Chapter 50: Want a drink?

Watching Moria and Lisette leave, Flora stood alone on the stage, unsure of what she was supposed to do next.

Was she expected to take the initiative to chat with those nobles?

According to the usual procedure, wasn’t it supposed to be Moria introducing her to the guests at the ball as if she were an auction item, then creating some humiliating scenes?

How did it suddenly turn into Flora having to actively use social skills to deal with others?

Flora glanced at the nobles but found that, unlike what Linko had said before, no one intended to approach her to cause trouble.

Instead, they all kept a reasonably proper distance, with the most interaction being nods of greeting—exceedingly friendly ones at that.

What was going on here?

[Could it be because of Lisette? Seeing the princess’s attitude toward me, they’ve hidden their intent to make things difficult… Honestly, I’m at a loss for words.]

After pondering for a moment, Flora settled on that explanation.

Fortunately, she hadn’t stood there alone for too long before Linko took the initiative to come to her side, offering some measure of support.

But Emia followed closely behind, making it difficult for Flora to keep a good expression.

“You were trying to get me into trouble just now.”

Flora wasn’t about to let Emia’s provocation toward Moria slide easily.

Yet Emia was shameless.

“No, no, I really, really want to dance with you, Miss Flora. Look, even Her Highness the Princess treats you so well, and no one’s unhappy about your becoming a marquis. That’s incredibly rare these past few years. I’d love to get close to you.”

Flora found people who said things so openly the hardest to trust.

Because those bold enough to speak like that were either naive or completely confident in their position.

Emia was clearly the latter.

Flora didn’t know what she was plotting, but having memorized how Moria treated Emia earlier, she grabbed Linko’s hand directly.

“Miss?”

Linko was a little uneasy about this sudden gesture, but upon seeing Flora’s slightly narrowed eyes and pout of disapproval, she swallowed nervously and said nothing more.

[She really is… adorable.]

Linko didn’t even know what she was thinking herself.

Wasn’t one of her tasks to create opportunities for the Second Young Lady and Flora to interact?

So why, when it was time to fulfill her duties, did she lose all desire to do so?

If this continued, things would definitely go badly.

Linko’s expression grew darker as Emia continued her advances.

“Don’t be so distant. I was even thinking maybe we could arrange a dinner or have a drink sometime. After all, I was wrong to crash into your carriage.”

“If you want a drink, we can have one right here at the ball. Miss Emia, please mind your manners.”

Flora deliberately used a formal address to keep her distance.

“We’re all girls, why so stiff? Next time, I’ll host a tea party and beg my sister to bring you along. How does that sound?”

Emia curled her lips, trying every trick to get closer to her, but Flora was left speechless by the invitation.

Linko quickly picked up on Emia’s words and hurried to smooth over the conversation.

“Second Young Lady, Miss Flora still has duties to follow from the Eldest Young Lady. Invitations like tea parties should be discussed after the knighting ceremony.”

Unable to bring them closer, at least she wouldn’t let their relationship deteriorate.

Linko didn’t want Flora to develop any resistance toward Duke Delan because of Emia’s remarks.

If that happened, not only would her mission be at risk, but if the duke became displeased or felt she was useless, punishment might be the mildest consequence.

Worse still, if she was removed from Flora’s side, Linko couldn’t imagine how much more isolated and vulnerable the girl would become.

And then, this lifetime might hold no further chance to meet Flora again.

[What on earth am I thinking…]

Linko’s heart was in turmoil.

She knew her state was off; Flora’s influence was too great.

The charm that the girl possessed moved her too deeply.

Just now, watching Moria lift Flora up in such close contact, Linko, as a servant, almost lost her sense of position.

She knew it was a grave taboo—an outright dereliction of duty.

Such a state was bad for both herself and the Flora she was supposed to help.

Yet she was powerless to resist.

The girl holding her hand sensed her unusual mood.

[Am I too nervous? Is my task to get me to have more contact with her? What exactly does Duke Delan want… Never mind, a friend who’s helped me is my friend—I won’t let you be troubled too much.]

Flora interpreted Linko’s behavior as the conflicted stress of a mission and sighed silently in resignation, then turned her gaze to Emia, who was staring down with unclear intentions.

“There’s an empty table over there. Let’s go have a drink.”

“Eh?”

Emia looked up in surprise, then, seeing Flora’s calm expression, glanced questioningly at Linko beside her.

[Suddenly changing attitude—is it because of Linko?]

As someone from the Delan family, Emia’s observational skills rivaled Moria’s, so she easily guessed the reason for Flora’s shift in attitude but didn’t ask further.

“Sure, I just turned sixteen, so I haven’t really had much alcohol.”

“Just turned…”

Flora finally understood why she hadn’t seen Moria’s younger sister before—the age gap was quite large.

Was the princess around the same age?

Putting identity aside, was she now being toyed with by a group of children?

Flora quickly discarded this strange thought and, led by the Delan family’s Second Young Lady, sat down with a troubled Linko at a vacant table in the corner of the hall.

Not standing in the center of the hall, the pressure from others’ gazes eased quickly, and Flora finally breathed a sigh of relief.

“I can tell you’re pretty nervous. I don’t know what your sister said to you, but do you really think others will make things difficult for you?”

Emia’s talent for making small talk was undeniable; this question made Flora headache.

“You nobles, why are you all so good at this? If you really want me to relax, then don’t do things that put pressure on me.”

“Alright, alright.”

Emia curled her lips, took a sip from a cup of liqueur on the table.

This low-proof drink was perfect for a newcomer like her, and a few sips created the right atmosphere for conversation.

Flora had no intention of drinking; she simply rested her chin in her hands.

“Don’t beat around the bush. If you’re talking to me to pass messages or find something out, just say it directly. Moria letting me move freely means she’s not worried you’ll do anything inappropriate.”

“My sister’s that confident. But I really don’t have anything to say to you.”

Emia grinned broadly, and under Flora’s exasperated gaze, she shook her glass, watching the ice cubes clink.

“Whether it’s me, my father, my older brother, or my younger brother, we’re just curious what kind of person could cause such a stir with my sister. Now that I’ve met you, my task is done. You’re indeed a beautiful lady, with a great personality and a compassionate heart.

Tsk, tsk, tsk, a marvelous person.

No wonder my sister’s so infatuated that even His Highness indulges you.

Why wouldn’t I want to get on your good side?

After all, I love my sister, so whatever she likes, I like too.”

“You really are sisters, huh?”

Flora didn’t believe a word of it—at least seventy percent was untrustworthy.

Just like Moria’s claims of doing it all for her own good, while really enjoying herself.

Miss Emia was probably just using the excuse of loving her sister or obeying her family to do whatever served her own interests.