Haare Employment Arc 5-6
After being made to change to a pure white gown by the Duke's three servants, I was taken to the King's island in a silver carriage. I hadn't been to the King's island in six months and didn't visit often, so despite the heavy white dress weighing me down and the peculiar circumstances, I felt a flutter of excitement. The view of the island from above was as beautiful as ever, and while the scenery was splendid when I rode on Lala, it wasn't bad to enjoy it from the carriage.
But as the castle came into view, my excitement quickly waned, replaced by a sense of heaviness. It felt like a punishment game. I wanted to turn around and jump out immediately. Perhaps livestock being shipped off felt the same way.
I sighed, resting my chin on my hand.
"There will be no problem if you enter the castle with me. They might check your body or magic briefly, but it will be quick."
Seeing my anxious expression in the carriage, the Duke reassured me and commanded the horses to stop. The carriage halted precisely before the massive castle gates.
Wow, it really is enormous. Pressing my face against the carriage window to look outside, I couldn't see the top of Prince Xenon's white castle because it was shrouded in clouds. It was my first time seeing this castle up close, and I was moved. My heavy mood and dress felt a bit lighter. Thank you, castle. Your pure white appearance wasn't just for show.
I wondered if Prince Xenon would attend this ball. But as the third prince, even if he were there, I wouldn't have the chance to speak to him.
“Oh, you too?”
"Tonight looks like it's going to be a fun night. I had it custom-made for this occasion."
"What do you think of my mask? It looks good on me."
As we arrived in front of the castle, it was already crowded with people wearing masks. Among those climbing the castle steps, some had green or purple hair, perhaps for tonight's masquerade ball. The masks varied greatly, from transparent ones that barely served their purpose to ones adorned with cat ears or bird feathers, and even masks embroidered with flowers or covering only one eye. The variety was astounding.
Some went beyond masks to full-on costumes, using magic to transform their heads into birds or pigs. Naturally, no one approached these people. Their commitment to the masquerade was too intense.
These people were all nobility? It made me worry about the future of our country.
Using the mirror in the carriage, I checked my appearance again. Was it strange? My long, dark brown hair flowed down my back, my face was covered by a gold butterfly mask, and my white dress was adorned with modest lace. I wore glass slippers with high heels.
It had been a while since my hair was this color. After my ice type magic manifested, it had turned light blue. The dark brown felt comforting and familiar.
But I had a question for the Duke. Wouldn't it be hard for anyone to recognize me in this disguise, let alone confide in a stranger?
The Duke had explained that a masquerade ball was meant to hide one's identity and dance the night away with strangers. He wanted me to use this opportunity to find his son and ask if he had a lady he fancied. It seemed like an overprotective parent’s concern for his son's romantic life.
I didn't mind doing it, but first, I needed to find the "Rock Man." Besides, anyone would give a random answer if asked such a personal question by a stranger.
Even if he recognized me, it didn’t mean he’d speak his mind.
My face was completely covered by the mask, and my hair was dark brown. No one would know who I was unless I removed the mask.
Why did it have to be me? Anyone could do this.
I glanced at the Duke beside me. Frankly, his mask was just a simple one covering the upper half of his face. Knowing his usual appearance, it didn’t disguise him at all. His beard was still visible.
What’s the point of the mask? It hides nothing. He should take inspiration from those with elaborate costumes.
While I was lost in these thoughts, the Duke took my hand and helped me out of the carriage.
"We've been expecting you, Duke Lockmann."
The nobles present recognized the Duke instantly despite his mask, which proved it was ineffective.
"Is Lady Michael here already?"
"She flew in joyfully on her own."
"Duke Lockmann, how do you find my mask? Does it suit me?"
"It suits you well, Matilda."
The Duke was quite popular, with many nobles engaging him in conversation, all while wearing their masks. Even those in elaborate costumes spoke to him, and he responded aptly, recognizing them despite their disguises. Impressive. Everyone looked like monsters to me.
One man, curious about me, asked the Duke who I was. I didn't know how to respond, but the Duke introduced me as the daughter of an earl distantly related to his wife. I nodded in agreement. They accepted the explanation, and we headed into the castle. The Duke handled most questions directed at me, making it easier to maintain the ruse.
Wasn’t it a bit too easy to deceive them? Why did they trust the Duke so readily?
Although it was working, the Duke seemed intimidating, as if he could easily command people. It felt like he had hypnotized them. Was I under some spell too?
I cast a spell to dispel any enchantment, but nothing changed. Maybe it was a good sign.
Inside the castle, music was being played, probably by an orchestra. The atmosphere was vastly different from the graduation party. This was a real ball, exuding opulence. The people attending, including the Duke beside me, were of the highest class.
"Please present your invitation and proof of title."
Before entering the grand hall, we underwent a light inspection. They temporarily dispelled our disguises to verify our identities, which could expose me.
However, when the knight saw my face, he simply bowed and let us pass. How odd.
The Duke handed over my title certificate, which he had somehow prepared in advance. Where did he get that? He winked at me, smiling.
Like father, like son.
We finally reached the ballroom. The chandelier-lit hall was adorned with sculptures of goddesses and angels. The ceiling was mirrored, reflecting everyone below. I could clearly see the Duke's head.
His hair was still thick. No signs of balding yet. Unlike my father, his hair was dense. I envied him for my father and wished to share some with him.
When I looked up, I met the Duke’s eyes in the mirror. Oh no, he caught me staring.
"By the way, where is the Duchess?"
"Lina? She's already here, probably having tea with the Her Royal Highness the Queen."
"The Her Royal Highness the Queen you say..."
I stopped questioning him.
"Yes, it's time, young lady. Can you dance?"
“If it’s a waltz, I can manage more or less."
I remember being forced to remember by Maris.
"If it's like that, then it's best not to dance at first. Some of the steps are intense, so it's best to refrain from dancing."
These words were a blessing to me, as I had completely forgotten that dancing is a part of a ball, even though it's only natural to dance.
In other words, dancing has been useless to me as I aimed to become a receptionist, and it's not something that ordinary people around here can learn.
"I don't know what kind of mask Alves is wearing, but please look carefully and find out."
It seems both of them have been told about this meeting and are advised to wear masks that are hard to recognize. Do they really think I can manage the feat of finding Lockmann in such a difficult-to-spot mask?
Originally, a ball is a place where single men and women dance. Not only that, but it also serves as a matchmaking opportunity for young women and noble sons. I’ve heard from Maris that it’s an occasion where debutantes in high society wear dresses and get all dolled up to find their future husbands.
So, for those two, tonight’s ball might feel like the final stage of their matchmaking process.
“There’s a buffet, so you can eat something if you’re hungry.”
A buffet! In the direction the duke pointed, there indeed was a buffet table. The fragrant aroma instantly stimulated my sense of smell. I hadn’t expected to get dinner here, so my previously quiet stomach started to rumble again. The colorful desserts and dishes looked delicious. They must be the best food in the country since this is the king’s castle.
The duke said, “Enjoy yourself,” and while I headed toward the food, he moved into a different circle of nobles. But, you know, telling me to enjoy myself…
Suddenly left alone, I felt a momentary fear, but my body decided that satisfying my hunger was a priority. I headed straight for the food at the edge of the hall.
There were only two people who looked like chefs around the food, and no nobles in masks were approaching it. Why not? It looks delicious.
I got a plate and started to eat the meat and vegetables alone.
“Wow, this is delicious.”
The mask covering my face was in the way, but I managed to taste the food by maneuvering it into my mouth.
Alright, let’s start looking for Lockmann from this spot.
I held a fork in one hand and scanned the area. Using magic was not allowed here; if you did, the knights on guard would forcibly remove you. Transforming like those people in costumes or like me was fine, but flying, pulling something towards you, or using revealing spells to find someone were all prohibited.
I’ll have to judge by height, I guess. But there are many tall men like Lockmann, and even if I think I’ve found him, it turns out to be those gentlemen with animal heads like birds or pigs.
Moreover, women freely approached men with normal masks. Of course, you’d be scared to approach other ones.
But how am I supposed to find Lockmann…
“Lord Al, your mask is lovely.”
“You look beautiful too.”
“Let’s have fun tonight.”
“It’s my first masquerade ball, so please go easy on me.”
A familiar, dreaded voice.
Lord Al?
“Even with a mask, you ladies are beautiful.”
I found him so easily.
Or rather, he was right behind me.
Turning around quickly, I saw Lockmann surrounded by several women. He wore a mask that only covered the upper half of his face, similar to the duke’s but in a different color. The duke’s was silver, and his was black.
His hair was tied back as it was when I met him in the afternoon. He was his usual self, spouting his usual pick-up lines with a mask that didn’t conceal anything.
Anyone could tell it was him.
Excuse me, Duke! Your son isn’t following orders!
Lockmann, as expected, was surrounded by ladies, including Princess Carola. Since the duke had shown me her picture earlier, I recognized her immediately. She had the same blonde hair, styled in curls, with skin as pale as if she had never seen the sun. Slender shoulders. And large, ample breasts, unlike mine.
When I saw her, I couldn’t help but stand a little straighter. Definitely not because I was trying to compete. Not at all.
But wait. The duke did say, “If they can find each other,”
If I remember correctly, this might mean their marriage is already set. Even if the hide-and-seek was easy. They were supposed to wear hard-to-recognize masks, but it turns out both of them are wearing masks that make them obvious to each other. It’s meaningless.
On the other hand, it suggests they might like each other.
“Lord Alves, it’s been a while.”
“Maris, you’re here too? How have you been?”
“Oh, of course.”
Wait, caramel-colored hair and a bright red dress. Maris was there, too.
She was among the circle of women around Lockmann. I wanted to call out to her, but I couldn’t. Damn it. She’s the person I most want to inform about this situation. And it's happening next to her.
Maris, I want to shout: Your rival is right beside you!
“Lord Aristo, it’s been a while.”
“You must be from Rudel’s...”
“Yes, Teddy.”
My ears perked up at the name Aristo. Aristo? As in Dr. Aristo?
“Your research…”
“Well, about that…”
I strained my ears to catch the conversation, which seemed to come from my right.
Glancing sideways, I saw a slightly overweight man with white hair mixed in, wearing a green mask covering only his left eye, talking with a tall woman in a gray dress. The woman had mentioned Aristo, so it must be them.
I had seen Dr. Aristo once before when he came to our school as a lecturer. It was after he published his paper on monsters that were formerly human, during my sixth year. He had a round belly then, so unless he’s successfully lost weight since then, the man with the inflated-looking belly must be Dr. Aristo.
But why is the doctor in a place like this? If I remember correctly, the doctor is of noble birth, some kind of count. Yes, that must be it. If so, it makes sense for him to be here. He's certainly more fitting for this place than I am.
While I was intently watching those two, someone tapped me on the shoulder.
What? I'm busy right now, please don't bother me, I thought as I turned around. Standing beside me was a gentleman in a pig costume (well, a gentleman for now). After blinking a few times, I gasped. It’s not every day you get tapped on the shoulder by a person with a pig's head.
However, seeing him holding a plate just like me, I felt an odd sense of camaraderie. A fellow foodie.
“Yes?”
Even though I was tapped, the other person didn’t say anything, so I spoke up. The pig’s beady eyes were looking at me. It looked so realistic, with a similar texture, even the white peach fuzz growing from its pink skin.
We stared at each other without moving, while the elegant music continued to play in the background and the nobles and Lockmann chatted away.
What’s going on? Even though he's wearing a pig costume (mask?), he should still be able to speak.
Wait! Is he eyeing the last piece of rabbit bird meat on my plate?
Pigs are herbivores!!
“Golden butterfly lady, do you like rabbit bird?”
Just as I was thinking something so rude, he responded in a soft male voice.
The pig gentleman pointed at the plate I was holding.
Could the golden butterfly lady be referring to me?
No, Mr. Pig Gentleman. I am Nanally Hell, a receptionist apprentice at Haaré. I'm neither golden nor a butterfly, nor a noble.
I couldn't say that, and being called a butterfly lady was a bit embarrassing.
“What?”
“I noticed you've been eating it a lot since earlier, so I wondered if it was your favorite.”
“Oh, yes. I like it very much.”
“I thought so. I like it too; it’s delicious, isn’t it?”
He had been concerned because I had been devouring that meat since earlier, so he spoke to me. He was surprised to see someone eat so much meat at a ball.
Really? Don’t people normally eat? There’s so much delicious food here. Even the chefs by the table are smiling and recommending dishes to me. Have I really been eating that much?
When I looked at my plate, the meat was already gone. At the same time, I swallowed the last piece. Oh, when did that happen?
Maybe I did eat too much.
As I was thinking that, the venue became noticeably noisier.
I turned my head around to see what was going on, and the pig gentleman told me it was the king's speech.
“Silence.”
From the golden throne at the top of the white staircase leading up from the hall, King Doran stood up, looking down at us. He is Prince Xenon's father.
The king had the same black, glossy hair and well-built physique, with a mustache that suited him. Dressed in a black military uniform with a red cape, he looked more reliable than any other king. I had been worried about the future with all the masked nobles, but seeing this king and Prince Xenon made me feel reassured.
“Tonight, spend your time without any restraints, hidden from sight.”
As the king's voice resonated, the music in the background grew louder.
The center of the grand hall cleared, and masked couples began to dance one by one.
Just as the duke had said, the dancing was quite intense. They held hands, looked into each other’s eyes, and moved quickly to the right, left, backwards, and even jumped in place. It was wild... dancing.
I watched the scene while putting desserts on a different plate. The chef beside the table offered new dishes, which I gratefully accepted. It's delicious, chef. Can I take some of this home?
The pig gentleman was still beside me. His plate had food on it. Wasn’t he going to eat?
Well, never mind. I shifted my focus back to my original purpose: watching the movements of him and the princess.
Alves Lockmann was still surrounded by ladies in masks. When one invited him to dance, another pulled his arm, asking him to dance with her. Maris also raised her voice, not wanting to be outdone. Maybe because it’s a masquerade ball, people are more assertive. Maris used to say it was improper for women to be so forward.
The princess was also there. Do the others not realize that’s the princess?
How should I approach him?
According to the duke, if the two of them dance the last dance, their engagement will be confirmed. Apparently, the last dance is special, traditionally danced with the person you love, your partner, or someone you have mutual feelings with.
If I’m going to do something, I should act quickly.
“Dr. Aristo, no, Count Huey. It’s been a while. This is Marquis Fodeury.”
“Oh, Marquis Fodeury. It’s hard to tell who’s who with these masks.”
Just then, as I took the last bite of my dessert, the pig gentleman and Dr. Aristo started talking.
I nearly choked on my dessert.
Wait a minute, what’s going on? Too much is happening at once. I can’t keep up.
Ahh! If only there were two of me, I could gather information efficiently and accomplish my goals more easily. Maybe I should learn twin magic next. It would definitely be useful.
“It’s rare to see you alone at such an event.”
“With this mask, it’s no wonder. But I was talking to this lady, so I’m not alone.”
The pig gentleman took my hand as I was about to return my plate (no pun intended) and said this to the doctor. Don’t use me to hide the fact that you’re alone. It’s fine to be alone. I’m alone too, so don’t worry.
“This lady?”
Dr. Aristo looked at me.
“Um…”
Whether to take advantage of this opportunity was up to me.
I subtly pulled my hand away from the pig gentleman, turned to Dr. Aristo, and gave a slight bow.
“Excuse me, but are you Dr. Aristo, the one researching monsters?”
“Yes, though I’m dressed like this tonight.”
He laughed heartily.
I couldn’t resist the temptation to talk to the doctor who intrigued me so much.
"You're not hiding your name?"
"I never intended to. With only one eye covered by the mask, anyone can tell it's me, right? It would be strange to hide my name. What about you? Are you pretending to be someone else tonight?"
"Y-yes, I am. It's a bit embarrassing."
"Then how should I address you? What does Marquis Fodeury call you?"
"I've been calling her the Golden Butterfly Lady."
"Then I shall call you that as well."
And thus, my nickname was decided.
What's with this aristocratic game? It's incredibly embarrassing. I'm glad I'm wearing a mask. My face must be bright red right now.
Should I call this pig gentleman "Pig Gentleman"? It's a nickname, after all.
Or should I call him Fodeury as he mentioned earlier...?
Wait, why am I getting so involved with these two?
But I couldn't help feeling a sense of triumph that they spoke to me. I might even be able to dance that intense dance now.
"You can call me Count Huey."
As I was lost in thought, Dr. Aristo, or rather Count Huey, adjusted his mask and extended his hand to me.
Nobles have so many names that it's hard to remember them all. But I have a good memory, so it's not too difficult.
I reached out to shake his hand, but instead of shaking it, he scooped up my hand and kissed the back of it.
A true noble!
"I'm discussing new research with Marquis Fodeury. I sometimes get his opinions and he helps me after work."
So this pig gentleman is also involved in research?
After the doctor released my hand, I stared at the man beside him.
"May I ask you something?"
"What is it?"
"Regarding the paper Count Huey published last year, is it possible that there are other monsters that were once human?"
I can't talk about the request that came to Haré or myself, so I asked indirectly. This man is the one doing the research, and he's probably more knowledgeable about monsters than those who just know a bit of trivia. Meeting him here must be fate, so I want to ask him many things.
"It's hard to say. Capturing monsters and examining them one by one is exhausting. So far, we haven't found any others like the ones mentioned in that paper."
"I see..."
"Are you interested in such things, Golden Butterfly Lady?"
"Yes. I'm curious about how monsters are born, and without uncovering their origins, we can't find ways to resist them."
I covered my mouth and chuckled.
It's probably not good for a noblewoman to show interest in such things. But even though I’m posing as a noble, I'm just a commoner in disguise.
Maybe it wasn't a good idea to ask these questions in this guise. They might suspect I'm not really a noblewoman.
"Oh, if you'd like, why don't you visit my mansion sometime?"
Despite my worries, my impersonation of a noblewoman was successful.
I might actually be a good actress.
"My research isn't very popular. In fact, it's often criticized."
"? Why is that? Thanks to your research on monsters, many have been helped."
"Some people appreciate it, like you, but there are just as many who don't."
The pig gentleman put his plate on the table and picked up a glass.
"I'm doing it knowing that. It's reassuring to know there are people like you. I'm always in my mansion's lab, so visit anytime. If you say you're the 'Golden Butterfly Lady,' I'll gladly let you in."
The doctor laughed while patting his round belly. He detailed his mansion's location and even his gardener's name.
This is no laughing matter. Why would he tell something like that to a girl who was wearing a mask and whose true identity was unknown? I'm glad to hear him say that, and I think it's just a social gesture, but I don't think he's being cautious at all... The same goes for Duke Lockmann, I was worried that someone would deceive him someday.
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