Chapter 30
30
I went to the demon butler, Elluaerd, and asked about social etiquette and aristocratic speech.
Elluaerd, wearing his monocle, replied in his uniquely gentle tone.
"There's nothing difficult about it. Everyone will only speak to you with polite respect, Monarch. If you empty your head and listen, you won't be hurt. They'll treat you comfortably and wait for you to make a mistake."
What is this? Just thinking about it makes my head want to explode? So, it's a gathering of masters of indirect speech.
"Monarch, you must read this to adapt to high society. Only then can you become a politician in the ruling party later. Leave the behind-the-scenes support to me."
Elluaerd handed me an incredibly thick book that could be used as a weapon.
[A Power Model of Elitism in the El Haz Era Populist System]
"In simple terms, it refers to a cabinet system in which a minority elected by the masses leads politics and restricts the power of the Monarch. Even if differences remain in the ideologies of individuals at the top, such as nobles, political figures, and figures in the financial world, they outwardly act as if they care about the commoner. In a word, it's hypocrisy."
What's easy about that? I don't understand a thing.
I have no intention of entering politics through aggressive social activities!
"I wasn't expecting this kind of content. It's too difficult; I want to get off this train."
"You still have to see it. Doesn't the thought of swallowing this country excite you? I can make you the master of a superpower, Monarch. You'll hold the world's hegemony in your hands. Just sign this contract in exchange for your soul..."
Before I knew it, a pen was in my hand, and a contract was prepared before my eyes. Sitting across from me, he traced the back of my hand lightly with his finger and said,
"Monarch, this is an exclusive contract. A rare opportunity to have me as long as you live. I can do anything for you. You can do whatever you want with me."
Huh. He said I can do whatever I want? Does he know what I'm capable of?
I was almost seduced by the demon's sensual coquetry and signed without asking any questions. There's a reason why demons are so good at seducing humans!
With that face that could ruin a nation, how many humans wouldn't fall for him telling them to do whatever they want?
I imagined a gently flowing river and chirping birds to chase away the insidious demon and regain my composure.
Finally regaining my river-like peace, I slammed the pen down and shook my head firmly.
"I'm not signing the contract. I don't have such impure and seductive—no, grand purposes. I'm just trying to go to a ball once, okay? I was just asking in case I made a mistake."
That mischievous demon! Trying to do business here! I prefer small joys; I have no intention of conquering the world!
Elluaerd gave me a beautiful eye smile at my resolute face.
"If you keep me by your side, you don't have to worry about anything. You'll take me as your partner, right?"
"I have circumstances. I've already decided to go with Dante."
"Why."
Look at him, speaking informally again.
But seeing his expression, so disappointed and forlorn, my heart weakened endlessly.
He must have the facial expression skills to manipulate people's hearts.
"So, what happened was..."
Since he's also a butler, it wouldn't hurt to tell him the situation. I briefly told him what had happened.
"...Anyway, that's why we're trying to look like we're engaged."
As soon as I finished speaking, Elluaerd, who had been listening with his chin resting on his hand, lifted his head haughtily.
"Then it doesn't matter who you pretend to be engaged to, does it? It's just a reason to refuse the marriage."
Beneath his soft platinum blonde hair, his red eyes curved gracefully.
What?
I wouldn't understand what that meant until the day of the ball.
Ball D-5.
"It's just a quick trip to the ball; do you need training?"
While we were all gathered for dinner, Ezekiel asked back at my words that crash course training was needed to prepare for the ball.
Born into the Windster family, which has produced excellent Ability User for generations, Ezekiel, a noble from birth, had a face that said he didn't understand at all.
I stirred the vegetable soup and said,
"You were born and raised as a noble, so you naturally have elegance ingrained in you. You don't understand my heart."
"It's really nothing. They're just people like you, and so are we."
They're completely different people from me, starting with the fact that they came to work at the mansion as a hobby.
Then Killian, sitting across from me, looked at me.
"Master. There are so many nobles in the Empire that gather, so there's no need to worry too much about standing out."
"I'll make sure no one talks to you, so you can eat comfortably."
"Monarch, you just have to trust me. I'll take care of it."
Even Dante and Elluaerd were dismissing my worries as nothing. Dante, in particular, seemed to think I was worried that I wouldn't be able to eat as much as I wanted.
I'm the only commoner, so no one empathizes with me, and I feel so alienated and sad.
I showed my disappointment and slammed the table.
"It's going to be my first and last ball, and I don't want to be ignored, okay? I want to understand the high-level jokes that nobles exchange and laugh along with them, okay? I don't want to be serious when everyone else is laughing and then laugh belatedly, making the atmosphere awkward."
At my words, which were like a desperate cry, the dinner table became quiet for a moment.
Ezekiel nodded, cutting the chicken.
"I see, I understand."
"I didn't realize Master's feelings. I'm sorry. I'll accompany you as an attendant and make sure you're never ignored."
Killian, still in his armor, jumped up from his seat and braced himself.
Dante also wiggled the hand holding the fork and muttered,
"I don't think there will be anyone like that. I understand for now."
"If there's even one person who ignores you, I'll spread the Black Death in the capital."
Finally, Elluaerd's devilish comfort.
Hmph, they should have recognized my sadness sooner.
"I'll do my best to help, so don't worry."
Dante, who was comforting me as I kept pouting, gave me a faint smile.
They didn't just recognize my sadness.
They went beyond recognizing it; it was too much.
"Monarch. I've made a schedule for the ball preparations. We don't have much time."
Elluaerd, who came to my room early in the morning, handed me a notebook. The tiny letters were densely packed without any gaps.
10:30~12:30 - Special lecture on understanding the latest social trends and common sense, and ball etiquette
13:30~15:00 – Basic physical strength and flexibility training, self-defense and shooting training
15:00~18:00 - 6 out of 12 types of ballroom dances
19:00~21:00 - Analysis and understanding of high-level jokes from upper-class intellectuals and politicians
21:00~23:00 - The remaining 6 out of 12 types of ballroom dances
It almost looked like a schedule when you failed to sign up for classes.
I narrowed my eyes and looked at the notebook closely, then moved it away again, wondering what I had just seen.
I have to digest this murderous schedule by next week? Every day?
Are they trying to train me as a special agent and give me the mission to assassinate key figures at the ball?
I looked at Elluaerd with pitiful eyes.
"I don't think I can handle this schedule. I'll get indigestion."
"You can do it, Monarch. I'll educate you with all my heart and soul so you won't be ignored."
"Why do I need physical training, self-defense, and shooting training for a ball?"
At my faint question, Elluaerd crossed his arms with a serious face, as if he were about to tell a very important story.
"Balls last from 8 PM to 5 AM. During that time, you dance 24 types of dances, but since you're a beginner, Monarch, we've reduced it to 12 types. To endure the social hierarchy on top of that, you naturally need to be strong mentally and physically, right? Self-defense and shooting are to prepare for any dangerous situations. Although that won't happen."
It's like a club where young people gather and play until morning. The young people of this era must have the same stamina and vigor.
Should I not go to the ball? Should I just say I won't be hurt even if I'm ignored? The thought of spending such a harsh time made my eyes dizzy.
"I'm going to buy a dress and shoes to wear to the ball today."
I tried to secure an escape route and run away quickly, but Elluaerd didn't seem to want to let me off the hook at all.
"We'll take care of that, so don't worry."
"I want to see it with my own eyes and choose it myself."
"Yes, you can choose it before the ball, but education and training come first now."
I tried to escape by making dozens of excuses, such as being tired and feeling sick, but it didn't work at all on a demon with zero ability to empathize with humans.
"It's no use running away, Monarch."
He gave a twisted smile like a possessive man who had caught a runaway heroine. I have a feeling something big is about to happen.
(@Crescent Moon No Sharing)
I Hired a Blackened Villain as a Housekeeper
