episode_0010

In his gaze, I saw a rare flicker of unease from the seasoned veteran.

This was no mere indulgence of the young lady’s whims—it was a mission of an entirely different caliber.

– Failure could bring harm to the family.

I hesitated briefly. The risks were substantial.

Yet, at the same time, this was an opportunity to prove my capabilities and earn the trust of both MacLaine and the family.

After all, it was better to take on a meaningful role than to waste time idly.

“Understood. You may leave it to me.”

At my response, MacLaine’s expression twisted with a mix of relief and concern.

“Thank you. But do not push yourself too hard. If the situation becomes unfavorable, withdraw immediately. Never forget—the young lady’s safety comes first.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

The day arrived swiftly.

On the day of the Empire’s Founding Anniversary Banquet, the capital buzzed with festive energy, but within the Seriratus estate, an unusual tension lingered.

This was especially true between me, Lady Firnea, and Head Butler MacLaine.

I dressed in the most formal yet unobtrusive attire—a butler’s uniform befitting the Seriratus family’s prestige while allowing ease of movement.

Hidden within the inner lining were a multi-tool set, minimal self-defense items, and a knife.

Who knew what might unfold tonight?

Firnea was preparing for the banquet with the help of her maids.

Her dress was far more lavish and mature than usual. The deep blue velvet gown accentuated her pale skin and silver hair, while the family’s emblem—a blue gemstone necklace—glowed enchantingly around her neck.

Yet, she couldn’t hide her nervous expression.

“Berdem, do I look alright?”

Standing before the mirror, the young lady asked anxiously.

“You outshine every noble lady in the banquet hall tonight, my lady.”

It was an utterly sincere compliment.

In just three years, the young lady had shed her childishness and begun to blossom into a refined beauty. Perhaps it was because her inner growth had begun to reflect outwardly.

“Really? What if those strange people pick a fight with me again?”

“Am I not by your side? And you are different from last time. Consider tonight a good opportunity to put what you’ve learned into practice.”

“Hmm…”

The young lady took a deep breath as she gazed at her reflection. She seemed slightly reassured.

Once preparations were complete, we stepped into the foyer, where Duke Pitus and MacLaine were already waiting.

Pitus bore none of his usual doting-father demeanor—instead, he exuded the dignity befitting the head of the Empire’s most powerful family.

His presence alone seemed to thicken the air in the estate.

“Are you ready?”

At his low, resonant voice, the young lady and I bowed in unison.

“Yes, Father.”

The Duke nodded in satisfaction before softening his expression as he looked at his daughter.

“My dear, you look truly beautiful tonight. The jewels of the imperial palace will pale in comparison.”

“…Thank you, Father.”

The young lady’s cheeks flushed slightly.

We boarded the luxurious carriage emblazoned with the Seriratus family crest.

As we traversed the capital toward the imperial palace, Duke Pitus relayed several warnings to the young lady—maintain distance from certain families, observe proper etiquette before the Emperor and royalty, and so on. Though she struggled to hide her boredom, she listened obediently.

No special instructions were given to me.

It seemed he already knew I had received my mission through MacLaine.

However, just before disembarking, the Duke added quietly:

“Berdem, take good care of my daughter.”

“I will, my lord.”

Feeling the weight behind those brief words, I steeled myself once more.

The imperial palace was dazzling. Beyond the massive gates, countless carriages lined up, while nobles in resplendent attire, knights in uniform, and bustling attendants created a sea of people.

Magical lanterns illuminated the path to the banquet hall as if it were midday, and elegant music drifted through the air.

When the doors to the banquet hall opened, I was overwhelmed by its grandeur.

Dozens of massive chandeliers adorned the ceiling, while the walls were decorated with paintings by renowned artists and gilded embellishments.

Hundreds of nobles had already gathered in the vast hall, and the aroma of food and wine wafted from the lavishly set tables.

The moment Duke Pitus and Lady Firnea entered, the eyes of the banquet hall converged upon us.

The head of the Empire’s foremost family and his sole heir—a prodigious magical genius.

The crowd watched with a mix of admiration, reverence, and envy.

“Come, let us proceed.”

With the ease of familiarity, the Duke strode into the hall with dignified steps.

The young lady, visibly tense, lightly gripped his arm, while I followed half a step behind.

At first, greetings centered around Duke Pitus. Heads of various families and high-ranking officials approached to pay their respects, and the Duke engaged them with effortless grace.

Though Lady Firnea maintained a quiet smile and proper etiquette beside him, her discomfort was palpable. Several times, she locked eyes with me, silently signaling, When will this end?

Had this been before, she would have openly shown her boredom and tried to leave. A remarkable improvement.

As I scanned the surroundings, I searched for Kyle Lorencia.

Now, where would he be?

The banquet hall was vast and crowded. But remembering the description MacLaine had provided—red hair, sharp eyes, a small scar above his left eyebrow—I meticulously combed through the room.

Before long, I spotted my target in a corner on the opposite side of the hall.

He sat quietly conversing with a group of young nobles around his age, some of whom belonged to families that had recently shown hostility toward the Seriratus name.

No doubt—that was the group I needed to monitor.

“My lady, may I fetch you a drink?”

I whispered to Firnea. Duke Pitus was still engaged in conversation, and the young lady seemed to need a moment to breathe.

“Huh? Oh, yes. Please.”

With a slight bow, I naturally made my way toward the beverage table, deliberately moving closer to Kyle Lorencia’s group.

The music and chatter made eavesdropping difficult, but observing their expressions and demeanor would still yield meaningful information.

Kyle was at the center of the group but spoke little, only nodding occasionally or interjecting with short questions.

His expression was unreadable, but his gaze was unnervingly cold and calculating for his age.

The young nobles around him seemed either reliant on him or held him in awe.

“On the surface, it looks like an ordinary social gathering, but…”

Something felt off.

It was too ordinary—unnaturally so. Perhaps they were deliberately keeping their conversations safe, aware of prying eyes.

After placing a few drinks on a tray, I returned to Firnea.

She was still dutifully standing by Duke Pitus but tapped her toes impatiently against the floor.

“My lady, your juice.”

“Thank you.”

The moment Firnea took a sip, a sharp voice cut through the air.

“My, if it isn’t Lady Firnea? And… that insolent butler from before is here too?”

It was Emily Lorencia. Just like at the last tea party, she was dressed extravagantly, but her expression still carried that same unpleasant edge.

Firnea’s face stiffened momentarily.

She met my eyes and furrowed her brows slightly. “She’s here again—what do I do?” I gave a subtle shake of my head, signaling:

Stay calm. Remember what you’ve learned.

The young lady took a deep breath before turning to face Emily.

“It’s been a while, Lady Emily.”

Her voice was measured, revealing no emotion.

Emily seemed momentarily taken aback by Firnea’s composure before forcing out a mocking smile.

“You look especially beautiful tonight, my lady. Like an ice sculpture—cold and unapproachable in every way.”

Another backhanded compliment. I tensed, watching how Firnea would respond.

After a brief pause, the young lady smiled softly.

“You flatter me, Lady Emily. Though I could never match the intensity of your beauty in that passionate red dress. Seeing someone as warm and lively as you makes me wish to learn from your example.”

A flawless counter. She acknowledged the compliment while subtly implying that Emily was too passionate—framing her own calmness as an asset.

It went beyond what I had taught her.

Emily’s face flushed red, then pale. She was at a loss for words. A few nobles nearby stifled quiet laughs.

“And my butler is not insolent—he is merely devoted to his duties. As the daughter of a Marquis, I trust you understand the value of loyal subordinates.”

Firnea shielded me while delivering the final blow.

Emily was now completely speechless, her lips trembling.

Then, a low voice spoke from behind.

“Emily, don’t make a scene.”

Kyle Lorencia. He had somehow detached himself from his group and approached.

His face remained impassive, but his reprimanding gaze carried a hint of irritation.

Emily flinched at her brother’s presence before protesting indignantly.

“Brother! They were the ones who—”

“Enough.”

Kyle cut her off sharply, then bowed respectfully to Duke Pitus.

“My apologies for the disturbance, Your Grace. My sister lacks maturity and has been discourteous.”

“No matter, Sir Lorencia. Young people often exchange heated words.”

The Duke responded with practiced ease, but his eyes scrutinized Kyle sharply.

Kyle then turned to Firnea.

“My apologies to you as well, Lady Firnea. I hope you can forgive my sister’s rudeness.”

“It’s quite alright, Sir Lorencia.”

Firnea replied with equal composure, now fully composed.

Kyle gave a slight nod of satisfaction before finally locking eyes with me.

His gaze was icy and piercing—as if he wasn’t seeing me for the first time, but recognizing me.

Every nerve in my body tensed.