been too careless. Judging by the articles, it wouldn’t take long for her to be branded a clueless country bumpkin. She might have been forced to come to the capital, but now that she’d set foot in high society, she refused to be humiliated to her face.
Retty, don’t trust anyone too easily. That place is a nest of vipers. If you bite into the apple they offer, you’ll be poisoned before you know it.
Inside the carriage headed for the Grand Duchy’s estate, Retina remembered her brother Heint clasping her hands tightly and warning her again and again just before departure.
I definitely need to be careful. The young ladies invited to the Grand Duchess’s tea party aren’t to be underestimated.
If even Sart said so, that meant the guests were not to be taken lightly.
The only trustworthy one is probably the Grand Duchess herself…
You’re going to trust the “grandmother who’s eaten a hundred snakes alive”? Oh, Sun above, I’d rather eat the poisoned apple.
Sart’s muttering made Heint clasp his hands like he was praying. Retina couldn’t help wondering just what kind of woman this Grand Duchess was, to make Heint react so strongly.
She had never met the Grand Duchess before; her only image came from her brothers’ stories.
She’s one of the few people who know the color of your hair.
Sart had patted Retina’s head gently. Because of ridiculous rumors about their “cursed bloodline,” she had to wear wigs whenever she left the house.
She had always been a beloved child, never unloved for even a day. Sart had agreed to bring her to the capital at their father’s suggestion, fearing what might happen to her otherwise—but that didn’t make him any less anxious.
The Grand Duchess volunteered to be your chaperone. She’ll be a strong ally.
Retina had been adapting well so far, but society was unpredictable. Having the Grand Duchess as a backing was a great advantage.
Ugh, Retty, you absolutely have to come back safe! No matter what they say, ignore it! And don’t hit anyone with a teacup if you get mad, okay? Negotiations are possible with fists, but facial injuries are a nightmare!
Heint had clung to Retina’s lace-gloved hands dramatically. Is this concern… or does he really think I’d punch someone? Retina had wanted to retort that she wouldn’t attack anyone, but Heint was so serious she couldn’t bring herself to.
He repeated his warnings over and over until the carriage door finally shut. Even though she’d only be gone for half a day, he acted as if she were leaving on a long journey.
It’s my first party without my brothers. No wonder I’m nervous.
Though she lay sprawled comfortably in the carriage, it was her way of coping—staying languid to keep her emotions under control. Half of her mindset was basically whatever happens, happens, so there wasn’t much to get worked up over anyway.
“Young Lady, we’ve arrived at the Grand Duchy of Rencia.”
“Ugh—!” Retina stretched her stiff arms when she heard they’d arrived. She hadn’t ridden a carriage this long since coming to the capital.
The Grand Duke and Duchess had recently moved from their capital townhouse to Horn Castle, just before the start of the social season. Though the duchy wasn’t far from the capital, the trip still took quite a while.
After loosening her stiff back and neck, Retina accepted the footman’s help to alight. The voluminous dress made it hard to see the ground, which was quite inconvenient.
Holding her dress to keep it from snagging, she hopped down and looked up. The castle’s exterior emphasized functionality over beauty—it was a sturdy fortress.
Not “like a fortress”—it was literally built as one.
A hundred years ago, during the war, it had served as the final stronghold. Later, after some renovations, it became the Grand Duke’s residence. And they’re holding a tea party in a place like this? Retina followed the servant through the stone corridors.
Her impression quickly changed, though.
“Wow…”
Beyond the iron-strong walls lay the castle’s inner grounds, surprisingly beautiful. At the center stood a grand greenhouse with glass walls on all sides.
“This way, milady.”
The servant stopped before the greenhouse. From inside came the lively chatter of young women who had arrived earlier.
“Phew.”
Retina took a deep breath and clenched her fists. Smile at the right times, sip your tea, answer politely—that’s all I have to do. She mentally repeated the tea party survival tips she’d been given. Please, let everyone ignore me like before.
She steadied herself at the entrance, inhaled deeply, then walked in with her chest lifted.
The greenhouse interior was hidden from view by tall plants at the entrance. As she followed the stone path, the full splendor unfolded before her: exotic flowers, wild herbs, plants blooming out of season, and vibrant greenery everywhere. Birds chirped merrily, and water trickled musically, making it feel like a forest glade rather than a greenhouse.
At the center, beneath the domed ceiling, stood a long table that offered a perfect panoramic view of the garden. Just as she’d guessed from the voices, the young ladies were already gathered there, chatting animatedly.
The Grand Duchess isn’t here yet.
Scanning the faces, she saw no one who looked like the hostess. Perhaps that was why there was a subtle air of restlessness among the guests.
How should I introduce myself again?
Should she greet them brightly with a “Hello~”? Or more formally: “Good day. I am Retina Cecilica of House Deneuve.” Standing at the threshold, she hesitated. Then—oh, whatever. She decided to just walk straight to the table. They can’t expect much from someone who hasn’t even debuted yet.
“Hello.”
She offered a small, quiet greeting and took a seat at the edge of the table. Instantly, the young ladies who had pretended not to notice her all turned their eyes toward her at once.
