~Chapter 18~
“……”
“Give me the hosting rights for the first ball of this social season. I’ll host it.”
The role of the Empress spanned many domains, but the most important was showing the people an image of a happy imperial family and encouraging marriage and childbirth.
Thus, managing the social season — when noble men and women met and sought marriage partners — was Helena’s top priority.
The first ball of the season was particularly important. However, since it was held before the atmosphere of the season had ripened, it tended to receive less attention, and most were reluctant to host it.
The imperial family had institutionalised it so that the first ball required their approval to boost its prestige.
If the Kenwulf family were to host that first ball, nobles from across the Eastern Empire would flock to it, ensuring a vibrant season.
But…
“What to do…”
Helena paused, troubled.
Samantha had expected immediate acceptance, but seeing Helena’s lukewarm response, she began to rise.
‘Still as impatient as ever.’
Helena grabbed Samantha’s hand to stop her.
“Wait a moment, would you? I welcome it – it’s such a wonderful proposal. I haven’t refused.”
“Then why aren’t you answering right away?”
“Well, ha… actually, it’s because I’ve already given permission to someone else.”
Helena sighed, recalling the request she had approved recently.
No one had wanted to host the first ball, so she had just approved the only applicant, though it wasn’t an impressive family.
Thinking, Helena spoke again.
“I suppose I’ll have to ask them to host a different ball.”
If they hosted a later ball with the Empress in attendance, wouldn’t that suffice?
It was a poor excuse, but how could she let go of the giant opportunity of a Kenwulf-hosted first ball right before her eyes?
Helena smiled faintly, lost in old memories.
“A ball hosted by the Kenwulf family… how long has it been? We used to prepare so fiercely back then.”
“We did, didn’t we? Back then, I was a princess who had everything done for me by my brothers. Becoming a duchess meant I had to do it all myself. Do you know how fun that was?”
They had competed fiercely, and enjoyed fiercely.
In the end, they were left as friends who could sip tea comfortably even after years apart.
Samantha also fell into nostalgia beside Helena.
“Yes… those were good times.”
“By the way… who is it?”
“……”
“For the Duchess herself to care about a debutante…”
“……”
“It hasn’t been long since Ethan returned from war… I always thought the Kenwulf Duke was well-behaved, but I guess not?”
“Ah, that boy… well, he is like that.”
She wasn’t sure if “well-behaved” was the right word. He didn’t cause scandals with women, but his only associates were other men… perhaps that counted as well-behaved?
“So, whose daughter is she?”
“I’ll tell you when the time comes.”
Helena pressed her, but Samantha deflected.
She needed to head to the villa soon; prolonging this conversation would be troublesome.
Later that day, at dusk – The Florence Viscount’s Residence
A newly tailored dress had just been delivered.
Madam Kim Sium twirled before the full-length mirror, admiring herself.
“Madam, you look absolutely stunning!”
“Truly, you look like a debutante yourself this season!”
“No, even more beautiful than any debutante!”
The maids clung to either side of the mirror, showering her with enthusiastic praise.
In the Florence household, remaining silent no longer meant staying safe.
Without showing fervent approval, trouble was bound to erupt. And the one who ruled this household with such an atmosphere was Madam Kim Sium herself.
She scrutinised her reflection and spoke coldly.
“Shouldn’t you be looking at the dress, not me? Don’t you know what you’re supposed to praise?”
The maids froze briefly, then scrambled to correct themselves.
“O-oh, the dress is beautiful beyond words, isn’t it?”
“Yes, indeed! They say Laria is the top atelier in the capital, but… um…”
Realising her slip, the maid snapped her mouth shut. But the word ‘Laria’ had already reached Kim Sium’s ears.
Her face turned cold instantly.
“Just hearing that bitch’s atelier name makes me hot again.”
She fanned herself vigorously as heat surged from her feet upward.
Quick to read the atmosphere, the maids brought her fan immediately.
That day, Kim Sium had fled from Laria’s atelier in humiliation and ordered her dress from another atelier.
Looking at her reflection now, she saw what her maids couldn’t. Compared to the dresses she saw at Laria, this was clearly inferior.
Especially the dress worn by the Duchess – it was exquisite.
Moreover, the confidence exuding from a woman born into wealth and power only made Kim Sium shrink further.
“Fan me harder.”
“Yes, Madam!”
She didn’t want to remember that day, yet the memory kept returning.
The Duchess’ attendant had chased after her as she fled, asking politely that she not mention anything she had seen or heard at the atelier – especially about the Count’s daughter’s chaperone. He warned her with a gentle smile that speaking carelessly would not end well.
When she glanced back through the atelier’s glass walls, she saw Samantha’s eyes watching her warmly – before turning utterly cold in an instant.
Recalling those crimson eyes, Kim Sium shivered.
‘She seems to care deeply for that Count’s daughter… why?’
“Of course. It’s obvious.”
Rich people were never truly free from money.
‘How much must her dead parents have left behind for the Kenwulf family to covet her like that?’
Gold coins and vast lands filled Kim Sium’s imagination.
Her whole body tingled with greed.
But then, the image of Samantha standing protectively behind the Count’s daughter flashed in her mind, dousing her rising hunger.
Enraged, she barked at the maids.
“Are there no other orphans?!”
What good were in-laws anyway? They only caused trouble for her son. She wanted an orphan.
The maids exchanged nervous glances.
“Shall we fetch the noble register from the butler, Madam?”
“The noble register? Yes, bring it. Why are you standing there like idiots?”
“Yes, Madam. Right away!”
As they hurried out, Kim Sium compared her dress to the Duchess’ again, and another question rose.
‘But why would they want to hide the chaperone?’
She quickly answered herself.
They must not have secured the girl’s heart yet.
Perhaps the girl was burdened by revealing the connection publicly, or they feared Ethan being rejected and humiliated.
‘So… Ethan Kenwulf, was it? How pathetic must he be if his mother has to beg a little girl like that?’
She sneered.
At that moment, the sound of horse hooves approached, and Kim Sium looked out the window.
‘Oh my, how glorious.’
A carriage bearing the imperial seal rolled into their estate.
She hurried downstairs.
Her eldest son, Byungmin, was already outside, bowing deeply to the imperial messenger.
‘What joyous news could this be!’
She could barely contain her excitement as she saw the imperial document in the messenger’s hand.
Previously, she had petitioned to host the first ball of the season, hoping to strengthen ties with the imperial family. The reply had been approval, with a note to ensure it met expectations.
Now, she hoped for a response to her additional plea, written so humbly – asking the Empress for guidance for her first-ever ball.
Unable to contain herself, Kim Sium called out excitedly.
“Quickly! Please read Her Majesty’s letter!”
The messenger, in a clear and authoritative voice, spoke:
“To the Viscountess Florence, my dearest greetings…”
