Birthday Party (This chapter is an additional chapter)

The young lady’s birthday ball had finally arrived.

…Ever since that unspeakable “practice,” I could hardly look her in the face.

Yet, as her exclusive maid, I saw her every day—awkwardness inescapable.

But the young lady was entirely different, acting as if nothing had changed.

…Even though we did that together.

My fingers unconsciously brushed my lips.

But… perhaps, as she said, it was just practice.

…It feels a bit dissatisfying, somehow.

“Don’t just stand there! Get moving!”

The head maid’s pat on my back snapped me out of my thoughts.

She handed me a tray of fine red wine, gesturing for me to head to the hall and refill the guests’ glasses.

“Don’t worry. I have faith in your abilities. Just believe in yourself… I’m counting on you.”

Before I left, she gave my shoulder an encouraging pat.

…She probably thought I was nervous about handling such a grand event for the first time, but that wasn’t why I was distracted.

Still, I silently thanked the head maid.

Deep down, she’s surely a kind person, just forced to maintain a stern facade due to her position.

Determined not to worry her, I squared my shoulders and strode into the hall.

“Did you hear about the Odess family?”

“Oh, I know, I know. What a disaster. I almost feel bad for the new Earl Odess, haha!”

“There’ve been magical beasts in the territory lately…”

“Same here. It never ends.”

“At least no demons have shown up. That’s not too bad, right?”

“What a turbulent time.”

“I hope I never see something as terrifying as a demon in my lifetime.”

Nobles in lavish attire chatted and laughed.

Ahem.

A commanding cough echoed through the hall.

…Was that amplified by wind magic?

The room fell silent, all eyes turning to the second floor.

A middle-aged man with graying temples was wheeled forward by the butler, exuding an aura of authority.

“Esteemed guests, thank you for taking the time to attend my daughter’s birthday ball.”

Even in a wheelchair, the duke’s presence was commanding.

He surveyed the crowd and continued:

“As you know, due to my health, I’ve stepped back from affairs, entrusting the ducal estate to my son… whose competence has been evident this past year. In fact, he organized this very ball.”

Whispers rippled through the crowd, many eyes shifting to Young Master Claude—no, Lord Claude—beside the duke.

I could already guess what the duke would say next.

“Thus, I take this opportunity to announce that, as of today, I pass the title of duke to Claude Anist. Henceforth, he is the new duke.”

In step with the duke’s words, Lord Claude stepped forward, accepting the weight of every gaze.

“As the new duke, I am still lacking in many ways. I humbly ask for your guidance.”

Clap, clap, clap!

Thunderous applause erupted from the crowd.

…As expected.

To align with the original story, the former duke’s decision to pass the title to Claude was inevitable, though I hadn’t expected it to be announced now.

But on reflection, this was likely the perfect moment… It’s the young lady’s birthday ball, where her betrothal to the prince will be showcased, signaling to other nobles that the ducal house has the royal family’s backing.

A perfect move to intimidate rivals.

“Now, please enjoy the ball.”

With that, the former duke left, and the hall buzzed back to life.

Meanwhile, we maids sprang into action.

The first round of drinks was nearly gone, so those of us in the front, including me, hurriedly refilled glasses, while kitchen staff tirelessly replenished the food tables.

“Phew… This is surprisingly exhausting.”

I wiped the sweat from my brow.

Taking a brief rest, I glanced around.

The hall was filled with dignitaries, their luxurious clothing clearly made of the finest materials—a world apart from us servants.

But… one person stood out above all.

In a wine-red evening gown, her golden curls styled elegantly, she was the most radiant flower in the hall.

…My efforts to dress the young lady paid off.

Yet, she was leaning against the wall, radiating a “do not approach” aura… making her, ironically, a “wallflower.”

She looked a bit pitiful… Maybe I should check on her.

“Hey, you, maid! My glass is empty.”

Just as I moved to approach, an ostentatiously dressed nobleman called out to me.

No choice—I poured him more wine.

I could feel his eyes scanning me up and down.

…It felt gross.

“Please enjoy.”

Time to escape.

But before I could turn, he grabbed my wrist.

“You’re quite pretty, aren’t you? How about becoming my mistress?”

A pickup line? Honestly, it’s my first time being hit on in two lifetimes… My feelings are complicated.

For now, I’ll politely brush him off.

“I’m sorry, sir, but I have work to do.”

Yet he clung to me like glue, refusing to let go.

“I’m the second son of an earl’s family. Be my mistress, and you’ll live a life of luxury—ten thousand times better than being a maid!”

His fingers brushed my skin deliberately.

…Ugh!

Goosebumps prickled my skin.

“…Sir, please stop!”

Normally, I’d yank my hand back, but he’s a noble. If I acted rashly and upset him, it could cause trouble.

I was at a loss.

Just then, my savior arrived.

“Sir, what business do you have with my maid?”

“Young lady!”

The young lady seized his offending hand.

“Wha—? The d-duke’s daughter? Argh!”

The man yelped, yanking his hand back.

“What are you doing!?”

Clutching his now-reddened hand, he glared at her.

“I should ask you that. How dare you try to poach my maid in front of everyone?”

At her words, he realized the crowd’s eyes were now on us.

Knowing he was in the wrong, he slunk away under the pressure of their gazes.

“Hmph.”

The young lady dusted her hands, letting out a dissatisfied huff.

“If there weren’t so many people watching, I’d have twisted his arm off.”

“Haha…”

She’s joking, right?

“By the way, young lady, where’s His Highness the Second Prince?”

They should be together, shouldn’t they? They’re the stars of this ball.

But she’s been alone this whole time.

“Edwin? He’s being swarmed by other women right now.”

She pointed to a corner of the hall, where I could see a man surrounded by noble ladies, chatting cheerfully.

“…But isn’t His Highness your fiancé? Is it really okay for him to be so close to other noble ladies?”

“Ah… yeah, you’re right.”

For some reason, her response felt half-hearted.

“I’ll head over there, then. Ailena, don’t let another creep bother you.”

“…I’ll try, young lady.”

Watching her walk away, I unconsciously pressed a hand to my chest.

…The way she swooped in to save me just now was kind of dashing.