Chapter 65
Chapter 65
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 65
Chapter Title: The Ballroom is a Battlefield (1)
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The soiree—better known as the ballroom—could be called a battlefield without guns or swords for the nobility.
On the surface, it looks like a place of utmost peace and elegance, where people dance gracefully, chat idly, and enjoy delicious food.
In reality, it's a desperate scramble for young noble men and women without betrothed partners to find someone from a family on their level—or better.
Married nobles pretend to inquire after each other's well-being while probing for weaknesses in their rival factions to gain the upper hand.
Banquets hosted directly by His Imperial Majesty often end with some unlucky baron's or viscount's family wiped off the map.
Other nobles must invite members of opposing factions to dance, waltz with them, and afterward shower them with insincere praise for their dancing skills.
Even if you praise them to the hilt without crossing any lines, you might wake up the next day to find yourself trash-talked in ways you never imagined.
The silver lining is that His Highness the Crown Prince and Count Venner have drawn a clear line for me of where not to cross.
"Lieutenant, thank you so much. Take good care of me today as well."
"Not at all, sir, as long as you're fine with it. Just focus on not showing interest in any other women, as Father instructed."
"Understood."
Somehow, I managed to make this mildly embarrassing request to Laura—my adjutant, a noble lady, and a ballroom novice—without it feeling too awkward, but inside, I was mortified.
After all, having a partner at these events implies something more than friends but less than lovers.
Moreover, Laura had dressed even more glamorously and done her makeup more elaborately than on our last date for the ball, and she was stunningly beautiful.
Honestly, it was hard to look her straight in the face; she was that dazzling.
But I was too flustered in front of such a beautiful girl to compliment her on how well it suited her.
Any woman would want to catch men's eyes after dolling herself up.
There's even a Chinese proverb that says a woman puts on makeup for the man she loves—doesn't that mean she craves hearing how cute or beautiful she looks from someone she likes?
She was thrilled when I called her pretty while getting her dress fitted.
"A bit late, but Laura... it suits you perfectly. You're always pretty, but especially today."
I could strut around with all sorts of bravado in front of His Highness or other high-ranking officials during political talks, but complimenting the woman right in front of me was this hard?
Laura's face flushed red as an apple at my words, but she looked pleased—positively beaming, in fact.
If I hadn't said it, she might've let it slide, but Count Venner would've summoned me anyway.
And the story would've reached him like this:
Laura would complain lightly to her nanny, who'd tell Count Venner, "Lieutenant Colonel Jaeger didn't compliment the young lady despite all her effort, and she was so disappointed."
Then the next day, I'd get buried in a pile of mysterious paperwork forcing overtime, and just as I finished, I'd be called to Count Venner for a scolding.
"Lord Jaeger, Lady Laura. We've arrived at the Hall of Peace in the Second Palace."
At those words, I descended from the carriage first—just as I'd learned in etiquette class at the Academy, if clumsily—and opened the door, offering my hand.
Was it just my imagination, or did the tips of Laura's fingers tremble slightly as she took it?
Once she was down, we joined the line to enter the banquet hall.
"This time, I really need to meet someone decent. At this rate, I'll make captain single."
"Cheer up, Warrant Officer. By His Majesty's special order, even daughters of low knightly houses are invited tonight. Your family's prestigious enough."
"Damn it, you guys try staying single till my age."
Come to think of it, without Laura, I'd be stuck with some partner assigned by Count Venner or His Highness.
Hearing those guys' chatter would've made me realize my own loneliness and feel down.
But now, it didn't bother me at all.
Laura was my partner for the ball, but we weren't officially dating or married yet.
I doubt she'd hate it, but if I pushed too hard, it'd burden her.
"Feels nostalgic. Just two years ago, as a mere commoner student squad leader, I could've never dreamed of attending one of these. Now here I am, invited properly."
"I see. When I first met you, Lieutenant Colonel, you were already an outstanding commander and noble, so I often forget you had such a past."
"My orphanage days and commoner life aren't fond memories. And for my adjutant, Lieutenant, to see me that way means I'm acting the proper noble, right? That's good."
When I learned I was an orphan after reincarnating here, it threw me for a loop.
Now, I don't want to dwell on that shabby past; I just look forward, striving to be a commander recognized by all.
More precisely, to join the ranks of the legendary generals whose names echo through history.
"Halt, please stop! We'll verify your identities."
Snapping out of my reverie, Laura and I presented the hilts of our swords, symbols of our status.
Proving identity with sword hilts is odd, but they're engraved with our family crests and rough social standing via magic.
"Verified. Lieutenant Laura von Venner, Baron Peter Jaeger. Proceed inside."
**
A spectacle straight out of a fantasy world unfolded before us.
Dazzling lights, black-and-white marble checkered floors, elegantly designed tables, and a buffet setup letting you help yourself anytime.
Lost in the opulence, gaping around—
"Even under His Majesty Ferdinand, our nobles' influence was weak."
"The upcoming imperial election in a few years will be a sight. Last time, 70% of titled nobles voted for His Majesty, right?"
"Conversely, if we pull that Jaeger fellow to our side, His Highness's momentum stalls, no? My son at the Staff College said..."
Sure enough, middle-aged nobles were wheeling and dealing to maintain power through their favored imperial prince.
And fools thinking recruiting just me would solve everything, as Count Venner and His Highness predicted...
Lost in thought, a man in gold-threaded finery approached.
"Ah, you must be Lieutenant Colonel Jaeger? Pleased to meet you. Viscount Georg von Trieste."
"An honor, Viscount."
"Nonsense—I'm thrilled to meet the Staff College's youngest professor. My son said your class was profoundly impressive. Care to discuss it briefly?"
Third Prince supporter—gotta shut him down, but can't outright refuse a viscount.
His lack of mentioning any administrative post or rank suggests he retired early without much promotion.
"Is that so? Which part impressed him?"
"Your first battle against the Bisochian army, routing a knight detachment with infantry. Sure, ten times the numbers, but still tough to pull off. If you're willing, share it with those fellows over there."
He pointed to middle-aged nobles sipping wine in refined conversation. Dragged there, it'd start with battle tales and my advice, then recruitment attempts.
"I'll gratefully accept your kind offer in spirit, Viscount. My partner's waiting over there."
"Ah, I see. Swing by Trieste Manor anytime you're inclined."
"Certainly."
Ending talks without overt exchanges like this is key.
Most male officers my age, even in high noble houses, fret over scraping into their faction's lower ranks.
This is better.
Next, young ladies in low-cut glamorous gowns approached me.
"Are you Lieutenant Colonel Jaeger?"
"I heard about your exploits on the Rhineland Front and against Chekovia. Could you tell us about them?"
"You're so manly and handsome!"
The ladies subtly accentuated their figures in those dresses as they closed in, crumpling the faces of nearby young men.
No wonder—even I'd be annoyed hearing women fawn over some guy near me like he's an idol, gushing about his coolness and respect.
Hell, I've trash-talked with my company commanders over drinks: "Third Company Captain's wife-bragging is out of hand if he gets the chance."
"Handsome face for no reason, and those medals..."
"Just looking pisses me off... Hope a fireball blows him up."
The guys were jealous of the ladies' blatant romantic interest, but I found it uncomfortable.
Politics aside, it's obvious they're latching on because I'm a mark.
Pondering how to refuse, Laura approached, pulled my arm toward her side until it brushed lightly, and said,
"The Lieutenant Colonel came with me. So he won't have time to chat with you ladies. If it's something crucial, contact us later."
For a split second, I felt killing intent from Laura like on the battlefield.
The ladies—who'd never seen combat—paled in terror, legs trembling.
Part of me wanted to intervene out of basic humanity, but that'd spark misunderstandings of interest, so I stayed put.
Clinging too much to someone with a partner is rude anyway, so the ladies scurried off.
"Lieutenant Laura? You're scaring the ladies."
Laura immediately bowed politely and spoke softly.
"My apologies, ladies. I'm here at my first ball with the Lieutenant Colonel, so I got carried away in my excitement. Please forgive me."
Seeing that, I thought:
No bold lady will hit on me carelessly here anymore.
As I caught my breath, a man exuding a whole different aura from those mediocrities approached, excusing himself to Laura.
"Count Heinz Weber, serving His Highness the Fifth Prince. His Highness wishes to hear your tales of valor personally. Make time soon."
..... Damn it, asshole.