What I Gained by Giving My Body - Chapter 2.23

“An Imperial Ball?”

Caitlyn asked back in confusion. Usually, Imperial Balls were not held in such early winter. A season with better weather, like spring or autumn, was more suitable for an Imperial Ball.

“Yes. A delegation has arrived from Solaris.”

It was news she could not help but be even more surprised by. The Solaris Kingdom was a long-time ally of the Britannia Empire. Surely, if a delegation had come, she should have heard the news.

“I heard no such thing at all.”

“Of course you wouldn’t have heard. Since they came in secret.”

Caitlyn blinked. To hold the Empire’s largest event for a delegation that came in secret—she didn’t understand it well at first. As if he had read her thoughts, Archduke Akbar let out a sigh.

“Princess Adelheid, the representative of the delegation, strongly requested it.”

“Princess Adelheid?”

Caitlyn asked back in confusion.

“I understand that she does not even step outside the Royal Palace, let alone go abroad.”

There were few facts she knew about Princess Adelheid of the Solaris Kingdom. That she possessed extraordinary beauty, that she was highly praised for her gentle and merciful personality, and that her conduct was so prudent that no one had seen her outside the Royal Palace. She didn’t seem like someone to particularly guard against, but one can never know with people.

“It seems the Dowager Empress Alexandra, who is the Princess’s aunt, had a hand in it.”

“I see.”

She was a bit puzzled, but Caitlyn readily accepted the other’s words. It was because she thought there was no reason for Roxias to deceive her in this matter.

“If you wish, I shall prepare an engagement party after it’s over.”

“The Imperial Ball is enough.”

Caitlyn answered quickly. Anyway, the purpose of wanting to spread rumors can be sufficiently achieved with the Imperial Ball alone. Although Princess Adelheid’s existence is a variable, she wouldn’t be able to cause any trouble after coming to a far-off foreign land. Roxias laughed.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

* * *

The day of Lady Leslie Surferd, daughter of the Count, begins like this. After getting plenty of sleep, she slowly opens her eyes. The maids, noticing that their mistress is awake, bustle about to help her get ready. Dressed brightly yet tastefully, Leslie visits her parents in their respective studies to offer her morning greetings before heading down to the dining room.

Breakfast is laid out entirely with foods that Leslie likes, but which are also prepared with her health in mind. The rest of her daily routine is not much different. The members of the Sufferd Count’s household spend their time pleasantly engaging in their favorite leisure activities, and when evening comes, the whole family gathers for a harmonious meal. After dinner, Leslie falls asleep while chatting cozily with her close maids, and when morning comes, the same routine from the previous day repeats.

It is a continuation of peaceful and secure days, devoid of any hardship or pain. A girl made of sugar, spice, and all things lovely. That was exactly who Leslie Sufferd was.

Of course, even among Leslie’s many, many ordinary days, there are bound to be exceptionally special ones. Just like the day she attends the Imperial Ball with her friend to celebrate the visit of Princess Adelheid. Instead of taking a leisurely nap or drawing as usual after lunch, Leslie swung her hands with all her might as she directed the maids.

“Since Cathy said she is wearing Miss Sabina’s clothes, I must wear Miss Eliza’s clothes. Bring the sapphire brooch and necklace set. Oh, and the pearl earrings too!”

It was a combination she had thought about repeatedly before falling asleep the night before. The maids immediately adorned Leslie, and several hours later, Leslie was able to achieve a quite satisfactory appearance. It was time to go see her friend.

* * *

“Lady Leslie Sufferd!”

With the loud, resonant voice of the servant, Leslie stepped into the ballroom of the Imperial Palace.

‘…My goodness.’

Since no noble family ignored the Sufferd Count’s household, Leslie had attended countless banquets until now. Naturally, she had also had the opportunity to attend several Imperial Balls. However, none of them were like today’s.

‘His Majesty is close with the Solaris Kingdom, but…… this is…….’

Princess Adelheid and Emperor Chaser were cousins, so it was understandable that he wanted to give her a good first impression. But this… felt almost excessive.

Tropical flowers adorned the ceiling, and the surroundings were filled with light due to the countless newly manufactured chandeliers. Even the carpet spread underfoot was woven with drawings and patterns commemorating this ball, making it evident how meticulously care had been taken.

It wasn’t simply in the sense of having spent a lot of money. No matter who planned this ball, the purpose was clearly to announce the position of the Solaris Princess. One who receives the protection of the Britannian Emperor. Leslie furrowed her brow and sank deep into thought.

Being a princess alone was enough to make her the highest-ranking woman in this place, but with the Emperor’s intentions behind it, her status would rise even further. If the Emperor were single, rumors of a scandal would have circulated immediately, but he and the Empress had been married for over a decade, and the power of the Empress, who came from a prestigious family, was also solid. Nor did it seem likely that the Princess of Solaris would present herself as a mistress.

‘……It’s difficult.’

Thinking that she should discuss this with Caitlyn later, she looked around to find her friend.

‘Have they not arrived yet?’