Herald of Spring: The Empire's New Year Ball
The Empire's New Year Festival announced the arrival of spring, held in early spring when flowers began to bloom. It coincided with the coming-of-age ceremony and ball, celebrating those who had endured the bitter cold of winter like delicate buds unfurling into full blossom—youths who had not yet fully grown into adulthood, now stepping forth as proper grown-ups in a splendid display.
As such, no noble heir in the Empire ever ignored the New Year Ball. Debutantes could make their societal entrance at the seasonal imperial tea parties hosted after turning seventeen, but with the Empress's position vacant, those events held little value. Noble heirs paid far more attention to the grand ball than to such understated debuts.
Thus, the annual New Year Ball became a massive gathering not just for newly minted adults but for nobles of all ages over twenty, a grand stage for reunions.
Those making their debut at the New Year Ball drew the most eyes and admiration, earning them titles like "Spring Flower Maiden" or "Gentleman Chosen by the Spring Flowers." Every year, one standout protagonist of the coming-of-age rite was selected amid the festivities, often a child of high nobility.
Among them, the highest-born lady among the noble maidens had come of age, yet never once attended a ball—a scorching hot topic on the lips of imperial nobles.
"Will she come this time?"
"His Majesty issued an imperial decree, didn't he?"
"What on earth is she doing in that harsh northern frontier?"
"I've heard rumors she's mad."
The Crown Prince's fiancée and daughter of Duke Carpoem: Abigail Carpoem. Though the imperial family had yet to officially acknowledge it, Duke Carpoem had already named her his successor. In the North, they not only recognized her as Little Duchess but revered her as a savior who drove out monsters and provided relief to the struggling territory's people.
But the rumors spreading in the South were far more vicious.
"They say she's a blood-crazed villainess."
"Even His Highness the Crown Prince is fed up with her cruelty."
"And yet she dares request a dissolution from the imperial family."
"She doesn't know her place."
The Southern nobles, having vented their disdain for the Duchess, circled back to their true curiosity.
"So, will she come?"
Would she honor the imperial decree and attend the ball? Or defy it and skip again?
The gathered nobles buzzed with bright-eyed anticipation.
That was when it happened.
"Lady Abigail Carpoem is entering."
The announcement from the entrance instantly seized everyone's attention. But no matter how long they waited, the person in question didn't appear.
As people began to murmur in confusion, a booming voice echoed from the entrance once more.
"Ah, Little Duchess Abigail Carpoem is entering!"
The nobles gasped in shock at the sight of the woman who finally appeared moments later.
Someone strode confidently into the opulent ballroom. Black hair like the night sky cascaded in curls over her shoulders. Her crimson eyes, gazing at the nobles within, gleamed like rubies.
But it wasn't just her beauty that captivated their stares.
Abigail Carpoem. The only daughter of the North's great duke, Adrian Carpoem. The highest-born woman in the Empire right now.
She had arrived at the most significant and grand event among the imperial balls... in uniform.
The nobles' eyes bulged in collective astonishment as they stared at Abigail.
She merely swept an indifferent glance over them and continued her poised stride.
* * *
"Lady Abigail Carpoem is entering."
"……."
I stared silently at the footman spouting nonsense. He flinched, sensing the murderous glint in my eyes.
Was this the Emperor's doing? Or the Crown Prince's? Whoever it was, it was ridiculous.
A scoff curled my lips, and the footman jolted before stammering again.
"Ah, Little Duchess Abigail Carpoem is entering!"
Hmph. About time.
I tore my gaze from the footman and glanced back.
"…Ren, you sure you're okay?"
"Yes."
I'd asked Ren one last time before entering. Imperial balls were nobles-only, so Ian couldn't come along. Still, I suspected that persistent guy was lurking somewhere, watching over me.
Ren's suspicious cloak color gave him away under questioning—he'd become a senior mage of the Magic Tower. Senior mages from the Tower had near-free access to imperial balls and social parties. Of course, the haughty Tower mages rarely bothered with imperial society, so sightings were rare.
I'd told Ren to stay at the capital mansion if he didn't want to come, but for some reason, he insisted on following me.
"Still, you…."
I recalled the original story's setup I'd momentarily forgotten. Magicus. The cursed clan. Appearing before so many people wouldn't be good for him.
Yet Ren wouldn't budge.
"I'm really fine, Lady Abigail."
"……."
Ren, whom I'd only recently permitted to call me by name, smiled like an angel.
I stared at his face for a moment. Well, if he insisted, I couldn't stop him.
Taking a short breath, I stepped slowly into the hall.
Brilliant light enveloped me. Massive chandeliers hung from the ceiling, illuminated by various lamps and adorned with flowers. The space was as lavish and vast as a ducal banquet hall, leaving me momentarily dazed.
Having spent so much time on the front lines, I wasn't used to this flashy upper-class spectacle anymore.
But I kept my composure and walked on steadily.
"……."
Ren followed quietly behind me.
I surveyed the vast ballroom. Fortunately, the dais was still empty. We'd made it just before the Emperor and Crown Prince arrived.
Good. That fulfills the imperial decree.
I sighed inwardly in relief.
"Abi!"
"Ah, Father."
Seeing the Duke in this unfamiliar place felt surprisingly heartwarming. He approached with a beaming smile.
"Finally, I get to see your face."
"Ahaha."
I scratched my head with an awkward laugh. I'd left the mansion before winter last year, so it had been ages since I'd seen him.
"Well, thanks to the imperial decree, at least I got to see you, Father."
"……."
His face visibly stiffened at my half-joking words. When he spoke, a faint killing intent laced his voice.
"I'll make the Emperor regret his insolence."
"Father."
Even for a duke, was it okay to say that here? I glanced around in panic.
Fortunately, he'd spoken softly—no other nobles seemed to have heard.
"Calm down. Don't get too worked up. Your health isn't great yet."
"…Hm."
I massaged his furrowed brow with my fingers. Even frowning, the handsome duke's face looked like a finely sculpted statue.
"…But who's that behind you?"
"Ah."
I glanced back at Ren, who stood blankly, and panicked. Amid the nobles in flashy attire, Ren's simple robe stood out starkly.
"Well, you see…."
I started to introduce Ren naturally to the Duke but hesitated.
Six years ago, right after possession, I'd forced Ren into the ducal house to save the Duke. The Duke had recoiled at the name Magicus like it was poison.
Remembering that made it hard to speak up. What now?
Cold sweat trickled down my back.
But Ren, seeing my plight, smiled casually and stepped forward.
"Greetings, Your Grace. I am Ren Magicus, senior mage of the Magic Tower."
"…Magicus?"
The Duke's thick brows twitched. The hall's atmosphere chilled instantly.
"Father, remember? The mage I invited to the Magic Festival before. When Benjamin came."
He spoke to me in a relatively kind tone, but his glare at Ren was ferocious.
And the piercing stares from those around us. Was prejudice against the Magicus clan this bad?
I glanced anxiously up at Ren beside me.
[It's fine.]
"…!"
His green eyes met mine, his voice echoing in my head. He was communicating via magic.
[It's something I have to face eventually. Thank you for worrying, Lady Abigail.]
"……."
I gave a subtle nod so no one would notice.
Then, facing the Duke, I spoke up.
"Lord Ren is Master Benjamin's sole disciple and an outstanding senior mage dispatched to the North. I made it here from Volta Base on time thanks to him."
I said it loudly enough for the surrounding nobles to hear.
A soft murmur rippled through the crowd.
Like it or not, Ren's status was untouchable. Disciple of the Tower Master. Silver-gray robe marking a senior mage. They might feel uneasy, but no one could openly insult him.
And with Little Duchess Carpoem at his side, no less. As I lifted my chin confidently, no one dared send us condemning looks.
"We'll continue this talk back at the mansion."
"…Yes."
The Duke whispered softly. Someone approached him then, striking up conversation. I stepped back and glanced at Ren.
When he was an apprentice, we could hide his presence. But not anymore.
Today, I'd resolved to fully accept him.
"Hey, Abi!"
"Henry?"
I widened my eyes at the sight of Henry after so long. He grinned boisterously and clapped my shoulder in greeting.
"Whoa, seeing you at a ball."
"Long time no see. But…."
And beside him, as always, was someone else.
"Greetings, Little Duchess Carpoem."
Camilla, in a deep purple gown, bowed to me.
"Long time no see, Miss Camilla."
I nodded, and she smiled in response.
I whispered to Henry, who wore a displeased expression.
"So, still haven't?"
"Huh? What?"
"Confessed."
"What?"
Henry parroted "what?" like a parrot, his face flushing red. I clicked my tongue inwardly and pressed on softly.
"How long are you gonna drag this out? You're both adults now."
"H-Haha. What are you even…."
"If some other lordling swoops in, don't blame me."
"Wh-What?"
Henry and Camilla, childhood bickering partners, had been giving off strange vibes lately—obvious even to me, who only occasionally hung out with them. Henry seemed more serious about it, but as heirs to their count families, deepening ties wasn't easy. And with Henry denying his obvious crush, well.
I shook my head and turned toward Camilla when—
"Lady Abigail!"
A clear voice rang through the hall. I turned with a puzzled look.