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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 36
Chapter Title: The Imperial Ball
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The day of the ball arrived before I knew it.
Since it was an occasion that every noble in the land was required to attend, even the Marquis was busy with preparations today.
I, too, was preoccupied with getting ready for the first time in a while. It wasn’t because I was going to the Imperial Palace, but because it was a celebration for Darcy that I wanted to be perfectly prepared.
I elegantly swept up my wavy hair, decorating it with pins. Since I usually just let it hang down carelessly at home, it felt awkward to have my neck exposed.
Around my neck, I wore a pearl necklace that contrasted with my dark hair. The dress was a yellowish beige.
I liked the silhouette that flared out softly at the bottom. The maids worried that I should wear something more glamorous, but I wondered why I should bother when I wasn't the star of the show.
Besides, I liked the way I looked right now.
It was definitely different from the flashy trends of high society, but I didn't mind.
Because my attire was perfectly respectful for Darcy's sake!
I even prepared a gift to commemorate today's celebration. The gift was a large box filled to the brim with magic stones.
Even though we were no longer bound by a contract, magic stones were a good material for him to use.
He could create something new, or perhaps use them for his inventions.
And there was another reason for giving him this. Though I, Marso, had become acquainted and conversed with people, I had rarely gifted them magic stones.
Magic stones were my most cherished possession and also a symbol of the Marquisate.
To people who could turn their backs on me at any moment, I would give other expensive gifts, but I was reluctant to give magic stones.
Even though I knew it was the easiest way to maintain a good relationship with them, I didn't do it.
Because I wanted relationships born from genuine human affection, not material favor.
Because I thought that was what I had to do to change Marso Etoile's reputation.
For someone like me to gift magic stones held two meanings.
First, people would realize how much I cherished Darcy. People who supported the new prince would naturally see us as allies.
We weren't in a romantic relationship, but I had no intention of standing on the opposite side either. Especially if Ryan was on the other side.
Whether he wanted to ascend to the position of Crown Prince or seek revenge, I still didn't know Darcy's true intentions, but whatever they were, I would follow him.
To that end, it was best to make it clear that I was on Darcy's side. So that the Marquis wouldn't have a change of heart and back out later.
Second, they would start to hope that they too might receive magic stones as a gift someday.
Seeing me do something I hadn't done before, they might think they should get closer to me.
It might be a superficial relationship… but as long as people didn't treat me carelessly, that was enough.
“Are you ready?”
Marquis Etoile arrived after I had instructed a maid to move the gift box to the back of the carriage.
The Marquis, dressed up for the first time in a while, was as blunt as ever. However, the way his gaze lingered on me was a little different from usual.
The last time we faced each other like this was… let's see, when he told me to face Ryan and eat with him.
Does he feel guilty for forcing me to do something I hated? No, that can't be it.
Before the Marquis could speak, I spoke first.
“Yes, shall we go?”
A relationship where we had nothing to lean on, nothing to expect from each other.
The Marquis, who seemed about to say something, simply nodded at my words.
We headed to the carriage in silence. I imagined, watching his back.
If the Marquis had cherished Marso even a little more, would my situation be different now?
Making futile assumptions, I followed him into the carriage.
It's a useless thought. A relationship that hadn't changed until now was unlikely to suddenly improve.
But a thought did cross my mind.
That man will live his whole life without ever knowing his daughter has become a completely different person.
I wondered if that wasn't the burden he had to bear for being so emotionally distant with his daughter.
***
As we neared the Imperial Palace, the number of carriages heading in the same direction increased. The long line of carriages looked like a highway suffering from a traffic jam.
“…The imperial family must be a big deal.”
Seeing all these people coming to meet Darcy.
Of course, I know that such a public event isn't held with good intentions.
It's more likely intended for ridicule. The tight schedule, which wouldn't have allowed for proper preparations, was proof of that.
Moreover, he's a prince who appeared out of nowhere. Even a fool would know he wasn't of legitimate birth.
Everyone will be chattering about his birth.
But that's something they can only do behind his back.
I knew better than anyone how charming a confident Darcy was.
He would surely captivate even those who were hostile to him.
‘It's been a while.’
Did he think properly about what I said? Or does he still need more time?
Lost in thought, I finally stepped out of the carriage. I could feel the gazes of the nobles who disembarked one after another landing on me.
They all had surprised faces.
Because it had been a long time since I'd appeared at such an event.
I pictured Darcy's face. What would you have done in this situation? The thought was shorter than expected, and my actions flowed as naturally as water.
I put on a gentle smile.
“It's been a while.”
My unwavering voice pleased even me. After accepting the greetings from people one by one, I stepped inside.
As I passed the end of the hall, I glanced back and saw Reshuan getting out of a carriage that had just arrived.
Reshuan, with a bright smile on her lips, was as pretty as ever.
However….
‘She seems thinner than before.’
She was smiling, but was it just my imagination that she had a more sorrowful air about her than before?
No.
This is just a fantasy born from my wicked selfishness, hoping she hasn't been well since our argument.
Turning my attention from Reshuan, I started walking again towards the hall where the ball would be held, when a shadow fell before me.
…Did Darcy come out to meet me? I lifted my head in delight, only to freeze.
“It's been a while.”
Ryan was standing there.
Dressed to the nines for today's official occasion, he looked princely. But to me, whose standards had been raised by Darcy, he was just so-so.
Besides, with my favorability for him at rock bottom, there was no way he'd look handsome. I even hate the sound of his voice right now. I want to wash out my ears.
“It has been a while, Your Highness. Lady Reshuan seems to have just arrived.”
The fastest way to get rid of him would be to tell him Reshuan's whereabouts.
When I took the initiative, Ryan stared at me with a peculiar expression.
It wasn't his usual hate-filled gaze, which gave me the creeps.
…What is this? I have a bad feeling about this.
“I have something to discuss with you.”
“Then please make it quick. There are watching eyes here, after all….”
“It might take a while. Let's go into a room.”
Do we have to? I desperately wanted to refuse, but Ryan showed no intention of speaking here.
“Or perhaps we could talk another time….”
“Would you prefer to do it here?”
What if other people see! And Reshuan is right behind us!
I'm sick of being chastised by people for getting between Reshuan and Ryan.
“Alright, will this room do?”
“I've prepared one.”
As if he'd been waiting, Ryan led me to a room off the corridor. I followed him inside.
After closing the door, I spoke without even sitting on the sofa.
“Your Highness, are you by any chance terminally ill?”
“…What?”
Everything from the invitation has been ridiculously suspicious. They say when a person changes, they're about to die, and Ryan is the perfect example of that right now.
No matter how I think about it, that's the only plausible reason I can come up with. I asked because I wondered if he was regretting his past mistakes now that his time was up, but it seems that's not the case.
My attempt to end this conversation as quickly as possible has failed. A little sad.
I said in a dejected voice.
“If not, then never mind. So, I'm curious about what you wanted to talk about.”
Honestly, I'm more curious about why he's suddenly so compliant with me… but I don't want to prolong the conversation by asking.
“I've decided to believe that you've changed.”
…Now?
“No matter how I think about it, I feel I went too far. I'd especially like to apologize for my actions the last time we met.”
Apologizing now for having me followed, instead of the day after, points to one thing.
Ryan saw me as a pushover.
He's giving such an unconvincing explanation because he thinks I'll fall for it right away. Regardless of what he says.
And it's understandable, since I spent the last year living with an even more subdued temperament. Because I wanted to show that I had changed through my actions, accepting whatever was said.
To Ryan, I am still 'Marso who loves Ryan.'
‘Why is he so intent on acknowledging this fact now?’
Even if I ask, Ryan won't tell the truth. I have to find the reason myself.
The me that Ryan knows would have been delighted to hear that he believes me.
Does he want me to keep liking him? Why?
Is there some benefit for Ryan if I like him? A benefit that has arisen recently?
At the same time, Darcy's face flashed through my mind.
Ah, it's because of Darcy.
So far, I'm the only person known to be close to Darcy.
Even before the rumors started circulating in high society, Ryan knew about the relationship between Darcy and me.
And he has decided to use it.
