A Way to Confirm Your Husband’s True Feelings - Chapter 52

That night, Camilla’s mansion had been transformed into something entirely different from two days ago.

From the estate entrance to the foyer, the pathway lined with black statues and red lanterns created an eerie atmosphere.

The dim lighting and black silk drapes hanging indoors also added to the mysterious, dangerous ambiance.

Those were not the only peculiar aspects. Stepping down from her carriage, Beatrice was startled to see that the attendant who greeted her wore a smooth, white half-mask.

“The mistress has prepared attire for you, Margravine, and instructed me to guide you separately. Please follow me.”

As Beatrice took the mask the servant handed her without much thought, she suddenly realized that today’s party hosted by Camilla was, in fact, a masquerade ball.

From that moment, Beatrice urgently wished to return home, but having already accepted the invitation, she couldn’t leave without at least greeting her sister.

Thinking she would simply meet Camilla briefly and leave, she stepped into the mansion, only to find herself wandering through the bustling crowd, dressed in the outfit her sister had prepared.

Where on earth… is she?

She had reluctantly changed into the attire and descended to the main hall after the attendant explained that her sister was already attending the party.

The dress Camilla had prepared for Beatrice was black, exposing her shoulders and décolletage generously. Made from sheer chiffon sprinkled with sparkling gems, the dress was so thin that under the lighting, even her silhouette seemed faintly visible. On its back were large decorative wings.

With her rich blonde hair braided loosely to one side and wearing the black silk mask, Beatrice had no time to think about her current appearance.

Focused only on finding Camilla, she finally achieved her goal in a corner of the hall where slow, sultry music was playing.

She found her sister currently exhaling cigarette smoke while sandwiched between a man and a woman. She looked so unfamiliar to Beatrice that she had to summon her courage to approach.

“Sister.”

She whispered softly, mindful of her surroundings. The man to Camilla’s left discreetly moved away.

“Oh dear, Beatrice. At a masquerade, the rule is to pretend you don’t recognize each other.”

“I’m sorry. It’s my first time at something like this. I was actually about to leave after just greeting you. I didn’t expect the party you mentioned would have this kind of atmosphere…”

“Oh? Well, leaving is your choice, but since you’re here, staying a while wouldn’t be bad. The dress suits you very well.”

“I’m afraid I’m not used to it.”

“Remember when I said sometimes a shift in perspective might be necessary? Freedom, art, escape from a boring, mundane life—these are the themes of tonight’s ball. Maybe what you need isn’t fixing your relationship with your husband, but something completely new.”

Camilla’s words carried strange persuasiveness, but at the same time, the meaning felt far too remote for Beatrice to fully grasp.

“Don’t the noble ladies of the capital keep at least one lover around, like a flower pot by the window? Try finding someone here tonight. Experiencing love for one night isn’t so bad. I don’t know much about your husband, but I doubt he would particularly oppose your trying something new.”

Is that true?

Indeed, if it were Caesar, even if Beatrice introduced some stranger as her lover, he’d probably respond expressionlessly, saying something like, ‘If a lover is what you desire, I wouldn’t specifically object.’

Caught briefly in that absurd imagination, Beatrice shook her head to regain clarity. No matter what, having a lover was unthinkable. She knew such customs were widespread among the aristocracy, but she had no desire for such relationships.

“Thank you for your advice, sister. But I don’t think that kind of encounter is what I want.”

When Beatrice replied with an awkward smile, Camilla nodded as though understanding.

“Well, if that’s how you feel. Anyway, tonight everything is permissible, as long as it’s not illegal. Everyone here abides by that unwritten rule. There’s ample security stationed everywhere, so nothing dangerous should happen. Enjoy yourself, Beatrice.”

With her characteristically blank expression, Camilla effectively ended their conversation and disappeared into the crowd like a queen of the night. Left alone, Beatrice felt momentarily dazed.

So Camilla had brought her here to suggest that since her marriage was troubled, perhaps she should try meeting another man. In this place—a masquerade ball where people openly flaunted their desires and instincts behind loosely worn masks.

Though she had absolutely no intention of doing so, a slight laugh escaped from Beatrice’s lips. It seemed exactly like the kind of solution Camilla would propose. Her sister’s unique method of consolation was both bewildering and amusing, making the whole situation feel absurd and funny.

Then… Should I stay just a little longer before leaving?

As Camilla said, she rarely had opportunities like this. Having dressed accordingly for the party’s theme, after tonight she would probably never voluntarily seek out such a place again.