Preparations (2)

I can hear the horses clopping and neighing, and the celebration horns were used to recognize their safe return. All these noises and cheers make me tense for some reason, and I'm still in awe that this is all happening in front of me.

I feel like I could shout, 'All hail the Lord of Vanidestine, ' any moment, but I should refrain from embarrassing myself.

When they stopped right in front of us, all of the servants, including me, bowed in the presence of their master. I can hear them dismounting from their horses. Ugh, this is such a nerve-racking moment.

"Be at ease," the count said calmly.

The count's voice was gruff and masculine, and his fierce carob-colored eyes examined every one. His umber hair was messy from the gust of wind, and he had a thin short brown-grayish beard that made him look rugged. Despite his scruffy appearance, his elegance and pressuring aura can't be hidden.

Should I not have reverted to my old appearance? My appearance stands out since I'm the only one with blue hair and eyes.

"So, this girl must be Adelaide," said the count. He menacingly stared at me like he was looking straight into my soul.

My throat went dry, and I squeezed my hands to prevent myself from showing signs of agitation toward the count. I was about to greet him when the countess smacked him, leaving me surprised by their interaction.

"Stop scaring her, you moron," the countess said with annoyance.

"Moron!" Beau copied.

The count pouted. "Don't be like that, honey. How can you treat your husband like this in front of our adorable child?"

I immediately calmed down when the count bickered with his wife. He's indeed different when it comes to his family.

"Can you guys be lovey-dovey some other time? We still have pressing matters to discuss," a young boy interrupted behind the count.

That boy must be Rupert. If the countess hadn't told me about Rupert's age, I would have thought he was already eighteen since he is almost the same height as me. For a fourteen-year-old, he's mature for his age. It's like I'm looking at a middle-aged man.

The count cleared his throat and faced the knights, saying, "Ahem! Take this time to rest and meet your families. By sunset, I expect all of you to be well-rested as we have an upcoming battle to prepare for. Am I understood?"

"Yes, sir!"

"You're all dismissed."

The knights saluted again before scattering, and the servants returned to their work. That's it? I expected something more, like a speech or something. Should I also go?

"Please do call me if you need me, countess." I bowed.

She smiled and said, "You can rest comfortably in your room, Adel. My husband and I have something to discuss privately. Eartha will pick you up when the time comes."

I nodded, and I went back to my room. I also need to calm my nerves for tonight's mini banquet since many nobles from different houses will be present. Although I don't necessarily have to interact with them since the only thing I should do is show myself enough for the criminals to show themselves voluntarily.

I was told that the spy informed Viscount Usoro, the crime's mastermind, about Adelaide recuperating in House Vanidestine. As the only one who escaped their grasp, maybe Adelaide was unique to them—but I don't know why they are so obsessed with taking back Adelaide. The Imperial family already knows about their schemes, so it's useless to shut Adelaide up, right?

As someone who's going to be used as bait, this is genuinely terrifying. I don't have to do this since the countess gave me a choice to reject, but how could I? No one else was up for that dangerous role anyway because they were running out of time.

I was about to enter my room when I heard footsteps behind me.

"Hey, you…"

I turned around, and Young Master Rupert stood before me. Wait, did he call me 'you'? I wouldn't say I like his tone, but I shouldn't disrespect the countess' son… right?

I slightly bowed and said, "Good afternoon to you, Young Master." I looked him calmly in the eyes. "May this lowly servant of yours help you with anything?"

He glared at me. "Mother and Father might have trusted you easily, but I'm different. I'm keeping an eye on you. If you do anything suspicious, I won't hesitate to put my sword in your throat."

Instead of taking him seriously, I find his actions cute. Seeing that he cares for his family despite his extreme threats is good.

"Who am I to do something awful to the family who cared for me, Young Master? I'm indebted to the countess, and I also care for your younger brother. I may appear different, but I'm just a woman who lost her memories. Am I still deemed untrustworthy in your eyes?"

He looked away and didn't say a thing. He's blushing and glancing at me shyly like a Tsundere schoolgirl. His talk sounds mature, but this side of him is how a fourteen-year-old should act.

"Do you have anything to say, Young Master? We can continue this conversation inside my room."

His eyes widened in shock, and he used his index finger to point at me, saying, "Y-You! How can I stay in an older woman's room?! How indecent!"

Did this brat call me an old woman? I'm not even in my 20's!

I forced a smile. "I'm not a pedophile, Young Master. For the record, I'm not interested in underage kids." I sighed. Why do I even bother fighting with a kid?

"Pedo—what? Anyways, I'm just here to find out what you're doing since you seem suspicious," he shamelessly asserted.

"Look, Young Master, if you just came here to pick a fight with me, you won—okay? Why don't you hang out with your younger brother? I'm sure he misses you dearly."

"A-Ahem! I know. Beau told me to give you this." He handed me a flower bracelet. "He said you should wear that for tonight's mini banquet since he thought it would look good on you. You better wear it, okay?"

He didn't even let me say thank you and sprinted away. I looked at the bracelet, smiling at their heartwarming gestures. I entered my room and leaned on the door.

How can I refuse to help them? I don't want this family, which cherishes each other profoundly, to be in ruins because of these crooks who refuse the empire's peace.

"Even in this world, human greed knows no bounds," I whispered.

I slumped on my bed. After this is over, I will laze around and sleep for days. Even in this life, I still worry too much.

I heard a knock on my door. Ugh, who is it again?

"Milady, the countess ordered us to help you prepare for tonight. She wanted us to tell you that they will take some time to discuss, so you should prepare first."

"Got it. You guys may come in."

My jaw dropped slightly when many maids holding different dresses and makeup entered my room. I thought this was only a mini-banquet!

Eartha entered and clapped her hands twice.

"Let us begin with Milady's relaxing bath. Which one do you prefer, Milady? Rose-scented oil or lavender-scented oil?"

I stood up. "Lavender, but I don't need all of these—"

"Good choice indeed. Now, take her to the bath." Eartha didn't let me finish talking and dragged me to the bathroom.

Wait, does my preference even matter at this point?