DTS - Chapter 42

The location of the ball hosted by the Highclere family was suddenly changed to an outdoor location rather than the originally planned annex.

As the number of nobles requesting attendance increased, the scale became unmanageable for the annex.

On the day of the announced ball, the nobles who were lucky enough to be invited or had the opportunity to attend were amazed as they entered the spacious outdoor ballroom.

“You truly have the appearance of a great nobleman.”

“It would be rare to find a ball this splendid even in the past.”

The scene unfolding before them clearly revealed the fact that the Marquis's failure to host banquets or balls was not due to lack of wealth or ability.

On the tables surrounding the fountain in the center, different foods were displayed in a colorful harmony, giving off a sweet and savory scent, and soft lights above the landscaping trees in the garden illuminated the area below like the moon in the sky.

The cool breeze blowing along with the cool night breeze made the well-groomed trees in the garden spray refreshing air, clearing people's heads.

“Now that I think about it, Edwin was the direct eldest grandson of the Marquis of Highclere.”

“I heard that through this ball, they will be able to narrow down the number of people with whom they can have marriage talks. Maybe that’s why the latter artist also put a lot of effort into it.”

“Maybe he wanted to show that the Marquis of Highclere’s power still remains.”

Beautiful decorations shining brightly in the moonlight, and silk carpets on the floor. Even the food was prepared by inviting the imperial chef.

There was no place where attention to detail was not paid.

“Well, the Marquis should now prepare to inherit the title.”

“Sir Felix does not socialize often.”

The eyes of those who gathered in small groups chatting about various things continued to scan every corner of the ballroom.

Everyone was looking for one person.

The only forbidden jade leaf of the Highclere family.

The only noble daughter whom the war-mongering 7th Prince cherishes.

A rare genius spiritist who appeared naturally without the help of any teacher or tool.

Dorothea Highclere.

The name swallowed in a subtle battle of wits lingered in people's mouths.

It was then.

The sound of a trumpet rang out announcing the entrance of the Marquis and his wife, who hosted the ball.

The unfamiliar face next to the Marquis, dressed neatly and dignifiedly, with his arms crossed, caught people's attention.

The girl's first impression was truly unique.

Whether it was the lighting or some other accessory, the girl with platinum-blonde hair gave off a strange atmosphere.

Although her flowing hair covered half of her face, the exposed slender body was slender without flab, but not so thin that it was unsightly.

The deep navy blue eyes had the magical power to immerse the viewer in them, like the night sea with calm waves.

When making your first appearance, it is very difficult not to be criticized by difficult nobles.

If she was flashy, she would be seen as someone who likes to attract attention and is vain and extravagant, but if she was monotonous, she would be seen as an immature person who does not care about face and status.

But the girl didn't belong anywhere.

The word ‘harmonious’ was an exquisite expression that suited her now.

The weight was not biased towards either side and was harmonized appropriately.

Compared to their peers, the serious atmosphere overwhelmed the audience.

While no one was in a hurry to open their mouths, the Marquis, with a happy smile, patted Dorothea's folded hand and introduced her to the people.

“My granddaughter, her name is Dorothea.”

“It has been so intense. I don’t know if you remember what I saw at the hunting ground last time, but this is the Lady of rumors.”

“Isn’t she truly a pretty Young Lady?”

“It’s worth keeping it hidden. I would have done the same.”

She was embarrassed for a moment.

Everyone flocked to the Marquis' side, citing things like old ties or current positions they could hold.

Dane and Edwin took advantage of the opportunity to enter and stood in the corner, avoiding the curious looks of the nobles.

Dorothea said the necessary words as her grandfather introduced her, with a gentle smile on her face.

“Nice to meet you, Lord Cox. My grandfather told me about your business acumen many times, so I remembered it deeply.”

Dane looked bored when he saw Count Cox laughing happily.

He whispered to Edwin, who was smiling as if it was okay.

“As I live, I see her trying to please other people.”

"I know."

Although it was natural for her to express her annoyance at the crowd of nobles, Dorothea stood for hours and was introduced to countless people with a smile on her face.

“Can I take a break? My legs hurt.”

"Come, come. Do so.”

The Marquis may have been worried about her physical strength, so he willingly let Dorothea go and began dealing with the nobles. The Marchioness came and stood by his side as if filling her granddaughter's vacancy.

After completing the given bar perfectly and beautifully, with bright eyes shining, she turned her head to look around, found a table with a simple teapot, and walked over.

The ladies who were in great harmony around the table noticed the presence of Dorothea quickly approaching them.

One of the ladies was about to say hello when she saw a platinum-haired girl coming straight towards them with a gentle smile and sparkling eyes.

“Welcome, Hicle...“

The platinum-blond girl with rosy cheeks with a peach-colored blush immediately stretched out her hand onto the table.

“...”

What she picked up was a large plate of cherry cake placed in the very center of the table.

'Are you doing that by yourself?'

'It's a whole cake?'

In confused silence, Dorothea's fork sliced ​​right into the middle of the cake.

'No, don't you usually eat the outermost part first?'

'She cut it right down the middle.'

The ladies' eyes widened when they saw the cake sheet, cream, and cherry all placed on her fork in appropriate proportions.

The rising piece of cherry cake neatly entered Dorothea's mouth without a trace of cream.

The mouth filled with cake drew an arc.

Someone made a gulp sound.

'Something...'

'I look at her like I'm possessed.'

Someone spoke calmly among the ladies who were looking at the girl who was savoring the taste of cherry cake quickly but without losing elegance.

“It’s an honor to meet you. I am truly happy that the Young Lady, whom I had only heard about through rumors, is attending. My name is Valerie Germain.”

“Me too, I’m so happy. I really wanted to meet you!”

Someone hastily added.

Awkward smiles quickly spread across each person's face.

Dorothea lowered her eyes and silently accepted the reluctant favor.

She knew very well what was said outside the mansion while she was in seclusion.

In particular, she must have been easy prey to chew since she had never been seen by girls her own age.

Stutter. Fool. Ugly woman.

Naturally, negative evaluations remain in people's minds longer than positive evaluations.

She could see that everyone was confused because the woman in their imagination was different from the woman in front of them.

Eventually, after several more ladies introduced themselves, one lady suddenly opened her mouth.

“Is it for the sake of your cousin that the lady who has not shown her face for a long time came out like this today?”

Curiosity was evident in her sparkling eyes.

Dorothea blinked and then remembered again that the purpose of this ball was to ‘find Edwin’s bride.’

The main character of the ball, who should have received the most attention, was pushed aside by Dorothea and was sitting in a corner.

“What kind of person is Lord Edwin’s ideal type?”

One young lady asked a rather brave question.

Everyone burst out laughing at the half-joking question asked by the young lady.

But Dorothea began to consider the answer to the question quite seriously.

'Now that I think about it, it seems like there was talk about a similar topic before.'

Even if Dorothea continued like this and didn't have to be close to other ladies her age, she would not be lonely and wanted to have someone who would be a good friend to her and his cousin's wife.

Her maternal cousin is thoughtful, wise, and even kind.

Dorothea, who was lost in thought for a moment, remembering his words, slowly opened her mouth.

“First of all, she has to be a living person.”

It doesn't really matter to her whether they are dead or alive, but Edwin will have to have a living person as his companion.

“And if possible, I hope it’s someone who is a good fit for me.”

“Is she a good match for the Young Lady?”

For example, like Edwin and Dane, they float purified water on a high rock in the back garden where the early morning moon rises and come out together when making a prayer.

To scoop up purified water, in the dark of night, we scoop up water from the highest point of the mountain.

“She has to have good legs for that.”

“...”

Everyone secretly looked down at the 'legs' mentioned at the end of the unknown conversation.

There was no way they could see their legs covered by the dress, but it was clear that it was a very difficult condition to understand.

While all the ladies kept their mouths shut like clams, Dorothea, who had finished eating the cake, walked lightly towards the place where the tart was placed in the distance.

The ladies gathered nearby were seen smiling and greeting her.

“..”

Meanwhile, a Young Lady who was looking down at the empty plate containing the cherry cake stretched out her hand toward another plate next to her.

For some reason, she suddenly had a desire to eat cake.

***

Second. Third.

Dorothea moved from table to table, devouring each plate of food neatly, and each time she told them about Edwin's ideal type.

Then, when the plate was emptied, she neatly left the ladies and roamed around freely looking for a new plate.

Just as she was leaving the fourth table, Dane caught her.

“What are you doing?”

"Yes?"

“What are you doing that makes the ladies look at Edwin so strangely?”

Each of them had a happy face with food crumbs or drinks on their lips, but the moment they faced Edwin, they flinched and took a step back with a strange expression.

“They asked what kind of person they have to be to marry Edwin.”

"So?"

“It taught them that they needed to have strong legs.”

“...”

Did you finally bring up that nonsense?

“Just a little while ago, you were acting so common sense around my grandfather...”

Her ability to cross the line between common sense and nonsense while choosing people was also amazing.

Thanks to this, the atmosphere of the attendees in the ballroom was polarized.

The elderly and high-ranking nobles who met Dorothea through the Marquis's introduction were delighted, thinking of her as a true, wonderful, and talented person, and the unmarried ladies who had gathered to see Edwin were all busy eating the food on the table.

“It has to be sturdy.”

Dane, who was looking at his cousin's calm face as if wondering what was wrong, nodded with a resigned look.

It was clear that to make a living as a Marquis, he had to maintain a close relationship with Dorothea more than anything else.

All those who had tried to harm Dorothea in the mansion so far, had a sinister mind, or had some problems 'naturally' became distant from the Marquis.

Due to an unexpected accident, personal circumstances, or unexpected problem.

"That...”

It was the moment when Dane opened his mouth again.

As soon as the music announcing the main ceremony of the ball began, lights poured on the main characters who were to dance their first dance in the center of the ballroom.

Edwin, smiling, stood there and held out his hand toward Dorothea.

“I’ll take you there.”

Dane stepped forward, claiming to be an escort.

Dorothea lightly placed her hand on his and walked towards her cousin.

Just three steps. There were only three steps left before she could hold Edwin's hand.

Dane's eyes widened in confusion as Dorothea suddenly stood still.

Her eyes were staring coldly at the entrance to the ballroom.

“Thea?”

Dorothea stepped forward at Edwin's gentle call and placed Dane's hand, which was holding hers, on Edwin's palm.

He then pulled his cousin to face them and helped Dane wrap his free hand around his older brother's waist.

“...Thea?”

"Sorry. The two of you should dance together for the first dance.”

Even her share.

Dorothea, who spoke without a trace of laughter, turned around and quickly crossed the ballroom.

Behind her, the orchestra began to play a gorgeous tango of seduction.

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