Chapter 34 Creeping Shadow
"Mr. Kaine is amazing, as always. If he's that talented, even my palace would gladly hire him as a civil servant or an official."
After Kaine left, Halesia murmured in admiration.
"That would be a problem! I want to say Kaine is my butler, but..."
Rhiannon hesitated for a moment.
"I understand what Halesia is trying to say. Kaine is too capable to just be my butler. If he were somewhere else, he could shine even more. It would definitely benefit this country too."
"Of course, I don't intend to force him to work at the palace. Mr. Kaine doesn't want to ruin Lady Rhiannon's relationship! I'm sure Mr. Kaine wants to be with Lady Rhiannon too."
"Kaine wants to be with me? ...If that's true, I'd be really happy."
Rhiannon smiled innocently, like a bashful girl, cupping her slightly blushing cheeks with her hands.
Seeing Rhiannon's expression, which resembled that of a lovestruck maiden, Halesia's eyes widened, and her mouth dropped open.
"W-What was that expression just now! Lady Rhiannon, you're too cute... This is beyond just eye candy; it's pure guilt! I mean, it's a sin!"
"...Huh, did I do something wrong?"
"No, no, it's just my thoughts. But Lady Rhiannon, you can make such an adorable face. This means you two need to get together soon. My mission is to bring my favorites together!"
"I-I'm sorry, Halesia. You've been talking so fast that I can hardly hear you..."
"Sorry, it's just my nerdy fast talking, so don't mind me. Now, let's head to the venue. The boring speeches from the guests should be wrapping up soon, and I'm getting a bit hungry."
"That's true. We've been chatting too much, and now I'm thirsty. I want to eat some snacks too."
"Well! Actually, I have a recommended baked good! I really want Lady Rhiannon to try it!"
"A recommended baked good!? Let's go quickly!"
Rhiannon and Halesia chatted happily as they headed to the venue.
However, a shadow watched them with envious eyes from behind a pillar.
"Ah, I finally found her. The villainess Rhiannon. Today, I will make her suffer great embarrassment!"
With a voice like rolling bells, the shadow muttered this and then sneaked back into the vibrant shadows of the palace.
"Hello, Lady Rhiannon! I see you made it!"
"Lady Rhiannon, thank you for the other day. You're with Lady Halesia today, I see."
As soon as Rhiannon entered the venue, she was surrounded by nobles.
Halesia, who was with her, looked visibly uncomfortable as many gentlemen suddenly focused their attention on her.
In contrast, Rhiannon wore an elegant smile.
"Good evening, everyone. It's a lovely night, isn't it?"
With a polished smile, Rhiannon smoothly greeted the surrounding nobles.
Having attended parties day after day, she had become quite accustomed to being surrounded like this.
After all, due to various charitable and trade endeavors—some of which she had only a vague awareness of, but were indeed documented—Rhiannon had become quite the talk of the town.
Halesia was surprised to see Rhiannon in such a different light.
Although Rhiannon usually had a somewhat clumsy demeanor, she was undeniably a noble lady.
Her manners and courtly etiquette were thoroughly ingrained in her.
Moreover, she was being rigorously trained daily by a certain excellent butler.
(Well, I was also fooled by Lady Rhiannon's facade...)
While watching Rhiannon perfectly play the role of a noble lady, Halesia couldn't help but smile wryly, but she quickly tightened her expression as a familiar noble approached her.
Halesia, being of royal descent herself, was also greeted by a steady stream of guests.
Halesia usually hides her face behind her long bangs, trying to blend into the background and stay unnoticed, but today, she couldn't escape or hide at all.
Because of this, a thick crowd quickly formed around Halesia and Rhiannon.
──As a side note, the partygoers were almost evenly split between the flashy and strong presence of Rhiannon Mimi Clahsen, and the mysterious impression given by Halesia Jouteau, who is a member of the royal family.
But that aside.
As people kept talking to her, Halesia grew increasingly fed up, and suddenly, the crowd surrounding the two began to stir.
"Oh, it seems someone has arrived."
"I wonder who it is..."
Rhiannon and Halesia turned around, puzzled.
Soon, the crowd parted, revealing two well-built middle-aged men walking toward them.
Halesia made a face that clearly showed her dislike.
"Ugh, it's my father and the king...!"
"Wait, is that His Majesty the King and His Highness the Prince!?"
Rhiannon quickly grabbed the hem of her dress, bent her knees slightly, and bowed deeply.
It was a sign of respect for the highest-ranking individuals.
"These are His Majesty King Réel and His Highness Prince!"
"Yes, it's Halesia and Lady Rhiannon. Raise your heads."
With a booming voice, Rhiannon slowly lifted her head.
In front of her stood King Réel of the Tortone Kingdom and his younger brother, Prince Tohm Jouteau, who served as the Minister of State.
Both were excellent rulers who had successfully carried on the legacy of the wise king who came before them, solidifying the Tortone Kingdom.
The king leaned in to look at Rhiannon's face and smiled warmly.
"Oh, Lady Rhiannon, you have become so beautiful. You were so small back then, and now you've grown into such a fine young lady. Is Fellui doing well?"
"Yes. My father is doing well. He seems unable to leave the territory for a while due to his duties, but he mentioned wanting to visit His Majesty the King by next spring."
"I see. Fellui is an old friend. I would be happy to welcome him."
From beside the king, Tohm, Halesia's father, smiled warmly.
"Lady Rhiannon, it's finally nice to meet you. My daughter has been in your care. I've heard stories from Halesia. She may be a bit of an oddball, but please befriend her."
Tohm said this and firmly shook Rhiannon's hand.
Rhiannon smiled in response.
(Halesia is not just a bit odd; she's quite different. Still, it's my first time meeting Lord Tohm, but he looks just like Halesia. No wonder she's his daughter...)
While Rhiannon was lost in her thoughts, Halesia was slowly backing away.
"Uncle, Father, it's a lovely evening. Perfect for a party, I must say... Well, that aside, I just remembered I have something to do, so I'll take my leave now..."
"Wait, Halesia. You rarely show up at these official events. Today, you will fulfill your duties properly."
"No, Father! I always say I'm at the party! I just blend in a little!"
"Don't be cheeky! Stop arguing and come here. There are plenty of important people you need to meet."
"W-Well, I have a lot to talk about with Lady Rhiannon..."
Halesia shot a pleading look at Rhiannon, but Rhiannon shook her head.
"It's really unfortunate that I can't chat with Halesia, but surely official duties must take priority, right?"
"Th-That's not fair!"
Tohm firmly grabbed Halesia's resisting arm.
"See, even Lady Rhiannon agrees. Now hurry up and come with me! This is part of your royal duty!"
"Nooooo! Lady Rhiannon!"
With a pitiful voice, Halesia was dragged into the crowd by Tohm, disappearing from sight.
The king watched Halesia with a broad smile.
"Halesia is intelligent and knowledgeable, but her dislike for public duties is a flaw."
"Yes, that's true."
Left with Rhiannon, the king let out a wry smile before lightly clearing his throat and gazing at Rhiannon.
Sensing that something important was about to be discussed, Rhiannon looked up at the king with curiosity.
After a moment, the king's expression turned serious as he opened his mouth with a heavy tone.
"Um, I had planned to talk about this someday, but I apologize for the matter concerning my son, Werner. It was a nearly settled arrangement, yet that foolish boy suddenly called off the engagement..."
"Oh, oh, please don't worry about that...! There were unavoidable circumstances!"
At the king's sudden remark, Rhiannon forced a strained smile.
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