I havent done my best yet. I just didnt know I had to do my best right now.

Ugh..youre saving it for the best, then. When are you going to use it?

I will use it when the time arrives.

Oh, thats a load of bullshit. Only newbies with great pride in them say those words, promising that theyd perform well on a bigger stage.

Selena laughed openly without hiding it.

When the time comes? You sound like a child that cant even open a lid of a drink, but would say that hed open it with ease when he is given a drink.

Selenas comments were very heavy and painful to the point.

It wasnt that there was no loyalist who spoke in a straightforward manner to Kalcion, but he had never been stabbed to the point where he had been in charge so far. For the most part, he had tried to do his best on his work before he heard those direct words.

He now even had a bit of confidence to assure him he was performing well. At first, it was so hard to even spit a word that he practiced hard until his tongue went sore. Now, he was responsive to every order that Selena threw, almost instantaneously. Kalcion assessed himself that he had definitely improved from the beginning.

Getting into the character was what she wanted. Now, he was so into his role that sometimes Selenas figure appeared bright to him. This was the result of his great effort, he thought.

Its good to keep trying, but I think its important to appreciate achievement.

Im a result-oriented person. If you fail in the practice, everything will be over. Im just trying to curry favor with you, and if this continues in the gathering, wouldnt I be cast out of the Duchy of Renbird?

If I rehearse well, I can

Then, do it now.

She ordered in a mean way.

Now? Here? Out of nowhere?

It was neither a banquet hall nor a crowded place, but a narrow carriage.

Holding an embarrassed Kalcion in her sight, Selena stubbornly crossed her arms before her chest.

Just as I did. In the cave, back then, all of a sudden.

With not anyone else, but Kalcion himself. And she performed greatly.

That was the reason he felt the air being so stuffy.

His lips hesitated to speak. If one was hesitating, wasnt it like the person was sentenced to death for the crime of violating important military laws?

Its important. Ill help you get started.

She wanted to push him off a cliff, but if she did so, she would also be defeated and be nearing her end. For now, she had to pretend to be good-hearted and not ruin Kalcions mood.

We are going to a party. Hows the atmosphere at a party?

Kalcion pondered.

A party. He had never thought about it. But, he might sound serious about his trial if he said something about the atmosphere.

You dont have to think so hard. You can just give me a quick first impression. What was the last gathering you attended?

Was it the Queens birthday

He stuttered, trying to memorize.

Before Irelle died, there was a gathering in the capital city almost every day. The city was known for gatherings, but it was more frequent back then.

If one wanted, they could say it was a city where one could attend parties every day of the year. There was a constant stream of gatherings held by each family.

While Kalcion stayed in the capital with Irelle, there used to be as many as three different parties for him to attend. He even took time to decide which party he wanted to attend, the party that was not suited for him, and which party he thought would be the most enjoyable.

Kalcion had been consistent with the policy of throwing all parties, although it was natural. The only parties he attended were the ones that were irrefusable like the invitation from Prince Larsen. The same was true for the Queens birthday.

Was there a gathering at the palace on the Queens birthday?

Yes, there were several gatherings in the palace. The royal birthday party was always held at the most colorful Rose Palace.

How fancy would it be if the Duke himself says it was fancy?

To a great extent.

There were quite a few people in the world who did not know what description meant. Some did not even consider the existence of adjectives and adverbs.

That was Kalcion.

Smiling kindly, she prepared the questions she wanted to ask.

How big was it?

Well, five hundred people seemed to have enough room to breathe, and I think itd have been a thousand if you had added the people walking around the garden.

Wow, that was huge. So, all the people at that party knew each other?

Even if one did not have any personal relationships with another, they could easily distinguish the person they accompanied.

What about the Duke?

Kalcion snorted in absurdity.

Why do I have to do the trouble of memorizing them?

Selena felt it must have been impossible to serve the cold Northern Duke.

But the others mustve recognized you, right?

I suppose they did.

Then, did they start any conversation with you?

Usually, yes.

What did they say?

Kalcion squinted, as if recalling.

Passing brief greetings, introducing

Irelle had joined the last gathering he attended. He had nothing to think of, but when he recalled the memories, he thought he and her had something in common.

Ah, was she a rumored woman.?

They approached Kalcion, but all their eyes were on Irelle. As if they knew everything.

And then?

She anxiously urged him.

I introduced her as the daughter of Baron Jion.

Then?

Come to think of it.

Yes?

They didnt actually come to greet me.

Only then did he realize how insensitive he was. It was a courtesy to introduce ones partner to others. Unless one was a child to decide to expand their social circle afterwards.

The women who had accompanied Kalcion until now were all from prominent families. As they were the center of many parties, there were basically no strangers and had a wider circle than Kalcion. Any of them had covered more ground than him.

Oh my, your partner for today is the Duke of Renbird?

Yes, I heard he was in the capital, so I asked him out.

I see, its nice to see you. Your Excellency, my name is Sarah of Count Rosium.

Your Grace, why dont you and Sarah get a drink for the next song?

It was always like this. If people ever came to greet him after recognizing his partner, they would say, Ah, your partner for today is someone from this family. I hope you have a joyous evening.

Because he was used to such a procedure, introducing Irelle to others was an unconventional kindness from him. She thought she had come too far, so she didnt try to push up his buttons anymore.

Alright, I can feel the air.

Pulling up one side of her lips, she forced a smile.

It was half as expected. Not everyone would have complimented her if she was rumored to be a villainess. Although Rosalyn and Fionel were ahead, they would at least have a higher level in this world and at least care about Mrs. Janets words.

There was a reason why Mrs. Janet kept nagging after the previous Duchess.

The society was full of people who acted like children. Quick and gentle for those who needed to be seen, but cruel for those who did not.

However, Selena was not daunted. She was tired, but not afraid. She had one experience or two.

Of course, she was hurt and cried a lot when she was young.

Am I not welcome anywhere I go? Do I really have to disappear?

Eventually, however, she was able to hold out and welcome someone with a bright smile wherever she went.

Its disgusting that Ill have to do it again.

She wont just be helpless. And in order to be as successful as possible, its imperative that she taught Kalcion with her might.

Ten days left to reach the capital. She grew more determined with each passing moment as they came closer to the capital.