Chapter 37: Chapter 36.

A/N: Slight drama ahead!

I gazed at the passing trees through the windows of my carriage.

There's still some time before we reach the imperial palace. I thought while gazing outside.

"I hope you have a plan" Father said looking at me while narrowing his eyes probably trying to figure out what I'm thinking. "Dealing with those old geezers I mean" He added.

"Fret not father, I have planned everything well. I assure you that I won't measly drag our Salvair name" I assured him while smiling brightly at him.

"It's not the Salvair name I'm worried about... If someone tries to disrespect you just remember their names I'll take care of it " Father said with a dangerous glint in his eyes.

Woah. Calm down papa bear!

"Don't worry father. I'll take care of it. Afterall as the next Duchess I have to show them the power of the Salvair House " I said with a mischievous grin .

He looked a bit startled at my response and returned my same mischievous grin.

"By the way your attire looks spendid. It matches perfectly with mine"He complimented while averting his eyes from mine.

He's really an adorable tsundere!

"Thank you, father." I smiled at this and turned my gaze outside the window again.

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Finally!

We reached the imperial palace. I looked at it still amazed and in awe. It looks amazing! No matter how many times I visit this place I'll always be in awe.

Light from the sun perfectly reflected on all the golden statues and decorations. The sunlight hit on all the perfectly aligned marbles making it glistening like a dewdrop.

Ah... I somehow have this weird impulse to lick those marbles just so I can know it's taste.

The carriage which carried father and I arrived at the entrance of the imperial palace. The wide number of stairs greeted me as I exited the carriage taking father's hand in tow.

We slowly ascended the stairs and made our way to the ballroom.

It's showtime!

Both me and father stood infront of the gigantic door to the ballroom waiting for our names to be announced.

" Stand proud like a Salvair" Father said while standing beside me.

"Yes father" I replied determined while raising my chin ready to tackle all the obstacles in my way.

The ballroom is like a battlefield where the words we speak resemble the swords we weild in the battlefield.

I can't wait to make it bloody.

An evil smirk made it's way to my face as I noticed the doors slowly opening revealing the battlefield. Blindening light came through the door as I made a step forward with father at my left side.

And the games begun...

"Duke Vincent Salvair and lady Salvarina Salvair of the Salvair duchy in the West!" The announcement was heard loud and clear.

A lot of murmuring sounds were heard as both father and I descended down the stairs hand in hand.

I took each step elegantly looking straight ahead as my face wore an indifferent expression just like my father's.

With each step I took the murmurs were getting loud and clear.

"Is that lady Salvair?"

"What is she wearing!?"

"Is she wearing pants!"

"A lady wearing pants to a ball?!"

"Hah! Shameless!"

"No wonder she was replaced by a commoner!"

More and more comments were thrown in my way as I still kept an indifferent expression on.

These worthless gremlins needs to know their place. I smirked evily as I took the last step and reached the floor.

The murmurs soon subsided as a cold aura surrounded the ballroom. The people emitting such an aura was none other than us ! The father and daughter duo!

I soon began to search the crowd to find a pair of ravenette hair and blue eyes. My cold eyes skimmed pass each and every noble as most of them looked away or looked down not being able to hold on my eye contact.

Father soon let go of my hand as I turned to look at him. He gave me firm nod as I nodded back. He soon walked towards some nobles probably from our faction as I continued my search.

He's not here huh? I was disappointed a bit. Well it is to be expected as he was adamant on keeping his identity hidden.

According to our plan father was supposed to mingle with the nobles of our faction and inform them of my succession. Most of them will protest about me being a woman so father asked me to give him some time to tame those dogs while I enjoy my time here.

There's still time for me to join their conversation so I'll just head over to the table where my babies are waiting.

A delicious aroma engulfed me as I walked closer towards the food.The table was covered in all sorts of delicacies. This is heaven.

I eyed everything and decided to prey on a chocolate cake first. As soon as I was about to take one I heard a loud piercing sound.

"Lady Salvair!" I saw a group of noble ladies walking towards me.

Ah.. I recognise these snakes!

They were at that tea party which Mirabel hosted at the imperial palace. At that time they were bullying her while supporting Marquis Leiber's daughter.

Some of them were originally Salvarina's followers but it seems like as the news of engagement annulment spread through the social circles they switched over to lady Lilian Leiber's side.

"My Oh my! Lady Salvair, what a pleasant surprise" speaking of snakes, there she is, lady Lilian Leiber, the canon fodder.

She was wearing a magenta dress adorned with a number of jewels as her violet hair was flowing elegantly with her handfan pressed against her mouth hiding her malicious grin.

"It's not much of a surprise though. Everyone knows that the four prominent Dukedoms were invited to this ball" I said with an indifferent face while focusing on the delicacies laid before me.

I took a piece of the chocolate cake on a plate as I carefully nibbled on it using a fork ignoring the glares thrown my way.

"Speaking of which, your father is nowhere to be seen. The Marquis is becoming more brazen I see" I said looking at her while carefully analysing her expressions.

"My father has nothing to do with the royals. While I on the other hand am here just to let people know their place" She said flaunting her handfan while narrowing her eyes.

Both father and daughter has a clear distaste for royals. It is clear that she just wants the power just like her father.

Could it be that she knows about the monster?

"Don't make such false assumptions that you are above everyone present here lady Leiber. More so when you are below me" I replied while giving her an icy glare.

She folded the handfan in her hands as I saw her mouth drawn in a thin line. Her eyes glaring at me.

With her childish attitude I thought she might reveal the plan about how she'll be above me soon but looks like she doesn't know anything about her father's plan.

"Lady Salvair, Don't you think you are wearing an inappropriate attire in today's banquet" lady Leiber said with her obvious malicious smirk.

Now what is this? The battle of villainesses or something? Since I was the first villainess and she's supposed to be the second villainess who torments the heroine after my death.

"Inappropriate?" I asked while tilting my head to the side as the fork which held a cake piece was just an inch away from my mouth.

"Yes, you are wearing men's attire!" She proclaimed loudly catching the rest of the nobles attention.

It can't be called a men's attire though. I was wearing a red vest similar to that of my father's. I had a full sleeve black shirt underneath. My vest was adorned with golden patterns of our family's insignia. I had cufflinks made of rubies too.

Or maybe it does? ..... Not that I care though.

In this world it is common for women to wear pants during horse riding and sword training but it is indeed rare to find such women. Nowadays women ride horses in a dress and not much women are interested in fighting or weapons.

At such a time, I appeared wearing pants in a banquet hosted by the royal family nonetheless. Quite a scandal it is!

I chuckled before focusing my attention back on the fuming lady infront of me.

"There isn't a law that forbids women from wearing pants. So I don't understand your concern with my attire , lady Leiber" I innocently looked at her as she gripped her handfan so hard that it might cause a cut on her palm.

"This is a royal banquet, lady Salvair. It is stated clearly that anyone attending it are required to be presented in their best attire" She said while smiling wickedly.

"And you are saying that my attire isn't the best?" I said while placing my plate of chocolate cake back on the table.

All the nobles began to eye my outfit. Sure it isn't much feminine but come on it's hella expensive people.

"The vest is rather impressive lady Salvair. May I know where you bought it from?" A voice echoed among the noble's murmurs.

Now who's this?

I stood rooted to my spot when a man with dark purple hair and emerald eyes came forward into my view. His hair was tied in a pony tail.

Oh? Marquis Demeir?

He's father's right hand man. He's the one really interested in magic and has also taken a fancy to my Iglo. He's in his late twenties and is also one of the many suited bachelors out there. Though I couldn't care less about the last part.

"It is one of a kind,Marquis. I asked the Erisque boutique to make it for me" I said while smiling a bit.

"Hmmm? Looks like I'll have to pay a visit to that boutique. I can't simply take my eyes of that vest afterall" He said while looking at my vest.

Is he flirting with me? I suddenly got chills. Nope nada no way. Father would probably gouge his eyes out if he tries to make a move on me.

"It seems that outfit suits you well afterall, lady Salvair" lady Leiber said with clattering teeth.

For a second I forgot about her.

"It indeed does" I said with an indifferent face not bothering to engage in further conversation.

Damn you people just let me eat my chocolate cake!

I took the plate of chocolate cake back from the table and sliced a small portion when lady Leiber threw me a disgusting face while turning her heels around clearly having done playing with me.

"Did you forget the etiquette session we had at the last tea party?" I said while taking a bite of the chocolate cake eyeing them.

All of them flinched at once and turned around along with lady Leiber. Her eyes clearly showing how much she resents me.

All of them gave me an eloquent bow including lady Leiber who clenched the handfan while giving me a curtsy.

Now I wouldn't be surprised if that handfan broke into two pieces. Poor fan....

"Good. Now you may leave" I said turning around as my eyes met with the Marquis's.

"Lady Salvair, that was amazing" Marquis Demeir said smirking while looking at the ladies.

I just hummed as a response.

"I knew you should have been the empress afterall" His face showed a sad expression.

Is this guy pitying on me? What the hell dude.. I don't need your pity just let me enjoy my chocolate cake.

"Are you saying this here of all places,Marquis?" I looked at him dumbfounded.

"It's the truth" He said shrugging.

"By the way, Is your spirit companion not here with you?" He looked at me with sparkling eyes.

He really is a magic otaku. I sweatdroped.

"No he isn't here"I answered firmly.

"Bad luck. I wanted to take a closer look at it" He said while dropping his head in disappointment.

"Maybe you can see Iglo again"I said trying to relieve the mood.

"Sure!" He said with excitement.

Is he really in his twenties? He acts like a child though.

"Ah- I should get going. The Duke will probably loose his cool with those snobbish nobles so I got to go" He said smiling and giving me a quick bow.

"Thank you, Marquis" I said giving him a genuine smile.

"It's my duty, your ladyship" He smiled stepping away from me as I turned around focusing on my untouched piece of cake.

Yummy! These are even tastier than the ones we make at our mansion.

Looks like I'll just have to kidnap the chefs here....

My thought process was stopped as I felt a light tap on my shoulder.

Ugh. Why can't a grown woman enjoy her chocolate cake!

I turned around to see the person tapped on my shoulder as my eyes widened seeing-

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