Chapter 48
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 48
Chapter Title: Duke Parkro's Welcome Party
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48.
That evening, when Winzers visited Duke Parkro's castle.
A welcome party was held at Duke Parkro's castle.
They had originally come to celebrate Duke Parkro's birthday, but Winzers was the crown prince.
From Duke Parkro's family's perspective, hosting a welcome party was only natural.
And with the other nobles visiting Duke Parkro's castle also joining the party, its scale was bound to be grand.
"The royals really are something else."
Eirana muttered as she gazed out her room's window at the servants bustling about.
They were currently busy with the party preparations.
Wherever nobility went, they pulled out all the stops to lavish the royals with hospitality.
True to their position at the pinnacle of the power pyramid, the treatment they received was unparalleled.
"That's nobles for you. Though in Duke Parkro's case, he particularly despises extravagance."
The premier noble house, yet Duke Parkro loathed wastefulness.
If there was money to spare, he preferred channeling it into improving his territory's people's lives.
"I heard he planned to keep this sixtieth birthday celebration modest too. But the locals petitioned for something grand."
A lord who showered affection on his people.
People who trusted and adored such a lord in return.
"Sounds like a fairy tale lord."
Leria smiled faintly and nodded at those words.
"By the way."
Leria sat on the bed in the room, her face tinged with regret as she muttered. She picked up an object from the bed and turned to Eirana.
"You're really not going to the party?"
What she held was none other than a beautiful party dress.
Leria wore a regretful expression as she eyed the dress, which seemed perfectly sized for Eirana.
"I don't like that kind of thing."
"Eirana, you're so pretty—it'd look perfect on you. Want to at least try it on?"
She hated the idea of going to the party, but wearing something like that was even worse.
Eirana shook her head firmly. Leria's shoulders slumped in disappointment.
For some reason, the sight stirred a pang of guilt in Eirana.
'Why is she so keen on dressing me up in pretty clothes?'
Of course, it was because it would suit her, but Eirana found the suggestion unwelcome.
'Come to think of it, Mom used to drag me into forced doll dress-up all the time.'
Maybe it stemmed from a rebellion born back then.
Were sisters truly alike?
There was something oddly similar about them.
The issue was their approach.
If Leria sulked and looked disappointed when refused, Erannis...
'Put it on.'
She'd grin brightly, grab you by the collar, and force it.
As Eirana shook her head recalling their polar-opposite personalities, Leria busied herself tidying the clothes.
Watching her sullenly slumped shoulders and silent organization, Eirana felt her inexplicable guilt swell.
Finally, unable to bear it, Eirana spoke up.
"I'm going for a short walk."
With that, she left the room.
The moment Eirana stepped out, Leria reverted to her usual bright, cheerful expression.
She tilted her head and asked Silver Fang.
"Does Eirana normally hate wearing skirts?"
- No idea, but whenever Erannis showed up and swapped her clothes, she hated it. Apparently, Erannis forced her into them when she was little.
"Oh."
Leria looked regretful.
Black Fang eyed her curiously.
- You seemed pretty disappointed a second ago?
There was no trace of it now.
"Ah, that?"
Leria smiled radiantly and continued.
"Eventually, guilt will make her try it on once, right?"
- You're sneakily tenacious.
Silver Fang shook his head, but Leria just cheekily stuck out her tongue a little.
Eirana grimaced as she fled Leria's room like she was escaping.
It wasn't displeasure.
The reason was simple: it felt burdensome.
Every time party talk arose, Leria shot expectant glances. Lately, she'd even started urging Eirana to wear the dress.
Eirana would have ignored anyone else without a second thought, but Leria's non-coercive, subtly sad expressions weighed on her.
Leria's strategy was steadily taking hold, though Eirana remained oblivious.
She shook her head lightly, brushing off thoughts of Leria and the dress, then strolled down the deserted corridor.
With everyone fixated on the party, running into people was rare.
As she walked to clear her mood, the music drifting from the party hall grew louder in her ears.
She noticed and turned to leave, not thinking much of it.
"Hold on there."
A voice called out to stop her.
Eirana furrowed her brow slightly and turned. Someone approached from down the corridor.
Familiar silvery-gray hair. But an unfamiliar face.
It was Second Prince Cloberro.
Dressed in flashy party attire, he approached Eirana with a smile playing on his lips.
"You're Lea's home tutor, right?"
Eirana replied with mild apathy to the man whose eyes gleamed.
"Yes."
"Hmm."
He stroked his chin, looking her up and down like he was appraising merchandise.
Irritation flared in Eirana at the blatant intent in his gaze.
'Should I deck him?'
As she pondered inwardly, Cloberro spoke.
"Indeed, a beauty matching the rumors."
He nodded and stepped closer to Eirana.
"Lea's a real tomboy—must be tough. Want me to arrange something else for you?"
His insinuating smile made Eirana nod inwardly.
'Perfect. Punch time.'
No hesitation needed.
Eirana had seen his type plenty in her past life.
Someone who trampled others relying on status and power.
Trash, pure and simple.
Oblivious to the impending crisis, Cloberro drew nearer.
The moment Eirana clenched her fist to swing...
"Lord Cloberro?"
Startled, Eirana whipped around.
Cloberro looked flustered too.
"What are you doing here?"
A black-haired woman asked in a soft voice.
Eirana knew her well.
The daughter of a massive merchant house, known as Cloberro's lover.
"Ahem. The party hall was too crowded, so I stepped out for some air. Heading there now?"
"Yes. See you at the party shortly."
She nodded at Cloberro's question.
He hesitated, shot Eirana a regretful glance, then departed.
Eirana narrowed her eyes watching him go.
'What gives? Not just lovers?'
Cloberro screamed playboy at first glance.
His actions alone revealed a man who'd stoop to base deeds with power and rank.
Yet he'd yielded noticeably to the merchant's daughter.
After Cloberro left, as Eirana turned to go...
"Miss Eirana, right?"
The woman addressed her.
Eirana turned her gaze to the woman.
Her dress of black and red fabric was simply designed yet suited her well.
She had a soft overall impression.
"And?"
In response to Eirana's reply, she slightly lifted her dress hem.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Chelia."
After introducing herself, Chelia tilted her head.
"I've got a question—busy?"
Eirana looked puzzled at the woman whose eyes sparkled.
"No, why?"
"I wanted to chat with you sometime."
Eirana furrowed her brow at Chelia's plain smile.
"Why me?"
"You're famous."
Chelia leaned in close, her black eyes twinkling.
As Eirana opened her mouth to reply...
"Eirana?"
Someone called her.
She turned to see Ross there.
"What're you doing over there?"
Ross approached Eirana, glancing at Chelia with puzzlement.
"Too bad."
She clicked her tongue softly and stepped back.
"See you next time, Miss Eirana."
With a nod to Ross, she left.
Ross asked.
"What was that about?"
"Just taking a stroll."
Eirana grimaced as she answered.
"Why?"
"That woman's no ordinary lady."
"What?"
"The second prince seemed pretty wary of her."
Merchant lord's daughter or not, she was common-born.
No reason for the arrogant Cloberro to tread carefully.
Ross stroked his chin at Eirana's words.
"Something's afoot, then..."
He muttered with interest.
Eirana continued to Ross.
"And."
"And?"
"...Nothing."
Ross looked puzzled at her headshake but let it go.
'Didn't notice her at all until she was right behind me.'
She hadn't been on guard, but getting flanked still grated.
For Eirana, who'd once lost her life to an ambush, someone sneaking up was especially loathsome.
Thus, she couldn't help the inexplicable chill from Chelia's undetected approach.
After parting from Eirana, Chelia skipped the party hall and headed straight to her room.
As she changed into her party dress alone...
"What? Didn't you say you were going to the party? Back already?"
A puzzled male voice rang out.
A man lounged brazenly on the sofa in her room, but Chelia ignored him and kept changing.
"No reason to go anymore."
"Why?"
"Ran into her on the way."
The man’s eyes lit up at Chelia's sly smile.
"How was she?"
"Pretty one. I get why you're so interested now."
Fully changed, Chelia added.
"And she gives off that vibe—like she was raised overflowing with love."
Recalling Eirana, Chelia smiled softly.
"So, how exactly am I like her? Kerthic."