My Dear Husband, Let's Keep It Business-Like! ~Countess Anastasia, Raised in The Downtown, Won't Give Up Her Way~ - Episode 57

It seems that the day before the ball, one should do the minimum grooming to maintain their condition and then spend the rest of the day relaxing.

So you’re conserving your energy for the decisive battle tomorrow. I understand.

So, I baked cookies again during my free time.

Does baking cookies count as relaxing? Michelle was tilting her head in confusion, but I insisted that it was more calming for me.

For tomorrow night’s gathering, I wanted the spirits to gather plenty of energy as well.

It would be best if no situation arises where the spirits’ power is needed, but as the saying goes, “better safe than sorry!”

I am the type who never neglects preparation in advance.

Today, I enjoy tea with the spirits in the courtyard of the earl’s mansion, which boasts a splendid display of colorful and beautiful flowers.

Next door is a handsome husband.

If you only look at this part, I seem really successful.

However,

“After all, isn’t it better to take the initiative and blow away the duke and Christina?”

“Taking the initiative is not good! If they try something, it’s better to secure the scene so you can’t make excuses.”

“For now, if anyone tries to lay a finger on Ana, feel free to blow them away.”

“……Eugene, if that’s the case, Ana won’t be able to dance with anyone.”

“There’s no way I’m going to let anyone else dance with you!!”

The content of the conversation doesn’t match the visuals at all, and it’s painful.

For now, I need to make sure to tell Phos, Kuntz, and Kaia that using force is the last resort…

Was it a mistake to let them eat the cookies?

And so, the day of the evening party arrived.

Even though the ball starts at night, my preparations begin in the morning.

Rubbed, warmed, applied, combed, wiped, and for lunch, just a light snack.

Nobles have it tough, you know. Commoners should know that nobles aren’t just having fun and playing around.

Thus, I had become a figure that could be called a work of art created by the Hamilton family with all their might.

I know it’s a bit self-praising, but this is amazing.

In the mirror, there is an incredibly beautiful woman reflected, one I have never seen before, but could this be some kind of special effects makeup!?

Knock knock knock knock, just as I finished getting ready, there was a knock on the door.

“I heard Ana is ready! Can I come in!?”

It’s my husband. His fidgeting, like that of children in the old town who can’t wait for their snacks, has become almost endearing.

“Hehe, very well then, my dear.”

When my husband entered the room with a beaming smile, he turned bright red and froze as soon as he saw me.

Yeah, yeah. I understand, sir. It’s surprising how different it is from usual, isn’t it…? I was just surprised to hear my own voice coming from this face earlier too.

Or rather, the destructive power of my husband in formal attire is also amazing.

It seems that my husband, without me noticing, had his evening attire tailored to match my dress.

The tailcoat and waistcoat, made from glossy light green fabric, are adorned with gold embroidery that matches my hair color, and the cravat, made from the same high-quality lace as my dress, is decorated with a jade brooch that presumably resembles the color of my eyes.

Th-this is… if we stand next to each other, we’ll look like a total lovey-dovey couple!!

I have no idea what people in high society think of me, but I can at least imagine that they don’t think well of me.

I’m worried that showing up like this might tarnish your name, but let’s take this as a declaration of your determination to fight alongside me!!

Thank you, my lord. I’ve got your back.

Receiving a grand send-off from all the servants, my husband (along with Phos, Kuntz, and Kaia) and I boarded the carriage.

“Both Ana and Eugene are wearing beautiful clothes.”

“Nice! It’s so sparkly and cool!”

Phos and Kuntz are looking at the dress with great interest.

Can spirits wear clothes? If they can, I want to make some for them, but if it’s just the clothes floating around, that might be a horror…

“Hey Ana, is it okay if we stay with you all the way to the ball venue?”

Suddenly, as if realizing something, Kaia asked.

“I intended to, but is something wrong?”

“Hmm, I might be overthinking it, but I think there’s a possibility that one of the participants at tonight’s gathering can see spirits…”

I was surprised by Kaia’s words. I had never even thought about such a thing.

“I never even considered that there might be other people besides me and my family who can see spirits. But is it possible that there are actually quite a few, and I just happened not to meet any?”

“No, that’s not true. Ana is special. But it’s not like there aren’t any at all. Especially in the neighboring country, there are more than in this country.”

I see, if that’s the case, tonight’s party might be dangerous. There might also be nobles from neighboring countries who have been invited.

“Are there more people in the neighboring country who can see spirits? Is there a reason for that?”

『It’s there, but it’s a long story, so let’s save it for another time. … The most unconventional one is actually Eugene, you know. 』

“Hmm? What about me?”

“I’ll tell you about that another time.”

As I was pondering what to do, Phos and Kuntz, who had been listening to the conversation, joined in.

“Alright then, we’ll play in the garden!”

“Yeah, as soon as we know Ana is in trouble, we’ll fly right over!”

It seems that the guesthouse, which is the venue for tonight’s evening party, has a splendid garden.

A ball is sure to be filled with scenes that condense the unpleasant aspects of aristocratic society, so if I can avoid showing it to these kids, that would be better.

Recently, the spirits have been becoming too worldly, so I don’t want to have any strange influence.

I feel like a mother raising children.

“Ana, we’re almost there. Are you ready?”

My husband is looking at me with a bit of concern.

It’s alright, my lord. I came into the noble society fully prepared to fight alone from the very beginning.

With a husband I can trust and three spirits on my side, there’s no reason to be anxious, is there?

“Leave it to me, my lord! Our forces are fully prepared! The counterattack is all set!”