“Thank you. For providing me with such valuable information.”

“No, not at all. If there’s anything I can do to help Baroness, even if it’s modest, I’d like to do it.”

Nia said so, bowing her head politely.

While examining the list, Asha discovered that almost all the nobles, known as the Empire’s five petals, were unfavorable towards Karaf. It was something she had anticipated, but the bitter feeling couldn’t be concealed. Karaf was truly an outsider.

However, Asha’s gaze stopped as she suddenly found someone among the ‘Inscrutable Ones.’

“Nia, my dear, do you happen to have any additional information about Duke Sihyan Blossom that is not written here?”

“Ah… Actually, it was challenging to obtain information about him. He’s so mysterious and adept at hiding himself that trying to pry out information might expose me or lead to retaliation. He’s meticulous enough to make it difficult.”

Asha nodded at her words. Sihyan Blossom always wore a friendly smile, giving off a pleasant impression, but what he was thinking inside remained unknown.

Moreover, being a duke like the Lilac Duke, he was not easily visible to other nobles, making him a somewhat elusive figure.

“What are your personal thoughts on approaching him?”

“Are you asking about getting close to him?”

“Yes.”

After contemplating for a moment, Nia spoke.

“This is entirely my personal opinion, but it seems advisable not to get close to Duke Sihyan. In my perception, he can easily manipulate people and swiftly cut off anyone by his side. It appears he is quite meticulous and able to swiftly sever ties with people.”

“Is that so…”

“Yes. Numerous rumors circulate about him, but nothing substantial has been revealed. Seeing that, I get a somewhat ominous feeling about him. It might be safer and more reliable to deal with those who openly show their intentions.”

Asha nodded her head. It seemed essential to learn more about Sihyan Blossom during this opportunity. If he were an adversary to Karaf, he could potentially be the most dangerous individual.

Asha returned to the Imperial Palace and headed straight to the bathroom with her tired body.

However, the moment she opened the door, she found Neck in the bathtub, staring at her in a provocative pose.

Asha’s eyes widened, and she immediately slammed the door shut.

“…”

After a brief silence, Asha cautiously asked from outside the door, “Are you… complaining to me right now?”

“Neck wants to see the owner!”

In his voice, speaking in the third person like a sulking child, Asha closed the door with a bang.
After that, she confidently walked to the window, swiftly threw it open, and tossed Neck outside.

“Ah…!”

Neck’s sudden scream echoed through the night sky.

“Your home is an outdoor bath, not my bathroom! Wait there quietly until your owner comes. Don’t say anything to your owner until I’ve explained everything!”

Asha shouted loudly below and slammed the window shut.

While everyone was busy moving around, the flower arranging event rapidly approached.

Asha changed into clothes to dance as the Baroness and headed to the monastery.

The dress she wore this time was a striking red one, intentionally designed like layers of rose petals with lace, suitable for the flower arranging event.

Although Ella, the royal dress designer, mentioned that she would present a dress for the Baroness that was eccentric, it seemed more ordinary compared to the previous one.

Lady René Lilac, who disliked being in the same space as commoners, was one of those who hadn’t seen Asha’s dance during the last flower-themed party.

She had heard enough gossip about Asha’s deeds that night at the salon, but in reality, she had only seen Asha hunting monsters ferociously with her bow at the tea party venue.

Covering her mouth with a fan, she said, “It seems like everyone is making too much fuss. Dancing should be a basic skill for any noble.”

Other noble ladies did not agree with her words, but they played along with her comments to avoid offending her.

However, secretly, they glanced in the direction where she stood, hoping to get the best view of Baroness’s dance.

Nia, acting like a spy among them, attentively collected stories to report back to Asha.

Asha ascended to the outdoor altar prepared for the ceremony, clasped her hands together with Karaf, bowed her head, and prayed.

Unknowingly, the sky was painted with the colors of sunset.

Soon, as the Imperial orchestra finished preparing to play, Asha, once again, barefoot, ascended the marble stage.

The stage where Asha stood was as clean as if not a speck of dust had fallen, and it was as transparent as if her face could shine through it.

Even the act of neatly placing her shoes below the stage was so elegant that Karaf couldn’t take his eyes off her.

Asha slightly nodded in acknowledgment to him, then gracefully stretched her slender and delicate arms in the middle of the marble stage, getting ready to dance.

Karaf found himself almost applauding unconsciously but refrained, fearing it might seem too impulsive and disrupt the dance.

The music began to play.