Isabella, who had found a companion who seemed decent to others, rather than an inferior friend, an inferior brother, and a partner who was not up to standard, smiled inwardly as she entered the 'Lily Room'.
As she entered the ballroom, a palace servant handed her a small package of sugar cookies and a daffodil. It was a welcome gift given to all the female participants.
"Thank you."
Most of the guests had already entered. Only the royal family and the distinguished guest, the Grand Duchess Lariesa of Valoa de Gallico, had not entered the ballroom. Thanks to the Count and Countess Bartolini, they had even taken a very good corner sofa. Isabella stopped herself from taking the champagne, which was being served by a servant, and took a glass of water beside her.
“I guess Lady de Mare doesn’t drink alcohol?”
Count Bartolini asked kindly.
“Our Clemente doesn’t enjoy alcohol that much either.”
Isabella suppressed the urge to mutter, 'You should have seen your own wife drunk with the Marquis of Campa,' and smiled the most pathetic smile she could muster.
“No, I usually drink a little bit.”
Iacopo looked at her with delight at the news that Isabella was drinking. Would she drink with him if he asked her to drink with him in the future?
"Thank you."
Most of the guests had already entered. Only the royal family and the distinguished guest, the Grand Duchess Lariesa of Valoa de Gallico, had not entered the ballroom. Thanks to the Count and Countess Bartolini, they had even taken a very good corner sofa. Isabella stopped herself from taking the champagne, which was being served by a servant, and took a glass of water beside her.
“I guess Lady de Mare doesn’t drink alcohol?”
Count Bartolini asked kindly.
“Our Clemente doesn’t enjoy alcohol that much either.”
Isabella suppressed the urge to mutter, 'You should have seen your own wife drunk with the Marquis of Campa,' and smiled the most pathetic smile she could muster.
“No, I usually drink a little bit.”
Iacopo looked at her with delight at the news that Isabella was drinking. Would she drink with him if he asked her to drink with him in the future?
Isabella had always said in front of Iacopo that she could not drink even a single drop of alcohol.
“It hasn’t been long since I sent my mother away... By His Majesty the King’s decree, I must mourn for a month, but even if I take off my mourning clothes, I would like to spend the time honoring my mother in my lifestyle.”
While Count Bartolini looked at her with an expression of great impression, Ippolito, who was sitting in front of him, opened his mouth and chuckled without any sense.
“Hey, if you want to honor my mom, you have to go shopping like crazy just like she used to... Ugh!”
He was rendered speechless by the soundless kick to his shin. When he looked at the owner of the shoe, his sister, who was like a flower petal, smiled at her brother with incomparable kindness. At that moment, Count and Lady Baljo came to visit Count and Lady Bartolini and joined the party. Count Bartolini pointed to Isabella as if he was surprised and introduced her to Count and Lady Baljo.
“Count Baljo, Countess. I heard that young lady is abstaining from alcohol in memory of her mother who passed away some time ago.”
Count Bartolini looked at Clemente with admiration, then at Isabella again, and continued speaking.
“Where can you find young people like this these days? Isn’t it admirable?”
Countess Baljo, who had been glaring at Isabella with an extremely strict gaze, looked at Isabella as if asking, “What is this?”
“It’s different from the image?”
Isabella cleverly addressed Countess Baljo's soliloquy as a conversation directed to herself and spoke to the Countess, whom she would not have been able to address otherwise.
“I’m not that weird. I just want to remember my mother.”
Countess Baljo was reluctant, but she nodded. Isabella had been sitting with Count Bartolini and his wife in the first place. If Countess Baljo had treated her as if she were invisible, it would have been rude to Count Bartolini and his wife.
“It hasn’t been long since I sent my mother away... By His Majesty the King’s decree, I must mourn for a month, but even if I take off my mourning clothes, I would like to spend the time honoring my mother in my lifestyle.”
While Count Bartolini looked at her with an expression of great impression, Ippolito, who was sitting in front of him, opened his mouth and chuckled without any sense.
“Hey, if you want to honor my mom, you have to go shopping like crazy just like she used to... Ugh!”
He was rendered speechless by the soundless kick to his shin. When he looked at the owner of the shoe, his sister, who was like a flower petal, smiled at her brother with incomparable kindness. At that moment, Count and Lady Baljo came to visit Count and Lady Bartolini and joined the party. Count Bartolini pointed to Isabella as if he was surprised and introduced her to Count and Lady Baljo.
“Count Baljo, Countess. I heard that young lady is abstaining from alcohol in memory of her mother who passed away some time ago.”
Count Bartolini looked at Clemente with admiration, then at Isabella again, and continued speaking.
“Where can you find young people like this these days? Isn’t it admirable?”
Countess Baljo, who had been glaring at Isabella with an extremely strict gaze, looked at Isabella as if asking, “What is this?”
“It’s different from the image?”
Isabella cleverly addressed Countess Baljo's soliloquy as a conversation directed to herself and spoke to the Countess, whom she would not have been able to address otherwise.
“I’m not that weird. I just want to remember my mother.”
Countess Baljo was reluctant, but she nodded. Isabella had been sitting with Count Bartolini and his wife in the first place. If Countess Baljo had treated her as if she were invisible, it would have been rude to Count Bartolini and his wife.
Isabella, who had already received Countess Baljo’s greeting had even less reason to hesitate.
“Countess Baljo. I have heard so much about your fame. You are said to be so virtuous and of such a noble spirit...”
"Oh yeah?"
The Countess of Baljo didn't seem particularly interested. She seemed a little annoyed. In a way, she found it a little funny that the former 'greatest talent in San Carlo', whose reputation had now completely faded, was trying to impress her with all sorts of flattery. But Isabella was undaunted and kept talking to her.
“My father, Cardinal de Mare, also saw a woman volunteering at the relief facility attached to the Church and said that such service by a noble person is truly noble devotion.”
The Countess of Baljo was very active in volunteer work but in a slightly different way than other noblewomen. Usually, noblewomen held charity bazaars for support and donated the proceeds, or even just donated money, but the Countess of Baljo organized noblewomen who did volunteer work and washed the railings, hung the laundry, and removed the vases with their own hands. There was a subtle criticism in society that this was useless child's play, that it was an act of romantic narcissism that was not done because her husband did not allow her to borrow money, that it was deceitful to wear extravagant jewels and silks and go to orphanages or nursing homes to sweep the floors with a broom, etc.
Isabella scratched that itch.
“Oh, he said that?”
The Countess of Baljo showed a slightly pleased expression for the first time. Isabella answered with a bright smile.
“That’s right. Yesak’s Gon said that the hands that work are truly precious.”
It was the moment when the 'Meditations' that she had been forced to write while locked up during her period of confinement began to take effect. Isabella decided to copy everything Ariadne had written. Whenever that ugly girl said something like that, the older ladies would turn away. It was time to put what she had carefully observed to use.
“The value of one’s own labor is not only because of the value that labor creates. It is shallow to discuss its value in that way. In the end, it is a matter of character development. When Yesak’s Gon said that, I think he was emphasizing the gratitude for others that individuals can realize while working and the patience that they learn.”
It was a story from 'Meditations of the Seeker' by Sister Claribelle, a commentary on 'Meditations'. Isabella simply parroted what she roughly understood. She didn't particularly agree with the content.
'Don't learn patience. Just keep swearing.'
But she did not show any sign of it and continued to speak seriously, looking into the eyes of the Countess of Baljo. Isabella's fresh and beautiful face seemed to radiate light. It was an immersion that was not inferior to that of any theatrical actress.
“Everyone tries to accumulate happiness by holding charity bazaars and supporting the poor with money, but it is truly wonderful when you take care of children by dipping your hands in cold water during the cold winter with your own hands. Cardinal de Mare also said the same thing.”
The eyes of Countess Baljo were already shining at the abetment that came in just at the right time. Clemente also looked at Isabella with a blank expression from the side.
“Oh, he said that?”
The Countess of Baljo showed a slightly pleased expression for the first time. Isabella answered with a bright smile.
“That’s right. Yesak’s Gon said that the hands that work are truly precious.”
It was the moment when the 'Meditations' that she had been forced to write while locked up during her period of confinement began to take effect. Isabella decided to copy everything Ariadne had written. Whenever that ugly girl said something like that, the older ladies would turn away. It was time to put what she had carefully observed to use.
“The value of one’s own labor is not only because of the value that labor creates. It is shallow to discuss its value in that way. In the end, it is a matter of character development. When Yesak’s Gon said that, I think he was emphasizing the gratitude for others that individuals can realize while working and the patience that they learn.”
It was a story from 'Meditations of the Seeker' by Sister Claribelle, a commentary on 'Meditations'. Isabella simply parroted what she roughly understood. She didn't particularly agree with the content.
'Don't learn patience. Just keep swearing.'
But she did not show any sign of it and continued to speak seriously, looking into the eyes of the Countess of Baljo. Isabella's fresh and beautiful face seemed to radiate light. It was an immersion that was not inferior to that of any theatrical actress.
“Everyone tries to accumulate happiness by holding charity bazaars and supporting the poor with money, but it is truly wonderful when you take care of children by dipping your hands in cold water during the cold winter with your own hands. Cardinal de Mare also said the same thing.”
The eyes of Countess Baljo were already shining at the abetment that came in just at the right time. Clemente also looked at Isabella with a blank expression from the side.
“My goodness, the young woman has thought a lot. She is different from what the world thinks.”
'Okay. It's coming.'
Isabella lowered her head and looked sad.
“The world’s opinion is subject to distortion...”
Iacopo Attendolo intervened from the side.
“It’s the social world where there is smoke coming out of the chimney even when there is no smoke.”
Isabella didn't intend to speak so openly, but it wouldn't be bad if Iacopo helped her like that. She could just pretend to be nice without having to build up the story herself.
“Ahh... I did something wrong, so I guess I’ll get bad reviews.”
“A beautiful antelope like Miss Isabella is an easy target for jealousy.”
Iacopo was slowly crossing the line. If he were to openly say in front of other ladies that 'so-and-so is jealous because of her looks', he would actually arouse their resentment. The closer the age difference between them, the more this would be the case.
'Okay. It's coming.'
Isabella lowered her head and looked sad.
“The world’s opinion is subject to distortion...”
Iacopo Attendolo intervened from the side.
“It’s the social world where there is smoke coming out of the chimney even when there is no smoke.”
Isabella didn't intend to speak so openly, but it wouldn't be bad if Iacopo helped her like that. She could just pretend to be nice without having to build up the story herself.
“Ahh... I did something wrong, so I guess I’ll get bad reviews.”
“A beautiful antelope like Miss Isabella is an easy target for jealousy.”
Iacopo was slowly crossing the line. If he were to openly say in front of other ladies that 'so-and-so is jealous because of her looks', he would actually arouse their resentment. The closer the age difference between them, the more this would be the case.
Clemente de Bartolini, as well as the Countess of Balzo, were young ladies compared to their social standings. She quickly changed the subject.
“After my mother passed away, I thought a lot about what life is. Now, I want to live a life of sacrifice and service.”
Fortunately, Countess Baljo did not seem to pay much attention to what Iacopo said.
“Huh? Are you interested in volunteer work?”
“Of course! I wanted to do some volunteer work like Countess Baljo, but there wasn’t a suitable place to volunteer.”
It was a blatant lie. Isabella was the daughter of Cardinal de Mare. It was widely known that the orphanage and the poor relief project were under the jurisdiction of the Holy See and that her biological father was in charge of such facilities and projects. But she smiled faintly.
“Because I didn’t know where to start.”
“Isabella, why don’t you ask Countess Baljo to come with you?”
Leticia helped from the side. Okay, that's right. It was worth sticking with my brother. You paid for the meal.
“After my mother passed away, I thought a lot about what life is. Now, I want to live a life of sacrifice and service.”
Fortunately, Countess Baljo did not seem to pay much attention to what Iacopo said.
“Huh? Are you interested in volunteer work?”
“Of course! I wanted to do some volunteer work like Countess Baljo, but there wasn’t a suitable place to volunteer.”
It was a blatant lie. Isabella was the daughter of Cardinal de Mare. It was widely known that the orphanage and the poor relief project were under the jurisdiction of the Holy See and that her biological father was in charge of such facilities and projects. But she smiled faintly.
“Because I didn’t know where to start.”
“Isabella, why don’t you ask Countess Baljo to come with you?”
Leticia helped from the side. Okay, that's right. It was worth sticking with my brother. You paid for the meal.
Surprisingly, Countess Baljo didn't seem to mind the offer.
“Then, would you like to come again next time, Miss Isabella? We’re already empty with the Marchioness Salvati lying down these days.”
Leaving Clemente behind with a distorted expression, Isabella smiled brightly like a peony in May. But don't bite too hard. Friends who are easily won are easily lost.
“Oh, Madame Salvati, why are you absent from the meeting?”
“Oh, why? Didn’t the rumor spread to your single friends? There was that incident where she got confessed to by the court jester.”
A hunchbacked clown who was carried around by the royal family as a pastime confessed his love to a noble lady whom he had been gazing at for a long time. It was a sincere confession of love. However, the other person was married, the clown was hunchbacked, and there was no such communication between the two.
“There was chaos last fall.”
“Marquis Salvati couldn’t stand it anymore, so he went to find that clown and beat him to the point of death.”
“Because of that, Marquis Salvati couldn’t even follow the royal palace down to Taranto.”
“Isn’t it common for a knight to pledge his love and devotion to a lady?”
“How are knights and clowns alike?”
“That’s true. Even confessing is unpleasant.”
“It was something so outrageous that it could have just been laughed off. I can’t help but feel that Marquis Salvati got angry for no reason and made a big deal out of it.”
After a while of talking amongst themselves, Countess Baljo and her party suddenly realized that they had left their young friends out. Countess Baljo looked at Isabella and answered kindly.
“Anyway, because of that, the Marquise Salvati has been reluctant to go out and come to our meetings these days. One person is missing.”
“Oh my... I really feel sorry for the Marchioness Salvati.”
“Then, would you like to come again next time, Miss Isabella? We’re already empty with the Marchioness Salvati lying down these days.”
Leaving Clemente behind with a distorted expression, Isabella smiled brightly like a peony in May. But don't bite too hard. Friends who are easily won are easily lost.
“Oh, Madame Salvati, why are you absent from the meeting?”
“Oh, why? Didn’t the rumor spread to your single friends? There was that incident where she got confessed to by the court jester.”
A hunchbacked clown who was carried around by the royal family as a pastime confessed his love to a noble lady whom he had been gazing at for a long time. It was a sincere confession of love. However, the other person was married, the clown was hunchbacked, and there was no such communication between the two.
“There was chaos last fall.”
“Marquis Salvati couldn’t stand it anymore, so he went to find that clown and beat him to the point of death.”
“Because of that, Marquis Salvati couldn’t even follow the royal palace down to Taranto.”
“Isn’t it common for a knight to pledge his love and devotion to a lady?”
“How are knights and clowns alike?”
“That’s true. Even confessing is unpleasant.”
“It was something so outrageous that it could have just been laughed off. I can’t help but feel that Marquis Salvati got angry for no reason and made a big deal out of it.”
After a while of talking amongst themselves, Countess Baljo and her party suddenly realized that they had left their young friends out. Countess Baljo looked at Isabella and answered kindly.
“Anyway, because of that, the Marquise Salvati has been reluctant to go out and come to our meetings these days. One person is missing.”
“Oh my... I really feel sorry for the Marchioness Salvati.”
Isabella looked at the floor with eyes full of wistfulness, then looked at Countess Baljo with a sweet smile on her face.
“If you invite me, I will gladly attend.”
In Isabella's 16 years of life, she had never farted so hard on a woman. She felt that it was a waste of effort, and the smile on her pretty face grew even brighter. At that moment, the voice of a servant announcing the arrival of a distinguished guest rang out from the north side of the ballroom.
“Here comes His Majesty!!”
The voice of the palace servant announcing the entrance of King Leo III from the back passage of the 'Lily Room', which was forbidden to the general public and was for the exclusive use of VIPs, resonated throughout the hall.
Pa-bam! Pa-ba-bam!
In case the guests did not hear the announcement shouted in a loud voice, the twelve members of the King's Honor Guard appeared and blew their horns. The guests immediately stopped their conversations among themselves, stood up from their seats, and faced the VIP passage.
Amid the resounding sound of the horns, Leo III appeared in the lead and Queen Marguerite walking beside him. Prince Alfonso was standing right behind King and Queen walking majestically. His face was expressionless. The left hand of the Grand Duchess of Lariesa was resting on his arm.
In addition, the Duke of Mireille, the highest-ranking head of the Gallico Kingdom delegation, and the Countess Rubina, the King's mistress, followed. Isabella's eyes flashed. Count Cesare, who had rejected her bluntly, was escorting his mother to the royal ball. Thanks to this, he entered the ballroom using the VIP passage with the royal family.
'Count Cesare, I will make you regret it...!'
She didn't know how to do it, but she would do it. Isabella would not forget the resentment of being rejected. While Isabella de Mare, who was just one of the guests, was glaring at the royal family with some kind of resentment, Leo III proudly stepped up to the podium prepared in front and raised his right hand. The guests who filled the 'Lily Room' were instantly quiet.
“My faithful servants, welcome to the court ball that marks the beginning of the ‘Festival of Spring’. You are the central figures of San Carlo, and you deserve the utmost respect.”
The audience applauded in unison.
“As you all know, the negotiations have been going on for a long time, but today I will be holding a ball with the distinguished guests of the Kingdom of Gallico, with whom I am considering a marriage alliance. To commemorate this, the first dance will be performed by my only son, Alfonso, and the Grand Duchess of Gallico, Lariesa. Guests, please eat, drink, and be merry. Everyone, waltz!”
To Leo III's incantation, the invited guests in the audience responded in unison.
“Everyone waltz!”
Leo III's greeting was rough, but it had the undeniable advantage of being short. As soon as the King's greeting ended, the seventy-piece orchestra began playing in unison. It was the fast-tempo San Carlo Waltz. Lariesa turned to Alfonso with a big smile on her face. However, only men could request a dance. Alfonso asked her, hiding his reluctance.
“Shall we go, Grand Duchess?”
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