Chapter 74
“It’s a compliment. It means you’re incredibly cute, sweet, petite, and pretty.”
“Hmm, I see. If you say so, I’ll take your word for it.”
Marien answered reluctantly. She seemed to get unexpectedly riled up when her favorite food was mentioned.
She had a habit of thinking that if she were a decoration on a cake, it must be made of chocolate or sugar cookies, only to be disappointed when she realized it was inedible. That tendency to react sharply might have made her respond even more sensitively this time.
‘Time to think a bit more practically.’
Marien watched the small groups laughing and chatting, trying to guess who among them might be part of the assault team.
‘The one who stabbed Baileon is supposed to be a man in a white formal suit.’
It wasn’t a servant carrying drinks or canapés—it was an attendee in formal wear. They even had an official invitation. This was possible because the person backing the assault team was the Second Prince.
Yet absurdly, there were far too many men in white formal suits today.
Had there been some secret order among the men that everyone should wear white to the palace ball?
At that moment, a familiar servant whom Marien occasionally encountered at the Fourth Princess’s palace approached. He leaned in and whispered just loudly enough for Marien to hear.
“Her Highness the Princess requests your presence.”
Baileon, called away briefly to discuss something, left his younger sister right with Marien—a makeshift whistle for protection, so to speak.
Chloise rolled her eyes at her overprotective brother but didn’t slack in watching over Marien. At this point, Marien thought: so much for “like brother, like sister.”
Chloise pretended not to listen but perked her ears anyway. Marien asked quietly,
“Just one thing—Is the Duke of Blackwood here as well?”
“No.”
Good. Marien followed the servant, and Chloise tagged along, ignoring the servant’s puzzled glance.
The three of them skirted the crowd, staying along the edges, and eventually reached the terrace outside the ballroom.
“Oh, Her Highness the Fourth Princess. It’s been a while. Chloise Beers, I’ll take my leave now.”
Chloise, having followed this far, quickly disappeared after glancing at Odette’s face. It seemed her purpose from the beginning was simply to confirm the identity of the person who summoned Marien.
Odette muttered with a slightly exasperated expression,
“So it’s come to you now.”
“What do you mean?”
“Baileon Beers’ overprotectiveness. And since you’re so gentle, even Beers’ younger sister joined in.”
“Why does everyone keep saying I’m too soft…?”
“The siblings have both lost their wits, it seems. They match too well, not by blood.”
Earlier, Chloise had said something similar at the count’s residence, and now Odette used the same expression. Where else would you find someone as clear about public and private matters as Marien Didi?
“Beers is fine and all, but he has this tendency to protect what’s never been lost. And excessively so. Even though he’s never witnessed tragedy firsthand… isn’t it strange?”
Even though this world’s heroine is protected by the universe, is it okay to talk about one’s birth mother in front of people just beyond a thin glass wall?
Marien’s chest tightened, and she glanced around nervously.
“Your Highness, given the location, perhaps you should be more discreet.”
Odette chuckled.
“I’ve witnessed too much tragedy. So I can talk about this. Even if someone’s hiding in the bushes, they won’t be able to identify anyone.”
Odette continued speaking, decked out with a large diamond on her head and around her neck, yet still managing to act skittish.
Meanwhile, Marien glared at the bushes, furious at Odette’s words. The tiny aide Didi responded incredulously.
“What does the size of your jewels have to do with being skittish?”
“Look at this. To her own lord, she stares wide-eyed, though.”
“No, that’s utterly ridiculous.”
“We were talking about Beers’ overprotectiveness. But doesn’t Beers still not know about the Fourth Princess’ peculiar taste? The dress she gave her female attendants is rather revealing.”
Odette slightly raised her perfectly groomed silver eyebrows.
“You mean he hasn’t questioned it yet?”
Was she implying she might just say it was Cain’s gift? Threatening at this point seems petty.
Marien didn’t dare speak the thought aloud, only showing it in her expression. Odette then told her to just say it.
“Never mind. I won’t say anything.”
“How arrogant.”
“Why did you call me?”
Odette laughed, incredulous. Dressed head-to-toe in gifts from the Fourth Princess, Marien’s attitude apparently suggested she was more than just a simple attendant.
“People who know my true form would be horrified to see you.”
Yet, as always, our heroine wastes no time. The moment Marien asked why she was summoned, Odette got straight to the point.
“We need to rearrange the seating.”
Marien felt her heart plummet ten meters.
This was a sudden action not in the original story. And on the day Baileon is stabbed! Somehow, it felt like fate had brought this moment.
‘No wonder the sky was unusually clear this morning.’
Marien bit her inner lip.
“Whose seat will be moved where?”
Odette produced a separate seating chart, explaining it like a chess master.
“Seat 6 moves to 15, 15 moves to 18, 18 moves to 40, and 40 moves to 47.”
“Seat 6… the Marchioness Wilhelm goes to 15…”
Marien traced the chart with her finger. Unfortunately, she forgot her notebook and pencil today. Could she memorize all of Odette’s instructions?
The palace ball, running six long hours from late afternoon, is divided into two parts.
Currently, Part One is underway, including a lavish dinner, after which Part Two will begin.
Odette’s seating rearrangement applied to the very start of Part Two—when everyone stands to listen to the Emperor’s long speech. Today, he intends to announce the Second Prince as heir.
During the break, the naval major who earned distinction will be honored. The guests’ standing positions were already determined based on rank and status. Those involved in preparing today’s event would already know this.
Odette now wanted to change that.
‘Could Odette also know what’s about to happen today?’
Marien couldn’t help but suspect. Otherwise, why suddenly change the seating?
“Your Highness, may I ask why this is necessary?”
“I’ve acquired information.”
“What kind of information…”
“Do you think I’ll tell you willingly?”
Marien pouted. She was reminded that Odette had her own plans.
She asked two final questions.
“Should I tell these people to move to their new seats?”
“No.”
“Good… I wasn’t confident I could memorize it all.”
“Do you have the confidence to convince the cold-blooded Marchioness Wilhelm?”
“I don’t know. But that’s not my concern now, is it?”
Apparently, the Marchioness was another ruthless upper-class character—common among the aristocracy.
“What’s the other question?”
“I’m in seat 47—where should I go?”
“….”
“Don’t tell me my seat is the terrace.”
“Seat 6 moved to 15. Then did I fill the spot of 6?”
“Oh.”
Marien brightened.
“So I go to seat 6!”
“I’m a bit worried if the next Count Beers will manage properly.”
Marien winked. Whether a daughter or son, they’d easily get into the Imperial Academy. Odette’s expression twisted oddly.
‘Why that look? Even if a fool comes out, Baileon will make him smart.’
Marien tilted her head, returning to the ballroom. Baileon, nearby on the terrace, embraced her waist as if he’d been waiting.
“When did you return, Lord Beers?”
“Not long ago.”
It seemed the Minister had abandoned all secrecy about their relationship. The hands around her waist showed no sign of moving—they declared with the whole body that they were a couple.
Time passed quickly, and the start of Part Two approached.
One by one, people moved to their new seats, including the cold-blooded Marchioness Wilhelm, without any fuss.
Then Marien realized a chilling truth.
Reviewing the original story while checking the changed seating and the intruder’s path, a lightning-like realization struck.
They were doomed.
At this rate, it wouldn’t be Baileon, but Marien herself who would face the intruder!
◇ ◆ ◇
The Emperor, who had recently imprisoned his two children, looked remarkably healthy. His silver hair, slicked back, revealed a radiant forehead. He seemed destined to outlive his daughter Odette.
Yet Marien didn’t hear a word of his speech. Her anxiety burned inside.
‘I can’t let my man get stabbed. But I didn’t mean I’d take the hit myself…’
As Marien panicked, the event progressed at breakneck speed. The Emperor finished his declaration supporting the Second Prince, and it was time to honor the naval major.
‘I can’t let Odette get stabbed. She’s the heroine of this world! If she dies, the story ends in disaster… I don’t want that kind of unique case!’
With the pressure mounting, her mind raced faster than usual.
Marien turned to Cain, slightly taller than others, and caught his gaze.
‘Good. There you are. Look here, look at this.’
After glaring fiercely, their eyes met. The Emperor was speaking, but moving seats wasn’t prohibited.
Marien quickly changed her expression, giving Cain a crescent-eyed smile and beckoning him closer. She swore she’d never smile at him like this again.
Cain’s reaction?
“What are you saying… Your… dress… the gift I gave you… and the Fourth Princess took it… ugh!”
Was that the reason for his frown? With no one else to be jealous of, he’s jealous of his fiancée now.
‘You petty little fool!’
