Beneath the Surviving Princess's Joyful Facade - Chapter 174

“By the way, the banquet is tomorrow. I trust you’ve made plenty of preparations for me.”

At Eirik’s serious tone, Miesa blinked. She’d even asked the maids, but no one knew what he was talking about—what exactly was he expecting?

Still, she couldn’t reveal the truth just yet. She giggled as she snuggled under the blanket, and Eirik gently patted her.

“You’re going to exert yourself in various ways tomorrow, so you should rest early tonight.”

The Cladnier family’s banquet hall was as bright as midday, with chandeliers adorned with precious crystals reflecting candlelight. Descending the stairs holding Eirik’s hand, who looked more dashing than usual, Miesa let out a series of exclamations like a young lady attending her first banquet.

“What should I do? I’m so nervous right now…”

“You were calm during the coronation.”

Eirik held her gloved hand tightly and whispered softly, “Anyway, it’s all people you know, right? Emmerich, his father, Lord Khalid, and…”

The knights who had seen her during the hunting competition were visibly tense, and the people of Cladis, who were seeing her for the first time, were equally unable to hide their tension, though for different reasons.

With her noble platinum hair, tied up in the signature style of the royal family, and an elegant dress that exposed only her neckline, the margrave’s wife looked delicate, her white skin like that of a doll.

“Greetings to the Margravine.”

The knights, already informed that she didn’t desire royal treatment, greeted her formally.

Miesa habitually wiped all expressions from her face as she accepted the greetings. This, too, matched the dignity of the former queen, making the people even more intimidated.

“My, Miesa. You’re truly beautiful.”

The great madam of Cladnier smiled contentedly, holding her husband’s arm. Miesa was adorned with the heirloom jewelry of the Cladnier family, which the great madam had passed down to her.

“I knew the sapphire would suit you well. Its color complements your eyes.”

The great lord of Cladnier awkwardly spoke up as well, “You look like a different person with makeup.”

Though it was the best compliment he could muster in his blunt manner, Miesa beamed with delight.

“That’s right. I look even prettier with makeup.”

“…Yes. Your husband’s smile is about to reach his ears.”

The great lord, looking somewhat discontented, added and then looked expectantly at his wife, who smiled at him, suppressing her annoyance as she became aware of those around them.

The music began at some point, and Miesa subtly tapped her left thigh. Noticing this, Eirik leaned down and whispered in her ear.

“Is your leg uncomfortable? Should we skip the dance?”

“No! We have to dance.”

Miesa’s eyes widened as she clung to his sleeve. She couldn’t just skip it after all the effort she had put in.

“Let’s dance now. Right away.”

“As you wish.”

Eirik, stifling his laughter, led Miesa to the center of the hall. He wrapped one hand around her waist and gently held her hand with the other.

“…You did practice for a few days, after all.”

As the dance began, Eirik had a hard time holding back his laughter. Miesa moved her body with all her might, but unfortunately, her enthusiasm did not match her ability.

“I’m doing incredibly well right now. Look, everyone is watching in admiration.”

Despite everything, her eyes sparkled with pride. She looked up at him with a proud smile even now.

“…You’re doing well enough not to stand out.”

Though Eirik was smoothly leading her, a few keen observers might have noticed their struggles, though they dared not show it.

“Luckily, the skirt is wide and long. My feet are not surviving, though.”

“Don’t confuse me by talking. Left foot, left foot…”

When the long piece of music ended, Miesa smiled in satisfaction, and Eirik returned her smile, even though his repeatedly trampled feet truly hurt.

“Now, let’s go over to Mother and greet the ladies.”

“Why? Are you going to smoke a cigar?”

Eirik had quit smoking, disliking the feeling of being dependent on anything. Even so, as he tried to step away, Miesa asked again.

“Where are you going? Are you going far?”

“I’m just going to sit for a moment. I’ll be visible, so don’t worry.”

Miesa tilted her head but soon walked towards the great madam, while Eirik sat down and took the glass of alcohol offered by a knight.

He casually exchanged greetings with a few knights as he kept his eyes on Miesa. Her flushed face, her endless smiles—seeing her made it impossible for his lips to lower.

“Oh my, Margrave. Are you that pleased?”

It was Emmerich. Though still as carefree as ever, he had been recognized within the Cladnier Order and was now its captain due to his efforts during Eirik’s disappearance.

“Indeed.”

Emmerich had expected Eirik to scowl, as he usually did, but when he answered calmly, Emmerich looked bewildered.

“Oh… I see. Are your feet alright?”

“They’re fine.”

Eirik, already smiling, burst into laughter as he spoke. He couldn’t help but love her face, proud despite stumbling and depending on his arm to barely stay upright.

“Uh, Margrave.”

Seeing Eirik in such a good mood, someone mustered up the courage to speak. A young knight, accompanied by a girl with the same stiff expression, approached, looking nervous.

“I-I don’t know if you remember, but I was the squire of Lord Bahrain…”

“Ah, yes. The deer trap, wasn’t it? I remember.”

Back when that knight was just a young squire, Eirik had helped him when he was caught in a deer trap and unable to move his leg. As the surrounding knights laughed at the memory, the young knight’s face flushed bright red.

“It was a long time ago. I didn’t expect you to remember.”

“No, I’m joking. I heard you made significant contributions during the siege of Heinetz.”

From the resemblance between the knight and the girl, they seemed to be siblings. Not wanting to embarrass the young knight further in front of his sister, Eirik listened as the young knight spoke in a trembling voice.

“My sister is attending a banquet for the first time and has always dreamed of having her first dance with you, my lord.”

“…Well.”

“Ever since she was young, since the time you were just a squire, it’s been her earnest wish, so I ask you this favor.”

It seemed that during those brief lulls in the war when Eirik returned home, the young lady had watched him from afar. Eirik hesitated, but it was difficult to refuse and further damage the young knight’s honor in front of his sister.

Maybe just one dance would be fine. Slowly standing up, Eirik looked for Miesa. She was with his mother anyway, so just for a moment—

He found Miesa, and she had already been watching him for quite some time. As soon as their eyes met, she smiled warmly and quickly signaled.

[Absolutely], [No]

Eirik chuckled in disbelief. Could she really understand the situation from such a distance?

[Woman], [Young]

The signal was clear. He paused, but Miesa, surrounded by the other ladies, gave him a peculiar look as if waiting for his rejection. He had no choice. Eirik bowed politely to the young lady standing before him and lowered his eyebrows apologetically.

“I’m afraid I’ve injured my foot, so it would be difficult.”

“Pardon?”

Before the siblings’ faces could fully register their disappointment, Eirik extended a gloved hand, lightly took the young lady’s hand, and called out to Emmerich.

“I shall give this opportunity to the captain of the Cladnier Order instead.”

“What an honor.”

Emmerich approached with a broad grin, causing the young knight’s face to wrinkle. Though the captain was now the highest-ranking bachelor in Cladis, everyone knew about his flirtatious tendencies. However, the young lady looked overwhelmed just from having been escorted by Eirik for a brief moment.

After entrusting the young lady to his cousin, Eirik looked at Miesa. Her expression was mixed, but she soon seemed to accept it and sent another signal.

[Future], [Occurrence], [Forbid]

Understanding her meaning fully, Eirik looked at his wife, who stood there like a benevolent ruler, and replied with a signal that indicated he would obey.

“Uh… In that case, perhaps it would be better if you moved over there…”

The problem was that the knights nearby were observing the entire silent exchange. Of course, knowing what it meant, they were impressed by Miesa’s precise and swift gestures, yet also felt a bit awkward, as if they were eavesdropping on their lord’s romance.

“That might be best,” Eirik answered shamelessly as he stood. Though he had only taken a sip of his drink, he felt strangely exhilarated.

As he walked towards the ladies, Miesa, who had been waiting shyly with her lips pursed for quite some time, quickly approached and whispered in his ear.

“Eirik, I’ve set a standard.”

“What kind?”

“If, at some point, you need to dance but I’m not around…”

“That could happen, yes?”

“In those cases, judge by whether she has grandchildren. If she’s of that age, it’s fine.”

Eirik looked down at Miesa, who whispered so earnestly. Her compromise, after all her thought, reassured him, and the jealousy she still couldn’t let go of was simply adorable.

“I don’t know how to express my gratitude for my wife’s boundless generosity.”

“Don’t take it as a joke. I won’t be dancing with other men.”

Though Miesa spoke as if making a significant decision, Eirik knew. Given how the men of Cladis, with their keen vision, had flinched every time Miesa mercilessly stepped on his foot, no one would likely ask her to dance tonight.

“That’s unfortunate.”

“What is?”

“Nothing. Ah, Madam Skaella, it’s been a while.”

Eirik caressed Miesa’s back as he greeted his mother’s old friend. Immediately, a group of elderly ladies began to offer their words with laughter.

“We used to say to the great madam, no matter which lady the Margrave ends up marrying, she’s going to have quite a tough time.”

“We worried he’d be indifferent. Oh, how aloof he was even from a young age.”

“But now that he’s found such a lovely lady, he can’t seem to stop smiling.”

As the elderly ladies offered their words of blessing, the great madam nodded in agreement, smiling, while Miesa, too, listened intently, happily responding to each comment.

Each time she nodded slightly, the sapphire earrings at her ears swung gently. Eirik’s gaze followed them down to her slender neck beneath her neatly styled hair.

“Mother’s friends are all such lovely people.”

While the ladies’ attention briefly shifted to the great madam, Miesa looked up and whispered softly. Seeing her so content, like a well-fed cat, Eirik found himself swallowing dryly.

“Is that so? I’m glad to hear it.”

Suppressing his impatience, Eirik replied calmly. Seeing Miesa enjoying herself so much, it seemed he would have to remain until the banquet’s end.