Chapter 52
“Of course, there are people who ignore you because of the Count’s background. However, for those who desperately need connections, you represent a very attractive opportunity. After all, Count Chrysos is one of the Emperor’s closest aides.”
"So why have they been belittling me until now?"
“It’s hard to hear, but nobles keep an eye on each other’s tastes and good judgment. Reputation is determined by who you associate with, so it’s only natural that they be cautious.”
In other words, they avoided getting close to her despite her being “the only relative of the Emperor’s favorite head of guard,” because they did not want to appear as people who fawned over a “commoner girl” with the aim of gaining relationships.
This also means that their rule was not as bad as it seemed.
“I was stupid to leave everything in Marsha’s hands just because I didn’t get the reaction I expected.”
Linnea remembered the humiliation she had suffered and felt wronged. If she had known how easy it was to mingle with the nobility, she wouldn't have spent the past three years acting so foolishly.
The fact that there wasn't a single person around to point out her mistakes was rather sad.
But not anymore.
'It was a stroke of luck that Edel came to our house!'
Marsha was still keen to belittle Edel, but Linnea didn't care about her words.
In fact, Edel was a “teacher” who couldn’t afford to lose her.
“But Lady Linnea, does Count Crises hate parties? I have never heard that he attended any of them.”
Linnea, who had lost her mind, was alerted when the hostess mentioned her brother.
“My brother is extremely busy. There are days when we don’t see each other.”
"Oh, really?"
“Being the captain of the guard means that. He protects His Majesty the Emperor, so it’s only natural that it’s a difficult role.”
“That’s true, that’s true. However, it should be a shame not to see your beloved brother much.”
This was followed by a wave of laughter.
Linnea has now become skilled in such conversations.
'Don't overthink it. Girls your age are just girls. They don't receive any special education just because they come from noble families.'
Thanks to Idel's advice, chatting with girls her own age became much easier.
Moreover, being the “only” member of the family of “Count Laszlo Crises, Commander of the Guard” gave her a higher status than most daughters of noble families.
'Yes, let's keep this between us. I don't need to be treated like a great lady. As long as I'm not a burden on my brother…!'
As she suspected, her brother became a topic of discussion among the women.
“But Count Crisis looks scary. Oh, I don’t mean it badly! He should look scary as the Emperor’s knight, but he seems… hard to approach romantically.”
“That’s right. That’s what he looks like… unconventional. That’s attractive in its own way, but he looks like a country gentry who’s recently arrived in the capital…”
“Lady Linnea, how about helping your brother a little? He must be getting married soon, shouldn’t he? Then he can also find a suitable husband for you.”
Although they were speaking indirectly, Linnea understood immediately.
'Wait a minute! Now that I think about it, the problem wasn't me; it was my brother!'
Laszlo, who dressed much more simply during his days as a mercenary, never imagined that Linnea would make fun of his appearance.
'I hated that unkempt hair and beard.'
Linnea spent the rest of her time there determined to change her brother's appearance.
* * *
“Edel! Come with me.”
As soon as Linnea returned from the party, she grabbed Idil's wrist and dragged her into Laszlo's room.
Idle was stunned and had no choice but to follow him.
The moment they entered the room, Linnea screamed.
"my brother!"
Laszlo, who had arrived just a few minutes earlier, had thrown his jacket aside, unbuttoned his shirt a few times, and was sitting on a chair catching his breath.
The fatigue was evident on his face, the cold look he gave them, and the rolled-up sleeves that showed the veins in his arms, all gave the impression of an exciting aura.
Edel felt as if she had seen something very special, so she quickly looked away.
However, Linnea, his sister, seemed unaffected.
“Ah, look how she looks.”
"Why are you arguing with me?"
Instead of answering his question, Linnea turned sharply to Idel and spoke.
“Edel! Please do something about my brother, okay?”
"Huh? W-what do you mean...?"
Idel, who had been dragged into this without any explanation, was confused, but Linnea quickly clarified it.
“I thought I was the problem, but it turns out my brother is worse! They say he looks like a country gentry who just came to the capital! And they think he can’t date anyone!”
It was Laszlo who responded to that.
“At least they think I look like a nobleman. That’s good enough.”
"Good enough? Are you serious?"
“Why should I care about that? I’m already overwhelmed with work that I should be worried about. Stay away from me.”
Linnea, who was treated like a child having a tantrum, closed her mouth but then asked in a serious tone.
"Do you have no intention of helping me get married?"
“What do you mean by ‘no intention’? I’m desperate to get you out of my hands.”
“Oh, come on. Do you think any good marriage proposals will come my way looking like this? Or should I just marry common people? Then there’s no problem.”
When Linnea began to look sarcastic, Laszlo frowned.
"Why does my appearance affect your chances of getting married? Think logically."
“Edel said that nobles care a lot about appearances. If someone’s taste or style does not match his, he will not associate with him.”
Laszlo's gaze shifted to Edel, silently wondering if that was true.
Edel did not want to engage in this conversation, but she had no choice but to answer.
“Of course, Count, there is no need to worry about the opinions of anyone other than His Majesty. But if you intend to enter society… a little change might be beneficial.”
Her choice of words made her break out in a cold sweat.
Edel was nervous that Laszlo would be offended, but he simply looked at himself and tilted his head.
“To be honest, I don’t really know what I need to change. Isn’t this good enough?”
To Idil's surprise, she couldn't believe that such ridiculous words had come out of his mouth.
When one is sufficiently shocked, one may lose one's rationality, and Edel, who had forgotten her fear, began to speak without thinking.
“You absolutely need a haircut and a shave. Skincare is essential, too. Your clothes must always fit properly, and the type of clothing must change based on the season, the person you are meeting, the place, and the nature of the event. It's not just about the clothes; you're even neglecting the basic accessories expected of male gentlemen. Your footwear, too. Wearing military boots with formal attire is simply… unthinkable…”
Edel, who had been pointing out every flaw without pausing to catch her breath, met Laszlo's gaze and suddenly regained her composure. Why did rationality only return after the damage had been done?
However, Linnea appeared arrogant, and Laszlo seemed somewhat bewildered.
'Is he angry? He must be. Of course.'
Idil swallowed nervously and lowered her head.
“I-I’m sorry. I spoke out of turn.”
“No, it’s not like that… it’s just that I’m genuinely surprised. I’ve never given serious thought to clothes or shoes before.”
“I understand. In fact, you may find these social rules unreasonable and meaningless. Whether to follow them or not is entirely up to you, sir; no one can force you.”
As she was delayed, Laszlo, who was lost in thought, muttered.
“I shouldn’t have made this deal with His Majesty the Emperor in the first place…”
He tapped his tongue and sighed again.
At that point, Linnea, who had been listening, crossed her arms and spoke as if to rebuke him.
"What's the point of regretting what's already happened? What, are you going to give up your title?"
He laughed at his sister's mischievous words.
“Even the little rascal is lecturing me now. I’ve grown so much.”
“I’m not naughty! Anyway, don’t you have some vacation coming up in a few days? Since you have nothing else to do, why not take this opportunity to transform yourself from head to toe?”
“This is nonsense.”
Even as he was grumbling, Laszlo seemed to have realized something and decided to accept Linnea's proposal.
Unfortunately for Edel, the task of making him a proper nobleman falls to her.
“Edel, it might be difficult for a while, but pay a little attention to my brother’s appearance. Despite his current appearance, he has good potential. I will double your salary.”
“There is no need for that!”
“What do you mean by ‘no’? You are my personal maid, and this is an additional task. It is a very difficult additional task, so it is only fair that I double your salary.”
Edel hesitated, not because of the salary, but because of the job itself, although Linnea didn't seem to realize this. Or perhaps she was deliberately ignoring it.
“To think that I would be rehabilitating Count Crisis… is something I never imagined I would do…”
Edel felt that the tasks assigned to her at the palace were becoming more complicated day by day.