“Please stay inside, assistant.”
The knight appointed by Cassian spoke in a low voice from outside the carriage.
Of course, I had no intention of going out.
After all, these were the knights appointed by “that” Cassian, and there was no way an imperial knight could lose to some ordinary people.
I should think about how to take revenge on the Ballroom Master instead.
I think they thought they could underestimate me and do such ridiculous things, I will take advantage of this with gratitude.
Thank you, Ballroom Master.
You truly have a unique life experience!
“Please capture them alive if possible.”
After guiding the knight from behind the door, I took out the work papers I always carried with me.
'It might be better to work extra hours.'
I have to do something while they subject them to demanding additional compensation from Cassian without feeling guilty.
"Oh-!
Ack!"
Outside, the voices of the wretched kidnappers who had come under the control of the Imperial Knights were echoing...
Meanwhile, inside the cart, the elegant sound of the pen continued, as if erasing that noise.
Thanks to the attempted kidnapping.
It only took one day for the ceremonial hall master to lose his position, as an additional crime was added to the crimes he had committed.
Well, the head of the ballroom...
“This is ridiculous!
For someone to be removed from such a prestigious position in such an irresponsible manner!!”
He expressed unfounded grievance, but it didn't work with Cassian at all.
In addition, through the seized documents, the members of the ceremonial hall were expelled one after another.
Thanks to that, the office was noisy with all kinds of complaints for a week, but it wasn't the first time we had an audit.
Cassian and I ignored what should have been ignored and endured that stormy week.
And so it was already the last day of the year.
I was planning to handle my work without moving until 6pm today as well.
'But I'm happy...!'
If I just endure today, a three-day vacation awaits me, including the weekend.
After leaving work on time, she planned to relax at home for three full days.
On Saturdays, I would stop at the library to buy a bunch of novels and spend the weekend reading them, and it would be nice to buy different types of pies that I couldn't eat and eat them instead of meals..
I intended to turn off the alarm, draw the thick curtains, and sleep until late.
Just imagining it made me so happy that I hurriedly processed the few remaining documents.
My lips tickled with happiness..
But then.
“Rose.”
I heard a scary sound.
“Um...”
How did I end up like this?
When I looked down from my shoulder, I couldn't help but laugh.
Wearing a form-fitting evening dress like this felt very awkward and awkward.
Was it a result of me only wearing comfortable clothes to work?
However, wearing nice clothes to work only made me sad.
That's why I feel a little sad now.
The fact that I had to work overtime making junk from a famous store in the capital...
The dress was absolutely beautiful, with delicate lavender fabric and lace that adorned the shoulders and neckline without being too over the top.
Current time is 07:28 PM
Just a few hours ago, I was happy with the idea of quitting work and relaxing, but I became a slave to the extra pay once again.
Because Cassian Artiz frankly said:
“I want you to attend the imperial ball.”
He added...
“And of course, the pay will be tripled, not doubled.”
On terms I couldn't refuse at all.
That annoying confident face!
I would really love to see that face contort if I said I wasn't going….
But then….
“We'll prepare what you'll wear, and whatever you wear tonight is yours.”
The annoying manager was truly a genius at eliciting a positive response from me.
Well…
Although it wasn't just about money.
When Cassian spoke, I thought I could escape the ghost of the debut party.
It was not popular, but it was also a place where noble children who had missed the debut party that year could make their debut.
Of course..
‘This only applies to children of high-ranking nobles who are eligible to attend the Imperial Year End Ceremony..’
Even if I wasn't interested, it didn't matter, because I could get rid of the debut party talk.
It's better to leave just one word about my being the Baron's daughter.
I adjusted the hem of my dress and stood up. 7:30 pm.
It was the time Cassian said would come.
I couldn't keep my boss waiting.
As she thought of this, she opened the door, and Cassian, who was already standing nearby, burst into a low laugh.
“Rose, you are very meticulous.
One usually keeps others waiting at times like this.”
I was puzzled by his words… Why did he come here so early without knocking?
“It suits you well.”
Cassian commented casually as we headed down the hall.
“Your Highness looks really great today too.”
When I responded to the compliment, Cassian laughed softly for some reason.
Is it excessive work pressure?
Today is an unusually happy day.
“It's not just a polite remark; it really suits you, Rose.”
…I felt a little wronged.
My compliment wasn't just a polite remark either.
Cassian Artiz, regardless of his essence, was truly excellent in appearance...
He was wearing the appropriate formal ceremonial attire.
The outfit has been criticized several times for being impractical.
Full of aesthetic appeal, this costume enhanced his already excellent and intimidating appearance.
When I looked at him in amazement, whether he knew the expression on my face or not, he showed his arm.
“We have to work overtime.”
“Yes, but are you sure I need to come as your partner?”
I asked him again what I asked him about a few hours ago.
Since she became his assistant, he rarely attends social events.
When he had to show up, he would only appear briefly alone.
It was unbelievable for Cassian Artiz to take advantage of his time without any motive.
But…
“Yes, it's rare that you ask me the same question twice.”
The same answer came as earlier in the evening.
I can't understand it..
“His Highness Prince Cassian Artiz and Lady Roslita Salis enter!”
I just had to collect the necessary information for my future work myf.
I felt a little shy, and entered the hall with Cassian.
The view of the party I saw for the first time was amazing and beautiful.
And…..
The looks were piercing.
“Oh my God, it's Miss Saliss.”
“Saliss?
Is she of the standing to attend such an event?
Aren’t those below the rank of Count supposed to spend the end of the year indoors?”
“She must have ignorantly pleaded with His Highness the Prince.”
“Who can deny it?
She is trying to make her debut at the Imperial Ball at the end of the year, accompanied by His Highness the Prince, no less!”
I forced myf not to let out a hollow laugh.
Instead…
“Your Highness, can you look over there for a moment?”
“…why?”
“I think giving back to people who love you might improve your image a little.”
At my words, Cassian laughed and looked directly at them.
Suddenly, the voices of the group, which had been talking loudly without controlling the volume, quieted down.
“You are very clever.”
“All thanks to good learning from Your Highness.”
At my words, Cassian smiled softly and led me with a skilled escort to the Emperor and Empress.
The reason why this end-of-the-imperial-year ceremony can be considered an alternative to the debut ceremony is that the Emperor and Empress always attended the ceremony.
It was customary for noble children to salute the Emperor upon entering society, while women would salute the Empress.
So, today, I can finally be free from complaining about my debut if I salute the Empress...
"Are you here, Cassian?
It seems like it's been a long time since I've seen you in a place like this."
“I didn't have time because I was taking care of the work Your Majesty assigned me.”
“Are you protesting that I'm giving you too much work?”
The Emperor blinked his eyebrows as if he was dissatisfied with Cassian's answer.
“Is this possible?
It is because, unlike my brother, my abilities are modest.”
Cassian said and made eye contact with the Empress for a moment with a smile on his face.
The Empress's face shook slightly.
She wasn't the type of person who couldn't understand what those words meant;
“Unlike the First Prince who is always flirting, I have a lot of work to do.”
Even once the First Prince arrived, he only received the Emperor and was speaking surrounded by noble ladies..
The Empress hurriedly opened her mouth, fearing that sparks would fall on her precious son.
"Your Majesty, you shouldn't leave the lady standing like that.
Prince Cassian, you're the same.
Wouldn't your partner feel embarrassed if the conversation lasted this long?"
A slightly incredulous look could be seen on the Empress's face, but it was quickly covered by a smile.
On the one hand, I was trying to be a little grateful that Cassian deliberately said the same words to the Emperor as before.
“Your Majesty, may I introduce her to you?
This is my assistant,
Miss Roita, daughter of Baron Salis.”
My boss, who turned around, proudly introduced me to the Emperor instead of the Empress who was preparing to welcome me!
The Empress's calm and elegant smile cracked.
Was this the goal?!
The hero boldly used me as an excuse to embarrass the Empress.