Chapter 57
Chapter 57
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 57
Chapter Title: Masked Ball (4)
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After a grueling three-hour carriage journey from the Blackwood estate, we finally managed to enter the imperial capital.
Having spent so long sitting in that rattling carriage, my body felt stiff and sore as I stood up. With Ethan's help, I slowly stepped down from the carriage.
The moment I could finally stretch out in a proper space, a satisfied groan escaped my lips naturally.
"Ugh...!"
Luminor Academy's medieval fantasy setting really hits home at times like this.
No matter how luxurious the carriage of a duke's son was, it couldn't match the suspension of a car from my past life.
And since the roads weren't paved with asphalt, they were bumpy all over the place.
Considering that this route from the Blackwood territory to the imperial capital was relatively well-maintained, the unpaved mountain paths or dirt roads must be even more exhausting.
Just imagining it made me feel drained, and my face naturally scrunched up a bit.
"Lilith, are you tired? Want to rest a bit before we go in?"
"...No, I'm fine. If I can't handle a carriage ride like this, who would ever mistake me for a noble lady, Ed?"
"...R-Right."
Of course, part of me wanted to take a break after the long trip, but I pushed through.
My performance had essentially begun the moment we entered the capital.
Since I'd taken on the role, I had to commit to it fully.
Just like how I'd thoroughly played the part of Lilith Rosewood, maid of the Blackwood family, for the past three and a half years.
...And personally, I was more eager to get inside the palace and spot some original characters from the story than to rest.
"Have you ever visited the capital before, Ed?"
"...I've been here, but nothing memorable sticks out. It was probably way before I met you, Lilith."
I figured the son of the Blackwood duke would have visited at least once, but it seemed the time he spent bedridden from the Erosion Curse had erased those memories.
The imperial palace of the Argentia Empire was infamous among players for its labyrinthine layout.
One wrong turn, and nobles or not, you'd get lost and become a laughingstock.
...No helping it. I'd have to rely on my past life's knowledge here.
"The gatekeeper said there's a servant stationed in the central hall, so we can head there first and get directions to the ballroom..."
"...This way, Ed."
"Lilith...?"
"The ballroom is after turning right from the west entrance, then up the stairs to the third floor. Right at the top of the stairs, there's a fork in three directions: left is Morning Trumpet Flower, center is Noon Sunflower, and right is Evening Rose. We're heading to the Evening Rose Hall, so..."
"...Lilith, can I ask something that's been bothering me?"
"Sure?"
"As far as I know, you're from commoner stock. So how do you know the palace layout so well?"
"......"
Ah, damn it.
I should've just quietly followed his lead. Why did I have to butt in like that?
Spouting off excitedly when I knew something—it was an incurable habit from my past life. Or maybe a human trait in general.
...Nothing for it but to bluff my way through with some excuse.
"I looked it up in advance. Since we're attending an imperial event, I figured gathering info beforehand was smart."
"...I thought the palace layout was classified, not even detailed for nobles."
"......"
"Lilith. Just to be sure, have you ever visited the palace before...?"
"...Yes, my mistake, Ed. You're right—better to get a servant's guidance from the central hall. Way more reliable than following my sketchy directions and wandering around."
"N-No! I didn't mean I don't trust you! It was just a little curiosity..."
"Let's head to the central hall with the palace servants you can trust, Ed. Much better than getting lost on my untested guidance and embarrassing ourselves."
"No, really! Let's go the right stairs! I trust you, Lilith...!"
After fumbling through that exchange, we finally reached the Evening Rose Hall. Masked servants waited at the door to guide guests.
A masked butler spoke in a slightly surprised tone as Ethan and I approached the venue as if it were natural.
"You're not new here, I see."
"...What makes you say that?"
"The Evening Rose Hall has never been open to outsiders before. You're the first guests to find it directly without estate staff."
"......"
I could feel Ethan's gaze burning through his mask, making my mouth go dry again.
Should've kept my mouth shut... Am I really an idiot?
Why did I volunteer to guide so confidently? What good does standing out do?
...Well, what's done is done. Time to focus on playing Ethan's fiancée.
I could smooth over the palace knowledge later. For now, stick to the role.
Especially now, brazening it out would make it harder for him to question later.
"Why are you staring like that, Ed? Not going in?"
"...S-Sorry. Let's go."
Ethan, flustered by my boldness, hurried inside.
It was only natural for him to react that way.
Now that we'd reached the masked ball venue—a scene he'd already witnessed—if my noble lady act got exposed, he'd be the one in trouble, not me.
With that in mind, as I entered the Evening Rose Hall arm-in-arm with the Blackwood heir, dazzling lights and soft music filled my eyes and ears.
Early guests already milling about came into view one by one.
'Seraphin hasn't joined yet?'
Someone with her standout looks would draw every eye if she were wandering the hall.
Of course, like the other nobles, she'd wear an ornate mask covering her eyes. But her features weren't something a small mask could hide.
At least, that's how it felt in-game.
Though seeing her in person might prove otherwise.
'No other major characters in sight right now...'
I expected figures like the "Verdant Sage Orion" or "Infernal Agnes" to attend.
They might just be out of view, enjoying the event elsewhere.
As the Third Princess's birthday celebration, it drew huge crowds. Expecting key players to pop into sight immediately was greedy.
A few suspected side characters from Luminor Academy passed by—like that brown bob-haired noble lady just now.
Of course, I wasn't passionate enough to memorize every side character's name, so I just let it slide.
"Amazed, Lilith?"
"Pardon?"
"You were looking around so intently."
"Ah..."
"You seemed so familiar with the Evening Rose Hall earlier, so I wondered. Guess the palace itself is new to you too, huh?"
"...Of course, Ed."
...It wasn't a lie.
This was my first time seeing it with my own eyes, not through a screen.
Though I'd passed through it five or six times per main story playthrough in-game, so the layout was burned into my brain.
Scanning for main characters got mistaken for awe at a first-time palace visit. But letting the misunderstanding stand was actually better.
Far preferable to him suspecting prior visits.
As I thought I'd smoothed over my earlier slip with a natural reply, Ethan asked about my condition again.
"Isn't the dress uncomfortable? Or the shoes feel off?"
"I'd be lying if I said it wasn't, but I won't slack on my role as your fiancée, so don't worry."
"...C-Could you say that one more time?"
"The part about enduring the discomfort?"
"...A bit further."
"I won't slack on my role as your fiancée. ...This part?"
"...Yeah, that's it. Thanks, Lilith."
I couldn't fathom why he insisted on hearing that again.
Did he distrust me that much? Needing to confirm two or three times?
Well, I could understand his anxiety.
From his perspective, bringing his maid as a partner was a huge gamble.
As I'd said before, escorting a commoner maid to an imperial event was perfect fodder for misunderstandings.
Even if he'd cleared it with the princess beforehand, other nobles wouldn't just accept it.
If it sparked political vulnerabilities or vicious rumors, even the Blackwood family couldn't quash them easily.
...Thinking about it, I still couldn't grasp why he'd brought me specifically.
For an act, partnering with a lesser-known branch family lady would've been safer.
...Maybe there was no special reason.
Perhaps his original partner bailed for some reason, and I was a last-minute sub.
The plan to enter with a partner and avoid a fuss could've been anyone.
I just happened to be his closest personal maid.
Isabel or Katarina in my place would've done the same job.
...No, Katarina probably wouldn't.
She was too timid for acting.
One tap on the shoulder from a passing noble, and she'd blurt out "Young Master" or something, blowing her cover.
-Tap.
"Eek?!"
...Exactly like this.
In the hall, my shoulder brushed against the hand of an oncoming sky-blue-haired lady who wasn't watching where she was going.
Her cocktail glass tilted, spilling some outward.
"Ah..."
"......"
Her gloved hand and the shoulder of my dress both soaked from the spill.
...This dress probably costs more than a mid-level maid's annual salary. Hope they don't make me pay for it later.
That could wait. First, defuse the situation at hand.
Causing a scene would just draw unwanted attention, so smooth it over gently.
Honestly, her glove was barely wet compared to my dress, and she was the one not watching her drink hand.
Not wanting trouble, I bowed my head first and apologized.
I figured mutual apologies would let us move on without fuss. That's what I thought, at least.
"Sorry, miss. I was looking away and didn't notice you coming..."
...Maybe I'd underestimated what "nobles" mean in this medieval fantasy world.
Assuming an apology—even if unwarranted—would defuse things was naive modern thinking.
"Kyaaah!"
"......"
"Y-You were the one daydreaming and ruined my glove! How do you plan to make this right?! Huh?!"
...This bitch?