Welcome to the Café of the Dark Guild’s Successor - Chapter 61

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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A café run by the Heir of the Dark Guild.
Chapter 61
I’d thought it was less than ideal, but I hadn’t worn it to impress Biedler, either.
Besides, there was no time to change into a new Dress.
“Shall I cover it?”
“Let’s go for now. It’s time to depart.”
We stepped out and climbed into Biedler’s carriage instead of the one we’d arrived in.
Unlike when we’d left in disguise, this was a massive carriage—spacious and comfortable.
“Those Heels look rather high.”
Biedler, who’d been studying me from across, tapped my leg lightly.
I drew my leg back slightly to inspect the Heels.
True to their form—designed purely for beauty with not a shred of practicality—they were pointed and tall.
“If they’re uncomfortable, take them off and put them back on later.”
“I’ll manage.”
As I tucked my leg back under the Dress, Biedler rested his chin in his hand and gazed at me intently.
“I’ve never heard you say you like something, dislike something, or that something is difficult. Do you always hide your emotions like this?”
“I’m not hiding them, exactly. I’m just not very expressive.”
Ever since entering the Guild, I’d first learned to exercise emotional restraint.
Somewhere along the way, I’d stopped displaying feelings altogether.
“The women I know all seemed delighted on party nights. So I hoped you might be excited too, at least for today.”
I’m different from ordinary women. I know better than anyone that wearing clothes like this and attending a party isn’t part of my world.
Still, seeing Biedler look disappointed, I offered a professional smile.
“I haven’t been excited, but I’m quite enjoying myself now. Really.”
The moment Biedler saw my smile, his expression hardened again—just as it had when I’d first emerged in the Dress.
I wondered if he was still upset about the time we’d run into Cayden, so I carefully brought up the subject.
“I didn’t get a chance to explain last time. I wasn’t hiding a man in the shop or anything like that.”
“Then what was it?”
“There’s a Temple next to the shop. He’s a priest there. Since it’s so remote, I’ve been relying on him.”
It was amusing to make such an excuse, but Biedler’s mood noticeably eased after hearing my words.
“And do you recognize this?”
I tilted my head slightly to the side, showing him my ear. A ruby-set earring dangled from it.
“You gave it to me as a gift. I thought today would be the only occasion to wear it.”
“I’ve known since the shop. It suits you well.”
Now completely relaxed, Biedler’s eyes crinkled as he smiled.
We arrived at the Imperial Palace amid an atmosphere far softer than before.
Before stepping out of the carriage, we put on Masks we’d prepared in advance.
Biedler descended first and extended his hand to me, speaking quietly.
“Everyone will be curious about you. And they will ignore you. But hold your head high. You are my partner tonight. To disrespect you is to disrespect me.”
I found it reassuring the way Biedler was telling me to stand firm, saying my business was his business.
I took his hand and nodded. And the moment my Heels touched the ground—
“You’re beautiful. More than any woman I’ve ever seen.”
I doubted my ears at Biedler’s voice, which had brushed past quickly.
‘Did I mishear that?’
I turned to look at him with wide eyes, but Biedler was staring straight ahead with an innocent face, as if he’d never said such a thing.
But the ear visible to my side was flushed red. Seeing that, I couldn’t help but laugh.
With so many people around, I took Biedler’s hand and entered the party hall.
An enormous chandelier gleamed from the ceiling, fine dishware was arranged carefully, tables were elegantly decorated, and the hall was filled with guests.
When a trumpet announced Biedler’s entrance, all eyes in the room turned toward us.
I felt Biedler’s hand grip tighten.
I stepped forward firmly to match his pace.
“Act naturally.”
Under Biedler’s lead, I quickly surveyed the room.
I’d memorized the faces of the Five Major Houses and key figures beforehand, but the Masks made them hard to recognize.
Still, everyone here would be high nobility. I watched every single person carefully as we made our way to the center.
“There are two people you need to be careful of.”
“I know one of them. The Empress.”
“Right. And my brother. He likes to show off, so he’ll be wearing a golden Mask.”
We’d already discussed this on the carriage ride. I reminded myself once more to be cautious around the Crown Prince and stood in an empty space.
Just then, the party’s music changed.
A gentle waltz began to play, and couples took to the floor.
As I hesitated at the moment to dance, Biedler leaned down slightly and brought his face close, asking softly.
“Do you know how to dance?”
“A little.”
To match our breathing, Biedler placed his hand around my waist.
Perhaps because his touch felt burdensome, I maintained some distance rather than pressing close.
Among all the education I’d received at the Guild, naturally included were essential refinement, etiquette, and Social Dance.
Though I’d never actually attended a party before, I knew the basic steps and posture well.
There was no need to hide it, so I danced naturally, matching Biedler’s rhythm.
“You’re quite good at this.”
Even though we were dancing together for the first time, our steps matched as if we’d been partners for years.
We danced to the orchestra’s music and gradually shifted toward the edge of the floor.
Once we’d fully left the floor and stopped, Biedler looked at me steadily.
“I’ve been thinking about this for a while now—your movements are unusually light. Have you had training?”
“Just basic etiquette. The kind everyone learns.”
“I see. Then perhaps it’s natural talent.”
Worried that he might suspect something, I felt a flutter of anxiety inside, but I hid it and reached for the champagne glass on a nearby table.
Even though we stood silently, no one approached us attempting familiarity.
Everyone was too preoccupied watching the Crown Prince in the center of the hall.
The only person who came near was Hestanya.
When she saw me, uncertain at first, I smiled, and she seemed to recognize me with certainty.
Without regard for those around her, she laughed brightly and approached me warmly.
“Your Highness, it’s been so long.”
“It has.”
Though she greeted Biedler, Hestanya’s eyes remained on me.
“How is this possible? You never mentioned attending the party. And as His Highness’s partner, no less… I was quite surprised.”
“It just happened that way.”
“I’m very curious about the ‘just happened,’ but given where we are, I’ll ask you about it next time at the shop. There are too many eyes here.”
“Your Dress suits you well.”
Hestanya was wearing a mature Dress, just as I’d hinted she should.
She winked at me and merged back into the crowd.
“You two have become close?”
“She visits the shop often. But where might Seniel be?”
“He said the parties exhausted him so much that he’s skipping this one. He wants to focus on the 2nd Examination.”
“Oh, no.”
I clicked my tongue, thinking Hestanya must be disappointed after preparing so carefully.
After some time had passed, several nobles who’d been watching cautiously approached Biedler and lined up.
I stepped back and watched Biedler interact with them.
Just being in the party hall, I could sense the flow of politics.
Then, a glamorous woman entered the hall wearing a pure white Dress, with long pink hair that reached her waist.
She was certainly beautiful, but the fact that she alone wore no Mask made her face all the more striking.
As attention fell upon her and people began to murmur, Empress Clione appeared in succession.
Everyone grew tense at the appearance of Clione, the true power here.
Soon came Clione’s address welcoming everyone as the party’s host, followed by the Crown Prince’s congratulatory remarks as the evening’s guest of honor.
As I stifled a yawn listening to their tedious speeches, Biedler handed me a wine glass.
“Have a drink.”
“I prefer champagne.”
I took champagne instead and sipped it while pressed against the wall, continuing to observe the hall.
The unmasked woman went to Clione’s side.
Seeing how delighted Clione was, it seemed the woman was one of hers.
“Your Highness, shouldn’t you go greet Her Majesty as well?”
“She won’t be pleased regardless.”
But the woman I’d been watching glanced at Biedler from beside Empress Clione.
It was too deliberate to be a mistake, and she was clearly aware of me as well, so I spoke up.
“That lady keeps looking at you, Your Highness.”
“She’s the Princess of the Roa Kingdom.”
Biedler glanced at her and told me, as if he’d already known her identity.
Startled by the word “princess,” I looked at her again, and just then, Baron Esmon, who’d been beside the Empress until moments before, walked toward Biedler.
“Your Highness, may I ask who this beautiful lady beside you is? Don’t keep her all to yourself—won’t you introduce her?”
Knowing I disliked socializing, Biedler ignored the remark and positioned himself in front of me.
“Do you have business with me?”
“Yes. Her Majesty requests your presence.”
“Me?”
I gently pushed Biedler’s back.
“Go ahead.”
Whatever the reason for summoning him, simply appearing with the Empress would make an impression on the guests.
“Will you be alright alone?”
“Of course.”
“Keep this with you.”
Rather than take me with him, Biedler decided it was better to go alone, and he departed with the Baron.
But not before removing his Suit Jacket and draping it over my shoulders.
Now alone, I held my champagne and leisurely surveyed the party hall.
Because I’d arrived with Biedler, many eyes were upon me, making it difficult to take any action.
I could only keep myself composed as I watched from afar as Biedler approached Empress Clione.

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