Timid and Shy - Chapter 42

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

42.

Prince Robert was receiving a guest in the Reception Room. In the Prince’s Office, Vian and his attendant Asher welcomed Sophia. When Sophia mentioned the Betrothal Celebration Ball, Vian spoke.
“We’ve already been notified. The issue is with the invited guests.”
Sophia met Vian’s gaze, and he continued.
“As Her Majesty said, all balls hosted by the Imperial Court have been attended solely by nobility. Once word spreads that commoners will be participating in this ball, no small number of nobles will refuse the invitation. I suspect Her Majesty accepted the invitation on behalf of Pinega precisely for this reason. If it becomes known that the Bourgeoisie have been invited, most of the nobility will decline.”
“I see. If the Imperial relatives refuse, the other nobles will follow suit, making it a shabby affair. And articles comparing it to my failed debutante will flood the papers.”
Both Vian and Asher thought Sophia’s assessment was correct.
‘But it’s unthinkable not to invite the Pinega family. It wouldn’t align with the Betrothal Celebration premise. And Prince Robert can’t suffer for it—especially not because of me.’
After a moment’s consideration, Sophia spoke to Vian.
“What if we filled the guest list entirely with the Bourgeoisie class? We can simply disregard those who won’t come anyway. Besides, don’t we have reason to meet with distributors and merchants because of the Greenhouse plant sales issue? Why not use that as our opportunity?”
Vian composed his expression of surprise and replied.
“It’s not a bad idea, but the fallout could be considerable.”
Sophia began to persuade him.
“We can show the Imperial Court’s transformation and set the direction for changes to come. The Emperor has considerable interest in commerce, after all. And inviting people from publishing circles wouldn’t be amiss either. Wouldn’t it be better to invite people who are keen to win Prince Robert’s favor than those who receive a betrothal celebration invitation but won’t say a word to him?”
“That may be so….”
At Vian’s lukewarm response, Sophia’s shoulders sagged.
“The nobility’s resistance will be fierce, won’t it. And that won’t be good for Prince Robert. When people are already saying Frederick has legitimacy, inviting the Bourgeoisie could cause the nobles to turn their backs on Robert entirely, couldn’t it?”
Vian let out a bitter smile before speaking.
“Since you’ve said it plainly, I will too. What you’ve said is correct. If we’re careless, we’ll lose the nobility altogether. Even if they don’t support Frederick, they won’t support Robert either.”
“Then what about inviting nobles who are engaged in business or commerce? And perhaps a few respected scholars, or capable administrators from the Imperial employ like Sico, the Greenhouse director? Mix the Bourgeoisie and nobility together.”
Vian paused in thought, then nodded.
“A diversification of guest backgrounds. Let me prepare a list first.”
Sophia spoke earnestly.
“Could the Emperor assist us? In the end, this is a Betrothal Celebration Ball, so it must benefit Prince Robert. The key point is that there can’t be too many of Her Majesty’s people. We absolutely cannot make the ball seem sparse.”
“I understand what you’re saying. I’ll try to identify fields and people that would interest the Emperor.”
Sophia left without seeing Prince Robert. Once she had gone, Vian spoke.
“She grasps things better than expected. That’s fortunate.”
Asher, who had been silent until now, spoke curtly.
“Is that so? She still isn’t giving up on inviting the Pinega family. There’s been talk about the Young Noblewoman Ariel. When I brought the Greenhouse costume staff and jewelers to Pinega, several people complained. They griped over such trivial servants—imagine what the nobles will say. Yet she still won’t drop the Pinega invitation.”
“She just wants to invite them because they’re her only relatives in the Capital. Let’s make the list first and discuss it further.”
“If that’s what you say.”
“Why are you like this?”
“I’ve seen the Young Noblewoman Isabel a few times myself. Now that I see the Young Noblewoman Ariel, she’s just… Isabel Wiscom was kind and dignified. She listened attentively to Prince Robert’s words. Ariel is spirited, certainly, but she has many opinions and seems quite stubborn. By family standing and temperament alike, Isabel Wiscom seems far better suited to Prince Robert.”
“Watch your tongue. What do you mean speaking of Isabel Wiscom and Prince Robert in the same breath?”
“Yes. Since things between Prince Frederick and Miss Wiscom are already as they are, there’s no chance for Prince Robert. What a shame. How much better it would have been if Prince Frederick hadn’t interfered.”
Vian thought it unlikely that Wiscom would have wanted Robert even without Frederick’s interference. Wiscom was absolutely certain Frederick would become Emperor.
But in Vian’s estimation, Frederick was merely an empty shell. If the Emperor merely kept Cressida in check without removing her, Robert could become Emperor.
Vian had served Prince Robert since childhood. From a young age, the Prince understood his circumstances and knew how to conduct himself. Such a man was the one who should be Emperor of Uranos.
‘The empire will become far more complex. Far more than it is now. Only Prince Robert can bring stability to this complex, chaotic empire. Not a puppet prince like Frederick, beholden to Cressida.’
Vian had not mentioned the Contractual Betrothal to Asher. While Sophia remained as the Prince’s betrothed, she must be treated thoroughly as such. Everyone. Not a single soul excepted.
And Vian thought Sophia was not lacking in merit. Considering the relationship between Umbriel and Ariel, he could believe that Sophia would actively support Prince Robert.
If Robert succeeded, Ariel could remain safe. They were truly of one mind.
Vian prepared to compile a list of experts and notables from each field to realize Sophia’s ideas. Asher watched Vian move according to Sophia’s wishes and smirked behind his back.
Vian pretended not to notice Asher’s attitude.
‘I must endure for now. These young people lack loyalty. I miss Maeub. Even with his complaints, he worked diligently.’

***

According to Sophia’s suggestion, members of Pinega’s family, the Greenhouse director, renowned scholars and publishers from the Imperial Academy, and businessmen were added to the guest list.
They were commoners but active in various sectors of the empire. Prince Robert studied the list, paused in thought, then nodded.
“Let’s give it a try. I hadn’t had many allies at court anyway. That’s not a loss. If Her Majesty reads the wind correctly, the Emperor will cooperate with us.”
Vian spoke with a worried expression.
“Will the Emperor truly stand against Her Majesty?”
Prince Robert smiled as he spoke.
“Her Majesty wields the legitimacy of the Imperial House to check me. She maintains strong bonds with the Imperial Elders. But empowering the Imperial Elders isn’t what the Emperor wants. If anything, he’d prefer to diminish their power. If Her Majesty tries to discourage the Elders’ attendance, the Emperor won’t sit idle. This ball will be his opportunity to begin bringing the Imperial House and the nobility to heel. The nobles’ resistance to me will serve as a good pretext for that.”
It occurred to Vian that perhaps Sophia had discerned the Emperor’s intentions and made her proposal accordingly.
‘If that were true… no. Even if it were, nothing would change. It would simply be a good alliance.’

***

As Robert walked through the Imperial Palace Garden with Sophia, he explained the attendees listed on her invitation. Vian followed behind them both, adding clarification where needed.
“The Emperor himself seems rather pleased about it.”
“It will benefit you as well, Your Highness. I hear Frederick is currently in seclusion, so there’s no one but the Emperor and yourself to absorb the complaints from the Imperial Elders and nobility about the ball. You’ll have your hands full.”
“True enough. I’ll admit—this is an opportunity I wouldn’t have gotten without you.”
“I intend to serve you with all my sincerity going forward, Your Highness.”
“I heard you got someone recommended by the Greenhouse director and already sent them to Ariel. A seedling production specialist or nursery expert, if I recall correctly—though my memory’s a bit fuzzy on the details.”
“Helping you also means helping Ariel a little more.”
Vian, walking behind, let out a sound that could have been admiration or resignation. Sophia didn’t glance back. Robert smiled as he spoke.
“Making time for your betrothed even in the midst of everything—that’s another item on the list checked off. And inviting the Greenhouse director to the ball no less. Your fiancée’s interests become yours as well.”
“No, Your Highness. Don’t count it that way. The purpose of the list I gave you wasn’t to make me happy. It was to show others that you cherish your betrothed. That doesn’t count as one. I’d like something more spectacular.”
Another low groan came from behind. This time, too, Sophia kept her eyes forward.
Her experience at Wiscom Estate had taught Sophia a valuable lesson.
‘If the engagement ends, I won’t see them again. No regrets later—extract as much as I can now.’
The final invitation list was decided through backstage negotiations between Robert and the Emperor. Officially, the guest invitations remained the responsibility of Robert and Sophia.
The Empress, too, deployed all her skill for the ball. She leaked Robert’s guest list in advance to the hardline Traditionalists among the imperial relatives and Cressida’s blood relations.
Predictably, they despised the breaking of imperial tradition. For them, their resentment of Robert’s origins and their resentment of the invitation list were two sides of the same coin.
The Empress actively inflamed their feelings. They would attack Robert instead of Cressida and herself.

***

Sophia and the women of Pina’s Residence, attending an imperial ball for the first time, rushed about uncertainly, unsure what to prepare.
Sophia sought Robert’s help, and the wardrobe attendants who had visited before returned to Pina’s Residence. Asher taught Sophia and the people of Pina’s household intensive courses in Court Etiquette and imperial protocol.
Not just Sophia, but Helen and Pina herself were both nervous and delighted to be participating in an imperial ball. They poured out their worries and pride simultaneously to those around them.
Pina regarded her family with a troubled expression. At first, she’d thought they were invited simply thanks to Sophia.
But around the ball, the Traditionalist Nobility Faction and the imperial relations began showing signs of resistance. Conversely, the bourgeoisie began investing more meaning and symbolism in their invitations to and participation in the imperial ball.
Ten days before the ball, Pina asked to speak with Sophia.
Pina spoke.
“I do consider it an honor to be invited to an imperial ball. But it will certainly cause problems. I’m grateful for your kindness, but I think it’s best I decline this time.”
“This ball is being held to celebrate my betrothal to Robert. Pina’s Residence can’t be absent. And if problems arise, they won’t be with the bourgeoisie—they’ll be with the nobility. Please believe me.”
“Might it cause harm to His Highness? I’ve heard the Traditionalists are openly resisting.”
“There will certainly be both resistance and harm. But it must be done. These are traditions that need to be broken. Change has already begun. The Imperial Elders need to face reality too. Besides, the bourgeoisie have entered every other field—there are still areas left untouched. I imagine there are plenty of nobles who’ll lose sleep over this.”
Sophia laughed, and Pina shook her head slowly.
“I don’t hope for that much. But I don’t want to turn my back on this current either. Then I must attend. Above all, it’s your betrothal celebration ball.”
“I’m relieved. If you’d said you wouldn’t attend, I’d have had to deal with Pina and Helen. They’ve already had their dresses fitted.”
Pina made a motion of wiping her brow as she spoke.
“I’ve narrowly averted a great crisis. Thank goodness.”
Sophia smiled as she thought.
‘This new wind will carry Robert to even greater heights.’

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————