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Chapter – 16
“We have secured a sufficiently large site, just as you instructed.”
“And what about temporary housing? The people currently living on the site won’t have anywhere to go right away. I’m worried about the monsoon rains this summer as well…”
“Even if we offer adequate compensation, the existing inns are reluctant to accept them…”
“…It can’t be helped. If rumors spread that people from the slums stayed there, it would affect their business later. Then look into purchasing ordinary houses instead.”
“But that will greatly increase the costs. Are you sure that’s all right…?”
“It’s fine.”
I understood Lennon’s concern. Trying to find investors for a charitable project with no visible returns was incredibly difficult. We were lucky if we didn’t attract people trying to launder money through the foundation.
Normally, charities like this were funded through noble patronage, but it wasn’t as though I could step forward and host a fundraising event myself…
That said, I had already prepared a source of funds long ago, so the expenses weren’t truly a concern. I just felt sorry that I couldn’t explain it to Lennon.
“Oh, Lennon. When we go to the Administrative Palace tomorrow, it’ll probably be over so quickly you’ll wonder what all the worry was about.”
“Ah… yes. Whew. I never imagined the day would come when I’d set foot in the Vientia Imperial Palace…”
“It’ll be fine. Duke Kaisers helped us, after all.”
“Of course. I’ll be clutching this document tightly when I go in.”
I smiled softly at Lennon, who was gripping the papers in his hand with visible tension.
‘I’ll make sure everything is settled tomorrow.’
Just as Bihan had said, the day after the transaction, a document bearing the duke’s signature arrived at the foundation office. It was a letter of guarantee, certifying the credibility of the Earth Foundation with Duke Kaisers listed as one of its patrons.
A copy had likely already arrived at the Administrative Palace as well. That document would go straight into the Crown Prince’s hands, and any explanation regarding it would be demanded of the duke.
Lennon’s audience at the palace, as the representative of the Earth Foundation, was merely to carry out the administrative procedures related to the invitation.
Two days later, an issue of the Atien Times arrived addressed to me. On a prominently placed page was an exclusive article stating that one of the Earth Foundation’s patrons was Duke Kaisers.
Once that paper was published, those who had been questioning the foundation’s suspiciously strong financial backing would finally keep their mouths shut.
“Could you organize the list of ordinary houses and send it to the manor, Lennon?”
“Yes, understood.”
“And contact me immediately if anything comes up.”
After gathering only a few important reports, I boarded the carriage waiting behind the foundation office. Amy, who had been waiting inside, widened her eyes as if she hadn’t expected me to come out so early.
“You’re finished already?”
“Yeah. I just came to receive a brief report today.”
“You’re heading straight back to the manor, right?”
“Mm.”
At Amy’s knock, the carriage set off toward the manor.
Ah—there was something I needed to ask Amy.
“Hey, Amy.”
“Yes, miss?”
“Do I have a dress suitable for a masquerade ball?”
“…Pardon?”
I had dresses, of course, but ballroom gowns were entirely different from everyday dresses. Since my debutante ball, I hadn’t had a reason to commission one.
“You’re… going to a masquerade…?”
“Yes. Since my face will be covered, it should be fine… Ah, do I even have a mask?”
“When—when is it?”
Amy’s expression shifted strangely, as if she’d just heard a bolt from the blue. I tilted my head without realizing it.
“Uh… about five days from now?”
“…Miss, this is not the time to be acting like this!”
“Huh?”
“As soon as we get back to the manor, we need to send a telegram to the dress shop—no, they might not come right away, so we should send a carriage directly!”
“Amy…?”
“The dress, the mask, the shoes—and the jewelry, we can use what you already have… no, I’ll speak to the master and have him open the vault—somehow, I’ll make sure everything is ready in time!”
“Th-thank you…”
It looked as though fire was burning in Amy’s eyes…
The manor was in complete upheaval. As I smiled awkwardly at the commotion among the Riotium household, Gerard nodded gravely.
“Rose, I sent a carriage to the dress shop. They’ll be here soon.”
“Young master, I heard from friends working at other estates that chiffon fabrics are popular among young ladies these days. Would that apply to masquerade balls too?”
“I’m not sure. I don’t have much experience with masquerades.”
“…Brother.”
“Yes?”
“Aren’t you busy?”
“No matter how busy I am, this is more important. It’s your first ball since your debutante.”
How did Gerard get dragged into this too…?
“Oh, Rose. Father gave me the vault key. Why don’t you choose the jewelry you’ll wear and match it to the dress?”
“…The vault… the vault key too?”
So not only Gerard, but Father knew as well.
The moment I arrived home and met Rodel, Amy insisted that a carriage be sent to the dress shop. Rodel went to arrange it, ran into the butler, explained the situation, and the ever-dutiful butler promptly informed both Gerard and Father.
That I would be attending the Marquis of Gron’s masquerade ball.
From that point on, it was chaos.
“Rose. Do you remember the diamond necklace Mother used to wear to important balls? I think that one would be perfect.”
“If you mean the necklace I’m thinking of… are you talking about that diamond necklace? One of the Riotium heirlooms bestowed by Empress Cassandra?”
“Yes, that one.”
“…Just imagining it makes me short of breath, Brother.”
“It would suit you so well…”
I shook my head at Gerard’s disappointed expression.
“In the entire empire, how many ladies could wear that Riotium heirloom?”
“Only you, of course, Rose.”
“Exactly. Wearing that necklace to a masquerade would be the same as pinning a name tag that says ‘Rosemary Riotium,’ wouldn’t it?”
“Ah…”
I understood his feelings, but still…
“Miss, someone from the dress shop has arrived.”
The coachman must have driven at breakneck speed. Considering the distance to the artisan district, it was impressive. Gerard stood and placed the vault key into my hand.
“Then, Rose—Lady Gron’s birthday ball is in five days, right? I’ll clear my schedule that evening.”
“Are you planning to attend too, Brother?”
“…I’ll need to escort you—wait. Rose.”
No. Please, no. His expression seemed to spell it out. Unable to face the shock spreading across his face, I averted my gaze slightly.
I hadn’t even said I was getting married, yet he looked that stunned.
“Which bastard—no, I mean… who is it…?”
“It’s a secret.”
“A secret?”
“I’ll tell you later. Please leave for now, Brother. They need to take my measurements.”
“…”
Gerard left the room, his face full of confusion.
If Duke Kaisers came to escort me that day, he’d be even more shocked. How to explain things so neither of them would be too startled… No, avoiding shock altogether was impossible—at best, I could reduce it a little.
I had replied to Bihan’s request that very morning. After receiving the Atien Times dated two days ahead, I couldn’t pretend not to understand the unspoken favor behind his flawless handling of matters.
The fact that it was a masquerade—and that I could conceal my identity—was what finally erased my lingering hesitation. For a ball of this scale, preparations usually began a month in advance, so it was only natural that my schedule felt so rushed.
“To think the day would come when I’d make a ballroom gown for Lady Rosemary… You always ordered such modest everyday dresses—I was so disappointed. There are so many designs that would suit you beautifully.
Now, shall we start with these? Since it’s a masquerade, I brought only the more glamorous designs.”
Standing between Amy and Madame Charlotte of the dress shop as they excitedly examined the sketches, I felt a sensation I hadn’t experienced in a long time.
I remembered choosing my debutante dress back then. I had been filled with excitement as well.
“Madame Charlotte, will it be possible by the day of the ball? I’d be fine even with altering an existing dress.”
“Absolutely not, Lady Rosemary. At masquerade balls, since faces are hidden, everyone competes fiercely with dresses and jewelry. I’ll stay up all night if I must to finish it, so don’t worry!”
“Then thank you, Madame. I like this design.”
“Oh my. It reminds me of your debutante dress. Did you know you were quite the talk among dressmakers back then?”
“Really?”
Madame Charlotte, known for her discretion, had long been responsible for the everyday dresses of the ‘chronically ill’ Rosemary. Even the riding habits I wore on occasion were her creations.
“Miss.”
“Rodel?”
“Excuse me. A gift has arrived for you, and I believe you should see it immediately.”
Rodel placed a velvet-lined box down. A small card bearing a silver crest lay beside it.
To the esteemed Lady Rosemary Riotium,
Thank you for granting me the honor of escorting you.
If it pleases you, I hope you will use this however you see fit.
—Bihan Kaisers
Surely not…
I opened the small box. Madame and Amy, standing beside me, both sucked in a breath.
“Wow…”
“My goodness. This isn’t amethyst—it’s sapphire. And a purple sapphire like this is incredibly rare…”
“….”
A purple sapphire of unimaginable carat weight, with matching earrings. Diamonds surrounded the stones.
“…The dress… should be made to match this, Madame.”
“Of course. Then how about a black dress like this? With plenty of lace and chiffon, it won’t look heavy, and black won’t stand out too much at a masquerade. If we add purple accents…”
Purple jewels.
Even if everyone else was preparing things for me, there was one other person who inevitably came to mind.
Not myself—but Eclet Adrian, who shared eyes the same shade of purple.
