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Episode 44

Chapter. Reconciliation

"Ludwig's grand ballroom is truly magnificent."

A noble holding a champagne glass let out a light exclamation.

The soaring ceiling, dozens of sparkling chandeliers, fresh flower decorations exuding sweet fragrances, and ice sculptures placed here and there.

"As expected of the family second only to the Imperial household."

"Speaking of which, I heard His Highness the Crown Prince is attending today. Is that true?"

"It's possible. His Grace the Grand Duke is the Crown Prince's uncle, after all."

Nodding, the nobles exchanged conversation and turned their attention to a new arrival.

Normally, a herald would announce the visitor's family and title, but tonight, in keeping with the masquerade theme, nothing was announced.

"I wonder who that is?"

"Judging by his bearing, he might be Viscount David?"

"Everyone's wearing masks, so it's hard to recognize anyone."

"Indeed. But it's also a little exciting."

"I agree!"

"It feels so mysterious somehow. My heart is racing."

"Exactly. It's like we're characters in a novel."

The cheeks of young ladies who had just come of age flushed red.

They'd lived their entire lives bound by etiquette and rules, and yet merely hiding their faces brought this sense of liberation—how strange.

Of course, among themselves, they'd already exchanged names and knew each other's identities.

Still, they felt much freer than when they weren't wearing masks.

"Still, the Ludwig direct line has such presence, masks or not."

"Exactly my thought!"

Indeed, as they said.

The Ludwig children gathered at the center of the ballroom were distinguished even with masks on.

One might say they carried an air of aloofness.

But that was only the outward impression.

"Hmm. Seeing such adorable siblings makes me so happy."

"What are you saying, Oscar? Don't be so corny."

Despite Julietta's rebuke, Oscar's lips kept smiling.

"Why? I'm sincere. How often do we all get together like this?"

The First Daughter, Rosina, was staying at the townhouse in the capital for social engagements.

The Second Prince, Zephyr, was busy handling Ludwig's trade affairs.

And with the family being as fragmented as it was, the children didn't exactly like each other.

As Oscar said, it was extremely rare for all the children to gather in one place.

They only met like this at major family events.

"It's been a while since I've seen you all—I'm glad too, Brother."

"Rosina! You feel the same, don't you?"

"Of course. I've always missed you even in the capital."

Unlike Julietta, Rosina was calm and quiet.

With her beauty, elegance, and composure, she'd earned the nickname "the finest flower of high society."

After smiling at Oscar, Rosina's gaze turned to the slouching Julietta.

"It's been a while, Julietta."

"……I suppose so. It's been a while, Rosina."

"I hear all sorts of things have happened lately."

"Hmm, well. I guess."

At Julietta's indifferent response, Rosina's eyes narrowed.

'Honestly. She has no refinement whatsoever.'

A flicker of contempt passed through her narrowed eyes and vanished.

Meanwhile, Zephyr, standing a few steps away from everyone, remained silent with his mouth firmly shut.

He looked as if he wanted to leave at any moment.

His cold gaze, fixed on empty space, turned toward Geron.

The birthday boy sat between the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess, receiving congratulations and gifts.

'……What a lucky life.'

Unlike himself, exhausted from piles of work, all the child had to do was smile.

Just as his undisguised negative emotions were beginning to seep out—

The Grand Duchess, who had been stroking Geron's head with a smile, turned around.

"……!"

Though she wore a mask, he could tell their eyes met.

Zephyr stiffened at his mother's cold gaze from behind the mask.

Soon, the Grand Duchess's lips moved slightly.

'Don't be so pathetic, Zephyr.'

Even without hearing it, the sharp voice was clear. Zephyr clenched his fists.

---

"Lady Graham."

"Ah, Mrs. Sinclair."

It was Betty Sinclair who approached Janet, standing alone like an isolated island in the ballroom.

"Why are you here alone? It doesn't suit a party."

"Ah, well……"

Janet smiled awkwardly and replied.

"This is my first time at such a ball. I don't really know anyone. So……"

"In other words, you were standing out?"

The kind but cutting remark stung twice as much.

"That's right. You're exactly right, Mrs. Sinclair."

"But staying stuck in a corner like this won't do. If you came to the ball, you should enjoy it."

"……I suppose so?"

"Of course. Besides, you're her Ladyship's handmaiden, aren't you? A handmaiden must act as her mistress's eyes and ears. The conversations at such balls are as good as valuable information. Listening carefully and relaying them to her Ladyship is also part of your job."

At the deliberately firm scolding, Janet nodded.

"That's true. I'd momentarily forgotten my duties."

"If you'd like, I can introduce you to a few people. I have quite a wide network, you know."

"Would you? I'd appreciate that."

Janet believed in seizing opportunities when they came.

If Mrs. Sinclair was introducing them, they were likely trustworthy people.

"Come, let's go together."

And indeed.

Janet's choice was the right one.

Mrs. Sinclair introduced her to various people.

Since everyone wore masks and she couldn't see their faces, Janet carefully memorized their voices, habits, and even their gaits.

Heirs to massive trading companies, noble ladies from prestigious families.

Even nobles from far-off Eastern and Northern regions.

'She really has a wide network.'

Not only that—everyone she met treated Mrs. Sinclair with remarkable kindness.

It was partly because Mrs. Sinclair was such a good person, but there seemed to be a deeper reason.

"Um, Mrs. Sinclair."

"Yes, Lady Graham."

"If it's not too forward, may I ask what you did before becoming a librarian?"

She had a feeling she wasn't just a simple lady of the house.

There was a subtle respect in the voices of those she spoke with.

"Oh my. Didn't I tell you?"

Hoho. As she chuckled and was about to speak—

"Madam Betty was a famous etiquette instructor. Have you ever read Madam Betty's Basic Etiquette?"

At the appearance of someone naturally joining the conversation, Janet blinked.

"Madam Joanna?"

"Oh my. You recognized me right away, handmaiden. I can never seem to recognize anyone."

"Your voice is familiar."

At Janet's answer, Joanna smiled warmly.

"Is it alright for you to be down here? Shouldn't you be by Lord Geron's side?"

"On a day like this, if the nanny stays by his side constantly, the nobles might start gossiping."

At Joanna's words, Betty nodded.

"High society is a terrifying place, after all."

"Indeed, you know it well."

"I know it well. That's why I became a librarian."

At Betty's words, Joanna let out a bitter laugh.

"I never expected you to come to Ludwig."

"The Head Butler recommended it. He said I could read all the books I love."

At that, Janet found the answer to a question she'd long held.

'So that's why. She seemed so close to the Head Butler.'

So the Head Butler had been the one to introduce her to the librarian's position.

In any case, it was surprising.

That Mrs. Sinclair was the author of that famous etiquette guide.

Janet had also read Madam Betty's Basic Etiquette when she first became a handmaiden.

She'd thought it was a very helpful book—she never imagined the author was Mrs. Sinclair.

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