Chapter Two Hundred and Sixteen: Anniversary Date 6
Sara had been waiting inside the carriage that came to pick them up. Once she finished tidying Karen’s appearance again, Karen pushed open the carriage door.
“Karen, your hand.”
“Thank you, Mr. Julius.”
Karen took Julius’s hand and stepped down from the carriage, then walked forward, escorted by Julius.
The party’s host, Viscountess Rosie Capel, was apparently one of the people with whom Alise had social connections. She was married and had one son. If it had been a daughter, Karen wouldn’t have been able to remain quite so calm.
“She’s fond of parties and holds them frequently. I’ve received invitations many times before, but this will be my first time attending.”
“She must be delighted to hear that you’re participating this time, Mr. Julius.”
“…I suppose so.”
Julius gave a vague smile. His expression, which had been so soft until just moments ago, gradually stiffened as the time for the party drew near.
Karen looked up at him and said:
“Mr. Julius, if you wish, we can still cancel it even now.”
“What’s the matter, Karen?”
“You can blame me for the reason, whether it’s poor health or whatever. If I’m not enough of a reason, I think Lady Waltride would forgive us if we used her as an excuse. She’d cover for us even if we said without permission that she suddenly summoned us. So—”
“Viscountess Capel must be very pleased to hear of my attendance, and having come this far, I’m not going to cancel now.”
“…I see.”
Since Julius said so, Karen nodded.
“If you said you wished to leave, Karen, we would go home—but you’re just worried about me, right?”
Julius said this with a troubled smile.
“I’m sorry for making you worry. I just can’t help but feel unsettled when I think that you might be hurt. But it’s simply a matter of me protecting you so that you won’t be hurt.”
Julius spoke as if convincing himself.
Even if recognized by no one, Karen was here to show herself at Julius’s side. From the beginning, Karen had never expected to remain unscathed, yet she refrained from saying so, unwilling to interrupt his words and his resolve. Instead, she clung to Julius’s arm.
“Well then, let us show aristocratic society our relationship!”
Karen declared brightly.
Whatever Julius felt, Karen made it clear with her whole being that she held no hesitation. Julius relaxed his cheeks just a little and narrowed his eyes.
Upon entering the mansion, they were greeted by a woman who appeared to be the host.
She was a plump, dignified woman, likely around Alise’s parents’ generation or perhaps a bit younger.
“Oh my, welcome, Master Julius! I’m so delighted you truly came.”
“I’m grateful for the invitation, Viscountess Capel.”
“By the way, who might that person be…?”
Viscountess Rosie Capel looked at Karen with a well-mannered smile.
There was nothing overtly rude in her manner thus far, yet the unspoken implication of her unfinished words lingered.
She was probably being judged unfit to stand beside Julius, Karen thought that wryly while smiling back cheerfully.
“This is my partner, Karen. She’s a C-rank alchemist.”
“My, C-rank. …A C-rank alchemist named Karen—I’ve heard about you. You’re Her Highness Waltride’s alchemist, aren’t you? The one behind those cosmetics bearing Her Highness’s seal!”
Once she understood who Karen was, Rosie’s eyes suddenly sparkled.
While taken aback, Karen curtsied, thinking how fortunate it was that she had pursued the cosmetics business.
“Yes. I’m honored that you know of me.”
“A friend of mine once had the chance to use only the powder. It was quite marvelous, and I have dearly wished to obtain some myself, but it has been so difficult to acquire.”
“I participated in the dungeon investigation, so I apologize that supply hasn’t kept up.”
“Yes, of course, participation in the dungeon investigation is quite an honor. Still, I’m looking forward to your return to society!”
Once a connection was made, her behavior became rather high-spirited and full of charm.
Seen off with smiles, Karen and Julius headed toward the venue.
“She seems like a nice person.”
“Viscountess Capel’s parties are always prosperous, apparently due to her personal virtue. Even Sister-in-law Alise says that if she has any troubles at a party, she consults with the Viscountess. However, her lips are somewhat loose.”
“I see?”
“You’re not Her Highness’ alchemist, though.”
At Julius’s disgruntled whisper, Karen giggled.
“I’m not exclusive to her, but I am close to that. We’re friends, after all!”
Tonight’s party was in soirée format, and though not on the scale of a ball, there would be musical performances, and dancing was possible.
When Karen and Julius entered the hall that served as the venue, gazes immediately converged on them. Not only in commoner social circles but in aristocratic ones as well, Julius apparently remained someone who drew attention.
And what had changed were the gazes directed at Karen. Blatant cold stares pierced from here and there, questioning why someone like Karen was standing in such a place, at Julius’s side.
To her own surprise, Karen found herself unbothered, and she felt relieved.
“Karen, are you all right?”
“I’m perfectly fine. It’s just as I expected—if anything, I’m rather reassured.”
It was far better than having something incomprehensible happen—like being cast down from the rank she had nearly climbed in front of a crowd.
To Julius, who asked worriedly, Karen answered truthfully.
“Mr. Julius, are you not embarrassed to be with me?”
“Not in the slightest. There’s no way I could be embarrassed being with you.”
Julius’s words sounded sincere.
Even so, he remained tense and vigilant.
Perhaps it would have been better for Julius if she had perfected her etiquette and at least become a B-rank alchemist before coming. Perhaps she should not have selfishly wished that he would not feel embarrassed to be with her as she was now.
Seeing Julius’s taut profile—as he feared her being hurt far more than she did herself—Karen felt her heart squeeze painfully.
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