The breeze is getting a little cooler. The end of summer means the beginning of the social season.

You're beautiful, Master Diana.
"Yes, indeed. It's as if the spirit of the blooming rose has come into the world.
So ......?　Thank you.

Diana smiled euphemistically, her dress was crimson. It's a color that suits her best, but with such a fancy dress and makeup applied by her maids, Diana looks 30% more evil than usual. She's the first in a long line of royal concubines who have their eyes set on His Majesty's favor.

Do we still have some time?
"Yes, there is. Just a few more minutes before it starts.
I'm thirsty. I'd like a cool drink.
Yes, sir. One moment, please.

Yuri, the assistant maid of honor, stepped back with all the maids except Rita. We need to go to the kitchen and get some ice to make cold drinks. The more maidservants there were, the faster the job would go.
As a result, only Diana and Rita were left in the room.

The day is finally here. ...... This day is finally here.
You never know what will happen at a party like this until it happens.
How is Miss Shayla?
"I've only seen her from a distance, but she doesn't seem to be in bad shape. But she does seem nervous.
Of course she is. Of course I'm nervous. I'm not supposed to be nervous in this situation.

Deanna unfolded the most recent letter from her parents' house.

The only thing to watch out for is His Majesty's movements and the movements of the Peony Faction led by Master Liliane. I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea.
You can't just throw ...... around like that.
I can't help it. You can't help it. You can't start complaining about that.

I wrote a letter about the current situation in the palace and asked her to let me know if she knew anything. I'm sure you're not the only one who has a problem with that. How versatile do they think they are?
Furthermore, at the end of the reply, there was a sentence that shocked Diana.

"It seems that the Red Rose has been given the role of partner to His Majesty at this year's Royal Ball.

Why?　It's not bad for Deanna, who exclaimed. The king hates her, so I wondered why, and then I realized that rumor has it that they are very close. In addition, I remembered that the Red Rose was the first in line to the side house.

In response to the letter, which concluded with the reassuring words, "I'm sure you'll have a hard time preparing, but if you need anything, let me know, and I'll continue to gather information," I left the arrangements for the dressmaker to my parents. As a result, the dressmaker arrived just after the official notice to be His Majesty's partner in the soiree arrived, and I was horrified at how perfect the timing was.

While the preparations for the soiree were underway, Diana was frequently exchanging letters with her parents. It was necessary to have up-to-date information in order to keep the palace from being ransacked. It was a hassle, but she understood the gravity of the role she had been thrust into, and she couldn't be so irresponsible as to throw it away. As the daughter of a family with the rank of count.

And so it was yesterday that I got all the information on the side chambers. And today, the royal ball will begin, marking the beginning of the social season.

I'm sorry about the darkness. You've been in the palace every day for the past three weeks, haven't you?
You've been in the palace every day for the past three weeks, haven't you?" "They say they'll keep someone on duty from now on. He said it's a more dangerous place than he thought.
"Indeed, I would feel safer if Shayla had someone with her at all times. Sooner or later, she's going to be in a dangerous position.
...... What about Diana's bodyguards?
You won't need me. I have Rita, and I can defend myself easily.
From the Darkness' point of view, I would like to protect Master Diana first.

I'm not sure what to do.

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that. --Don't worry, I can handle it.

I'll be fine, I can handle it," Deanna said cheerfully.

I see you're back.
Almost time, sir. I'll be waiting for you in the waiting room.
Yeah. I'll behave myself at my best.

Deanna smiled at the maids as they pushed their carts into the room and turned her head.





§ § § § § § § § § § § § § § § § §

The royal ball held at the beginning of the season begins with the lower ranks of the nobility gathering in the hall, followed by the higher ranks, and finally the royalty, and finally the king appears on the stage to say a few words.

The other members of the entourage were called by name by the nobility and royalty and had already left the hall. Only Diana, who had been assigned as the King's partner, was led to the back of the hall to leave the platform with the King.

"This way. Your Majesty is waiting for you.


Thank you.

There's no way I'm waiting for you, ...... she muttered inwardly as she walked deeper into the room. When she reached the top of the stairs, she found a massive door, and a man knocked on it.

"Your Majesty. I've brought you the Red Rose.
Let him through.

Yes," he replied and opened the door. He bows and goes through the door.

Deanna looked around. On the other side of the door was a small room, dimly lit inside. Seeing a light leaking from the back, Deanna walked towards it.

"You're here.
"Your Majesty.

She bent her knees and made a graceful vassal's bow. In front of the curtain of light leaking out, the king in full dress was standing. He stands tall against the light, and is a good man in appearance.

He is a good man in appearance only. Don't misunderstand me.
"Of course I know. ......, Your Majesty.

She looked up and looked at Juke. This was the only chance Deanna had to give him an opinion before he appeared, the only moment they were alone. It was not to be missed.

I'm sure you'll be able to help me. With just one act of yours, the palace can be transformed into any kind of evil cave. Please, Your Majesty, check that place out yourself before things get out of hand.
"...... What?
I am the Red Rose, Your Majesty.

Deanna's blue eyes just look straight into Juke's.

I am well aware of the importance of the role I have been given. I know the importance of the role I have been given, but I am not strong enough to fulfill it alone. You need to see the palace for yourself and think about it.
"You ...... dare to be so brazen!

Suddenly, Juke became angry. He seemed to have interpreted something in a strange way. I was afraid it might have the opposite effect, but I couldn't back down now.

If I wasn't the Red Rose, I wouldn't have said this to you. If I wasn't the Red Rose, I wouldn't be saying this to you.
"So what!　What about ......?
I'm telling you this even though it doesn't suit me now that I'm a Red Rose. I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it.

If not, who would take such a troublesome and arduous position?
Deanna spat inwardly.

The role of the Red Rose is to maintain the balance of power within the palace, but only for the current palace. It is true that a young lady who joins the Red Rose, the top of the court, needs to pay attention to human relations within the court to varying degrees.
However, this is only with the cooperation of the king.

It's unheard of for the Cresta family to give a direct opinion to the king. (It's unheard of for the Crester family to give a direct opinion to the king.

In fact, I'd like to tell you more clearly to look at things from a different perspective, to stop running after your desires, and to pull yourself together. I want to say.

I don't know what you're trying to say, but no matter what you say, there's no way I'm going to look at you.
I know, and I never said anything about 'look at me'. I'm not asking you to look at me. I'm asking you to look at the palace.

I don't think it's possible to reach someone who interprets Deanna's words in a diametrically opposed way. In fact, before that, there is the problem that what you want to say clearly is quite impolite if it is to the king, but Deanna has completely left that part out.

It's time to go, Your Majesty. ...... Your Majesty?
"Oh, yeah. Okay.

I'm not sure what to make of this, but I think it's a good idea. He held out his hand to Deanna.

"Get up, Deanna Crester.
"Yes, Your Majesty.

Taking Juke's hand, Deanna stood up. She stood up and intertwined her arms with his.

"Didn't you want the ...... Red Rose?
What?

I'm not sure if I'm hearing things right, but I'm sure I'm hearing things right. For a moment, she thought she had overheard him, but Juke was waiting with a difficult look on his face for an answer.

--Little by little, the words began to flow.
Deanna's face broke into a smile. It seems that the "love effect" is still very strong.

If I tell you that I didn't want to, will you let me go home?
...... No, that's not...
"Your Majesty.

Deanna smiled lazily.

The truth is, rumor and truth are often two different things.
"......!　So...
So it's important that you see it for yourself and judge for yourself.



Perhaps Juke is confused.

The rumors about Deanna Crester that he's been believing and the actual Deanna he just told you about. The two are quite different. I don't know if I'm misinterpreting the words, but for Juke, who has learned to listen to what others have to say because of the "love effect", it's understandable that he's confused by the difference.

(You're so childish that I can't believe you're the same age as your brother. I feel as if I'm telling a younger person what to do when I'm supposed to be the older one.

If you don't grow up quickly, Diana's troubles will only increase.

Shayla-sama, please be more persistent and raise your Majesty.

Sheila, please be more persistent and raise her majesty.