Early in the morning, Neirin, who was at the Court of Miracles yesterday, woke up earlier than usual to prepare herself to attend a banquet. She received the letter just yesterday, which was specifically addressed to her.
Neirin finds attending parties to be troublesome. She doesn't like getting dressed in fancy pieces of jewelry and gowns, but then, as the duchess, this was the bare minimum she could do. Moreover, she needed to utilize her presence well for this banquet will be her debut in the social society.
Neirin knew that first impression last, especially when they're talking about the high society where standing and confidence were the deciding matter if all those present there will respect you. Based on how you act, smile, and socialize, that's when everything will be decided. Be it Power, fame, or even wealth.
"Your grace," Neirin raised her gaze when a knock came on her door. "I have prepared your breakfast," the servant informed.
"Come in," Neirin commanded. She was wearing her robe, and her hair was quite a mess. No matter what she looks like right now, she doesn't care. She sat down on the sofa and crossed her leg. She opened the newspaper given to her by the servant and began reading the news and even the possible gossip written on the lower second page of the newspaper.
In her first life, the gossip written on the second page kept her entertained.
Silently, The servant rolled the tray carrying Neirin's breakfast inside. The servant then arranged the food on the table.
Leaning back, Neirin looked at the steam hot coffee that was just placed on the table. Without hesitation, she grabbed it and took a sip from it. She smiled, feeling that she was finally able to start the morning.
"Your grace, you will attend a banquet party at the imperial palace today?" The servant asked after putting the food down on the table.
Neirin looked up, seeing her servant looking anxious. She gave a reassuring smile. "What is your name?"
Blinking, the servant was surprised that the lady would ask about her name. She was caught off guard and hurriedly answered. "My name is Elaine, your grace. I am the assistant of the head maid."
Neirin nodded. "Nice to meet you, Elaine." Neirin flipped the pages of the newspaper she was holding. For a moment, she frowned, seeing another headline. However, before anyone could see her expression, it changed once again.
"Your grace?" Neirin looked up and smiled.
"The answer to your question, yes. I will be attending a four days banquet at the palace. Although Neirin does not like banquets that much, it's mandatory to stay inside and enjoy socializing with the other nobles. Please prepare my dress for the rest of the days I will be staying there and appoint servants that will accompany me. I would also like if you accompany me as my lady in waiting."
Hearing the last sentence, Elaine's eyes widen. Never in her life did she expects that she would be accompanying the duchess in the imperial palace. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for her! Elaine knew to herself that she could not let this opportunity slide.
Hence, with a wide smile, she nodded and enthusiastically said as her eyes were brimming with excitement. "I will do very well, your grace! I won't fail you!"
Neirin chuckled, putting down the newspaper on her lap. "I am glad. Please prepare my bath and dress. I will finish my breakfast after reading some interesting things in this newspaper."
Elaine nodded. "Yes, your grace!" She then turned and silently left Neirin's room.
On the other hand, when Elaine left, Neirin frowned, looking at the headline that caught her attention again.
'Another Victim of the Serial murder case! Nobles demanding the investigation and response of the Royal family! '
Neirin stumbled through every word looking for the victim's name this time. However, the name wasn't stated on the paper, and the article was just another slander pointing toward the royal family. It also meant that the emperor might put this blame on her since she decided to take the investigations yesterday.
Regardless of the outcome, it was nothing much to think about. No matter what kind of future unfolds in her eyes, the safety of the Halstead family will be her top priority.
Folding the newspaper and putting it down on the table, Neirin resumed her breakfast and started spreading butter on her toast. She should also prepare mentally for this banquet probably exhausted her mentally, emotionally, and physically.
In everyone's eyes, it might be a fancy party, but to those who knew better, it was a place to establish the position of the weak and the strong. And it will always be an exhausting battle because if you do not want to be swallowed by the nobles' greediness, you must be greedy first.
With her thoughts, Neirin sipped her coffee once again. This time, she threw the annoying matters aside and looked outside the window. She smiled, seeing the sun after the long fall of snow. For now, she should enjoy her breakfast, and everything comes after that.
--
"Your grace, we arrived."
"Thank you for your assistance," Neirin replied.
The door of the carriage opened, and Neirin slowly climbed down with a smile on her face. Although some noble ladies attend the banquet with escorts, Neirin does not have one. She doesn't need one.
Moreover, she doesn't need another topic of gossip for the nobles because she was here to set her reputation and the reputation of the Halstead duchy. Without any delay, Neirin confidently walked inside the palace feeling the stares of the people crawling on her skin.
Arriving at the entrance, she saw the announcer. Although she did not like attention at all, it was traditional for the announcer to announce the nobles coming inside the palace. Hence, without minding the stares, Neirin walked toward the man wearing formal clothes.
Leaning back, she whispered her name. Just as she withdrew, she caught a glimpse of shock on the announcer's face. Perhaps he wasn't expecting that the duchess who took over the position of duke Halstead was young.
"Please welcome, the duchess of the north!" All eyes immediately shifted to Neirin.
She smiled confidently along with her white dress covering her whole body perfectly. It has a touch of black lace, and different jewels adorn her neck and ears. She looks gorgeous enough for people, especially men, to swoon over.
"Duchess Neirin Circe Halstead!"
Neirin heard the claps of the nobles; however, despite the warm welcome, she felt the heavy gazes that indicated their expectation of her.
Neirin walked down the stairs. Her eyes wandered through the whole venue. Although she already expected this, everything screams grace, power, and fame. The chandelier in the middle shined brightly, and everything seemed to be sparkling. Every decoration and even furniture inside was made with high-quality materials that people could not doubt the power of the imperial family.
Even the orchestra plays the fanciest and most popular songs composed by many famous composers. Some nobles were dancing on the dance floor, colliding with their bodies and expressing their interest; some were standing or sitting looking around.
Most men were dressed in dinner jackets with black ties, and some even donned frock coats, even though invitations were uncommon to specify specific attire, especially for a banquet like this. The women wore evening dresses and priceless jewelry that signified their delicateness, elegance, and grace.
It seemed that this banquet was one of more ways that the emperor wanted to curry favor from the nobles who were losing interest and trust in him, and from the looks of it, with the smile on their faces, it was doing well.
"Pardon my, duchess." Before Neirin could even arrive at the section where the food was displayed, a man suddenly appeared in front of her. She looked at him. He seems pretty young with his blue eyes and black hair. He was dressed quite well, but he appeared too clumsily and nervous.
Neirin cannot blame him for this attitude. Although he was scared and nervous, being acquainted with a duchess was an honor most nobles wanted. Moreover, all of the gazes were now at her. They were waiting for her reaction and weighing if she would act arrogant or kind. Just by this simple meeting, her reputation was on the line.
Hence, she gave a very gentle smile. "Is there anything I can help with, the young lord?"
Her voice sounded so delicate and gentle that the man blushed when Neirin asked him. He even stuttered. "I-I-I am." He even looked flustered just now. Still, despite how he acted, Neirin waited for his following words.
"I am the son of Count Molan. My name is Jefferson Molan. I am sorry for the interruption, but as soon as I saw you walking down the stairs, I was mesmerized and amazed by your beauty that I could not control myself and ask you for a moment of your time."
Neirin smiled. Her eyes wandered through the crown, subtly looking for a specific person she had in mind as Jefferson Molan tried to finish his words of courtesy. Just as her eyes wandered to the left corner of the venue, Neirin paused. She smiled inwardly, looking at a dignified-looking man in his thirties.
She remembered what she read last night inside the court of Miracles. About this man and his secrets.
Edward William Johnson.
The emperor's advisor.
And one of Neirin's targets this night.