“What do you mean by sponsorship?”

“Ah, it seems you don’t know much about this, Claire.”

“Duke Berzel wants to host a ball to create an opportunity to sponsor you, Claire.”

Miss Veronica kindly explained.

“Usually, it’s common for nobles to participate in balls. It’s not legally mandated, but everyone does it that way.”

This was the general case that I knew about.

“But rarely, non-nobles can also participate. When they receive sponsorship from another noble or an invitation from the host.”

“Ah! I think I understand. I’ve heard about this before.”

It was a rule that existed in social circles.

I had overlooked it until now because Miss Veronica had never attended a ball.

Usually, nobles sponsored artists like painters or musicians.

By sponsoring, they also took the opportunity to show off their wealth and culture.

The artists selected as sponsees used the balls to meet more nobles and make themselves known.

It was such a distant world for a maid like me that it was understandable not to know about it.

That’s why it wasn’t easy to associate when sponsorship was mentioned.

“But is it okay even though I’m not an artist?”

“Usually artists receive sponsorship, but there are cases where non-artists are sponsored too. It could be an up-and-coming merchant, for instance.”

“Above all.”

Alex interrupted while Miss Veronica was eagerly explaining to me.

“Who would dare to object if I say I’m going to sponsor you, Claire? You don’t need to worry about qualifications.”

Miss Veronica smiled ambiguously at Alex’s matter-of-fact manner.

“What do you think? Isn’t it a good plan?”

“……”

Alex asked me in a rather proud voice.

I withheld my answer for a moment.

Certainly, a ball would be a good opportunity to use the etiquette I learned from Miss Veronica.

But I wasn’t learning it particularly to show off to others.

It was because Miss Veronica liked it. And because there was no harm in learning it for myself.

But is it okay to suddenly participate in a ball like this?

“It’s something I haven’t thought about, so I’m a bit flustered.”

I mumbled in a dazed voice.

Alex looked at me silently for a while, then nodded as if he understood.

“I know it’s not a decision to be made hastily. Attending a ball is essentially the same as introducing you to society. But this will also be a good experience.”

“…Is that so.”

I knew it would be a unique experience too.

At some point in my life, I had dreamed of dancing with a handsome person at a ball.

And now, I had the opportunity to attend a ball.

With the tremendous backing of Duke Berzel, no less.

Probably, as long as Alex was behind me, nothing unpleasant would happen at the ball.

Even so, would I be able to do well if I go?

I was worried that I might cause trouble for Alex or Miss Veronica.

It’s no big deal if I alone am criticized, but it’s different if others are criticized because of me.

As I hesitated to answer, Miss Veronica gently stroked my hand.

I turned to look at her, and she smiled brightly.

“You can refuse if you don’t want to. But if the reason is because of me or Duke Berzel, you don’t need to worry too much.”

Miss Veronica whispered in a small voice, seemingly seeing right through my heart.

“Is it really okay? What if I make a mistake and cause trouble for you or Alex?”

“That won’t happen. Claire, you’re doing quite well.”

It was an encouraging statement.

Doing well…

It was very touching that someone would say this to the inadequate me.

“Then I’ll give it a try. I’ve always wanted to go to a ball at least once. But… will it be okay?”

I said, meeting Alex’s gaze.

Alex smiled even more deeply, as if he had been waiting for those words.

“Then when would be a good date… Right, a week from now would be good.”

“A week from now? So soon?”

As far as I knew, it usually took at least a month, or at least two weeks, to prepare for a ball.

If invitations were to be sent to people in distant regions, they had to wait for them, and even if not, it took quite some time to decorate the ballroom.

But one week?

Is that possible?

“I think that’s about right. Let’s prepare accordingly.”

“No, is that really okay?”

“What’s there that can’t be done?”

I was dumbfounded looking at Alex tilting his head.

Right. The lower-ranking people would do all the hard work anyway.

Alex, who was just giving orders, didn’t need to know how tight the schedule would be for them.

Unlike Alex, from my omniscient maid perspective, I couldn’t easily accept this unreasonable schedule.

“We’ll prepare like that, so Claire, you don’t need to think about anything else.”

“…I think it would be fine to extend the period a bit more.”

“No. A week is enough. It’s not like you can stay here for long to think about it, right? There’s a lot to do within three months.”

When Alex said that much, I found it awkward to refuse.

“I… understand.”

I inwardly apologized deeply to the employees of the ducal household who would have to suffer for a week.

“Come to think of it, the custom-made dress and accessories are arriving today, did you know?”

“Was it made that quickly?”

Even when fitting Miss Veronica’s dress, it took at least a week to make one.

But now, not long after coming here, the dress and accessories were already made?

Does time flow differently in Sergal and Maynard?

Just like Alex said he could prepare for a ball in a week?

Alex answered my question with an amused expression.

“Originally, there’s nothing money can’t do.”

“…Money? So you gave them more money and shortened the deadline?”

Alex nodded in response.

“Wow…”

Indeed, money was a sight to behold.

“Still, this time the order was for everyday clothes, so when they arrive, we’ll have to get another new outfit made for the ballroom.”

“Again? Alex, really…”

As I trailed off in surprise, Alex watched me expectantly.

“I’ll gratefully accept what you’re giving. You won’t take them back even if I return to the count’s house later, right?”

As though it wasn’t the response he was expecting, Alex blinked in slight bewilderment. Then he soon burst into laughter.

“Right. I won’t do such a petty thing, so you can rest assured.”

“Yes…”

***

“Wow!”

As Alex said, when evening came, the custom-ordered dresses and accessories arrived one after another.

The designers Alex had called must not have been ordinary ones, as each dress was so beautiful it was eye-opening.

The accessories also seemed to match the concept of the dresses.

“Can I… really have this?”

I asked Alex hesitantly.

I had already gotten a definite answer from him during tea time, but still, seeing the actual items in front of me, I couldn’t help but ask again.

Alex seemed satisfied with my reaction and smiled contentedly.

“By all means. It’s my gift to you, Claire. Feel free to accept it.”

“Wow…”

Why is it cool?

I didn’t know why Alex’s confident tone of speech was coming across as so cool.

Is this all a side effect of money?

“Why don’t you try it on and see if it fits?”

“Ah, should I?”

“Yes, Claire. Hurry and try it on.”

Even Miss Veronica urged me.

I followed Avina into the dressing room.

And with the help of Avina and other maids, I started changing clothes.

Probably because it was a dress, it was much more uncomfortable than what I usually wear.

It felt more cumbersome because the top and bottom had to be put on separately and then tied together with strings.

After putting on the dress, I wore the prepared necklace and put on the earrings. Finally, my hair was beautifully styled.

“It’s done.”

When I heard Avina’s satisfied voice, I raised my head to check the mirror.

In the mirror stood a beautiful person who I could hardly believe compared to my usual self.

Was it because the makeup and hair styling were finished too?

“Avina…”

“Yes?”

As I called her name blankly, Avina approached me.

“Avina shouldn’t be here.”

“Pardon? What do you mean…”

“If you had such heavenly skills, you should be showing them off freely.”

Avina smiled broadly at my words of admiration.

“Thank you for saying so. I think it shines more because Miss Claire is exceptionally beautiful.”

“How can you even speak so wonderfully?”

“Did I?”

“Yes! Can I learn from you later?”

“Of course. Just let me know anytime.”

“Thank you, Avina.”

I wanted to hug Avina tightly, but I gave up thinking she might find it burdensome.

“You should go out now. The Duke and Miss Veronica will be waiting.”

“Yes!”

I moved slowly as Miss Veronica had taught me. With each graceful step, the dress flowed softly.

The door of the dressing room opened, and I saw the figures of the others in the waiting room.

Alex, who was directly in front, raised his head to look at me as soon as the door opened.

He slowly froze the smiling expression he had been wearing.

Wait.

His expression froze?

Why?

I looked really pretty earlier, didn’t I?

Was it my imagination?

“Claire! You look so beautiful!”

However, contrary to my worries, Miss Veronica approached me with a broad smile.

“My goodness, you’re really beautiful. I knew you were pretty originally, but…”

“Am I really pretty?”

My confidence had dropped because Alex’s reaction was less than expected.

When I asked weakly, Miss Veronica nodded.

“Of course. Definitely!”

“Right?”

But why is Alex reacting like that?