🔊 TTS Settings
chapter 79
After the evening schedule ended, Rosellina stayed for extra work. She often did night shifts to make up for the group demerits they had received at the restaurant previously. Thinking back to her days as a fugitive, these tasks were so easy that she could do them every day without issue. The other maids were impressed by her stamina, though.
Once her late shift was over, Rosellina headed toward Vanessa’s room. Vanessa examined her wounds and quickly finished treating them. As time went on, the treatment sessions became shorter. Rosellina could feel that her body had become lighter—her detoxification and external injuries seemed nearly healed.
“Now, it’s enough if I check on you just once a day. Your wounds have healed to the point where you can manage them on your own,” Vanessa said.
“Thank you, Madam,” Rosellina replied.
“Your recovery is simply fast,” Vanessa added.
She spoke firmly, as if unnecessary praise wasn’t needed. Rosellina still bowed once more to express her gratitude before changing clothes with increasing ease.
While recording today’s treatment notes, Madam Vanessa glanced at Rosellina. Compared to when she first arrived, her complexion was much healthier, and with a little more flesh on her cheeks, her natural beauty was gradually returning. What had once seemed a sickly, thin face now carried vitality, and a soft scent of roses lingered around her.
If she continued to gain weight and maintain her health, her beauty and maturity would only become more apparent.
However, Vanessa focused not just on her appearance but on Rosellina’s mindset. The Emperor’s attention toward her was unusual. While many would become conceited from such attention, Rosellina always did her best to remain a humble maid at the Emperor’s side. She also maintained good relations with the other maids, showing a balanced demeanor.
Even leaving aside Marco’s request, it seemed she could complete her apprenticeship smoothly and become a proper maid.
“She must be aware that she’s becoming more beautiful, yet she remains steady even after experiencing the Emperor’s focused attention. That’s admirable,” Vanessa thought.
Vanessa believed that if Rosellina were to assume a position other than a maid, it would not be of her own volition. Someone who had taken a liking to her would surely be involved. Until then, Vanessa was confident that Rosellina would perform her duties better than anyone else.
It was remarkable. From the rumors of Demeteria, Vanessa had assumed she was a good young noblewoman. She had never doubted the possibility of her becoming Empress. But seeing Rosellina in the same space, that certainty vanished. The one who would stand by the Emperor’s side might rather be…
“Still, what I must do now is ensure that Lina does not seek a higher position. Doing so could endanger her life,” Vanessa mused.
She wanted Rosellina to survive in the royal palace because she had seen many quietly die there since she was very young.
“Did you also visit the tailoring room, Lina?”
“Yes, I did.”
“Alfredo is quite particular, isn’t he? Normally, at a banquet, we don’t give new clothes to the maids.”
Vanessa was as reserved in speech as Rosellina. Mentioning this seemed to be her way of checking whether anything unusual had happened at the tailoring room, or if Dantes had given special instructions.
“I didn’t witness their conversation, but Head Valet Milan said His Majesty instructed him to pay special attention since the Terzes Kingdom would be visiting,” Rosellina explained.
“Yes, I heard that. But it’s not unusual for other countries to attend royal banquets,” Vanessa replied.
Rosellina remained silent. Vanessa bringing this up implied: “Be aware, something special is happening because of you.”
Seeing Rosellina’s perceptive expression, Vanessa continued.
“Your apprenticeship score is quite good. If things continue as they are, you should become a maid without incident.”
“….”
“Remember, this banquet will be very important for you.”
“Yes, Madam. I will do my best,” Rosellina replied, bowing as if given another chance.
Vanessa spoke again, adding a rare personal piece of advice:
“I’m not saying work too hard. Avoid drawing attention from the young ladies, and volunteer for tasks in the kitchen.”
Rosellina’s eyes widened in surprise but then nodded firmly. She understood that the commotion in the tailoring room could give rise to rumors. Though she didn’t know that Demeteria was aware, from the future Empress’s perspective, she was not a welcome presence.
It would also be more comfortable for Rosellina not to see Demeteria and Dantes together often. She left the room, grateful for Vanessa’s rare personal advice.
“Be faithful to what’s given. Be as unobtrusive as a shadow.”
Knights allied with Fort would also be present. If anyone recognized her face, it could be disastrous. Of course, she would not be mistaken for Roberto Brida.
“Don’t create trouble for Dantes, for Demeteria, or for anyone else.”
With this resolve, Rosellina walked step by step toward her room.
“Marco!”
Gunter waved in front of the banquet hall. Marco, having gotten down from the carriage, returned the greeting casually. He headed toward the entrance with Monterno, where Cesario and Gunter were waiting.
“After the expedition, we didn’t even see you, and now here you are.”
“Ah!”
Gunter playfully tapped Monterno’s shoulder. Monterno rubbed it, feigning pain. Cesario fiddled with his shirt collar.
“Why bring this one along?”
“Sir Wood, why so discontented? I also played a role in the expedition, so I’d be disappointed to miss the banquet!” Monterno said, sticking his face forward. Marco, in his beige suit, still looked somewhat youthful. He pulled Monterno behind him and continued:
“Dantes approved this. Don’t complain. His words are actually true.”
“He’s full of bluster. His profession as a magician is still suspicious.”
“Sir Wood, you’re still quite cold,” Monterno said, pouting. Marco smiled, pleased that someone could speak so freely to Cesario, and moved on.
The banquet hall was more lavish than ever, adorned with chandeliers, golden curtains, and countless flowers.
As the staff entered, the nobles’ attention shifted to them. Being Dantes’ closest allies, many wanted to make a good impression. Also, since all three were unmarried, eager young ladies were anxious to impress them.
As they walked toward the center, Demeteria, standing beside the most extravagant flower vase, turned toward them. Her dress and the banquet flowers were similar in tone. She wore a vibrant gown mixed with gold and yellow, her long hair styled high with ornate decorations. Today, she projected a dignified, antique beauty, unlike her usual charming demeanor.
She seemed as though she were already the lady of this palace.
“Sir Griffin, Sir Wood, Sir Butler, welcome,” she said gracefully, extending her hand. They took turns shaking her hand.
“I thought Sir Griffin would come early. I was curious,” she added.
“My father arrived first, so I took my time with friends. It’s an honor to be sought by the lovely Miss Demeteria,” Marco replied wittily, introducing Monterno behind him.
“This is Monterno Aventurine, heir to the Aventurine baronial family. He played a major role in the recent expedition and will continue to be of service to His Majesty,” Marco explained.
“Ah, I’ve heard. Nice to meet you. I’m Demeteria Perille,” she said. Monterno greeted her curtly and withdrew.
“This is his first grand banquet, so he’s nervous. Please understand,” Marco added.
“Of course,” Demeteria replied brightly. Gunter helped Monterno by giving him a cupcake to ease his awkwardness.
“Miss Demeteria, continue your conversation. We will greet the knights and return when His Majesty arrives,” Cesario said, stepping back. Demeteria smiled and moved on to greet other guests.
“Did she bathe in perfume? I almost lost my senses,” Monterno whispered softly. Marco tapped his head lightly and surveyed the hall. His sharp eyes quickly located the maids inside. Spotting Rosellina holding a plate of macarons at a pillar, he let out a small laugh.
“Why, Sir Griffin?” Monterno asked curiously.
“There are just too many beautiful women; it’s breathtaking,” Marco said.
“Wow, you really like women. This cake is amazing, Sir Butler.”
Monterno showed little interest and stayed by Gunter. Cesario nudged Marco, curious.
“I have no idea what Dantes is thinking.”
“Why?”
“Lina is over there.”
“In this banquet hall?”
“Shh, check quietly. Southwest, by the last pillar. Short hair, holding a plate of macarons.”
Cesario lifted his champagne glass, turned, and located her. She looked entirely different from when she was Roberto. A refined, feminine aura surrounded her. She appeared fresher, purer, and more natural.
Her dress fit perfectly, as if she had always been a woman.
“Dantes probably didn’t pay attention to each maid. Plus, she’s changed so much I wouldn’t have recognized her,” Cesario said. Marco emptied his champagne as the royal orchestra swelled, signaling the Emperor’s imminent arrival.
“Let’s ask her directly,” Marco said, turning toward the only person who could enter from the palace entrance—the one everyone’s eyes were on.
