Chapter 50: Maria’s Strengthening Plan

“That’s a very welcome idea, but what do you mean by having a favor with the Queen? Is it really alright to use it here?”

In response to my brother’s question, Brian-sama answered plainly.

“During the condolence visit this time, I fulfilled her request to keep an eye on the Second Prince’s relationships with women. Reporting back was quite enjoyable. And recently, I also canceled out three of her losses in poker, so she shouldn’t be able to refuse.”

So they’re a close aunt and nephew.

Lloyd nodded happily.
When our eyes met, he cleared his throat and put on a serious expression.

“That is most reassuring.”

My brother ran his fingers through his hair again, roughly ruffling it.

“That’s a good plan. Maria will stand out, but she’ll be noticed no matter what. In that case, it’s better to give her status and make it harder for anyone to touch her.”

“If she’s acting as the Queen’s representative, we can also allocate personnel from the Royal Guard.”

Brian-sama clenched his fist as he said that, but having just returned, it would surely be impossible for him to go back again so soon.
Surely he wasn’t planning to force it through…

“I’ll be extremely careful and make sure to return safely. Everyone will be with me. It’ll be alright.”

Beside me, Bell tensed up and said, “I’ll do my best.”

“By the way, what conclusion was reached about Jason-sama’s case? I heard rumors from Mother and Noel earlier, but what is the official stance likely to be?”

I asked my brother.
I had heard the Royal Guard was investigating, and he had been busy with it the entire time, so he should know the results.

“I see. You have the right to know. After that, an investigation was conducted into the bandits, Mary, and Jason. It was concluded that Mary and Jason were used by the bandits. I tracked the bandits afterward, but found almost no clues. We don’t even know how many there were.”

Brian-sama seemed to be recalling that day.

“We confirmed four, but there were probably a few more,” he muttered.

I too remembered that terrifying day.
It had been an unbelievable ordeal.

My brother must have sensed my mood, because his expression softened.

“We couldn’t trace the two men who came to the Cruz estate at all. And the woman who died had nothing on her. The clothes she wore were our household’s servant uniform—something she must have acquired in advance. Very thorough. It’s hard to believe this was just a bandit group, but since we know so little, that’s the conclusion it came to.”

“I see. My enemy seems quite formidable.”

No one said anything.
When my brother had said earlier that they were thorough and merciless, this must have been what he meant.

After a while, he suddenly said,

“Oh, right. Mother asked me to pass on a message. Maria, how’s your dancing?”

Ah!!

So they noticed after all.
I suddenly felt like pretending to be sick just to avoid going.

“What about dancing?”

Brian-sama was the only one who didn’t know.
Everyone else knew I had never danced at a ball even once.

“Our lady has not been very proactive in attending balls or social gatherings,” Lloyd explained tactfully.

But my brother bluntly added, “She danced once with me at her debut and never again.”

I lowered my head and took a step back.

I’m terrible at it.
I’m bad at talking to men, bad at dancing close to them, bad at being touched, and bad at being watched while dancing.

All those things combined—that’s what a ball is.

If we’re invited by the Belsian royal family, there’s no way there won’t be a ball.
As an eighteen-year-old count’s daughter, conversation and dancing are essential.
This time, I can’t just hide in a corner because I’m uncomfortable.

A hand was suddenly extended into my lowered field of vision.

“There will be a regular party at the palace in one month. Please be my partner.”

“I’m not good at dancing. I haven’t practiced much. I never thought I would need to dance. One of the reasons I accepted Jason-sama’s proposal was because I wouldn’t have to attend balls.”

Even as I said it, I felt pathetic.
To decide marriage over something like that…

“I’m very good at dancing. You’ll improve as we dance. I’ll teach you. And you don’t have to dance with anyone but me.”

“I’m not confident in conversation either. I’ve gotten a little better at talking to men, but I feel like I’ll say something strange. I’m anxious.”

“You don’t have to talk to other men. I’ll stay by your side the whole time.”

I slowly raised my head.

I’m used to talking with Brian-sama now.
And I’ve even gotten a little used to being close to him.

Maybe… it will be alright.

“I suppose I can’t say I won’t do it just because I don’t like it.”

Bell, who had come beside me, said firmly, “You should accept.”

“That’s the best choice, isn’t it?”

I looked to Lloyd.

“That is indeed the best option,” he replied gently.

It must be true.

“I accept. Please take care of me.”

At the same moment Bell clenched her fist and whispered, “Yes!”, Brian-sama moved in front of her.

“Bell, I’d like to present her with a dress. Please advise me.”

“Certainly. We must hurry. Which tailor shall we use?”

The two of them immediately began discussing details.

Left with nothing to do, I turned to my brother.

“Should I ask Mother to arrange a dance instructor? That would mean I need to return home. And would you practice with me sometimes?”

“I’m good at dancing. With a bit of practice, you should manage reasonably well. The real issue is whether you can handle a male partner properly.”

That was exactly right.

Even if I could dance well in practice, I’d probably freeze like a scarecrow in front of a man.

“Are there any knights in our house who can dance? Maybe I could practice with them.”

“Doug and a few others of noble birth—” my brother began, but was cut off.

“That won’t do. Then let’s ask Joel. He’s good at dancing, and Chuck can supervise. You can practice at the palace.”

Brian-sama suddenly interrupted.

There was no way I could ask the Second Prince to practice dancing with me.
I firmly refused.

“Then we will arrange both male and female dance instructors. Please train at the palace.”

In the end, I couldn’t refuse, and it was decided that I would continue living at the palace while taking dance lessons.

My brother lightly patted my shoulder.

“Do your best.”

“I’ll handle the investigation in Belsia and organizing the guards. You focus on maintaining your health and learning enough social skills so you won’t feel intimidated there.”

I had absolutely no enthusiasm for it.
It felt like a heavy weight had settled on my shoulders.

“The visit to Belsia will likely become a confrontation between the Queen Dowager and you. We’ll protect you as much as we can, but you need to grow stronger yourself. I know it’s tough. We’ll help you with anything. Do your best.”

As he said that, my brother’s eyes had become intensely serious.