Chapter 1 - Chapter 1

Translator: Nox

Chapter 1Chapter 1

Knock, knock.

Rosalyn looked up at the sound of the door. Through the vanity mirror, she watched as the door opened and an attendant stepped inside. She was alone in the dressing room now that the maid who had assisted with her grooming had withdrawn.

“Edith.”

Greeting the attendant in a light tone, Rosalyn picked up a perfume bottle sitting on the vanity.

This fragrance, dedicated by a perfumer in Windberg, was said to be a blend of thirteen varieties of rose water. Rosalyn had been fond of it from the moment she first smelled it; she had readily agreed to its release and even personally selected the pale purple tassel that adorned the bottle. Its commercial name, ‘Lady Rose,’ was taken from the nickname of the 13th Duchess of Windburg.

Following a series of events surrounding the Family Law Amendment last year, public interest in Maxville had grown even more fervent. Thanks to this, Rosalyn had gained a nickname, a rarity for a noblewoman. She had known from the beginning that it was her husband’s office that had spread the lovely and familiar moniker, as Gerard had passed along the suggestion from the public relations attendant and asked for her opinion.

‘What if I don’t agree?’

‘Then we’ll act as if it never happened. But please consider that utilizing your popularity to the fullest would be beneficial in many ways.’

Since returning to the estate, Rosalyn had rarely engaged in outside activities. She enjoyed spending private time at home with her husband and young son. She also took pleasure in hosting small banquets or gatherings for close acquaintances. Even without a grand purpose or meaning, leading a quiet and peaceful life seemed to naturally suit Rosalyn.

However, she could not neglect the role she had to fulfill as the Duchess. The Family Law Amendment had now become something she desperately wanted to see realized as well. She wanted to repay the comfort and support, the hopes contained in the flowers and letters people had sent while her husband hovered between life and death. It was also true that she felt uneasy, as if she were indebted to those pure hearts.

‘I think it’s a good idea. If it helps, there’s no reason to oppose it.’

Rosalyn intended to support Gerard with all her might going forward—in the way she did best.

The Family Law Amendment had been rejected in its first year of introduction, but it was still being pushed forward. Consequently, the upcoming elections for the Lower House next year had become particularly important. As a result, Gerard’s political activities had become all-encompassing, and Rosalyn naturally found herself joining in.

Hosting a large-scale social event like today’s was part of those efforts.

“Have all the guests arrived?”

“Most have entered. It seems Count Basset and his wife, as well as Mr. Cheryl Glan, will be a little late.”

“Because of the heavy snow.”

“It was quite sudden.”

“I hope it stops soon.”

Muttering worriedly, Rosalyn pressed the bulb of the perfume bottle. Particles of perfume sprayed into the air, spreading a deep, sweet scent of roses. Amidst that familiar fragrance, she took one final look in the mirror to check her appearance. Now that the guests were gathered, it was time for the host couple to make their appearance.

“I’m worried about Great-Uncle Cheryl. Let me know as soon as word comes from the main gate.”

“Yes, my lady.”

“Thank you, Edith.”

After exchanging glances through the mirror, Rosalyn stood up. Edith, who had been standing behind her, stepped forward and neatly adjusted the pleats of her skirt. Moving toward the door, Rosalyn anticipated the sight of the man who would be waiting for her.

The attendant led the way and opened the door, and just as expected, he was there. Gerard, who had been sitting on a couch, rose to his feet when he saw her.

Rosalyn looked at the man dressed in a tailcoat. Since entering January after a hectic year-end, Maxville had been spending relatively leisurely days. It had been a while since she had seen him dressed up like that.

“Did I keep you waiting long?”

“Not at all.”

As Gerard approached with a ready reply, she caught the scent of deep perfume and a hint of pomade. Inhaling that familiar aroma, Rosalyn adjusted his neat bowtie with both hands. There was no real need to do so, but she wanted to.

“You look wonderful.”

“Do you like it?”

“You look magnificent.”

Rosalyn praised him sincerely with a satisfied smile. Gerard, looking down at her face, wore a peculiar grin and leaned his upper body toward her. A low, whispering voice flowed into her left ear.

“Hypocrite.”

Since she understood exactly what he meant by that, Rosalyn couldn’t help but let out a small laugh.

“Your criticism is a bit harsh, Duke.”

“The Duchess has a significant gap between her words and actions. I thought you said appearance is merely like clothing.”

“It’s true.”

“You said as long as one is courteous enough, that’s plenty.”

“Is there anything more important for a gentleman than a courteous appearance?”

When she replied nonchalantly, this time he broke into a chuckle. Perhaps it was because he looked so cheerful; Rosalyn felt like being a bit bolder than usual.

“We need to be a little honest. Good looks are a factor that cannot be ignored when it comes to maintaining the dignity of a Duke.”

“Do I look enough like half of a perfect couple when I stand by your side?”

“The general consensus seems to be yes.”

As she finished pertly, the man laughed again. She could see Edith, waiting by the entrance, also stifling a laugh. Feeling a sense of pride in having entertained those she cared for, Rosalyn held out her hand.

“Let’s go. the guests will be waiting.”

“Shall we.”

Gerard naturally offered his arm to escort her. With traces of smiles on their faces, the couple left the room and began walking toward the Great Hall.

Familiar gas lamps were lit along the hallway. In contrast, the chandeliers hanging from the ceiling remained unlit. Although the electrical wiring and bulb installation were complete, Rosalyn had yet to see them illuminated. She could have seen it whenever she wished, but she wanted to wait for the lighting ceremony and be amazed along with everyone else.

“I’m so excited.”

“About the electric lights?”

“They say it’s incomparably brighter than gas lamps. My mother mentioned in her letter that even in the middle of the night, the room is brighter than midday. Oh, and remember, you mustn’t look at the bulbs from up close.”

“Surely you don’t believe the superstition that it makes you go blind.”

“I have my doubts about that too, but I don’t think it can be good for the eyes. Think about it. Wouldn’t looking at such a strong light from up close be harmful regardless?”

Gerard seemed to dismiss it as trivial, but Rosalyn was different. Only after nagging him a few more times and receiving a promise that he would only look at distant bulbs did she feel at ease. It would be a disaster if his eyesight were to fail. She was always cautious about what hidden harms a strange and new object might possess.

After the year-end banquet, Dowager Duchess Diane had returned to Isen. She intended to stay at the Imperial Palace through the winter and return in June when the Northern social season began, and her recent letters were filled with talk of the new electric lights installed in the palace.

Starting from the Imperial Palace, the distribution of electricity from power plants was being carried out in the capital. Since Maxville was the first building in the North to receive electricity, today’s lighting ceremony would surely be recorded as a historical scene in the future.

To match that special significance, Rosalyn had put extraordinary care into this banquet. Although the sudden snowstorm had delayed the arrival of a few guests, she hoped it would be a perfect banquet nonetheless. She had invited members of the Northern social circles and famous figures from various fields, as well as reporters, to commemorate the lighting ceremony.

Naturally, she had not left out the most important people—her family.

“Welcome, Viscount. I am glad to see you looking healthy.”

“Your Grace looks well too. You look even better than you did at the year-end banquet.”

“It’s January, after all. It’s my favorite month after September.”

After entering the ballroom, Gerard greeted Viscount Andover first, as he always did. Naturally, Victor, Lucas, and Andreana, who were with the Viscount, were next. Her two brothers, who were university students, had returned home for the holidays. They had currently been staying at Maxville for ten days.

The reason today’s banquet was a little more special for Rosalyn was that one person had been added to this warm group of her maiden family.

“Welcome, Mrs. Selma.”

“It is an honor, Your Grace. Thank you for inviting me to such a wonderful occasion.”

“It is only natural. It is my pleasure.”

Rosalyn smiled beside the softly laughing Gerard. Mrs. Selma seemed a bit nervous, but she possessed proper manners and her conduct was beyond reproach.

Of course, it would take more time for her to adjust to high society. Helping her father’s fiancée was one of the things Rosalyn intended to focus on. Mrs. Selma would soon be family, after all.

“Thanks to my niece, I get to attend such a magnificent event. An electric lighting ceremony! We also hired a wiring contractor recently. Though we’ll have to wait a bit longer for electricity to reach Elwood.”

“To start renovations on the manor already, the Dowager Baroness is quite thorough in her preparations.”

“It’s a pity, Alfred. Once a new Baroness arrives, I won’t have to worry about such things anymore.”

Natalie Hope had become a Dowager Baroness when her youngest and only son, Baron Elwood, reached adulthood. Originally, when a minor son inherited a title, the mother could maintain her status for a time. However, now that the Baron was of an age to take a wife, she had to relinquish her position.

Was it right for a noblewoman who had lost her husband to lose her title as well? Was it not also unfair that she could not obtain the status of Dowager if she had no son? When Rosalyn pointed that out once, Gerard had agreed, remarking that while the Family Law was an issue, the Peerage Law also had many areas in need of revision, which had given her a start.

At any rate, Dowager Baroness Natalie, who had lost her position as the mistress of the house according to the current Peerage Law, lamented that she was worried about when her shy son would ever be able to take a wife. Since the eighteen-year-old Baron Elwood was indeed a bashful young man, Rosalyn naturally began to wonder if there were any young ladies she could introduce to her cousin. It was then that Edith reported the arrival of the final guests.

After confirming the entrance of Count and Countess Basset and Great-Uncle Cheryl, who had made it through the snow, Rosalyn, as the mistress of the house, announced the start of the lighting ceremony.