84 At the new year, the first team





For this New Year's Eve party, Deanna had asked Madame Magnom to reserve two rooms in the royal palace as a resting place for the entourage.

The first was a refuge for those who were unfamiliar with the New Year's Eve party, including Shayla and her friends. The first was a refuge for those who were not accustomed to New Year's Eve parties, including Shayla and her friends. Seriously, it's true.
And the second is...

"Well, the night is just beginning, and there are so many of you here, aren't there?

With her dark pink dress shining brightly, her rouge smile vivid, and the air of the tundra behind her, Diana landed on the spot.
In a dark, almost unlit corner of the room, the girls, who had been whispering, looked back in disbelief at their ears.

The Marquise de Cocotte, the Marquise de Mercedez, and the Marquise de Harlais were all there. The rest of you are all ...... known in the world of society as the butterflies of the night. What are you doing in a place like this?

Keeping a smile on his face, he approached them step by step. As soon as I had closed the distance to a certain degree, I stopped, and at the same time, all the lights in the room came on, illuminating the entire room in an instant.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're going to be doing.

In the event you've got any questions concerning where by and how to use it, you can contact us at our own web site. Tables, chairs, sofas, and desks were arranged in a well-balanced manner, and a decorative wagon in the corner of the room was lined with low-alcohol drinks, tea sets, and sweets. Almost all of the ...... food items had been smashed on the floor and couches, turning the room into a miserable mess.

I'm not sure if you've seen this before, but I'm sure you've. Everything you have ruined now is the fruit of your people's hard work and lives. Those who waste the efforts of the people have no right to call themselves nobles.

The first thing I did was to stab the family motto of the Crester family, which I had been told at every opportunity since I was a child.
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We didn't do anything to you. When we entered this room, we found it was already like this: ......
I'm not doing anything. At this hour, when the New Year has just begun and the evening party is just about to begin, you, the most famous butterflies of the night?
I don't need to hear it from you, the most famous of them all!

The "butterfly of the night" that Deanna has been daring to mention is a secret word that refers to the young ladies who are known to be involved in various nightclubs. Just as butterflies flit about in search of flowers with delicious nectar, they cross the nightlife in search of men. It is a play on words that is typical of the aristocracy, a combination of admiration for the beauty that always reigns in the nightlife and a little bit of condemnation.
--In the case of Diana herself, she is also ridiculed as a "butterfly," but in her case, the people around her have made up their own minds. In contrast, the girls huddled in the corner of the room now are the real butterflies. This is the result of Edward's investigation, so it is almost certain.

"You can say what you like about me. But why don't you answer my question? What are you doing here at this time of night, with no lights on?

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what's going on in your life.

I'm not sure what to do.
"...... noise?
Yes. I looked into the room to see what it was, and this is what I saw.
The people who occupied this room before us must have foolishly made a mess of it.
"This room was prepared by Madame Magnum for the rest of us who were tired from the evening party, right? The mess must have been made by fools who don't know how to behave at a night party. It's proof that lowly people can't hide it no matter how hard they try.

In other words, she is trying to humiliate the lower-ranking members of the Red Rose Faction and blame the Red Rose for this incident. I'm not sure what to make of that. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's a little nervous about this.

And that's the end of the excuse I had prepared for you?

If you thought that, you were mistaken.

"Do you guys understand who you're dealing with right now? I'm sure you're not making the foolish mistake of thinking that the Rose of Ice and Fire is just a name, are you?

At the same time as the words were spoken, an icy cold anger literally flared up behind Diana like a flame.

The Countess of Crester, Diana, also known as the "Rose Princess of Blooming Ice and Fire".
Ice, fire, and roses. Ice, fire, and roses are only beautiful if you just look at them.
But their true nature leads easily and mercilessly to the destruction of anyone who touches them.

The time for beauty is over. They've violated the taboo too many times.
There's no forgiving them.

I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's had to deal with this.

You said that Master Magnum had prepared this room for those who were tired of the soiree to rest in? That's right. This room was reserved by Madame Magnum for those who are 'used to the nightlife', like you.
"What ......, huh?
"For those of you who are not accustomed to the soiree, the soiree is too dangerous to begin with. You could attract perverts just by walking around. It is Master Magnum's - and my - duty to ensure that the untrained members of the household are protected, and a vague notice to 'rest when tired' is not sufficient.

Her smile faded, and she took a step forward, her footsteps high.

I'm not sure what to make of that. We've been instructed to gather in another room away from here after the New Year's bell rings and rest until it's safe to go outside. -- "Therefore, there is no way that the devastation in this room is their fault.
"...... Bullshit!
If you doubt me, check with Mrs. Magnum.
No, of course not! Because that's what she said! She told me that some of the ladies in her entourage were not able to cope with the long evenings and that she had prepared a resting room for them!
I heard that too! I don't think I'll be needing a place to rest during the night, but I thought I'd let you know just in case!
Yeah. --I've heard that too!



Her voice was filled with a chilling chill, and yet her eyes, reflecting the sea, danced with a burning fire.
--There were no maidservants, no maidservants, no fellow chamberlains, and she should have been alone and helpless, but Diana's power was too strong for that.

The servants were so terrified that they forgot how to speak. They just froze, their faces like paper, shaking and shaking.
After a full twenty beats of silence, Diana slowly, slowly put a smile on her lips.

You can't just sneak a private maid into a resting place in the ...... royal palace reserved for the entourage. You can't just sneak a private maidservant into the royal palace's resting place.
I'm sorry. ...... Hey, hey, hey.
It looks like you've gotten yourself into a lot of trouble. I'm sure we'll find alcohol stains on your dresses and shoes.

A choking sound came from within the mass. Was he going to get away with it because he couldn't think of anything else to say? ...... It's not too late to think.

"What happened today is more than enough to make me question your 'unsuitability' for a side room. ...... This is not your only crime, is it?

A few people's shoulders shook with fear.
Deanna fixed her gaze on Marcia, the Marquise de Cocotte, who was at the center of it all.

I'm sure you've heard of the three maids of honor you brought from home. I hear there are three of them?
And ...... what does it matter?
I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's had to deal with this. ...... Only a few of the maids and maidservants know that food is being prepared for this room in the palace, don't they?

I'm not sure what to make of this. As if she saw it coming, Chris's voice sounded from the other side of the door in 'work mode'.

Excuse me. --Is anyone here?
"Commander Gracie? Please come in.

The door opened, Chris bowed, and walked in.

"Master Red Rose. You're here?
Are you looking for me?
No, I was going to look for you because I have something to tell you. --I'm here to speak to the Marquise Marcia Cotto.
"Master Marcia? Please, come in the back.

Chris, who was dressed in his knight's uniform and had a serious expression on his face, looked thirty percent better than usual. The friendly smile that she usually wears has disappeared, and some people might think she looks cold.
In fact, Deanna, who was one of her relatives, could feel Chris's cold and angry attitude.

I was informed that you were not at the venue, so please forgive my rudeness in barging in here. There is something I need to check with you about urgently.
...... You're really rude. What do you want with me, a woman wielding a sword and so trifling?
It was His Majesty who sent us to his court. I take your words to be a rebellion against him.
No one is saying that! Stop talking nonsense and get your confirmation!

If you see someone lower than you, your attitude will instantly become arrogant. Deanna watched with some admiration as Marcia's habits had been ingrained in her since she was probably born. ...... Neither Deanna nor Edward would have the courage to talk to Chris like that now.
As expected, Chris's eyes narrowed at Marcia's coercive stance. The cold light twinkling in the back of his eyes was proof that Chris was that angry. --The more angry Diana's future sister-in-law gets, the calmer she becomes, and the stronger the hint of a sharp blade becomes.

"Then be my guest. --"Master Mercia, the maidservant you brought from your family home, Emera, has just been captured by the palace guards.
"What? ......!
The investigation is already underway, but since Emera has mentioned your involvement, I have come here to confirm it. I'm afraid you'll have to come with me.
"Don't be silly! Who do you think you are?

It's not important, but it's a rule that a nobleman who is about to be taken away must shout, "Who do you think you are? I wonder if there is a rule that nobles who are about to be taken away must shout "Who do you think you are? In most cases, the person being taken in knows who they are, so this line is meaningless.
--As if her thoughts had been conveyed to her, Marcia's bloodshot eyes suddenly glanced at Diana.

"Red Rose, please remonstrate with the rudeness of the Kingsguard! As it should be, this man is protecting his wife, and yet he is trying to do her a disservice!
Yes, that's right!
Red Rose, order the Commander to leave the room!

It's hard to believe that just a few moments ago, she was trying to use numbers as a weapon to bring down Diana, with a brilliant flip-flop. It's refreshing to see such a small thing like this.
Of course, Deanna, who had no reason to follow what they said, tilted her head in a nonchalant gesture.

I'd like to know, for your information, what is the crime of Master Marcia's personal maid?
"It's a very serious crime, plotting to harm a large number of her consort.
Then I suppose treason is in order.
That's right. Because of the nature of the matter, I have decided that a thorough investigation is necessary.
"My Lord Red Rose! You can't believe the words of someone like this, a mere daughter of a baronet, who brazenly sits in the inner palace just because she can use a sword!

The words that thoroughly, thoroughly humiliated my future sister-in-law.
The anger that erupted faster than she could restrain herself turned into an icy glare and stabbed Marcia.

I'm not sure if you have the word 'learn' in your head. I'm not sure what you're talking about. She has contributed more to His Majesty and the kingdom than us who are just wasting food. Insulting her is the same as insulting you for giving her the position. --I'll tell His Majesty exactly what you said, word for word.


Oh, no! I didn't mean it!
I don't care what you think you're doing. That's what I meant.

Marcia's color changed from red to blue. Chris took a step forward.

"I don't care about me. Marcia Cotto is suspected of treason using her personal maid. Please accompany her to the palace guard station.
Oh, I don't know anything! I don't know anything! Whatever Emera said has nothing to do with me. She did it on her own!
We'll discuss this in my office.
Shut up! Do you have any proof? Besides Emera's words, I have no proof that you had anything to do with it!

Only a little guy would give up so easily. I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. ...... You don't know that the more you struggle, the less you can escape.
I'm not sure what to say. In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

Excuse me. I'm here to deliver your meal.

A tall, elderly man in a bright white chef's outfit came in pushing a cart. He had a well-built body that could be seen even through his clothes. His face has a gentle expression, but at the moment it seems more dignified, perhaps due to his stern expression.
The room is a mess of overturned snacks, sweets, drinks and tea. He looked at the situation with a somewhat sad look in his eyes, but with a fluid movement of his hands, he laid out the plates of food on the table in the back, right next to where the side chambers were gathered.

Her graceful and refined movements, which did not match the tense scene, drew the attention of the ladies. In the quiet of the room, knowingly or unknowingly, he removed the cover from the plate in an exquisite pose.

--that moment.

"Oh, my God!
That's disgusting!

The screams of the servants echoed in the quiet room. Some of them fainted at the sight of the plate, others slumped to the ground.
Before she knew it, Marcia was at the front of the group, glaring at the man who had brought her food with an undeniable anger in his eyes.

What do you think you're doing, kitchen manager? I'm not sure what to make of this, but I'm sure it's a good idea.

--Here.

"What do you mean by 'payback', Master Marcia?

I'm not sure.
Deanna stood across the table from him.

I'm not sure how you can look at this and immediately think 'payback' .......

He points to the table with a fan that he pulls out. What's on top of that?

I'm not sure what to make of this.

Something white, about the size of a thumb, oval, and curled up in a circle. The plate piled high with them certainly looked like a group of hibernating insect larvae. On the plate next to it, there were three oversized, brown, long-bodied, resting insect-like creatures.
They must have been very irritating to a real lady. So Deanna doesn't blame the girls for falling down when she saw them.

Yes, it's not a very pleasant thing to be served. So if you call it 'harassment', I would agree with you. But you said "payback". ...... Isn't that because you've done similar harassment before?
That's all it was!
Of course, there are other reasons. --Of course, there are other reasons. How do you know that this one is in charge of the inner palace kitchen?

There was a pause, and then Marcia's face flushed with understanding, astonishment, and despair. At this moment, she realized that she had made a crucial mistake that could never be excused. ......

He never appears in front of us ladies. Normally, we wouldn't be able to tell at a glance that he was in charge of the kitchen of the Inner Palace. --The Inner Palace is a flower garden where men are forbidden.
"Oh, .......
You know him because you've had the opportunity to learn more about the palace's kitchens. You know him because you've had the opportunity to learn more about the palace kitchen at some point. ...... For example, a report from a private maid.

The fact that the person in charge of the palace kitchen is a man is not a secret, but it is also not known to everyone. It is a fact known only to the servants, maids, cooks, and some of the female officers who have direct contact with him. It has been customary since he began working for the company not to speak of him unless asked. Since private maids do not usually go to the kitchen (since their main job is to stay close to the Lord), the chamberlains do not know what goes on in the kitchen.

They knew he was the head of the kitchen, they saw this plate and said 'payback', and most importantly, your personal maid was captured ........ You still claim to have nothing to do with this?
"Wow, it's a trap, isn't it! It's a trap, it's a trick, it's a dirty trick!
...... You're really slipping in there, aren't you? Who told you that your maid of honor had a bug?

Marcia involuntarily put her hand over her mouth, but ...... it was too late.
Deanna urged Chris with her eyes. Nodding, Chris stepped forward.

The Marquise Marcia Cotto. Please come with me.


"Shut up, ......! I can't believe you're using such dirty tricks! I'm not the one who's doing this, I'm the one who should be arrested for serving this to my wife!
Well, has he committed any crime?
What has he done? He put this worm on the plate.

In front of the trembling Marcia, Diana picked up one of the larvae on the plate and popped it into her mouth.

I'm sure you'll love it. "Yes, they're sweet and delicious, just the thing for tea.
"Thank you, Master Red Rose.
What did you make this dish out of?
Pie crust and chocolate, to give it a dry texture.
Oh, I see.

This kitchen manager is definitely a top-notch cook. Nodding her head, Deanna snapped off the head of the caterpillar and put it in her mouth. After the light crunchy texture, the moderate sweetness of chocolate spread in her mouth.

--The girls around her, as well as Marcia, couldn't believe what they were seeing and looked at Deanna and the plate in disbelief. You'll be able to find a lot more than just a few of them.

I'm sure you can see right away that this can't be a worm. I'm not sure what to make of that.
I didn't do it!
Yes, it was your handmaiden, Emera, wasn't it? When she heard that there was a gift from the court in this room tonight, she did not hesitate to use the same trick to torment someone she did not like.
"Na ......, on what basis!
Emera had many insects in her pocket that looked just like the pastry on this plate. There was also a long worm that looked just like this pie, wrapped in a handkerchief. ...... There was also a lizard, by the way.

Chris folded up on Marcia, who was in a bad way.

When I took off the cover to transfer the insects in my pocket to a plate, they were already in a heap, and I caught him when he was startled out of his skin. After such a decisive scene, why do you need evidence now?
Emera did it on her own!
That doesn't explain how you knew about the kitchen manager, does it? It also doesn't explain why you thought of payback.

Marcia turned her burning eyes on Diana. After a moment of silence, Chris deftly held her back as she tried to pounce.
Her hands were tied, and Marcia screamed.

Not fair, Red Rose! It's not fair, Red Rose!
"What, you've just figured it out?

I'm sure you're not the only one. --A shimmer of dark pink reflected the lights.

I'm not sure what to make of it, but I think it's a good idea. --When confronted with his actions, he blames his inferiors... Why should I use legitimate means to deal with such a cowardly person?

Deanna laughs. She laughed, letting her emotions well up from the bottom of her heart.
--That was the moment when the Rose of Ice and Fire bared her briars. Caught in the predator's smile, Marcia knew in that moment that she was wrong.

Her true nature was neither ice nor fire. The rose that bared the sharp briars that stabbed the fool who stepped in without fear of ice or fire is the true form of Deanna Crester.
The beauty that bewilders men is only one part of what makes her who she is.

I'm sure she'll pay for all the pain she's put Master Shayla through. I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works for you. ...... Don't think that those of you out there can just sit back and watch.

I'm not sure what to make of that. They are the same women who hunted Shayla down. What reason is there to show mercy?

As if to express Deanna's feelings, Chris opened his mouth.

I would like to speak to each of the ladies here in turn. Although we are in the middle of an evening party, please follow the palace guards from now on.
"No way! ......!

In the event that you've got any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

"Capture them!

A single word of command from Chris.
--But before those words can take effect...

"--...... Oh. What are you doing to my friend?

The voice of someone who was accustomed to commanding others, soft but not impassive, echoed, easily dismissing Chris's order.
The air in the room moved softly. Chris, the palace guards, the kitchen master, and the chamberlains all turned their heads toward the voice.

I don't like it when you look so surprised. This is a resting place for the ladies, isn't it? --You don't have a problem with me using it, do you?

She smiled, an aristocratic, unreadable smile on her face.
I'm not sure if you've seen this before, but I'm sure you've.