The New Year’s Ball was a grand event where every noble of the empire gathered before His Majesty the Emperor to reaffirm their loyalty. It was an event more magnificent and resplendent than any other, but equally as heavy and burdensome.
That was why I never had any real desire to attend despite my curiosity about the event. After all, I’d be obliged to go whether I wanted to or not once I inherited the title.
I heard that some people attended willingly to expand their network, but I always imagined myself living quietly on our territory even after becoming a baron. My father understood this, so he never even suggested going to the capital for such an event.
So this is what it’s like.
But I ended up attending the New Year’s Ball this year. It wasn’t because my father pushed me, but because I wanted to. The look of surprise on his face when I suddenly expressed my desire to attend was priceless.
Well, technically, it was Lady Marghetta’s suggestion that swayed me, so maybe it was more of her will than mine?
Whatever, it doesn’t matter.
Whether it was my decision or hers, the fact remained that this was my first time attending the New Year’s Ball. So, I might as well take in the sights while I was here. If I was going to attend, then I might as well make the most of it.
As I was glancing around while thinking that, something cold suddenly touched my cheek.
“Eeek—!”
“Ahaha. Did I scare you?”
Startled, I turned to see Irina standing beside me, smiling mischievously while holding a small glass.
“You must be thirsty. Here, drink this. It’s juice, not wine, so don’t worry.”
Irina handed me the glass she had pressed against my cheek. It was so cold that frost had formed on the surface. Even though it was warm inside, wasn’t pressing something that cold against me in the middle of winter a bit cruel?
“You could’ve handed it over normally.”
“Well, you seemed so distracted.”
I grumbled a bit, but I couldn’t deny her playful laughter. Although I’d never planned to attend this event, I had always been curious. Everything around me was new—new faces and a new place. How could I not be a little distracted?
Besides, this was the imperial palace. Even high-ranking nobles didn’t get to visit unless it was for the New Year’s Ball. So, it was only natural to be fascinated.
“...Was it that obvious?”
“Yeah, totally.”
It was embarrassing to realize that I must’ve looked like a country girl overwhelmed by the grandeur of it all. Well, I did come from the countryside, so I guess that wasn’t too far from the truth.
“I was the same earlier. It’s fine once you get used to it.”
Sensing my slight embarrassment, Irina gave me a reassuring smile and patted my shoulder. She admitted that she’d been just as awestruck when she first arrived, but she felt more at ease now after looking around a bit.
Her kind reassurance only made me feel more self-conscious. After all, my reaction was probably even worse than I thought if she had to comfort me.
“That’s a relief...”
Still, I couldn’t dismiss her kindness, so I pretended to feel better.
...Right. I wasn’t here for sightseeing. I came to show off my connection with oppa and not to have fun.
Deciding to stop gawking at everything, I lowered my gaze and sipped the juice. Just then, Lady Marghetta came up and placed a hand on my shoulder.
“It’s perfectly normal to feel this way on your first visit. I was the same, so don’t worry too much, Lady Louise.”
“Ah, senior.”
“Sorry to interrupt your fun, but may I join you two? It’s getting a bit dull over there.”
I immediately understood why she said it was boring after looking over to where Lady Marghetta had been. The elders of three noble families were huddled together, deep in conversation. Even for someone like her, it wasn’t exactly a crowd she could easily slip into. Ŗ
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