KFBRV Ch 64

[Lilienthal] "I apologize for the sudden intrusion. I was simply so impressed by the dress you are wearing today. A gown for high society that can be worn without a corset... I never imagined I would live to see such a thing at an official function."

Just then, Sasha stepped between the Countess and Odette.

[Sasha] "Countess Lilienthal, how have you been? Hahaha. My daughter actually finds it quite difficult to speak with others."

Social etiquette dictated that a subordinate could not initiate conversation with a superior they were not acquainted with. At Sasha's rude behavior, Lilienthal's expression hardened.

Mother doesn't exactly have a talent for smooth interruptions.

Usually, it was the Count or Ferdinand who spoke on Odette's behalf at such gatherings. Normally, she would have backed away, fearing Sasha would run to the Count and complain. But today was different. Her relationship with both the Count and Ferdinand had already soured.

Besides, she won't even have the chance to tell them.

After today, Odette would no longer need to walk on eggshells around Sasha or Paula. There was no reason to retreat from the conversation.

[Odette] "Thank you for seeing it as something fresh, Your Excellency. I tried to emulate the regional styles of Meursault. Does it suit me, Mother?"

[Lilienthal] "Oh. Now that you mention it, I heard you grew up on the coast of Meursault. Still, adding these ribbons and the rugosa roses—isn't that your own clever touch?"

Completely ignored, Sasha's face turned a deep crimson. Paula also glared at Odette with sharp, narrow eyes.

[Lilienthal] "The more I look, the more I see how much effort went into the details. It's like looking at a younger version of myself."

Of course, for a noble to say "much effort was put in" really meant that a significant amount of money and labor had been expended. Ribbons, flowers, lace—Lilienthal seemed to recognize that the designer's craftsmanship was exceptional. Odette had poured more money into those ribbons than the cost of an average dress.

However, the most important part was what she said next.

[Odette] "I am honored by your high praise."

[Lilienthal] "Like looking at a younger version of me."

In society, this was the ultimate compliment. It was enough to make the eavesdropping guests gasp and murmur in shock. Reporters eagerly began scribbling down Lilienthal's words, while Sasha and Paula's eyes nearly popped out of their heads.

[Lilienthal] "I chose pants because I hated wearing corsets. You, My Lady, chose a dress that can be worn without one. I quite like that rebelliousness."

[Odette] "Your Excellency...."

[Lilienthal] "Beauty comes from being true to yourself. You will become the symbol of the next generation in society."

Lilienthal knew better than anyone that the room was full of vain socialites and reporters looking for a story. Yet, she gave Odette a wink as she spoke, which was essentially her throwing her full weight behind the girl in public.

This is even better than expected.

Even Charlotte, who became the Crown Princess in the "Johan Route," had never managed to persuade this Countess of high standards. Lilienthal remained the Empress' closest confidante and mentor. She was still the trendsetter of the era.

The trend will catch on much faster than I thought.

Even without Lilienthal's words, the "Odette Style" would have likely become a trend. However, her endorsement changed both the speed and the impact of its spread. Furthermore, the reporters would surely add their own exaggerations to the conversation.

<Countess Lilienthal Names Odette as Her Successor.>

Something like that. Seeing the illustrators and photographers already moving their hands busily, she could easily imagine tomorrow's front page.

Aside from the news of awakening as an S-class Purifier, this might be the first time the reporters have ever praised me.

Count Albrecht considered a woman's reputation in society to be worthless and laughable, so there was no worry about his being angry. Odette had gained everything and lost nothing.

[Lilienthal] "Well, I shall take my leave. The Empress will be arriving shortly."

She gave Odette an elegant smile and departed. As soon as she was gone, Sasha grabbed her wrist tightly. Since they were still in front of reporters and illustrators, Sasha couldn't raise her voice.

[Sasha] "What was that attitude just now? When did I say you could speak without my permission?"

The way she whispered like a ventriloquist was pathetic. She hadn't been able to say a single word in front of Lilienthal, offering nothing but a cringing smile.

[Odette] "I'm sorry, Mother. But the Countess is the Empress' closest friend, isn't she? I thought it wouldn't be good for you if I acted rudely and offended her."

When she offered the excuse, Sasha blinked.

[Odette] "It seems you've made a good impression on her, so why don't you follow her? If you go with Countess Lilienthal, it might be easier for you to meet the Empress as well."

If Sasha actually knew anything about society, she would know how ridiculous that suggestion was. Lilienthal's picky and caustic personality was famous.

[Sasha] "Don't you ever show off like that in front of me again. It's unsightly."

Despite those words, the way Sasha stared at the back of the Countess heading toward the drawing room proved she had fallen for the lie. Right then, an attendant announced the arrival of the Emperor and Empress.

[Attendant] "His Imperial Majesty, the majestic Sun of the Empire, and Her Imperial Majesty, the glorious Moon of the Empire, are entering!"

The music flowing through the ballroom cut off abruptly, and the two monarchs appeared.

[Guests] "Eternal glory to Barzeha."

Every guest invited to the ball bowed in unison.

[Emperor] "Everyone, raise your heads."

At his command, the guests looked up, and the orchestra began playing the first dance. While the Emperor and Empress took each other's hands and moved toward the center of the dance floor, Sasha whispered to Paula.

[Sasha] "Paula, I'm going to the drawing room to request an audience with the Empress. You must keep a close eye on Odette. Understood?"

[Paula] "Of course. Don't worry, I'll watch her carefully."

Reassured by her boast, Sasha scurried off toward the Empress' drawing room, where Lilienthal had gone.

At any ball, the Empress would dance the first dance and then retreat to the drawing room. She would then spend the rest of the evening receiving guests who wished to meet her. Unlike the Emperor, who loved the party and stayed in his seat until the end, the Empress preferred conversation.

So, Sasha intended to get to the drawing room before the first dance ended to apply for an audience early. She likely thought she was being clever, but it was the kind of move one only makes when they are half-informed.

Watching the Imperial couple's first dance is a mandatory courtesy for anyone invited to the palace ball.

For Lilienthal, who was like family to the Empress, going straight to the drawing room was no problem. But for Sasha, it was a grave insult. She would surely be blacklisted by the Empress. She would earn the ire of not just the Empress, but all her ladies-in-waiting and maids as well.

The Empress already holds a grudge against the Albrecht family because of the Crown Prince's Berserk Incident. Now that Mother has committed such a rudeness, the Empress will feel completely disrespected.

Several of the Empress' ladies-in-waiting were already glancing at Sasha as she headed for the drawing room, letting out incredulous laughs.

Watching Sasha's oblivious back, Odette swallowed a sneer.

I wonder how long Paula will actually stay by my side, Mother?

Paula had already set fire to the laboratory. It wasn't an easy thing to do unless she was completely bewitched by Gisella.

Gisella said she already delivered the next set of instructions to her.

If so, Paula wouldn't be able to stay by her side for long. She would be too busy following Gisella's orders—not knowing that those orders actually came from Odette herself.

*****

How many songs had already passed?

Staring at Odette with sharp eyes was more exhausting than Paula had expected. It was boring, too.

When is Mother coming back? She said she'd return as soon as the audience was over...

In these official settings, there were always at least three people monitoring Odette. Usually, it was Ulrich, Ferdinand, Mrs. Becker, Paula, and Dolly. Carrying out the surveillance alone was becoming overwhelming for Paula.

If Mother weren't so isolated right now, there would be so many more people here.

She felt a bit gloomy. Lately, Sasha had been wandering the mansion and spending money like she was having the time of her life, but as her daughter, she could tell it all stemmed from anxiety and emptiness.

It's all because of Mrs. Becker. That miserable parasite just had to act out...

Sighing to herself, she suddenly felt a strange sense of incompatibility in her own thoughts.

Is it? Is it really because of Mrs. Becker?

As if possessed, she looked again at Odette, who was standing by the wall like a decoration. A doll-like expression. Lips pressed tight.

She was silent as usual, yet she seemed different. It was hard to explain, but instead of feeling like a marionette, she seemed to possess a strange vitality.

When was the first time Odette talked back to me? Didn't the relationship between Mother and Ferdinand start falling apart right around then?

Thinking back, since the day she stood up to her, everyone except Odette had suffered. Sasha was confined, Mrs. Becker was thrown into the dungeon, and the Count's business was ruined...

Wasn't she the only one who hadn't been hurt?

It was at that moment that a young son of a Baron approached Odette to ask for a dance.

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