LIGHTNOVELONLINE The clattering of dishes and the delightful aroma of fragrant spices wafted through the air. The dining hall of the Blanc family had a rather noble ambiance, rivaling that of other aristocrats.
I gazed at the bowl in front of me. Pasta adorned with a luscious sauce. Seeing steam billowing from it suggested it had just been prepared. For someone like me, who often subsisted on takeout, this was an extravagant meal.
I twirled the noodles on my fork and popped them into my mouth. Chewing slowly, I savored the food, a small smile creeping onto my face as I glanced at Artasha.
“It’s delicious! Mother, you should try some too.”
“Alright.”
Artasha, sitting across from me, began to eat with a subtle smile. It’s clear that she’s not just any aristocrat; even while eating pasta, an air of grace seemed to naturally emanate from her.
“It really is tasty, just as you said.”
“Right?”
A week had passed since I first interacted with Artasha, and I had grown comfortable enough to share a meal with her. The initially aloof Artasha had begun to open up to me.
Could this all be thanks to my remarkable social skills?
Looking at it this way, maybe I actually have some talent.
“Mother, say ‘ahh.’”
I twirled the noodles on my fork and offered it to Artasha’s mouth. Perhaps startled by my sudden action, Artasha hesitated before gently speaking up.
“…Tina, maintain your decorum.”
“Oh, I’m sorry, Mother.”
I must have gotten a bit too excited. I seemed to have crossed a line without realizing it. Just as I tried to settle back into my chair, Artasha let out a short sigh and opened her mouth.
“…Ah.”
Artasha parting her crimson lips ever so slightly, though she reluctantly accepted my childish prank. A smile unknowingly crept onto my lips from her kind heart.
Artasha slowly swallowed the noodles I had rolled up for her, wiped her mouth with a napkin, and then looked at me seriously.
“Tina, your debut date in high society has been set.”
“Is that so?”
“Next month, there will be a debutante ball at the palace. I think it will be a fitting occasion.”
I hadn’t anticipated this topic coming up today, but I was somewhat prepared for my entry into high society since I had heard about it in advance.
“I will prepare your dress, so you must spend the month learning etiquette. I’ve already secured a teacher for you.”
“Okay.”
The fact that she was even hiring a teacher when we hadn’t fully repaid our debts showed how much she wanted to ensure I had a proper debut, even if it was a stretch.
“…Tina, and I need to tell you in advance.”
What was holding her back? Artasha hesitated with a solemn look in her eyes, struggling to speak. When I gently squeezed her hand to reassure her, she finally spoke up.
“The daughter of Viscount Labram will also be attending the ball next month. I hope you can maintain a good relationship with her.”
Viscount Labram. I hadn’t heard of that family mentioned in the game. It seemed they weren’t a major power after all…
“May I ask why?”
“…We owe that family a considerable debt.”
Ah, is that how it is?
When it comes to debts, there’s really no choice.
“…I’m sorry for having to say this as a parent.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll do my best to be of help to you too, Mother.”
…
The mood surrounding Artasha remained regal, but the deep gaze behind her long eyelashes was sorrowfully downcast.
Truly, she was such a pure person. Even with her seemingly indifferent facade, all her emotions could be seen clearly in those clear blue eyes, so unlike my darkened inner self.
Wanting to encourage her, I subtly moved closer and softly kissed her left cheek.
“Hang in there, Mother.”
“Uh, thank you.”
A light blush spread across Artasha’s fair skin. It was amazing how such a simple kiss could bring her joy; the nature of mothers really is fascinating.
‘Speaking of which, high society…’
I heard that the social scene in romance novels could be a battlefield…
I’d better prepare myself.
A month passed swiftly.
The lady assigned to teach me by Artasha was quite devoted and I made every effort to learn noble etiquette so I wouldn’t embarrass Artasha. The world of aristocrats was a stark contrast to the society of South Korea, but I managed to adapt somehow. My posture as a lady was now quite refined.
In addition, I had personally prepared for the debutante ball. Since making friends with the daughter of Viscount Labram was my main goal for this event, I sought out any useful information about her.
Of course, I snuck out under the pretense of going to the library…
Time flew by, and finally the long-awaited debutante ball approached. Here I was, standing in a magnificent dress for the first time, right at the entrance of the ballroom managed directly by the palace.
The lavish door, coated in gold, was a stark contrast to the clear divergence from the Blanc family’s shabby decor.
“This must have been difficult to procure…”
I glanced down at the long sky-blue dress cascading down. Though not adorned with extravagant jewels, the intricate patterns crafted by artisans served as the perfect substitute.
Having never worn such a dress before, I felt quite out of place for a while. When I tightened the corset for the first time, I genuinely thought my waist might snap.
Although I identified as a male, I did want to rip this flowy dress off immediately, but what could I do about the reality of being possessed by an aristocratic young lady? When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
However, was the struggle worth it? The reflection of Tina in the mirror looked truly beautiful. I thought to myself that I wasn’t lacking compared to the two female protagonists.
‘Mother must be worrying about me right now.’
Imagining Artasha, with her stern appearance hiding her tender worries, made a chuckle escape my lips. She’d no doubt be clinging to my hand and offering multiple pieces of advice up to the very last moment, fully immersed in concern.
Artasha had instructed me to remain calm and composed, no matter what, and to stand tall with confidence regardless of others’ opinions.
‘Feeling a bit nervous…’
As I stood at the threshold of the high society, a place always mentioned harshly in novels, I felt all sorts of nerves. Yet for the sake of my happy jobless life, I had to overcome this. Suppressing my pounding heart, I boldly walked toward the entrance.
In front of the sprawling entrance, a red carpet was laid out. It was so splendid that it almost felt like it was rolling out the welcome mat for the main character—me!
Once at the front of the door, two men clad in suits of plate armor, reminiscent of medieval knights, stood steadfastly guarding the entrance.
“May I ask which family you hail from?”
“I come from the Blanc family.”
The middle-aged knight looked me up and down, gave a short nod, and responded.
“So you are the young lady of the Blanc family. I have heard much about you.”
Certainly, it wasn’t good news. But the knight opened the door without a hint of facial expression. I greeted him politely and entered the building.
What unfolded before my eyes was a sight I had never imagined in my previous life.
Countless chandeliers hung from the ceiling, forming a splendid canopy over the hall, while luxurious carpets laid over pristine white marble provided footing for the aristocrats.
In this unmistakable world of nobles, numerous men and women conversed with smiles gracing their lips.
‘So extravagant.’
Just stealing one painting from the walls would significantly help pay off the family debts. But glancing at all those paintings on display left me with a vague sense of loss.
As I stared at the high-end items plastered everywhere, someone tapped me on the shoulder.
“Greetings.”
It was a woman who seemed to be around my age. With fiery red hair and eyes, her appearance was quite stunning, even if not as impressive as Tina.
She elegantly bowed and said hello. I quickly returned the greeting without hesitation, just as we had practiced.
“Is this your first time at a ball?”
…How did she know?
Was I standing there looking too lost?
Did I perhaps appear like a rookie to those around me?
“Hoho, if I had seen such a lovely lady, I surely would have remembered.”
“…Thank you. I’m flattered by such excessive praise.”
It was nice to hear, but knowing that the social scenes were ruthlessly known in romance novels, I couldn’t take it at face value.
“I’m Rose Verdalen. May I ask for your name, young lady?”
Verdalen.
Thanks to the information I’d learned in the past month, I immediately recognized who she was. After all, she was mentioned in the original game.
In high society, not knowing Lady Verdalen would surely label you as a foreigner. The daughter of the Verdalen Count family, who prospered through the oil industry, and held economic superiority in the empire.
Though she lived in a different world, I stood tall and responded as Artasha instructed, without shrinking back.
“It’s an honor to meet you, Lady Verdalen. My name is Tina Blanc.”
“…Blanc?”
The friendly glint in her eyes froze in an instant.