It was just for a moment, but I wanted to rush straight to the carriage and pull my younger sibling out, but I held back for now. We had come this far, and I couldn’t ruin things now.
The shadow probably didn’t come here to interfere with my work. If I had to guess, maybe they came to offer help.
Or perhaps they just came to confirm the ‘highly classified information’ of me becoming a woman.
“Lady Bluewood.”
I spoke politely towards the ‘shadow.’
Honestly, I didn’t think the name suited her. The carriage, the coachman pulling it, and even the clothes she wore were all in black, fitting more for a funeral than anything else. I had been inside that carriage before, and even the interior seats were made of ebony wood and black leather, making everything dark.
When I asked how she managed in the summer, she replied, “I don’t travel in the summer.”
“Eh, there’s no need to use such a formal tone, Luna.”
Lady Bluewood, the ‘Baroness,’ said so.
A bloodline of the royal family through a collateral branch, Duke and Marquis. Below them, there were Counts and Viscounts, who didn’t have royal blood but held significant territories. Generally speaking, these were the noble titles in this kingdom.
Of course, there are exceptions. Sometimes knights or orders of knights hold territories, and occasionally they even hold entire countries. The concept of titles can be endless, especially if you look at different countries.
The title of ‘Baroness’ is unique to this kingdom.
It was initially created because “it’s worse than a count, but better than a viscount.” In technical terms, it’s nearly the same as a viscount, but a little higher in rank. Ironically, those with territories were fewer than viscounts. Usually, it was a title given to loyal vassals of a count.
Over time, as people bought, sold, inherited, and earned additional titles, it slowly evolved into an independent title. Now, like counts and viscounts, the baron title isn’t too distinct.
The ‘shadow’ is the daughter of ‘Baron Bluewood,’ one of these barons.
In fact, Bluewood’s territory was sold off about a hundred years ago, so it’s just a name now. However, thanks to Shadow’s business acumen, she’s been able to maintain her position and buy a grand mansion in the royal capital.
“We promised to call each other by name, didn’t we?”
As she said that, Shadow grabbed my hand with a cold touch, and I wondered how I should respond.
“Ahem.”
A cough came from the side.
It was the Baron’s cough.
“I wasn’t informed that other guests would be arriving,” the Baron said, as if he was unsure whether to be angry or be gracious about it. Considering the treatment I received, it would be odd if I didn’t give him some points for not being furious.
Seeing his gaze locked on Shadow’s chest, I didn’t think I needed to raise my opinion of him further.
Had I said that Shadow’s attire seemed more suited for a funeral? I take that back. Even aristocrats who love dressing up wouldn’t wear a low-cut dress at a funeral.
“Oh my.”
Before I could introduce her, Shadow reacted first.
“Apologies, sir. I was in such a hurry that I forgot to greet you properly.”
As she said that, Shadow slightly lifted her skirt with both hands and bowed deeply. Her breasts, about the same size as mine, dropped slightly toward the ground, making the space between them appear even deeper.
“I am the eldest daughter of the Bluewood family, Lize. It’s an honor to meet you, Baron Redbury.”
“Ho, you know me?”
“Yes, you’re known for your unparalleled swordsmanship. I’ve heard your name many times even in the royal capital. The tales of your youth often circulate among women like me, making our hearts flutter.”
“Is that so? Heh heh.”
Baron Redbury’s expression softened.
It wasn’t really the Baron’s fault. Politically speaking, nobility is supposed to get angry at any signs of disrespect. Otherwise, the perception of “it’s okay” will spread.
Until the person who was rude apologizes, the noble must express their anger, and the other person eventually apologizes. Most of the time, these are scripts created in real time depending on the relationship.
However, on the other hand, when political judgment isn’t involved, some nobles tend to become extremely tolerant. Of course, this depends on who the other person is.
A ‘Baroness’ from a ‘Baron’ family with no territory.
To someone who doesn’t know much, she’s just an eccentric, pretty woman with little going on in her head.
Even now, Shadow had a slight flush on her face.
…OLX.
I squinted my eyes slightly and examined her face.
It wasn’t a real flush. She had intentionally applied makeup to make it look that way. In other words, her arrival here at this time was no coincidence.
“Apologies, Baron.”
I politely bowed to the Baron.
“I wasn’t aware that other guests would be arriving. I’ll make sure to make amends for not confirming earlier.”
“Hm. Is this your first time working as a maid?”
“Yes, it is. I was hired by the Count, and not long after, he passed away…”
“I see. Then I understand some of the inexperience.”
Trying to appear generous, the Baron straightened his shoulders.
“Well, it’s a bit embarrassing for me to see two young, beautiful ladies bowing at the same time at my age. Please, both of you, raise your heads.”
His attitude toward me shifted slightly.
The Count had hired me as a maid. The Count preferred commoner maids, so it was a bit unusual, but still not strange for an aristocrat to hire a noblewoman as a maid.
If he was thinking of making me his concubine, it wouldn’t be unusual that I was a noble. Now that the Baron knew I was close with Lady Bluewood, he likely thought of me as a daughter from some unremarkable noble family.
If we were actually married, I might become a rival to Ayla, but since I’m still a maid, that’s not the case.
It would be beneficial if the relationship didn’t go sour. The Baron wouldn’t find it strange to have a concubine or mistress long-term.
Or should I say, a second wife? It doesn’t really matter as I’m not planning to be either.
“Shall I introduce you to my wife? The Baroness has been eagerly awaiting your arrival.”
“Ho, really?”
The Baron’s expression became a bit complicated.
“Yes. After receiving word of your visit, she was quite restless. I apologize again. I’ve been talking for too long.”
“No, no. On the contrary, I’m relieved to know that my daughter is being well taken care of.”
“I’ll guide you now.”
I lowered my head slightly, then turned and walked slowly.
“By the way, did you say your name was Lady Bluewood? I apologize. I spend most of my time at the barony, so I don’t often hear of the Lady’s family’s reputation.”
“Yes.”
“It’s quite understandable. There are many noble families living in the royal capital without territories. We, too, are just running a small postal business.”
“Postal business?”
“Sending letters between nobles in the royal capital requires security. Many people are uneasy unless it’s entrusted to someone of the same noble rank. If you ever need to stay in the royal capital, please remember our family’s name, and we’d be happy to assist you, even in a small way.”
Surprisingly, letters sent through the Bluewood family are not opened one by one.
While it might be helpful for Shadow’s work, I wondered if mixing her two roles could risk exposing her true identity, which could be dangerous.
No, could it be?
Is it possible that with my current situation, Shadow sees this as a perfect opportunity to get rid of me, someone who knows her secret?
My younger sibling also knows the situation. Of course, she wouldn’t tell the Marquis or Mother, but whether or not Shadow believes that is a completely different issue.
As I listened to the quiet conversation behind me, I headed toward the mansion.
The door was already open.
Naturally, Ayla hadn’t come out to greet us. She must have had something arranged with me.
The Baron should have started getting upset by now, but he didn’t seem to have the time with the beautiful woman next to him continuously engaging him in conversation. Incredible.
The real regret was not being able to glare at Shadow.
Finally, we reached the drawing room to greet our guest.
Ayla, who had been sipping tea on the sofa, turned and stiffened as soon as she saw me.
“…Ayla?”
I called her with as much politeness as I could muster and made eye contact. I made sure to give a look that suggested it wasn’t my fault, then I gently bowed.
“I’ve brought the Baron.”
“Luna.”
Ayla looked between me and the Baron, calling my name.
The Baron seemed to have gotten a little annoyed when Ayla didn’t immediately stand up.
But Ayla only looked at me and asked.
“Who is that noblewoman over there?”
“…Apologies, Ayla. I wasn’t expecting this guest—”
“She’s Luna’s friend.”
Shadow spoke, having completely misunderstood the situation, or perhaps she was aware of everything and chose to make it more awkward by speaking that way.
“Luna.”
Ayla looked at me with a questioning expression.
I silently prayed that my choker would strangle me.
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