It's hard to say that the party went off without a hitch, but it did. The only thing that comes to mind is that I got to know Shayla as "Dee". Well, that's a big one, too.

After the party was over, Deanna was so tired that she went to bed without even talking to Rita. It seems that the capable maidservant was busy gathering information while the Lord was resting.

"It seems that Master Shayla has not yet spread that far in the palace. In fact, at the moment, the conservatives are more excited about last night's 'Red Rose fiasco'.
"That's exactly what I wanted. If I do something like that, the Peony Faction will be the perfect target for an attack.
But it's not as if they haven't heard from me at all. I think it's only a matter of time before Shayla-sama comes to attention and the truth comes out.
...... We can't afford to dawdle.

The morning after the night of the party. After breakfast, as usual, Diana was alone with Rita in her room, discussing the future. We have to be ready before Shayla comes to light in full.

"Master Lyra, Master Yolanda, Master Letitia. We need to meet with these three as soon as possible and ask for their cooperation.
In private, if possible?
Yes, of course. I don't want anyone to think that I'm connected to them.
The quickest way to do that is to have the letter delivered to the Darkness. ......

I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.

I'm not sure that's a good idea. I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it.
I'm not sure what to say.　But then...
I know. I know. It's conspicuous...

As the first in line to the side of the family and the "Countess of Clester", Diana stands out no matter where she is or what she is doing. It's a good idea to take a look at the website and see if you can find anything you like.

It would be unnatural to hold a tea party without Master Liliane, and it would be conspicuous if I were to ask one after another. The best thing to do would be to talk to you all in secret, somewhere private.
If Deanna summoned me, I might be rejected out of hand.
That's right. If they think that I am trying to expand my faction, as Liliane has repeatedly invited them to join her faction... She probably wouldn't even listen to me.
However, it would be too suspicious to call you without your name. ......
I don't know why it's so hard for me to talk to you when all I want to do is talk to you.

Putting her hand on her cheek, Deanna breathed. It's inconvenient to have no connections in these situations.

I'm not sure what to make of this. I'm not sure what to make of it.
However, using the Darkness to socialize with the ladies on the side would be counterproductive, wouldn't it?
A normal young lady would not be familiar with those in the shadows.
...... What should I do?　We must be quick.
Yes. We must get the cooperation of the Named before the palace falls into chaos. It's too late for that.

That's the only thing everyone involved agrees on. The fact that they only agree on the idea, but leave it to Deanna to carry it out makes me weep.

"Excuse me.

I'm not sure what to make of this. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. I'm not sure if you've heard of it or not.

"...... You're Lurie, aren't you?　Come in.
Yes.

I'm not sure what to make of it. She did not say anything unnecessary, but her work was polite and fast. She was the palace maid Deanna had secretly been eyeing.

"I'm sorry, Master Diana. I've heard everything you've said.
You were in the bedroom all night?
Yes. I was ordered to clean up the ornaments from last night's soiree.
...... You're surprised. I didn't see any sign of you at all.

I'm not sure if it's just Deanna, but if Rita can't sense it either, that's pretty impressive. I'm not sure what to make of it.

It is a habit of mine to kill any hint of presence when I am working alone. And then Diana and Rita started talking, and I couldn't get out of .......
So why did you just come out?
It was ...... because Diana seemed to be in trouble.

I'm not sure what to say. I'm not sure if you've seen this before, but I'm sure you have.

I'd like to be of service, if I may be so bold.
"...... would be very nice, to be honest. Can you stand for now?

It's hard to talk when you're not looking at me.
She smiled and held out her hand, and Luly grabbed Deanna's hand slowly and stood up. Then she smiles.



"So it's just a rumor that Deanna-sama is terrible. Deanna-sama is the most gentle person I've ever served.
"Oh, Lurie. You're quite a sight, aren't you?
You can call me Lurie, Miss Rita.
I'm fine with Rita, too, Lurie. People who can see who you really are are very valuable, no matter what their position. It means that you have the ability to see past appearances and rumors and see the truth. You are very good at what you do, aren't you?
I don't know. ......?　I'm sure you can tell if you've been around me for a while. You don't get angry when your maidservant makes a mistake, and you don't give her outrageous orders.
I'm sure you'll be able to understand why I've been so impressed with your work.
"No, it's true that at first I didn't think, 'What are they up to? I'm sure you're right. But after a month, you'll realize that it's just their faces that are easily misunderstood, and they don't think that badly.

A rather rude conversation by the maids accelerated in front of him. I'm sure you'll be able to understand that I'm not that bad of a person.

"Uh, ......, excuse me, Deanna-sama.
It's okay. It's true, and I'm used to being misunderstood. But from now on, you'll do it where I'm not.
"Okay...

I'm sure you'll be fine.

"So, Luly. Can you help me?
"Yes!
Thank you. If you've been listening to me, you'll understand.
Yes. I just need to tell Water Lily, Suzuran and Violet to come to a certain place secretly, right?
Yes. Can you do that?
Please leave it to me. I've been serving the royal court for a long time. I know many of the maidservants, and in particular, in each of the three rooms, there are children who are good friends of mine. If you ask them, they will be able to deliver Diana's words to the 'named' people.
"Can you tell them not to mention my name and still expect me to come?
"I can't say for sure, but... I can't say for sure, but if I can give them a hint of what Deanna wants...

The light in Lurie's eyes was strong. Deanna looked back into her eyes.

There are some maids who are not happy with the current situation in the palace. Some of the maidservants are not happy with the current situation in the palace, including myself, and all of my close friends are feeling threatened by the situation. I'm sure it's the same for those with names.
That's right, Lurie. You're right, Lurie. With the exception of Master Liliane, the noble families are not happy with the current situation in the palace.
"Then... If you tell them what you think, they'll come on board.

Hope dawned on Deanna and Rita. Deanna grasped Lurie's hand tightly.

"Luly. Can you ......?
Yes!
Please, Luly. The situation doesn't allow for a moment's delay. As soon as possible at ......, yes, this afternoon. Tell Raia, Yolanda and Letitia to meet us in the east courtyard, which is no longer in use.
"Yes, sir.

Ruly bowed neatly. She spun around and walked out of the room with a light step, as if she was going to the kitchen. When the door closed, Deanna looked at Rita.

"You've got some great people around you.
"He's too good to be in the service of a moron like you. Why don't you take Master Deanna with you when you leave the palace?
You're right. ....... It's valuable to have a person with a large network of contacts in the royal court.
I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's a bit of a jerk.
Rita, if you listen to me carefully, you're being very rude.
"Oh, really?

Rita is not offended. Well, that's what happens when you grow up together like sisters.

"Kuro hair, black eyes, ....... I'm sure you've been through a lot.
You must be quite good and have a flexible and strong mind. I'm sure you're not the only one.
"Yes, I agree with you. We should be thankful that she joined the Red Rose.

The color black is quite rare in this country. And at the same time, it's a color that is frowned upon.

A long time ago, before the establishment of the kingdom. In this world, there were beings called "demons" who harmed humans. These all-black beings abused, kidnapped, and sometimes ate people, threatening their lives.


Perhaps because of this legend, the people of this country hate the color black. In fact, it is not a color that the people of the Kingdom of Ergeland have. In the far eastern archipelago beyond the sea, black is said to be an uncommon color.

I wonder if Ruly is of eastern blood. Do you think she knows anything about the East?
I don't know. When we get to know each other, we can ask her about it. Right now, we don't know how Luly feels about her own color.
I don't really know what's wrong with black.
I don't know what's wrong with black, but it's because you're a Crester. Even the Dark Ones wear black.

I'm sure you've been through a lot in your life.

It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your money.