Death Can’t Sleep - Chapter 80
“Me?”
“Absolutely. This subjugation has earned you the nickname ‘Dragon Slayer’, so it will only get worse. Everyone will be anxious to take a look at Madame’s sword.”
Amarion felt the tips of her ears become hot.
“…Please spread the word that it was a Basilisk.”
“Madame, a basilisk is almost as big as a dragon. I almost passed out reading the report.”
Sir Carlz pointed out sternly.
Seriously, she didn’t even hunt it alone.
She was embarrassed and finished the dance.
It was time to change partners, but Amarion and Carlz stepped off of the dance floor. They moved off to the side, each grabbing a glass of honeydew wine.
Carlz looked around leisurely.
“Anyway, what a wonderful banquet. I thought I would never see anything like this in the North.”
“Thank you, Carlz.”
“You don’t know how happy I am that you have grown so wonderfully.”
He pretended to wipe away tears. Amarion laughed. It was something only Carlz would do. The knight spoke in a sincere tone.
“I hope that your highness and his highness will continue to be like this in the future. No worries, just happiness.”
Amarion looked at him quietly.
Of course, they would, but just as she was about to answer, Carlz suddenly shrugged.
“Okay, then I’ll go. May my Master treat you well!”
Amarion watched Carlz’s retreating back in dismay. Then she noticed Victor, who had a very angry expression, was approaching rapidly.
She burst into laughter.
＊ ＊ ＊
The first ball ended successfully.
After Carlz, many nobles came and greeted Amarion, but Mary appeared and stood by her, so she would not be embarrassed.
Victor also stood by her faithfully, but he was kind to those who approached him.
Everyone seemed happy. It was rewarding to see them praising the banquet she had worked so hard for and recognizing her as the hostess. It was a banquet, so it was a bit unreasonable to have deep conversations right away or memorize faces. That’s because she could learn it slowly throughout the rest of the event.
She was just happy to have successfully completed her Northern debut.
After the guests left, Amarion went up to their bedroom. After taking a leisurely bath and sitting on the bed, Victor came in wearing a robe.
“Why do you keep making me want to cut off Carlz’s head?”
He asked. She didn’t know if he was joking or serious.
Amarion glared at Victor.
“Where did my gentlemanly husband go?”
“Any gentleman would have wanted to trap you in his arms as soon as he saw you.”
He smiled and kissed the tip of her nose.
She fell back on the bed. Victor laid down next to her and pulled her close.
She gently caressed the back of his hand.
“Sir Carlz wished us happiness.”
“…He is a good friend.”
“I think it would be nice to have a childhood friend by my side.”
Amarion felt Victor’s gaze on her.
She quietly closed her eyes.
Was it because the first ball ended safely? Emotions washed over her.
She never imagined that she would host a banquet like this and get along naturally with other nobles. As she was greeted by young girls who hadn’t yet debuted, she kept thinking of the children of Amari.
Victor suddenly asked.
“…How were your friends?”
Amarion answered quietly.
“Everyone was cheerful, young…”
Like everyone else, she, too, had childhood friends. Even though she was a child of a Count, she grew up by the hands of the villagers.
She ran around with a wooden sword, picked small flowers, and played with flint. They were the first ones to feed her a full stew, and pledged to follow her when she became the Lord.
But Amari was a difficult land for children to survive in.
She looked back at him.
“How was the ball? Did you have fun?”
Victor didn’t pry anymore. Instead, he propped himself up and looked down at her.
“Yes. Because of you.”
He kissed her forehead softly. Seeing his warm smile, her heart eased a little.
“What a relief. I wanted you to like it.”
“Me?”
“Yes.”
“I like anything you give me.”
He spoke sweet words again. But she pulled Victor closer and started laughing.
“Don’t lie, you’re picky.”
Victor smiled broadly.
With a big smile, she kissed him clumsily.
＊ ＊ ＊
But her happiness did not last long. The next morning, she had to get into the bathtub as soon as the sun came up.
“You must hurry, Madame!”
Mary nagged her.
“There is a salon gathering this morning, so you have to choose a dress and jewelry. Pick out what you want to wear in advance!”
Amarion sighed deeply.
She was right. A banquet was not an event that ended after just one night.
The official event consisted of three balls, but countless social gatherings were held in between. And, of course, the highlight of all gatherings was the salon party held by the hostess.
It was open throughout the banquet period, so the ladies could gather. It was a party that became a place for exchanges such as music and art, depending on the disposition of the hostess.
To be honest, Amaron was more nervous than she was about the ball.
The ball was very noisy and crowded, but it wasn’t a party. Only a limited number of women could enter the salon ‘White Starlight’. The guests were invited after checking their status and close associations.
There, it was necessary to have close conversations with people she did not know.
In fact, she didn’t even know exactly who was invited. Diederick and Mary were in charge of making the list.
There was no way those two would have invited someone she wouldn’t like, but…
Still, there would be people who had no choice but to come…
If there was a woman like Nanael Welch, she would have had no choice but to invite them.
‘What if someone hates me?’
Mary lightly shook Amarion to snap her out of her thoughts.
“Oh, Madame! You did a great job yesterday. Why are you worrying so much?”
“It wasn’t a place to have a conversation. They might think I’m boring…”
“You don’t have to be interesting at all! You’re the hostess of the event, so of course, the guests should come with interesting stories!”
“But-“
Mary cut off her words like a knife.
“Come closer. I will apply perfume for you.”
“Okay…”
Amarion surrendered, and her preparations went without a hitch.
＊ ＊ ＊
Today’s dress was less elegant than yesterday’s but more glamorous. The light blue dress had chiffon around its shoulders, and the bottom of the skirt was decorated with lace. But the mermaid-like shape was the same.
The maids curled her hair and brushed it out, and placed a small tiara on her head.
According to her maids, she looked like a mermaid who had just risen out of the water.
‘If a mermaid comes out of the water, shouldn’t it be killed right away…?’
A familiar voice awakened her from her idle concerns.
“Indeed, the maids of the Grand Duchess have excellent taste.”
Amarion looked in the mirror and smiled brightly.
“Good morning, Catalina.”
“Good morning, Amarion. It’s the perfect weather for a great gathering.”
She beckoned her to the clear, cloudless window.
Outside, she could hear the shouts of male nobles. Catalina looked down at them regretfully.
“They’re doing boat races, right? I like them too. It’s a pity I can’t attend.”
“Is there a strong distinction between women and men here even though it’s not the Capital?”
“Of course. It’s even worse.”
Catalina shook her head.
She was simply dressed today. She wore a tight red velvet dress and black pearl trinkets.
Catalina, who often wore unique dresses, was wearing something stiff that wasn’t her taste.
When Catalina noticed Amarion’s puzzled gaze, she smiled bitterly.
“This is how you get ignored.”
‘What do you mean?’
Before she could ask questions, the maids put bracelets on Amarion’s wrists and finished her makeup.
Amarion got up from her seat. Catalina suggested.
“Would you like to walk with me to the salon? It’s so nice out.”
Amarion smiled softly.
Catalina smiled broadly in return and nodded her head.
“All right, you guys go ahead.”
“Yes, Madame!”
The excited maids rushed out.
‘Will they have fun?’
Amarion left the room with Catalina.
