Timid and Shy - Chapter 48

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

48.

The Emperor met scholars and businessmen whose names he had only heard in passing, and carried on conversations with evident fascination. Both he and his guests seemed to have plenty to say.
The initially tense invitees gradually relaxed as they became absorbed in conversation with the Emperor.
Not only the Emperor, but Robert and Sophia also circulated among the guests, offering their greetings. Since the list had been compiled by Robert himself, his conversation flowed smoothly, knowledge seamlessly woven through every exchange.
Sophia, who had always taken a keen interest in horticulture, warmly greeted a scholar in the field and continued her discussion with obvious pleasure.
Though it was a ball, conversations bloomed in every corner without pause. Many who would ordinarily attend had stayed away, which paradoxically lent the gathering a brighter, more genuine atmosphere than other social events.
Yet there were those who mocked the evening’s unorthodox mood.
Sophia observed a cluster of guests huddled apart, whispering and exchanging glances, and found herself thinking.
‘They’ll surely spread word that tonight’s ball was a complete disaster, that it was a mistake to invite bourgeoisie into the Imperial Court.’
Sophia shook her head. At least those who could neither refuse the invitation nor mingle with the crowd were few in number.
Helen and the Pina couple were adapting well. Once Helen had located a familiar face and found her footing, she showed no hesitation in conversing with strangers.
For the Pina couple and Helen, this was their first invitation to an Imperial ball, which had caused them some anxiety. But they were seasoned hands at social gatherings and receptions; they quickly adjusted and began to genuinely enjoy themselves.
Even the nobility who had initially felt out of place gradually began participating in the conversations. Since the guest list had been carefully curated to include those with business interests or ambitions in diverse fields, they found themselves genuinely intrigued by scholars and entrepreneurs with considerable expertise in their respective domains.
The Empress smiled throughout the evening, yet her smiles carried no genuine warmth. With the exception of the Empress and a handful of guests, everyone appeared to be engaged in happy conversation.
The Emperor, belatedly remembering that this was meant to be a ball, gestured, and music began. Robert and Sophia stepped forward. Sophia had spent several days in rigorous training with Asher, who had sighed repeatedly at her dedication.
Robert took Sophia’s hand and whispered near her ear.
“I do hope this dance might repay the debt I incurred at your debutante ball.”
“Your Highness, no matter how well you dance, it will never be enough. I need you to dance with me at least two more times—or three, rather. Who knows when I’ll have another chance to wear something this beautiful? I intend to make full use of tonight.”
Robert nodded solemnly at her words, steeling himself for what lay ahead. From a distance, the two of them made a picture of tender affection.
As Robert guided Sophia through the music, he leaned close and whispered.
“About that Salt Mine. Is it true the map Umbriel sent us proved invaluable?”
Sophia offered a slightly awkward smile and whispered in return.
“It was largely due to my own obsession and yearning, accumulated over many years. The map you gave me was merely a trigger, so to speak.”
“The discovery of the salt mine immediately after receiving your Frontier Baron title can hardly be coincidence. How long have you known? So your haste in securing the barony was because of the mine, not because of Wiscom.”
“It served both purposes. Does it matter which? If Your Highness wishes to invest in the salt mine, you would be most welcome. We’ll employ the residents of Umbriel’s domain, and if you join us in development, Umbriel’s territory can avoid running at a loss.”
“I’ll send Maeub to Baron Ariel shortly. I look forward to it.”
Robert smiled with satisfaction. Sophia nodded in agreement. Ariel alone could not bear the financial burden of developing the mine.
With both the Pina couple and Robert committed, they could cover costs until sales began. Sophia’s smile broadened with genuine pleasure.
‘Investment secured, and the map situation resolved smoothly.’
The Emperor observed the two of them with evident contentment and nodded approvingly. The fresh current that Robert and Sophia had brought to the Imperial Court was not unwelcome. He mused that if Robert could rally support from new factions, the future held endless possibility.
Pleased with the ball’s success, the Emperor invited the Empress to dance, but she declined with a smile.
“I’m not feeling well. I made an effort to attend despite my condition because it is such a joyful occasion, but I fear I cannot manage any further exertion.”
“You must take care of yourself. Allow me to escort you.”
The Emperor escorted the Empress out of the ballroom, released her hand, and spoke.
“It seems her efforts have left you disheartened, seeing them come to nothing. Go rest and recover. I find myself unable to leave—there are too many fascinating conversations. It appears tonight everyone will be content except one.”
After seeing the Empress out, the Emperor returned to the ballroom. As he re-entered, all eyes turned toward him. He quickly located the guest with whom he had been engrossed in conversation before.
It was the Pina gentleman.
Though conversing with the Emperor was challenging, Pina found it manageable when he concentrated on the discussion itself. He also felt less pressure knowing that other businessmen and publishers stood nearby, contributing to the exchange.
They had not expected to speak directly with the Emperor, and while they showed surprise, the conversation never faltered.
The Emperor observed how those who had seemed awkward and uncomfortable at first began speaking fluently once the subject turned to their own business ventures.
Their practical attitudes fascinated him.
‘When something touches their interests, they show no hesitation. They seize opportunities. Really, no different from the nobles.’
Throughout the ballroom, groups gathered in animated discussion, couples danced, and others rested in chairs. It was a pleasing sight. After surveying the room, Sophia leaned toward Robert and whispered.
“The atmosphere of the ball seems quite pleasant. I should release you now, Your Highness. Go speak further with the others. Everything will seem fascinating to them right now—thanks to me, of course.”
As Sophia moved to withdraw her hand, Robert caught it again and spoke.
“Everyone else is enjoying themselves doing what they love, so shouldn’t we, as the hosts, do the same? And considering this is meant to be our betrothal celebration ball, I can scarcely imagine how busy we’ll become afterward.”
Sophia laughed softly.
“As you wish. I’m quite fine, really. You have no idea how often I’ve crossed the Titania Mountain Range. I’m the one who should worry about you—spending all that time at your desk, and now suddenly moving so much. Are you certain it’s wise?”
“Administrative work ultimately requires stamina. Let’s see who leaves this ballroom under their own power.”

***

Sophia and Robert remained on the dance floor even after other guests had departed. Helen too lingered, dancing with a young man Sophia did not recognize.
Sophia turned to Robert with curiosity.
“Who is that? The young man dancing so closely with Helen? Bourgeoisie or nobility?”
“Ah, that’s Lord Oberon—the second son of Oberon Territory. His elder brother manages the domain in their father’s stead, and the younger son came to the Capital for the Academy, so I extended an invitation. I wonder whether Baron Oberon will accept a bourgeois girl as his daughter-in-law.”
“Since Oberon Territory’s income derives largely from trade, there’s no denying some connection to the Pina household. If the Pina family becomes in-laws to both Ariel and Oberon, it would be quite advantageous for business. Though I suppose I’m getting ahead of myself over a single dance.”
“Oberon doesn’t lack for coin, true enough. But neither are they the sort to pass up an opportunity to earn more.”
“Thank you for everything. If Pina’s Residence and Oberon forge a connection, it’s all thanks to you, Prince Robert.”
“Don’t mention it. Nothing’s begun yet, after all, has it?”
“There was a time when I envied Oberon’s Domain so deeply. Ariel House couldn’t escape poverty because of the border, while Oberon, so close to the frontier, reaped fortunes from port trade. I resented the unfairness, and spent ages wondering whether Oberon was plotting some scheme.”
Prince Robert let out a bemused laugh.
Vian watched the two of them with growing unease, the warmth between them unmistakable. It had been so long since he’d seen Prince Robert enjoy himself at a ball, and he should have been gladdened by it—yet the future weighed heavily on his mind.
The ball ended in splendid success. Countless introductions, conversations, new promises, new bonds. Sophia was content. It was only the second ball of her life, yet it was also the finest.
Sophia turned to Prince Robert and spoke.
“It was perfect. You’ve repaid all debts from last time. I’ve decided I won’t hold any grudge against you anymore, Prince Robert.”
“I thought you’d forgiven me before. Still, it’s a relief the debt is settled. Now, do go rest.”
The carriage toward Pina’s Residence moved slowly. Pina, his wife, and Helen all seemed tired but content as they headed home.
Pina spoke with animated delight.
“The Emperor grasps things quickly. When I mentioned that road repairs should be the state’s responsibility, he nodded at once.”
Helen shook her head.
“But what good will that do? The Administrative Bureau will oppose it. The tax coffers are already allocated—launching new projects will be difficult. The wealthy territories will demand priority for their own lands, and the poor territories will argue they need roads to develop industry. Just deciding priorities will be a war in itself. It’ll waste enormous time, naturally.”
“If only you’d spoken with the Emperor instead. Instead, I noticed you spent the whole evening with some young man. What was his name?”
Helen laughed softly.
“We only exchanged a few words. He said he’s a student at the Academy. He mentioned Prince Robert invited him.”
Sophia stepped in, addressing Pina and his wife.
“He’s the second son of Baron Oberon. He’s currently enrolled at the Academy, and his reputation there is apparently quite good.”
Helen looked at Sophia.
“How did you find that out?”
“Prince Robert told me. Ariel, Umbriel, and Oberon are all domains deeply connected to Saturn in the end, so he said there’s no harm in strengthening those relations, which is why he extended the invitation. As it happens, he has no betrothal and has never courted anyone before.”
Sophia spoke this last part directly to Helen’s mother, who laughed with amusement.
“Our second daughter puts on airs, but she hasn’t had any romance yet either. They’d suit each other well.”
Helen’s face flushed red.
“We’ve only just met a few hours ago—what are you both saying?”
Sophia replied.
“Exactly. Just a few hours, so we’re getting an early look. Whether you two should see each other again. He’s at the Academy, so you could meet on weekends. You two seemed to have good rapport?”
Helen didn’t answer. Her silence suggested the young man had already captured her interest.
Pina spoke with a wistful expression.
“It’s a shame both my daughters will end up in territories far from the Capital.”
Helen protested playfully.
“Father. I’ve only danced with him a few times.”
Even so, Pina and his wife continued to tease Helen relentlessly. Desperate to change the subject, Helen turned her scrutiny on Sophia.
“Sophia, just how many times did you dance with Prince Robert today? Didn’t the orchestra even skip their break?”
Sophia smiled.
“He abandoned me as his dance partner during my debutante ball. Tonight, I was simply collecting what I was owed.”
At Sophia’s words, Helen’s eyes widened.
“Oh! So that was your first dance with him today. How lovely. How wonderfully romantic.”
Watching Helen’s flushed cheeks, Sophia spoke.
“Helen, dancing truly is magnificent, isn’t it? What was it like dancing with Lord Oberon earlier?”
“Sophia!”
Laughter filled the carriage all the way back to Pina’s Residence.
Once home, the four of them retired to their rooms immediately. Even a joyful evening grows exhausting when one is awake past late hours.
Though everyone fell asleep content after their pleasant night, the Empress still lay awake.

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