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Chapter 26
Dad looked at us with a thoroughly shocked expression.
“Is something wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”
“No. I’m just surprised to see something I never even imagined.”
Since I too had been startled by Kardin’s changed appearance, I nodded, understanding my father.
“Oh, right. I’m thanking you a bit late, but thank you for helping my daughter.”
While watching Kardin leave, Dad finally noticed May, whom he had forgotten for the moment, and expressed his gratitude.
May replied with a shy smile.
“I’ve received a lot of help from my unni too.”
“‘Unni,’ huh… That’s a pleasant title.”
Dad smiled contentedly as he looked at May and me.
At his words, which sounded like praise, May and I looked at each other—both of us a mess—and laughed happily.
The moment they left the lounge, Kardin—who had been dragged away by Trin after being separated from Harna—slowly regained a calm look in his eyes. Noticing the change, Trin asked cautiously,
“Are you all right?”
“Yes.”
Kardin’s expression was unexpectedly calm, without a hint of embarrassment.
He could have avoided it. But going to help the frightened Harna had been instinct, and approaching her when she was in trouble because of the spilled wine had been a choice. Kardin wasn’t the type to regret things he chose of his own will, so this time he could remain indifferent.
“Should I say that’s a relief?”
“What is?”
“That Your Grace seems to be getting used to expressing affection. It’s becoming more natural with time.”
Kardin’s eyebrow twitched in irritation as he walked ahead. Unaware, Trin kept talking.
“Could it be that there’s a romantic man hidden deep inside you? You consciously suppress it, but the moment you act unconsciously—bam!—he shows up.”
“……”
“I should learn too. The Duke’s collection of romantic lines! They’re a bit cringey, but kind of cool.”
“Trin.”
“Yes, sir.”
“If you want to die, keep talking.”
When Kardin stopped and glared at him with killing intent, Trin immediately shut his mouth. Kardin looked at him with a pitiful gaze, let out a small sigh, and headed toward the ballroom.
There were things he needed to investigate once he returned: the priest who had frightened Harna, and the baron’s daughter who had maliciously spilled the wine.
Kardin’s eyes gleamed even more sharply than when he had looked at Trin earlier.
Not long after, the maids arrived. They hesitated for a moment when they saw us, but didn’t show their surprise outwardly. Instead, they approached with stern expressions, as if angry.
“We asked a nearby maid, and there’s a place a short distance from the lounge where you can wash up. Let’s go there first.”
At Vera’s words, I nodded, then linked arms with May, who was wearing an awkward smile.
“We’ll be back.”
“Go on. I’ll wait.”
Leaving Dad sitting on the sofa, we went to wash up.
When we arrived, my mouth fell open at the sight—the maids had already prepared the place like a makeup studio.
“It may not be perfect, but we’ll do our very best to dress you both as quickly as possible.”
Once we sat down, the maids divided their tasks and began working swiftly. It reminded me of the skilled staff on a drama set when I filmed with a script in hand.
“Unni, it’s like magic.”
“I’ve got a good eye for people.”
May’s words made me feel oddly proud.
As expected, my—no, the maids’—hands were fast, and in no time at all, we were fully done. For the shorter May, Vera seamlessly stitched the lining of her dress to adjust the length and added suitable jewelry. Her needle moved so quickly that, as May said, it felt like watching magic.
Nana applied makeup with god-given hands, and Darin styled our hair beautifully with just a few motions.
In no time, May and I looked perfect—ready to return to the ballroom at once. If her earlier appearance had held an unadorned, pure beauty, now, with soft makeup tailored to her face and her hair elegantly arranged, she radiated a mature elegance.
“You look beautiful.”
“It’s all thanks to you, unni. Where else would I ever get to wear a dress and makeup like this? Thank you so much.”
Seeing May’s cheeks flush as she admired herself in the mirror, she looked utterly adorable. Watching her, I realized it was already too late to keep my promise not to get involved with the heroine, May—she was simply too bright and lovable.
Then, if that’s the case, I’ll write a new story. A beautiful one about the friendship between a villainess and the heroine.
Wiping the smile from my face, I took May’s hand and said,
“Let’s go, May. It’s time to deal with the woman who made us look like this.”
“How?”
Looking into May’s innocent eyes, I wore a wicked smile worthy of a villainess for the first time in a while.
“I’ll give back exactly what I received—make her regret using her hands so carelessly.”
“Oh, that’s so cool!”
When May even clapped at my fierce villainess expression, I quickly turned my head and looked at the maids.
“I’ll head back to the ballroom now. Thank you, everyone.”
“Miss, go show them what for.”
“It’s fine if the dress gets dirty again, but please don’t get hurt.”
“Pay them back exactly what you suffered.”
Receiving the maids’ enthusiastic support, I nodded firmly.
“Let’s go, May.”
“Yes, unni!”
My eyes burned fiercely.
Among the guests in dazzling dresses and tailcoats, Arsen—alone in his priestly robes—felt an approaching presence and turned around.
Though Kardin had approached while hiding his presence, he was surprised that Arsen noticed him and offered a light greeting.
“I greet one blessed with the glory of the god Reberta.”
“May you receive the blessing of light, Duke of Retorno.”
At Kardin’s courteous greeting, Arsen smiled in satisfaction.
“My name is Arsen.”
Despite his small stature and youthful appearance, an overwhelming sacred power radiated from him. Kardin frowned slightly.
Is this aura what made Harna tremble?
Enduring the holy presence that made even a master swordsman tense, Kardin spoke carefully.
“May I ask one thing? Why is a high-ranking priest attending an event like this?”
“You don’t mince words.”
Arsen responded with an intrigued smile, unfazed by the blunt question.
“It’s classified, so I can’t tell you. But I can offer a small hint—I came to find something.”
“Something?”
“It seems I’ve already found it.”
Noticing the flicker of concern cross Kardin’s otherwise expressionless face, Arsen continued with a gentle smile.
“You’ve been facing some difficulties lately, haven’t you?”
“…!”
At the confident statement, as though he knew everything, Kardin’s face hardened. Seeing him with pity, Arsen went on,
“Once I’ve fully grasped the situation, I may be able to help you, Duke of Retorno.”
Swallowing the unspoken words—that he would have to endure a bit longer until then—Arsen gave a small bow and left.
Kardin stared intently at Arsen’s retreating figure.
Escorted by my father, I returned to the ballroom with confident steps.
When we—once the cause of the commotion—came back looking perfectly fine, I felt the gazes of several nobles. Even as a spectacle, I didn’t shrink back and smiled brightly, passing through the whispers as I deliberately headed toward a quieter corner of the hall.
The ball was proceeding smoothly. The emperor and empress, the stars of the evening, sat on their thrones, chatting cheerfully. The priest who had caused me trouble earlier was nowhere to be seen.
Should I deal with her before the priest?
As I scanned the area, thinking I wouldn’t let the young lady who spilled wine on us off easily, an elderly noble approached my father the moment he returned.
“Marquis Jurn.”
“I’ve nothing to say. I’ll be here with my daughter, so if you have something to say, say it here.”
Seeing the man approach as though he had much to discuss, Dad replied firmly.
“Please go. I’ll be fine.”
“Harna, but—”
“Women’s matters should be handled by women.”
At my resolute words, Dad left after saying he’d be back soon. Once he was gone, I picked up some finger food from the table.
“May, eat up too. You need energy if you’re going to fight.”
“Yes!”
After long managing my diet for the sake of a perfect figure, I indulged in the sweet food for the first time in a while, urging May to try this and that as well. While we were busy eating, a woman approached us with hesitant steps, just as if she’d been waiting for the moment.
“Lady Jurn, and…”
“May Porco.”
“Lady Porco, I apologize for the inconvenience caused by my mistake.”
Once May gave her name, the woman lifted the hem of her dress and bent her knees in apology. Behind her stood Seaira and her group, fanning themselves as if keeping watch.
So it really was you, Seaira.
Swallowing my bitterness, I deliberately put on a light expression.
“Does apologizing make the mistake disappear?”
When I set down the cookie I was holding and spoke, the woman’s awkward smile froze like plaster. I couldn’t tell whether she was offended or frightened, but I didn’t like the look on her face.
“Does what I said bother you?”
“N-no! How could I dare—!”
When I leaned in and asked, she flinched and shook her head.
Yes. A startled expression is better.
I curled one corner of my lips and shifted my gaze. Seeing Seaira behind her, pretending to look worried for me, I found her repulsive—and met her acting with acting of my own, placing a smile on my lips.
“Oh my, did you come because you were worried? As expected, Lady Foron is so kind.”
“I was worried you might leave just like that. I’m relieved you came back.”
I smiled at Seaira, who spoke as if she truly cared, wearing an angelic face.
“Lady Jurn, Lady Naren is someone I’ve just become close with. It’s her first big ball, so she must have been nervous and made a mistake. Could you accept her apology, for my sake?”
Behind her, Naren looked back and forth between Seaira and me with anxious eyes.
Then something caught my attention—the ring on Naren’s finger. I stepped past Seaira and stood directly in front of her, checking her hand again.
“W-what is it?”
I stared at Naren, who looked at me warily, with a blank expression.
“May I ask just one thing?”
“What is it?”
“Why are your hands shaking so much?”
“Well, that’s…”
At my question, her gaze wavered. After glancing at Seaira, Naren seemed to make up her mind and stopped trembling. She quickly pressed down on the ring on her finger—no, tried to.
“Oh my?”
I widened my eyes and put on an exaggerated look of surprise.
“What are you doing right now?”
“I should be the one asking. What are you trying to do?”
At Naren’s sharp voice, I erased my expression and asked back with cold eyes.
