Chapter 26: A Frenzied Party (2)
One week before the party, within the secluded confines of the Senestia Ducal House's private chambers.
Normally, the hushed steps of the maids would resonate softly, mingling with the comforting aroma of black tea, creating a tranquil ambiance.
However, on this particular day, the atmosphere in the chamber was far from typical.
"Do you have any sense left in you?"
"I'm sorry... Mother."
The Duchess Senestia was scolding Sushia. No, she was berating her.
"I thought you had finally come to your senses working in government lately. But were you just gathering your strength? Huh? Preparing to cause an even bigger mess?"
From the old days, Sushia had a history of causing troubles, big and small. Yet, they had hoped that sending her to the Evaluation Department and having her work there would lead her to shoulder her responsibilities.
"I can't understand you anymore. Figure it out yourself."
The Duchess turned her head coldly. Sushia pleaded desperately.
"Just this once, help me. Mother, no, dear Madam. I can't handle it all by myself."
"Pain is the essence of youth. There's a saying like that. Take this chance to learn the hard way."
Holding a party as an aristocrat carries various implications.
At times, the youth might decide to assert their social status, pondering, "Do they underestimate our standing? Should we demonstrate our significance by orchestrating a grand party?"
On other occasions, someone might contemplate, "That individual shows promise; should we establish a closer connection? Yet, there's no apparent reason," prompting them to host an event to nurture camaraderie.
Alternatively, they might extend invitations to everyone except the one individual they harbor aversion toward, employing subtlety to isolate them.
Such intricate motives serve as the defining elements of aristocratic parties.
Of course, there were times when parties were held purely for pleasure or to celebrate birthdays.
However, this party by the Senestia Ducal House had no clear purpose.
Which made it all the more suspicious.
The Duke Senestia, always neutral, was hosting a party. Yet its intentions remained ambiguous.
For the nobility, this was utterly baffling.
Any noble slightly interested in power would undeniably have to attend the party to ascertain the truth for themselves.
Of course, there was a stated reason.
"Let's bake cookies together and enjoy!"
Naturally, no one took this at face value.
"Baking cookies? Is it a metaphor? Does that mean they're baking the 'half emperor faction'?"
"Has the Duke Senestia finally chosen a side?"
"Ironically, if you interpret 'cookie' in the ancient language, it means 'greed'. The Duke Senestia is revealing his hidden intentions."
For Sushia, who genuinely intended to bake cookies, this was maddening.
Of course, this reason alone wasn't why the party's attendance hit an all-time high.
No matter how influential the Duke Senestia might be, it was impossible to gather all the prominent families with just this.
There was an unspoken star of the party.
'Ascal Debrue.'
The Main head of the Empire's Evaluation Department, a man considered the closest to becoming the youngest minister.
Not just those wanting to gauge the Duke Senestia's intentions, but the powerful nobles wanting to curry favor with this rising young star had their eyes twinkling.
The Senestia Ducal House, having ears everywhere, was well aware of these circulating rumors.
"Canceling it now... isn't possible, right?"
"If you do, your already low reputation will hit rock bottom. How would you ever show your face in high society?"
That was right.
Sushia, infamous for her naivety in noble society, was barely maintaining her fragile reputation.
With the halo of her Ducal background, she had the title of 'a bit mischievous but with a kind heart'. However, if the truth about this party came to light...
"Ah... Lady Sushia is attending this party? Then I'll pass."
"Lady Sushia said so? I can't trust it then."
She'd literally become the girl who cried wolf.
So, Sushia had to ensure the success of this party at all costs.
But no matter how much she tried, she was short-handed.
She desperately needed the help of the Duchess, but the Duchess coldly turned her back.
However, as always, there was a way out when in a tight spot.
"What's the commotion?"
Short gray hair, and a neatly groomed beard, matching the color of his hair. Although he was already in his fifties, his upright posture seemed to testify to the steadfast nature of a duke.
The duke was always lenient with his daughter. The Duke Senestia looked at Sushia with affection.
"Dad!"
The Duchess sighed upon seeing this. It was the same pattern: his daughter causing trouble, and the duke fixing it.
"Yes, I heard you're hosting a party. A lively, joyful party for everyone. That's a good thing."
"I knew Dad would understand!"
"But it seems you've gone big this time?"
Sushia giggled.
"Yes. I spread the word, and everyone said they'd come. Accepting some and declining others seemed awkward, so I ended up accepting everyone"
"Alright, who's coming?"
Sushia recalled the guest list. There were quite a few names, but she remembered all of them.
"Firstly, my boss, Ascal Debrue."
"The young man you're so fond of? I've always wanted to meet him. This will be a good opportunity."
The Duke Senestia stroked his beard, listening intently to his daughter's words.
"Count Teheran."
"Ah, he's an honorable knight. It might be good to establish connections with him on this occasion."
The Duke nodded. Count Teheran led the Lavender Knight Order and was a knight known for his honor.
"Viscount Yorick."
"A prominent family. Some may belittle his title, but his influence in the central politics surpasses many other nobles. A good guest indeed."
The Duke smiled.
"Marquess Haval."
"My close friend! There will be no issues with him. In fact, he'll help us with the party."
Sushia swallowed. Until now, she believed she could handle everything and wasn't worried. But the situation was about to change.
"You won't get mad, right?"
"Why would I? Of course, I won't."
"Prince Kain will also be attending."
The duke fell silent for a moment.
"......Haha. I'll really need to pay careful attention to the hosting. A week seems rather tight for time."
The duke's grip tightened on the armrest of his chair. The slightly visible veins might have just been Sushia's imagination.
Hosting the prince of a nation at a party was, before it could be deemed an honor, an immensely laborious task.
Above all, security was the primary concern.
What if an assassination attempt was made on the prince during the party? Even a house as prominent as the duke's couldn't evade responsibility. They'd face utter ruin.
Or what if the prince ate something and got food poisoning? That would also be a grave mistake on the duke's part for not inspecting the food.
The list of concerns, from routes, and escorts, to food, grew exponentially.
The Duke Senestia sighed. Still, this was within manageable limits. Hosting the prince had its risks, but it also promised returns.
Building a rapport with the prince, who was clearly set to be the next emperor, was undoubtedly beneficial. Just one word from him about how enjoyable the party was would greatly elevate the duke's reputation.
"Yes, it should indeed be a grand party."
"Um... Princess Serena is also attending."
Crack.
A strange noise came from the chair's armrest. Sushia shifted her gaze.
"Princess Serena is quite... particular."
Particular...
The term carried various connotations.
Persistent, troublesome, nerve-wracking... In some respects, hosting Princess Serena might be even more challenging than the amiable Prince Kain.
There was an anecdote about her.
A young lady, newly debuted in high society, had accidentally stepped on Princess Serena's dress hem.
And from that day on, odd rumors surrounded the young lady. That she had been rude at night, or had engaged in strange behaviors with her pet dog.
That young lady never set foot in society again. What was truly terrifying was that not all the rumors were false...
The duke narrowed his eyes.
If there were even slight shortcomings in the food at the party, or if the hosting wasn't adept, Serena was the type of person who could easily exploit such flaws.
The difficulty of the party just increased substantially.
"Yes...... Sushia. Next time we plan such an event, make sure to get permission."
The duke's expression grew tired. He needed to get to work immediately.
From behind the now-standing duke, Sushia whispered faintly,
"It's not over yet... Princess Yulia is attending. And also Count Devar, Marquis Sahanin..."
The duke turned around.
"My lady, bring me the cane from my study."
"I've been waiting for that command."
The legendary oak cane, unused for some time, seemed like its legend was about to be revived...
****
On the day of the party.
"Whatever anyone says~ the world is beautiful~"
Ascal hummed a song from inside his carriage.
The carriage given to him as 5th-grade official was truly exceptional. The seats were made of luxurious leather and were very comfortable, and the wheels were of such quality that there was minimal shaking.
And then,
"Wait for it, Sushia. I'll show you what a real cookie looks like."
Inside his bag, there were ingredients he personally selected: flour, eggs, butter, and more. With these, he felt unbeatable in any contest.
Ascal, with anticipation, looked out the window. The duke's mansion was just ahead.
The mansions of renowned nobles were a sight to behold.
'...Something seems off?'
It was peculiar.
Sushia had clearly mentioned a 'small tea party,' but the number of carriages he had seen kept increasing.
The crow emblem. That was Marquis Haval's insignia.
The owl emblem. That belongs to Count Teheran.
The shovel emblem. That's Viscount Yorick's.
And it didn't stop there.
Carriages...
The number of carriages kept increasing.
Ascal sensed danger.
"Turn the carriage around!!!!!!!!!!"
He needed to escape.
"Ah, Lord Ascal. The knights are blocking our way."
"What are you talking about?"
Ascal peered outside through the carriage window.
Just as the coachman had said, knights in resplendent armor stood blocking his carriage.
And on their shoulders, all bore the same falcon emblem.
The knight order of the Senestia Ducal House, the Silver Knights.
'Why are the Silver Knights blocking me?'
Even without doing anything wrong, human nature made one anxious when approached by security. Despite his innocence, Ascal felt his heart race.
"Lord Ascal Debrue. Would you kindly step out of the carriage?"
The words were polite, but the atmosphere they carried was forceful.
Reluctantly, Ascal descended from the carriage.
"What's the matter?"
Seeing the towering knights in armor, even with swords drawn, was intimidating.
But he had to remain assertive here.
He was an invited guest. There was no reason to cower.
"Welcome to the Senestia Ducal House, Ascal Debrue."
A woman in a dress appeared from behind the knights.
Her hair was braided and pulled back, her face beautifully adorned with bright makeup.
"...Sushia?"
Despite the heavy makeup, almost as if she had prepared for battle, he recognized her distinct aura. This woman was Sushia.
Thud.
The Silver Knights suddenly knelt in unison.
It was a move of utmost respect.
Sushia quickly approached, grasping Ascal's hand with both of hers, pleading.
"Director-nim... Please help me... I'm in big trouble..."
The Silver Knights echoed in chorus.
"Please assist!"
"Please assist!"
Ascal was taken aback.
'What on earth did she get herself into...'
