All my actions last night have consequences.
First, we left the ball without waiting for the arrival of the royal family. Second, I danced with only my brother and not mingling around which gave the impression to the society that I am inexperienced and very dependent on my brother. Lastly, I helped the 'abandoned' prince, which gave the impression that Aspera who always remained neutral before is now siding with the 6th prince.
Conclusion is, my first debut actually sucked.
But there are two sides to every coin. I managed to give a good impression to the Clementine family. Sure, they're infamous, but they're still a powerful family. The confrontation by the lady of that ducal family gives me a merit point. In fact, my reputation might soar as a 'villainess' for successfully confronting people who looked down on me and also stripping away someone's noble title, and left the ball without waiting for the royal family in her first debut.
Basically, I painted myself as a tyrant.
It could be good, considering my family itself is a tyrannical ducal house. But do I really want to repeat history again? As a tyrant?
"My lady, are you okay? You seemed sad," Emmy said as she pulled the chair for me.
It seems that my brother isn't here yet. He must be busy doing the arrangements from last night's catastrophe.
"Emmy, I'll just have soup today. I don't really have an appetite,".
'Since I failed my debut, I'll do some research in the library. And I have to try to find out more about Prince Vance'
It's also the perfect time to find out what desserts are the best for when I visit Vance while waiting for his invitation. Today will be a busy day. I need to put together a plan quickly.
Emmy glanced at me worryingly. For Emmy, the young lady of Aspera is like a daughter to her. Emmy is already 29 years old, but she lost all hope for another remarriage after her husband passed away. It was Carina who gave Emmy a reason to live, which is to take care of Carina and see her walk down the aisle happily.
But Emmy knew. Ever since Carina woke up, she got very indifferent and uninterested in a lot of things. Emmy brought her favourite books, but there's less excitement than before.
It's as if she already knew everything in this world that there is no curiosity left.
——
"I-Is that true?," I widened my eyes in shock as I dropped my quill pen.
Demetrius who just reported to me, bowed down his head further. "I apologize for leaving his highness unsupervised," .
I massaged my temples. Well, that too. But the fact that the daughter of a tyrannical ducal household stood up for my son. It can either be alarming or a relief. The way Demetrius reported seemed to me that she is not naive for someone who missed growing up in 5 years. She also seemed educated, poised and calm for someone who attended their first party. Carina von Aspera can either be an enemy or an ally. I, of course, hope for the latter.
"The things you reported to me is what you've heard, correct?"
"Yes my lady. It seems the rumours are quite favourable from their side. The young lady of Aspera just proved to the society that she is not just a simple child when she stripped down the title of the three sons from the noble family,"
I looked outside my window. Our castle is empty and barren. No one tended to the garden. The surrounding seemed so sullen. It's embarrassing to have a guest over. But looking at my grown son playing his ball alone in the garden, my heart cracked. I, too, wished for my son to live normally, have a friend and possibly fall in love. However, those things can only be applied to normal people.
My son is not normal. No, he HAD to be different than others or else, he will be targeted.
"What do you think about her personally?,"
Demetrius took a moment to answer and raised his head a little. "She knew my master, the famous female swordsman Xenia. My master never associate herself with suspicious people. In a way, I trust Lady Carina because I trust my master,".
Another thing to be shocked about. Carina has connections with Xenia, the loner female swordsman? Who on earth is she?
"Demetrius, order my maid to send a letter of invitation to Lady Carina of the Aspera house,".