Chapter 64 – The Fundraising Gala
Chapter 64 – The Fundraising Gala
Here is the castle’s opulent antechamber, prepared specially for tonight’s gala.
The room is adorned with flowers everywhere, and tables are piled high with mountains of sweets.
As expected from the castle. Even the waiting room is extravagantly luxurious in every way.
“Please have a seat here, Saintess.”
“Yes.”
In front of a grand mirror with elaborate decorations, the white priestess styles my hair and applies my makeup.
Then, slipping into a pale aquamarine long gown for the gala, I transformed into a completely different person.
She’s gotten even handier than before…
Hehe.
When Coden asked for my preferred dress color, I ended up choosing aquamarine.
I wanted to save my favorite pink for truly special occasions.
It’d feel a bit wasteful to wear it to a fundraising gala.
“Note-san. Tonight, if someone invites me to dance, I dance, and if they talk to me, I just smile, right?”
“That’s correct. Don’t say anything unnecessary—just keep smiling. And nothing else.”
I only meant to do a quick final check as we left the makeup room, but she shot me a glare.
I swear I remember this time. Even if I do have a track record.
My guard is Ted-san.
My escort is Evas-san, filling in since Heart-san isn’t available.
I’d been agonizing over who to ask when Note-san arranged everything. What a lifesaver.
“Evas-san, you’ve really saved me. Thank you so much.”
“Think nothing of it. We’re best friends, aren’t we? I’ll help anytime.”
No, no—your mother absolutely despises me.
I’m amazed she even allowed you to come to the gala.
Ah. That black-hearted butler is grinning right at me.
Haha, of course he’d show up.
His smile looks even shadier than usual.
I wonder what kind of backroom deal he struck with Note-san…
And there—peeking out from behind the butler—is Katriona!
“Katriona! You came?”
“Hehe. Just dropping off a little something.”
Katriona spots me and her face lights up in a radiant smile as her eyes flick toward that lavish pile of sweets.
Oh, those were Katriona’s gift! Makes sense—this is the castle, after all.
“Thank you!! The flowers too, maybe?”
“Hehe, no need, no need. Oh, and I came to check that Evas didn’t mess anything up.”
“Hmph. As if I would. Besides, I was the one who suggested those sweets to Katriona as my gift.”
Haha. And there they go, bickering again.
They share the same hobbies and tastes.
Always competing like this.
They should just get together already.
“Now, now—smiles, smiles. Keeping that smile on your face is your job today.”
“Got it! Catch you later, Katriona!”
I give Katriona a quick little wave, then hurry down the corridor and take a deep breath in front of the door.
“We’re going in, Saintess.”
“Yes.”
Escorted by Evas-san, I take my position at the landing of the stairs leading down to the venue.
Tonight there’s no petals or sparkles, so I have to overwhelm them with sheer poise alone, she told me…
Overwhelm…
Every nerve focused down to my fingertips, I offer a gentle smile and a slow, graceful greeting.
“Hmm.”
The entire venue falls utterly silent, as if holding its collective breath—then the music, which had paused, resumes.
I descend the stairs with dignified poise and settle elegantly into the ornate chair.
Phew. So far, so good.
Tonight’s job is simple: flash a sweet smile at each person who comes up to greet me, one after another.
I absolutely must not say something like “Please donate money.”
Glancing at Ted-san standing ramrod straight, I apologize to him silently in my heart for putting him through this.
This isn’t a guild commission—it’s pure volunteer work.
I’d planned to request guards from the Second Holy Knights, but Ted-san volunteered himself.
“A familiar face feels more reassuring,” he’d said.
I’m so grateful.
Phew. Once the greetings wrap up, a line forms for dance partners.
First up is my escort, Evas-san.
Honestly, since I don’t have to mind my manners around him, it’s a huge relief.
“You already look worn out, but the dances have only just begun.”
“Yes. Please come to my rescue at the perfect moment.”
“Haha. As you wish.”
I dance from one partner to the next, smiling through the greetings, my mind consumed with just one thought: When will I be free?
Official galas are brutal. No chance to rest at leisure.
But this is work. I have to push through!
Finally exhausted, I steal a glance at Ted-san, who signals Evas-san.
Ahh—rescued.
Back in the makeup room, I collapse in a boneless heap.
I smiled so much my facial muscles feel all wrong.
The instant Note-san instructs the priestesses to “Finish in 10 minutes,” they service me like an F1 car flying through the pits.
True professionals—no burden on me whatsoever…
That loose-lipped Sarsis-san was studying hair and makeup; I think she landed her dream gig as some noble’s exclusive stylist, just like she wanted.
Everyone’s working so hard.
I can’t slack off either.
“Saintess, you weren’t roped into any invitations or promises, were you?”
“No. Just as you said—I handled everything with ‘Please go through the church.'”
“Excellent. Keep it up until the very end.”
“Yes.”
Note-san lifts the corners of her mouth in satisfaction—a rare bit of praise from her.
Ehehe. That makes me happy.
Behind us, the priestesses chatter excitedly: “This cosmetic is one even Third Princess Joses Katriona-sama swears by!”
Everyone’s having a great time. That’s what’s important.
Thank you so much for reading.
To everyone who bookmarked, rated, or liked: I appreciate you all from the bottom of my heart!
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thanks for the chapter