12 O’Clock Marionette

Chapter 17

“There’s nothing substantial. Is there a tea party you’d like to attend?”

“I’m not going.”

“Understood.”

Betty shoved all the letters into the fireplace.

She’s a bit strange.

However, there was one that didn’t burn.

Betty picked it up.

“This one, you should attend.”

“What is it?”

“The court ball.”

The voice from the door answered Betty’s response before I could.

I turned my head, and there stood Minuet, smiling brightly.

When did she arrive?

“Do I really have to go there?”

“The Emperor wants to see the Duke’s fiancée, Miss Siora. Oh, and do you know that the Emperor is the Duke's maternal uncle?”

“Ugh.”

“Well, it worked out. The party’s already ruined, so let’s make this your real debutante ball.”

Minuet approached and gently brushed my hair.

Her affectionate touch sent a shiver down my spine.

“Siora, I really like the way you’ve been handling things lately.”

Though it sounded like she was mocking me, Minuet probably meant it sincerely.

Cruello is on friendly terms, and Bonetti hasn’t been attacked, so this is the best situation for her.

“You’ll be a splendid debutante.”

Minuet smiled brightly.

Why does her smile always make me feel so uneasy?

But since it was fine during the training, nothing should go wrong… right?

***

The days passed quickly.

A subtle feeling of unease kept building up.

Ever since that day at the harvest festival, there had been no contact from Cruello.

What is he up to? What did he do that day?

If he had wanted to ask me, he could have done so by now. What is he thinking?

I even refused his invitation to attend the court ball as my cavalier—my debutante partner.

He said he was too busy to make time.

As I grew more suspicious of Cruello’s intentions, the day of the court ball finally arrived.

I stepped out of the carriage, fully dressed and ready to go.

Before me, the dazzling imperial palace stood in all its glory.

So, my thoughts?

“It’s heavy.”

The unease I felt as I looked at Minuet’s smile was real.

How much fabric and jewelry did they use on this dress?

Even if I were covered in large swords, it wouldn’t compare to this.

“Doesn’t it feel like you’re a walking jewelry store?”

I turned to look at my cavalier, asking irritably.

“Be quiet, it’s heavy for me too.”

Gavotte’s gloomy reply was somehow satisfying.

Instead of a dress, he wore a cloak, but it looked just as heavy.

He seemed unable to straighten his shoulders.

“Get some exercise, Gavotte.”

“You and I are the same.”

“No, I’m not. I’ve been holed up in my bedroom, so my stamina is like this—”

“Shut up!”

Gavotte quickly covered my mouth, causing me to stop.

Alright, alright, I’ll be more careful with my words.

Minuet had drilled it into my ears so much.

“Don’t mention Siora Velvet’s past.”

“What if I’m asked?”

“Just smile. Gavotte will help you.”

“What? Minuet, you’re—!”

“I’ll be a bit late. Betty, you’re free, and you’re Siora’s cavalier, so you’ll go with her.”

“…Damn.”

Would Gavotte really help?

I couldn’t shake off the feeling of doubt as I entered the ballroom.

***

“It’s truly a blessing for the Empire that someone of that age has already reached such a level.”

“Soon, we’ll see a great sage arise in this country, ho ho.”

“You’re too kind.”

Julian Minerva.

The young Minerva viscount smiled as he accepted the noblemen’s praises.

But inside, his thoughts drifted elsewhere.

‘Just trying to pick up some crumbs while flattering...’

This is why I hate coming to balls.

If my friend hadn’t insisted, I would’ve stayed at home, using research as an excuse.

“By the way, I heard Lord Crimson—”

“Oh, Sir Ollie. I heard you recently opened up the road to Norbian.”

“Yes? Ah, yes, that’s right. This time, I—”

Julian skillfully diverted the attention back to his friend, Daedire Crimson.

Daedire, his friend, had a naive side, and Julian couldn’t let him become easy prey.

And then...

“I think that lady is the one adopted by the Bonetti family.”

Amidst the murmurs, a few words reached Julian’s ears.

He turned his gaze.

A young man and woman were entering the ballroom.

One was a familiar face, someone he had seen countless times during his time at the academy.

The other... was a face he had only seen in portraits.

A beautiful woman with radiant blonde hair, pale skin, and eyes of an unusual color.

‘Siora Bonetti.’

Julian’s lips twisted into a grimace.

How absurd it was to hear there had been no incident at the party.

Thanks to that, the Elder Council had given him an earful.

Cruello White Desert must have been involved.

He’d even sent the antidote for the monster’s venom, and seeing them at the harvest festival—it was all too clear.

The rumors circulating were even more outrageous.

‘The Duke of White Desert has fallen for a woman.’

Of course, Julian didn’t believe a word of it.

He figured they were just putting on a show to upset the Elder Council.

They still believed the Duke was under some sort of brainwashing, but that was a foolish illusion.

What about that woman, though?

If she’s under the illusion that she’s special to the Duke...

“…Should I try to touch her?”

“If you coax them out, maybe you’ll stir up something interesting.”

“Gavotte?”

It seemed that Daedire had spotted Gavotte. She looked up with a bright expression.

“Is that the new sister they’re talking about?”

“Probably. Are you going to approach her?”

“…Well, I don’t think Gavotte would be happy to see me.”

There had been no response, even after letters were sent. It was probably going to stay that way.

Daedire added this, and Julian furrowed his brows.

“Don’t worry, Daedi. That guy is always a bit grumpy.”

“Maybe I did something wrong…”

“No way.”

“I’m fine with it, but you should at least go say hi.”

It would be easier without Daedire, but Julian seemed a bit awkward seeing her deflated mood.

At that moment, someone raised their voice, trying to catch Julian’s attention.

“Actually, I’ve brought a gift for the young lord.”

It was some baron whose name Julian didn’t even remember. He handed him a rough black bottle.

The nobles around them snickered quietly.

“It’s a drink made by some gypsy tribe. You probably haven’t seen anything like this before.”

“Thank you.”

Julian interrupted him, not wanting to listen to any more explanations, and turned back to Daedire.

“I’ll be back soon, Daedi.”

He said it kindly and walked away.

***

The ballroom was packed with people.

And around me, too.

“Your hair is just gorgeous.”

“Your dress suits you so well. Which tailor did you go to?”

“I heard you passed the training in one go. Truly impressive.”

The words were pouring in, and it was hard to keep track of all of them.

It seemed like everyone who had sent an invitation was here.

Since the Emperor was curious about me, I hoped for an escape from all this commotion, but it was a futile wish.

He merely glanced at me before turning back with the Empress.

The only one left with no interest in me at all was the Crown Prince.

So...

“Let go of my arm.”

“No, Gavotte.”

I had to keep him with me.

Just like last time when Gavotte tried to run off, I tightly grabbed his arm.

“No, Siora. I’m thirsty. I’ll just grab a glass of wine….”

Gavotte tried to use his usual trick with a pitiful look.

He seemed weaker than usual, but I wasn’t falling for it.

“No, wine is….”

I scanned the room, looking for a servant with a tray.

Then, suddenly, a glass appeared right in front of me.

“Is this what you’re looking for?”

The voice was pleasant to the ears, and Gavotte stiffened.

When I turned my head, I saw the one who handed me the glass.

With friendly eyes and a cheerful smile, the young man with light pink hair had an easy charm about him.

He was a face I’d memorized from the details I had on hand.

And at the same time…

“It was arranged by Julian Minerva.”

The one who had tried to ruin my party.

“Hello, Lord Minerva.”

“I didn’t expect you to know my name. Did Gavotte tell you about me?”

Julian Minerva widened his eyes in surprise before flashing a friendly smile.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. It’s been a while, Gavotte.”

His attitude was clearly kind, but knowing what I did, I wasn’t so sure.

Gavotte was stiff, and I just smiled.

I never thought I’d see one of the Elder Council’s pawns—presumed—from the middle of a ballroom.

“…Julian. How have you been?”

“Same as always. Ah, Daedire came too. She was upset you didn’t reply to her letters.”

Gavotte couldn’t answer and just stayed silent.

I just laughed, though. Gavotte already lost!

I kind of want to ask Minuet about this.

The people around us cheered at the appearance of a new target.

“Wait, is that Lord Minerva?”

“Come to think of it, you were Gavotte’s classmate, weren’t you? It’s an honor to meet you. I’m—.”

“Yes, it’s a pleasure. But…”

Julian looked around at the people gathering and spoke up.

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen a friend. Would you mind if I took a moment with him?”

Though his face smiled, his tone was firm.

Despite a few people trying to resist, they quickly backed off as one or two disappeared.

The space around us cleared up.

Hmm.

This guy might actually be a good person.

“Is it tough? Even though it’s kindness, the attention of people isn’t always light.”

He really seemed like a good person.

“Ah, did I do something wrong?”

“Not at all. It was a bit overwhelming, Lord Minerva.”

“Just call me Julian. Since you’re part of Gavotte’s family, there’s no need for all the formalities.”

“Alright, Julian.”

Gavotte didn’t seem to agree, but a name is there to be used, right?

“Actually, I was surprised in a lot of ways. Gavotte has a new sister.”

“That…”

“That sister is rumored to be engaged to the Duke of White Desert.”

Well, that didn’t take long to ruin my opinion.

“I was a bit worried. The Duke has such a clear personality.”

“Ah, the Duke you’ve seen…”

“Still, I’m glad the rumors are good. Though it may seem nosy to you, Siora.”

“Julian sure knows all the rumors.”