My Dear Husband, Let's Keep It Business-Like! ~Countess Anastasia, Raised in The Downtown, Won't Give Up Her Way~ - Episode 47

After that, I bowed my head to the spirits and said, “Excuse me… please give me some time,” just like a novelist pressed by a deadline, and decided to wait a few days.

In what world is there someone who would squander the rare opportunity to form a contract with a spirit due to their lack of naming sense?

I’m about to cry my eyes out.

The next day was the day I was scheduled to showcase what I had learned on the estate for the evening party in front of everyone.

We are holding a party modeled after a night party at the Earl’s residence.

That said, there are no guests.

It is a small but warm home party with just us, the count and countess, and the servants.

As expected, I couldn’t wear that dress meant for the actual performance, but I dressed up properly and entered the entrance hall, escorted by my husband.

From here on, we need to behave as if we were at the actual ball, as a kind of rehearsal.

“Hehe, everyone was really enthusiastic about preparing for the party, weren’t they? It’s more elaborate than I expected, so I feel a bit nervous.”

The husband, who I gently grasped the arm offered for escorting and looked up at, had his bangs raised, which he usually kept down, and that alone gave off a different atmosphere.

Well, no matter what they do, beautiful people are always beautiful.

This means I might have to worry not only about losing to the dress but also about losing to the partner. This is tough, man.

“Isn’t it better to practice when you’re a little nervous?”

“Yes, I think from here on it’s the real deal. Is there anything wrong with me?”

When I asked my husband, who was laughing as he said that, he thoroughly checked me from top to bottom and nodded.

“Ah, nothing’s wrong. It’s fine.”

Just as I, feeling relieved, turned to face forward, I heard the announcement, “Lord and Lady Hamilton, please enter,” and the door opened.

At the moment I was about to take a step forward with a smile on my face, still looking ahead.

“It’s beautiful.”

I heard it from next door in my husband’s voice, and I was so surprised that I almost tripped.

Hey!! Please stop with the sneak attacks!

I thought it might just be my imagination, but when I looked up at my husband, his ears were red. He’s definitely saying something, yeah.

I wondered if it was because we were now in full performance mode, but I remembered that my husband had previously said, “Everyone knows that we are a couple brought together by an arranged marriage, so there’s no need to go out of our way to act like we’re close.”

Could it be a change in policy?

In that case, it’s understandable that they said they didn’t mind the conspicuous green dress. It was probably convenient for them to make us appear close and friendly.

If that’s the case, then that’s fine, but if the policy has changed, you need to explain it properly…

Even in business, Hou-Ren-Sou is important, you know?

It’s a report, contact, and consultation!

I need to thoroughly check this matter tonight.

While I was thinking about such things, the party continued smoothly.

I enjoy noble-like conversations with Dahli, who volunteered to be my social partner, and her partner Marcus, showcase our dance to everyone and receive thunderous applause, savor the Baker’s special feast, and the enjoyable time at the party passes in the blink of an eye.

Sadly, the actual soirée couldn’t possibly be this much fun, so it strayed a bit from the rehearsal, but this party undoubtedly became one of the wonderful memories in the territory.

Honestly, I’ve been having so much fun since earlier, I can’t get enough.

“Hehe, this is fun, darling! Let’s dance one more time!”

“…Ana?”

I try to pull my husband’s hand and lead him to the center of the hall, but I wonder why? Maybe because we danced a lot earlier, my legs feel a bit wobbly.

“Huh? The dance music isn’t playing, is it?”

“Hey, Ana… Are you drunk? Hey! Did someone give Ana alcohol?!”

“I thought you might have some drinks at the party, so I prepared just a little for practice, but it really is just a little, okay? And it’s low in alcohol content too…”

The confused servants and the master are hurriedly discussing something.

Hmm? Did something happen… maybe?

“First, sit down! Drink some water! Were you that weak with alcohol!?”

“I had alcohol for the first time! It was delicious!”

Seeing me laughing heartily, Marie, with a serious expression, says to her husband.

“Count, at the ball, absolutely! Please don’t let the lady drink any alcohol.”

“Of course. For now, let’s head back to our room. Some of us haven’t eaten yet. Everyone else, please continue to enjoy yourselves.”

I thought I heard my husband’s voice right next to my face, and then my body floated up gently.

Hmm? Could this be…?

“Huh!? M-Master! I can walk. I can walk, so please put me down!”

I muster all my remaining reason to plead, but my husband doesn’t listen at all.

With my head feeling fuzzy, the pleasant vibrations, and the warmth of being in my husband’s arms, my consciousness gradually faded into darkness.

And then, morning.

I woke up to the chirping of a little bird, “chirp chirp chirp,” and jumped out of bed.

That was not my familiar bedroom.

“Why am I sleeping in the couple’s bedroom……?”