Ludger must have been thinking about it all this time, feeling that his comment about red not suiting me might have been rude.
‘Seriously, for a high-ranking noble, he’s quite an unusual person…’
I answered with a smile.
“I know there’s no color that wouldn’t suit the Duke. Is Your Highness boasting?”
“That’s not what I meant…!”
“Yes, my hair color is flashy anyway, so red doesn’t suit me~.”
I walked briskly toward the carriage, secretly enjoying the sight of the world’s handsome Duke struggling.
Part of me was anxious, wondering if Ludger’s demeanor was just an act and if his true personality might indeed be villainous. I couldn’t completely trust him.
However, at the same time, I couldn’t deny that I didn’t dislike spending time with Ludger that much.
‘Human emotions are truly contradictory.’
I smiled bitterly inside.
***
The distance from the boutique to the mansion of Count Morsal, the party host, was not that far, so we were able to arrive at our destination in no time.
Although the official start time of the party was 6 p.m., as usual, guests who arrived early had already gathered in small groups, engaging in conversation.
As Ludger had said, the scale was not that large and the atmosphere seemed quite relaxed.
Rather than a formal social gathering, it was more like a wedding reception. The part where the round tables were set was especially so.
“It doesn’t seem like there’s a ball dance held, does it?”
“The main purpose today is to introduce a new menu, so when the time arrives, the course meals will be served. Everyone will be seated for dining and conversation, so it wouldn’t be ideal for a dance.”
“Aha….”
“Were you perhaps hoping to dance?”
“Of course not!”
I was just curious because the format was different from the gatherings I usually saw while standing guard, but I had absolutely no desire to dance.
Even during my time at the Viscount’s estate, I never had the leisure to learn social dances.
Ludger seemed amused by my vehement denial and his eyes glinted with amusement.
“The main reason I invited you today was to treat you to a meal. It seems avoiding a formal gathering was indeed the right choice.”
“Yes… If Your Highness waa going to be considerate, it would have been better if you had been more specific.”
“……I thought I apologized for that. In the future, I’ll make sure to ask for your preferences.”
“Yes. I trust the Duke.”
As I went inside alone, bickering with Ludger, someone came running up to us.
A short, round-faced man in his 40s approached. I had seen his face in the newspapers— Count Morsal, the host of today’s gathering.
“Your Highness the Duke of Kassen! It’s an immense honor to have you brighten this modest event with your presence!”
“I should be the one grateful to you for the invitation. Given the chef’s renowned skill, I’ve become quite interested in the new menu.”
“Haha! Your Highness can look forward to it. I’ve already tasted the samples, and I have no doubt they’ll be the highlight of this spring season.”
“If Count Morsal says so, it must be quite remarkable. I’m already looking forward to it. My companion also fancies the chef, which is why we’re here together.”
Count Morsal’s eyes sparkled. He had been concerned about me since I was next to Ludger, but he had been too polite to ask first.
But since Ludger was the one who opened the door, it was a situation he could not help but wish for.
“I’ve been very curious about the beautiful lady beside you. Is she perhaps a relative or a young noblewoman…?”
“No, she is Lady Clara Weyburn, the Captain of the Ruby Knights.”
“The Ruby Knights…! Ah, the ones pursuing Heilbronner!”
“Yes, that’s right. Since there are frequent interactions with the Imperial Treasure and Relics Management Office, I often owe favors to Lady Clara. I extended the invitation as a token of gratitude.”
‘You didn’t invite me! You commanded me!’
I silently protested in my mind while greeting gracefully and politely on the outside.
“I’m Clara Weyburn, the Duke has already introduced to you. I’m a swordswoman, and rather unversed in high society, so I would appreciate your understanding if I falter in manners.”
“Not at all! Your grace and dignity are such that I never doubted you were an aristocrat. Are you perhaps a knight of noble birth?”
I smiled ambiguously and shook my head. While I was indeed of noble origin, but…. that aspect of my identity was not particularly welcoming to me.
While I was struggling to answer, Ludger gently intervened.
“I hope Lady Clara can enjoy the evening comfortably, so please keep personal questions to a minimum.”
“Oh, dear! I apologize for any impertinence. Please, enjoy the evening and feel at ease. Allow me to show you to your seats.”
As expected of a businessman, Count Morsal quickly withdrew and summoned a servant to guide us. I let out a sigh of relief, feeling reassured.
‘I guess he remembers my negative reaction to my family.’
It was something I had mentioned casually while drinking, but it was unexpected that Ludger remembered it and showed consideration. I felt a little… grateful.
The seat we were shown to was, as expected, a prime location, befitting Ludger’s status.
As we sat down, he leaned in and whispered so only I could hear.
“Count Morsal may be a sly businessman and a bit overbearing at times, but I don’t think he meant any harm in probing your background. If you were offended, I hope you’ll let it go.”
“Pardon? Oh, I wasn’t particularly offended. It’s only natural that curiosity would arise since the Duke has always attended any social gathering alone.”
Ludger blinked in surprise, then smiled broadly.
“You know that I usually attend gatherings alone?”
“…Ah.”
That was just… information from the original story…and I just remembered it because it was mentioned in the newspaper….
“It’s fine. I don’t mind if you have a keen interest in me.”
“I wouldn’t call it a keen interest…”
“Well, then, we shall call it an investigation into the suspect’s background.”
“….”
Even though we were speaking discreetly, was it really fine to say such things openly?
“Well, I wonder if I really need to investigate the background of the impeccable Duke, who is known by everyone…..”
“Captain Clara is thorough.”
“Perhaps it’s the Duke’s carelessness that’s the issue. That’s why you get caught.”
At my counterattack, Ludger shrugged his shoulders and chuckled. Truly, if it were someone like Gustav who caught on his secret, it would have been troublesome.
“Captain Clara….”
As Ludger leaned in, about to say something.
A murmur of voices from across the room caught our attention.
It was similar when Ludger appeared, so I guess someone with a prominent presence like him had arrived at the venue.
Ludger, who had cast his gaze toward the entrance before me, made a short sound of acknowledgment, then slowly rose from his seat.
“I’m sorry to get up so soon after sitting down, but it seems I need to go greet someone. May I ask you to accompany me?”
“Of course.”
As Ludger rose to attend the mysterious person, I couldn’t help but feel curious about the significance of the guest. I followed him, standing up with a sense of anticipation.
And when my eyes landed on the people who entered the entrance.
I nearly gasped without realizing it and had to cover my mouth.
A strikingly handsome man with black hair and crimson eyes appeared.
He was not dressed in formal attire, as if he was aware that it was a small gathering, but his sophisticated banquet attire added to his style.
He exuded a dangerous and sexy aura, that could commonly be described as a ‘languid black panther’. His drop-dead gorgeousness made it hard for people to look away.
Despite his bored expression, he displayed an almost honeyed sweetness toward the woman standing beside him.
The woman accompanying him was a striking beauty with long blonde hair and vibrant green eyes.
She wore a lovely outfit adorned with frills and ribbons, perfectly in line with current fashion trends, without a hint of awkwardness.
Her smile and whispered words to the man beside her conveyed a warmth that suggested a close relationship.
While it might be a cliché, they truly resembled a well-matched pair of handsome and beautiful individuals.
But most importantly…
Both of them… had faces that I had seen in the newspaper.
“You probably recognize them, right? His Highness the Second Prince Alphonse and his lady-in-waiting, Countess Elisa Serphenne.”
“…Yes. I know.”
I know.
They are the main characters of 《The Baby Prince’s Maid》….
I tried my utmost to avoid getting entangled with the original characters as much as possible, but not only did I get caught by the villain, a mere extra such as myself, is now facing a potential encounter with the protagonists of the original story?!
‘What the heck. Why are they here?’
