The Noble Lady Without Magic Aims to Become an Adventurer! - Chapter 106

“Welcome home, Lady Marloa,” Otto and Anna greeted in unison.

It had been a while since I returned home, and the warm welcome from Otto, Anna, and the others was comforting.

“I’m back. Is Father here?”

“The master is currently in his study, working.”

I made my way to the study. It’s important to greet him first upon returning home. I knocked on the door, and after a moment, I heard Father’s familiar voice.

“Excuse me. Father, I’m back.”

Father put down his work and came to welcome me.

“Lady Marloa, welcome back. How was your journey?”

“I brought souvenirs, Father. It was a refreshing and delightful journey.”

I handed him some local specialties from the villages I visited, including wine and cheese.

“Sister! Did you forget about me?”

The voice came from Terra, who was sitting nearby. I’d heard he had started assisting Father with his work recently.

“Terra, I’m back. Of course, I didn’t forget about you.”

I gave Terra a box containing an intricately crafted feather pen holder, a rare item that occasionally made its way into the capital. It was a piece of craftsmanship designed to make the pen easier to hold and more durable.

“Cool. Thank you, Sister!”

Seeing Terra’s joyful expression brought a smile to my face. After reporting my return, I headed to my room. It felt good to finally relax in my own space. Anna had already prepared a bath, so I soaked in the warm water and enjoyed some downtime.

During dinner, I explained to Father why I had returned home.

“Father, I received a summons to attend the royal ball.”

“It’s likely for the King’s abdication ceremony and ball.”

“Abdication?”

“Yes. The Crown Prince is expected to ascend to the throne in a few years. Responsibilities are gradually being transferred to him, starting this year. I believe the new aides will be announced at the ceremony preceding the ball.”

“I see. Then I must attend.”

The timing of the summons, barely a month before the ball, suddenly made sense.

“Tomorrow, I’ll ask Anna to arrange for someone from the merchant guild to help me prepare a dress.”

“Don’t worry about that. A dress is already being sent.”

“A dress? I don’t recall having any suitors capable of such gestures.”

I tilted my head in confusion.

“Well, you’ll see when it arrives.”

“You’ll be quite surprised, Sister,” Terra added with a grin.

Father and Terra seemed amused, but I couldn’t shake my curiosity. After dinner, I returned to my room. The day had been exhausting, and I ended up collapsing onto my bed and falling asleep almost instantly.

The next morning, Anna scolded me relentlessly, but it was already too late.
I thought I’d have a month of freedom back in the capital, but apparently not. A magical bird flew through my window and pecked at me until I woke up.

“Ugh, what is it? A message? I have to report to the Zero Division headquarters every day until the ball? Ugh, what a hassle…”

After delivering its message, the magical bird vanished into particles of light. Resigned, I got ready for the day, had breakfast with my family, and headed to the palace.

Anna had mentioned that the merchant guild would visit the mansion over the weekend. ‘It’s embarrassing for a marquess’s daughter to have so few dresses! We need more custom-made dresses prepared!’ she’d said, brimming with enthusiasm.

It stung a little. I was painfully aware of my shortcomings as a noblewoman.

“Good morning, Captain.”

“…Morning, Lady Marloa.”

As always, Captain Jennys looked like a fish out of water, staring lifelessly at his paperwork.
“Lady Marloa, it’s been a while. How have you been?”

Lady Lydia greeted me from the sofa, where she sat elegantly.

“Lady Lydia, it’s good to see you again. My fun travels were abruptly cut short by this summons.”

“Fufu, Captain Jennys showed me the minerals you collected. Fascinating, aren’t they? I even showed them to Yelle, and they piqued her interest.”

It seemed the green crystals had caught their attention. They were unique, after all—crystals formed purely from plants. Their vibrant color and beauty made them perfect for accessories.
“Will those minerals be studied?”

“Who knows? Since Yele was interested, they might find some use. But, Lady Marloa, for now, please wear this dress.”

Lady Lydia pulled a day dress and matching accessories out of her magic bag.

“What’s going on, all of a sudden?”

She gave me a mischievous smile.

“Three days from now, Lady Eleanor will host a tea party as the prince’s future bride. I want you to attend.”

“Wait, what? Why me?”

“Only marquess and ducal families are invited, meaning it’s a tea party for the upper echelon of nobility, regardless of faction. Surely, you understand the significance?”

“…Not at all. Besides, I’ve never even attended a tea party before.”

I took a step back, but Lydia’s gaze was unwavering.

“Fufu, I expected you’d say that.”

Her smile was unsettling.

“Don’t worry. You have two and a half days for intensive training.”

I had no confidence in escaping her grasp. Trembling, I turned to the teacher for help.
“Teacher Allen, let’s go on a subjugation mission. Right now!”

“…Lady Marloa. Just accept your fate. I wish you luck.”

With that, Lydia dragged me to an unused diplomatic salon, which she had arranged to borrow for this purpose.

“The King has already granted permission.”

Lydia pulled out a full tea set and samples of the sweets to be served at the party from her magic bag. As she explained the details, Lady Hanon entered the room. She was participating in the tea party as Lady Eleanor’s maid.

“Can’t I just attend as a maid too?”

Lydia and Hanon gave me cold, pointed stares.
“Don’t be ridiculous. Just having Lady Marloa, a marquess’s daughter, attend is enough to cause a stir. Your presence is vital to the success of Lady Eleanor’s tea party.”

“Indeed. This event could influence noble factions moving forward. It’s crucial to maintain unity and prevent divisions in the kingdom.”

For the next two and a half days, they drilled tea party etiquette into me. By the end, I felt like my stomach was sloshing from all the tea I drank. Compared to this, I would’ve preferred attending a ball.

Despite my reservations, the training seemed to have made a difference. At least I hoped so.
While I wouldn’t call myself an expert, the basics were firmly in place, thanks to the head maid and Anna’s earlier lessons. The foundational knowledge I’d picked up from Violeta and Professor Levain in the village also came in handy.

Probably.

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