The save slot chosen for this simulation was, of course, 00—her original body. After several hours of boredom, as the time for the gathering approached, Euphemia dragged Freya off to get properly dressed up.
Changing into the black evening gown, putting on high heels, braiding her hair, and applying light makeup—this entire process took over an hour, mostly because the makeup required quite a bit of time.
However, at the thought that she might have to go through this process eleven more times, Freya found it a bit hard to endure. Just as she was lamenting her fate, Euphemia walked out, having finished changing into her own dress.
Euphy was wearing a sky-blue gown that swayed gently as she moved. Like Freya’s, her dress featured a backless design. However, since Euphy’s hair was shorter and couldn't cover her back like Freya’s, it was pinned up at the back of her head with two beautiful pearl hair ornaments.
Euphy wore silk gloves that reached her forearms and high heels that matched the tone of her dress. Upon arriving in front of Freya, she gave a light twirl, her hemline rippling. “How is it? Do I look okay?”
Freya nodded and praised her without hesitation. “You look amazing!”
The two girls then boarded the carriage the butler had prepared in advance to head to the gathering. On the way, Euphy couldn't help but remind her, “Those few potions won't be revealed at the very beginning. They’re the finale, so the gathering will proceed normally for a while first.”
“During that time, Fufu, you should find a quiet corner with few people, get something to eat, and rest.”
Freya tilted her head slightly. “What about you?”
Euphy sighed. “Even though I don't really want to, I am a Duke’s daughter after all. In a setting like this, a lot of people will definitely seek me out for conversation, and it’ll be hard for me to refuse them. I probably won't be able to get away for a while.”
At an aristocratic gathering like this, if someone invited you to dance and was rejected, it was essentially no different from an insult. It would cause the other party to lose a lot of face, which was a major taboo in noble social circles!
As they spoke, the carriage soon arrived at their destination—a massive palace located in the very center of the city. This was also where His Majesty the King usually resided.
The streets had long since been cleared, with no commoners in sight. Only rows of luxurious carriages were parked there, as nobles dressed in magnificent attire walked toward the palace.
Clack, clack.
With small steps, their high heels made crisp sounds on the ground as Freya and Euphy headed inside. The first thing Freya saw upon entering was the towering vaulted ceiling, filled with various reliefs and engravings. Twelve massive marble pillars stood in the corners of the palace, acting as the supports for the vault.
However, Freya's attention was quickly drawn to the exquisite round tables and the wide array of food laid out upon them.
Euphy noticed her gaze and said, “Normally, almost no one actually eats these things. But if you want to eat, no one will say anything to you. Just be careful not to eat in crowded areas; take your food to a quiet corner.”
As Euphy was speaking, a serious-looking man walked over. After glancing at Freya, he refocused his gaze on Euphy and said, “Euphemia, I heard you’ve promoted to Rank Four. Is it true?”
This man was none other than Euphemia's father, Duke Holmes. Freya never imagined that as a father who hadn't seen his daughter in a long time, Duke Holmes wouldn't even greet her first, but would instead ask about this right away.
Euphy dropped the relaxed manner she had while chatting with Freya. She lowered her head slightly while gently lifting her skirt in a polite gesture, saying calmly, “Yes, I am now a Rank Four Doctor.”
Duke Holmes nodded and reached out to pat Euphy’s shoulder. “Keep up the good work. The future of the Holmes family depends on you all.”
As the father and daughter spoke, perhaps drawn by Duke Holmes's presence, many other nobles approached the area.
“Duke Holmes, is this your daughter? I had only heard of her in rumors before, but seeing her in person, she is far more beautiful than the descriptions!”
“Miss Euphemia, may I invite you for a dance?”
“Miss Euphemia...”
“Miss Euphemia...”
The crowd around them grew larger, but Freya was like a little ghost; it seemed almost no one noticed her. Freya didn't mind, though. After offering a silent prayer for Euphy in her heart, she walked away.
Soon, she began wandering the hall as if she were at a farmer's market, picking out delicacies from the dining tables.
“What's this? I’ve never seen it before. I'll take one.”
“And this, it looks pretty tasty too. I'll take one of these as well.”
“Can't forget a drink... Eh? Is it actually alcohol? Never mind then.”
After picking and choosing a few things to eat, Freya arrived at a small, deserted corner. There was even a conveniently placed empty table. After setting her things down, she began to eat happily.
One batch wasn't enough; after finishing, Freya went out again to grab more. For some reason, this inexplicably gave her the feeling that she was at a buffet.
However, just as she sat down with her third batch and was about to eat, a male noble in a tuxedo approached her. He bowed slightly and said, “Beautiful lady, may I invite you for a dance?”
“Huh?” At that moment, Freya happened to be chewing on a snack that looked like a chocolate stick. This sudden invitation left her completely stunned. She wore a dazed expression, her small mouth slightly open, and the chocolate stick fell to the ground with a clack. “Who? Me?”
The noble said, “Of course. Is there anyone else here besides you?”
Freya remained silent for a moment. After all, Euphy had just told her that refusing an invitation was equivalent to slapping someone in the face. She said, “Um... I’m not trying to refuse you on purpose, but I really don't know how to dance.”
The noble maintained his friendly expression. “It’s fine. You just need to follow my rhythm.”
“Okay then.” Since he had put it that way, Freya couldn't continue to refuse. It was just a dance, anyway; it was a perfectly common occurrence at an aristocratic gathering.
...
Rate on N.U.
