The Noble Lady Without Magic Aims to Become an Adventurer! - Chapter 40

A week later, as I returned to the dormitory, I found three maids from the Marquis’ household waiting for me.

“Lady Marloa, we’ve come to take your measurements for a dress,” one of them announced.

“I didn’t request one,” I replied, puzzled.

“It’s a directive from the Marquis. He thought it might be troublesome if you didn’t have a dress ready for any occasion. Additionally, there is a letter for you from the royal family.”
The maids entered my room and swiftly took my measurements with practiced efficiency.

“The dress will be completed soon, and we’ll notify you once it’s ready,” one said with a deep bow before all three promptly departed for the Marquis’ estate.

Although I wasn’t particularly inclined to get closer to the maids, their quick departure without much conversation left me wondering if I had left a poor impression.

Well, it couldn’t be helped.

I turned my attention to the letter from the royal family. As I opened it, I read a request for my attendance at the upcoming ball.

It was phrased as a “request,” though it felt more like a summons.

The wording suggested I was being invited not as a Marquis’ daughter but as a guard for the prince. The letter also asked me to visit the palace to discuss the details.

I decided I would consult Senior Yele about it tomorrow. He would surely know more about palace affairs. While I wasn’t particularly eager to attend, refusing such a request wasn’t an option. I would likely end up going.

It was clear that my father, having learned about the letter from the royal family, had hastily arranged for a dress.

However, with the ball so close, it was doubtful it would be completed in time. It would likely end up being an off-the-rack piece, which didn’t bother me but might be considered embarrassing for the Marquis’ family.

“Fars, did the royal family send you a letter as well?” I asked.
“Not me. I’m just a commoner and your attendant. If I remember correctly, this is a high-ranking nobles’ ball, right? I doubt I’d even be allowed to accompany you as an attendant.”

“I see. I guess not attending isn’t an option, is it?”

“Not if you want to avoid being suspected of treason. If the royal family formally requested your presence, you have to go,” Fars said matter-of-factly.

“I thought so. How depressing.”

“Let’s go,” he said, and we headed for the palace, swords strapped to our uniforms.

Fars had apparently arranged for our visit in advance. After speaking briefly with the gatekeeper, a palace attendant arrived to escort us.

Today’s meeting was in Prince Shelman’s office. Upon entering, we saluted the prince with a knightly bow.

“Good morning, Your Highness,” I greeted.

“Good morning, Lady Marloa, Fars. Thank you for coming,” Prince Shelman replied warmly.

The office was elegantly furnished with fine decor befitting royalty. Despite the many books and documents, everything was neatly arranged, reflecting the prince’s organized nature.
In addition to the prince, his close attendant, Fanor, and another man were present, both engrossed in their work. The chancellor was also seated on a sofa.

“Good morning, Chancellor,” I greeted respectfully.

“Lady Marloa of the Efsee Marquisate, thank you for coming.

Let’s discuss the ball,” the chancellor said, gesturing for me to sit.

I followed his cue and took a seat on the sofa while Fars stood dutifully behind me. A palace attendant served us tea, which was of such high quality that its aroma alone was enchanting.

I took a sip and then asked, “Chancellor, is this about guarding Prince Shelman during the ball?”

“Precisely. This ball is for high-ranking nobles, but we received a threat directed at the prince.

“Although we suspect it’s merely a bluff, there have been recent incidents involving a criminal organization targeting royalty.

Some evidence suggests involvement from certain nobles.

“While we’ve increased security for the event, it’s difficult to protect the prince within the venue itself. To ensure his safety, we need someone capable of blending in with the guests while staying close to him.

“As a classmate and the champion of the recent tournament, you are the ideal candidate, Lady Marloa. Fars, as the runner-up, will also attend as an attendant assigned to the palace for the event. The Marquis has already given his approval.”

Fars, who had been convinced he wouldn’t need to attend, let out a quiet “Eh?” in surprise.

I couldn’t help but smirk. You’re coming with me, after all.
“Chancellor, I don’t own a ball gown. Could I borrow a knight’s uniform for the occasion?”

“What? You don’t have a gown? How can that be?” the chancellor asked, visibly shocked.

“I was raised in the countryside, Chancellor. Gowns weren’t needed in the village. I haven’t had my debutante ball yet, either. My family is likely rushing to prepare something now, but it may not be ready in time,” I explained, quickly adding a follow-up to avoid casting my family in a bad light.

“Unbelievable. We’ll arrange something here immediately. My daughter has gowns that might fit you,” the chancellor said, both surprised and mildly irritated.

In this kingdom, noble daughters typically attend their debutante ball at fifteen or sixteen, wearing white gowns as a symbol of entering adulthood. While attending a ball before one’s debut isn’t unheard of, it isn’t common for a high-ranking noble like me.

As a Marquis’ daughter and a magicless noblewoman, my presence at the ball would undoubtedly draw attention.

Just then, Fars leaned forward. “Excuse me, my lady. Before you joined the academy, you were provided with five off-the-rack gowns, one of which should be suitable for a ball. With slight adjustments, it should work.”

“Really? Then I’ll ask Anna to handle it when we return home,” I said.

“You could also let the palace’s wardrobe department handle it,” Prince Shelman suggested with a smile, twirling a quill in his hand.

“Are you sure? It’s just a pre-made gown,” I asked hesitantly.
“Of course. Bring it here, and the palace can tailor it quickly. It’ll save time, and you can wear it straight away on the day of the ball. Besides, your presence at this event alone is a tremendous help,” he assured me.

Reluctantly, I agreed to let the palace staff make the adjustments.

After all, if there’s a next time, the Marquis’ family should have something custom-made and ready in advance. Being a noble really is tedious.

The rest of the meeting involved detailed instructions on guarding the prince, delivered by the captain of the First Royal Knights. Fars and I received precise directives about our roles for the evening.

While I held the duty to protect the royal family, I couldn’t help but feel unenthusiastic about the ball. If requested to dance, I was expected to comply to avoid suspicion, though at least I’d receive a stipend for the task.

By the end of the meeting, I felt utterly drained.

When we returned to the Marquis’ estate, I relayed everything to Otto, who promised to fetch the gown from my room. He suggested waiting in the salon, but I decided to stay in the entrance hall.

Standing alone in the grand hall, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being a stranger in my own home.