The Noble Lady Without Magic Aims to Become an Adventurer! - Chapter 48

“Mother! I heard there’s going to be a tea party at the royal palace soon. It’s hosted by Lady Eleanor! I absolutely want to go!”

“Oh, yes. I believe Marloa received an invitation. She hasn’t replied yet, so it should be fine for you to attend in her place.”

“Really!? I’m definitely going!”

Lady Eleanor was the epitome of grace and the envy of every noble daughter. She was also the fiancée of the dashing Crown Prince Shelman. The two of them together looked like a portrait brought to life.

The thought of my older sister being in the same class as Lady Eleanor made me sick. If I could, I would trade places with her in a heartbeat and become Lady Eleanor’s companion, supporting her as a proper noblewoman should.

I also wanted to get closer to the prince and his circle of loyal, talented, and handsome retainers, all from prestigious families.

Understanding my desires, Mother promptly sent a reply stating that I would attend in Marloa’s place.

“Don’t we have a prettier hair ornament? This one doesn’t suit me! And this dress—it needs more lace. Change it immediately!”
“Right away, my lady.”

The maids bustled about, preparing me for the occasion. If I wanted to impress Lady Eleanor, I had to give it my all.
“Sarah, are you ready yet?”

“Mother! Look at me—I’m sure to catch Lady Eleanor’s attention in this!”

“Fufu, Sarah, you look adorable as always. Go and do your best.”
With Mother’s encouragement, I headed to the venue: the royal palace’s garden.
_
“Lady Efsee, this way, please.”

“I’d prefer to be escorted by that knight over there!”
Annoyed, I pointed at a different knight. The one assigned to me seemed unfazed by my complaint and politely summoned the knight I had chosen, who then escorted me to the garden.

“Oh, it’s a round table arrangement. I want to sit at Lady Eleanor’s table. Change my seat immediately!”

“I’m sorry, my lady, but the seating arrangements were personally prepared by the Crown Princess and Lady Eleanor.”
The knight seemed troubled as he explained.

“Do you know who I am? I won’t stand for this! I’ll have my father file a formal complaint!”

“Is something the matter?”

A servant hurried over, likely alarmed by the commotion, and I explained my displeasure once more. Despite my protests, it seemed the seating could not be changed. I noticed several noble sons and daughters casting curious glances in my direction.

… Fine.

Annoyed, I reluctantly took my assigned seat.

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming today. For the first time, I, Eleanor, have had the privilege of hosting a tea party here in the royal palace’s garden. Please enjoy your time here.”
Lady Eleanor, accompanied by her attendant, Miss Hannon, addressed the guests gracefully. She was as stunning as always. Her presence alongside Crown Prince Shelman looked like a scene from a painting.

I’d heard that after graduating from the academy, Miss Hannon became Lady Eleanor’s personal maid.

I, too, wanted to serve Lady Eleanor someday. And while I was at it, I’d find myself a fiancé among the kingdom’s elite, basking in the glamour of the royal palace.

The tea party began peacefully. It was rumored that Lady Eleanor had organized this event as part of her training to become Crown Princess. Consequently, most attendees were her close friends or members of the faction affiliated with the Duke of Ais.

Our family belonged to the Crown Prince’s faction, so we were rarely invited to gatherings hosted by the third prince’s faction. It was frustrating, but thanks to my sister being in the same class as Lady Eleanor, she received an invitation this time.

That magicless sister of mine only got invited out of pity. She’s such an embarrassment.

The conversations at my table were pleasant enough, but I kept glancing toward Lady Eleanor’s table, wishing I could join her. My thoughts were interrupted when Crown Prince Shelman himself entered the garden, causing a stir among the guests.

“Eleanor, I couldn’t help but come see you.”

“Oh, Shelman, you flatter me. Please, have a seat here.”

The prince took a chair that had been quickly prepared next to Lady Eleanor, and the atmosphere of the tea party blossomed even further.

At my table, a young nobleman turned to me with a curious smile.
“I thought Lady Marloa would be attending today. You’re her younger sister, correct?”

“Yes, I’m here in her place today,” I replied, maintaining a polite tone. The others at the table seemed interested in our conversation and quietly sipped their tea while listening.
“How is Lady Marloa doing? Is she well?”

So, he knew my disgrace of a sister.

“My sister? She’s still wasting her time with her attendant, as always. It’s so embarrassing!”

The young nobleman raised an eyebrow, surprised by my words.
“Embarrassing? I don’t see it that way. Lady Marloa is talented and skilled as a knight. She’s quite popular in her class, you know. I’d imagine she’s off training her sword skills right now.”

Another person deceived by my sister. I couldn’t let this slide. I needed to set the record straight.

**”Popular? I can’t believe that! She’s just a selfish woman whose engagement was broken off.

She has no magic, no fiancé, and no prospects. It’s truly pitiful.

Even if it’s just a baron’s family or someone looking for a second wife at an advanced age, I’d appreciate it if anyone could take her off our hands.

I’m doing my best to find her a match because otherwise, she’ll never get married. Someone has to take care of her!”**

I delivered my appeal confidently. Surely, I seemed like a kind and thoughtful sister, didn’t I?

But instead of the agreement I expected, the young nobleman and the others at the table widened their eyes in shock. For a moment, the entire table fell silent.

… Did my feelings not come across properly?