Julius, I'd like you to conduct an undercover investigation.
An informant obtained a list of guests
invited to Count Parnilla's family's soirée.
There have long been rumors connecting them to the anti-royal faction,
and now they're hosting this party.
If the rumors are true, then it's highly likely that a number
of other similarly suspect nobles will be there.
I want you to see who actually shows up to participate,
what their level of intimacy is,
and what their reaction is to "Aleksis's personal aide, Julius"
being in attendance.
Understood, Your Royal Highness.
Good. Then, I'll leave it to you.
The Duke's Son Claims He Won't Love Me, But Showers Me with Adoration
Episode 6
"The Trap Hidden at the Soirée"
Working with flowers is fun, isn't it?
The garden here has flowers for every season,
so I think we'll be able to make all sorts of things.
I'd like to try making a wreath next.
I agree!
So would I!
Elsa, so this is where you've been.
Husband!
Welcome home!
This is so sudden. What a surprise!
I'm back.
I'd like to talk to you about something, if that's all right.
You would?
You're home early today.
The meeting finished early.
What were all of you doing?
The cosmos in the garden were magnificent,
so we were all making dried flowers, or moist potpourri with them.
Cosmos. Is it the season for them already?
There were so many blooming, we might be able to make jam from the petals!
You can make jam from flowers?
Now, I know this is a sudden proposition,
but I have a favor to ask of you.
What's this?
An invitation to a soirée soon to be hosted by Count Parnilla's family.
I will be attending this party as a part of my work,
but as my wife, I would like you to accompany me.
What do you think?
Well...
the truth is I've never attended a soirée before.
In order to ensure that your work goes well,
I'll be sure to prepare as fully as I can!
I'll be counting on you.
Of course!
A soirée...
The upper classes use high society to solidify their own power bases.
Could this be...
Elsa, a soirée, you see...
is a social space where nobles ensure the security of their power bases.
Mother... you've already taught me all about this.
Your behavior must always be refined.
Stay calm.
When someone wants me to introduce myself...
It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Elsa of the House of Royas.
It suits you well, Lady Elsa.
You look absolutely lovely!
Elsa, are you ready?
Husband.
Elsa, you look...
Husband?
It's time for us to leave.
Yes, Husband!
Mother, this is a social space for nobles, isn't it?
It's night, but it's so bright here.
Elsa.
Yes?
Are you feeling all right? You're quieter than usual.
Husband, you're even more dazzling than usual.
Dazzling?
Julius!
Lady Elsa!
So, you've come as a couple.
Lady Rebeka!
It's been a while, hasn't it?
My, Lady Elsa!
That dress suits you so well!
Thank you! My husband had it prepared for me.
The fabric is nicer than anything I've felt before.
I got so nervous putting it on.
When I think that I might trip and tear it, my heart starts pounding.
Lady Rebeka, your dress suits you very well, too!
The cut and make is so beautifully done.
You can tell at a glance that someone skilled poured their heart into making it!
It makes me so happy that you can tell!
My husband picked this out as a present for me.
When did these two become such good friends?
Pay me some compliments too, dear sister!
Hannes!
I didn't recognize you, so I didn't realize!
Good evening.
Why are you here?
Lately, I've been working at the palace,
so I happened to see Lord Jarmo again, and he gave me an invitation.
I see. I'll have to thank Lord Jarmo.
I'm grateful that he's treating you like a friend, Hannes.
Count Parnilla has arrived.
Lord Jarmo and Lady Serafina...
the whole family is so beautiful!
They're just as beautiful and glamorous as ever.
They're sparkling.
Thank you for coming to the House of Parnilla's soirée.
Tonight, we have prepared the very finest food, drink, and music for your enjoyment.
And, of course, you will also find the ballroom at the back there.
Please enjoy this wonderful night to its fullest!
I'll just go and pay my respects.
I'll go and get some drinks.
Everything really is glittering!
Welcome and thank you for coming, Lord Julius.
Thank you for your invitation.
May I ask who this lady is?
My wife, Elsa.
It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Elsa.
I see.
So, you are she.
Please enjoy yourself tonight.
Lady Elsa.
May I borrow Lord Julius for a little while?
There's an acquaintance I'd like to introduce to him.
Those are...
the nobles from the investigation team.
Elsa, I'll be right back.
Of course. Please go ahead.
That must be the purpose of coming to this soirée tonight.
I hope you're faring well. May we introduce ourselves?
Of course.
I must be sure to conduct myself in a manner that doesn't get in his way.
Coming all the way to our party like this...
I wonder what he could be investigating.
Please leave him to me.
Have you discovered some weakness of his?
Well...
something like that.
Please don't fret.
I'll deal with anything that might get in your way, Father.
That is my role, after all.
After greeting so many people, I'm almost starting to feel dizzy.
Which of these are non-alcoholic?
These ones here.
Thank you.
Lord Julius and Lady Serafina.
So, they've been there on the balcony.
Look there. It's Lord Julius.
Lady Serafina is a far better match for him than his wife.
I heard that they married due to their families' statuses,
but they say that his wife is from a destitute noble house.
The rumor is that the ducal house of Royas
has given them a hefty sum in aid.
Oh my!
If that's true, I can't imagine they're a very good match at all.
Good evening.
You must be chatting about something quite wonderful.
I could hear the enjoyment in your voices all the way over there.
Lady Rebeka!
Will you permit me to join you?
P-Please ask us some other time.
We were just about to go to the ballroom.
Oh, what a shame.
Honestly. They are completely shameless.
Lady Elsa, it's a waste to let the words of people like them bother you.
Not at all! I'm all right, Lady Rebeka.
And it's all true anyway.
Lady Elsa, I'm feeling quite peckish.
I'll fetch some refreshments.
Let's eat together.
Even Lady Rebeka is being considerate towards me.
"To behave as befits the wife of a ducal house."
I haven't fulfilled the promise I made to my husband, have I?
More than anything else...
when Lady Serafina is by his side, he's far more self-assured than he is with me.
This pain in my heart...
This racing heartbeat that won't slow... Could it be...
Do I have an arrhythmia?
Hey there.
I haven't seen you before.
From those on the list, I've determined
which of those who seem suspicious are in attendance,
and have a general idea of their conversations and tone of voice.
Through Serafina's connections,
I've been able to make contact with everyone I deemed necessary.
Still, before, when I considered this my work...
being touched by someone like this was nothing to me.
Now, I have an overwhelming desire...
to speak with her.
Lord Julius!
Hannes?
I'm sorry. I'll take over here.
Could I ask you to return to my sister?
I won't be able to put a stop to it, you see.
Tonight, we've prepared a special wine for all of you.
Um... would you like to make a toast with me in a private room?
I'm sorry, Lady Serafina. I can't drink alcohol yet.
Who are you?!
Where is Lord Julius?!
Are you a lady's maid from some noble house?
Or are you the daughter of some merchant who's been invited to make things lively?
No, neither.
This is the first time I've attended, but I'm the House of Royas's...
It doesn't matter! It's no fun on your own, right?
I'll keep you company.
Thank you for offering, but I'm waiting for someone.
I'll fetch some refreshments.
What? There's no need to worry about social status here.
I'll teach you the proper manners for pouring wine!
I-I, um...
I believe you should begin by learning to improve your character.
What's your problem? I was just wooing this girl.
She is my wife.
What? Do you know who I am?
You're... the Royas...
Now that I think about it...
Recently, there have been reports of iron ore
of questionable purity within the kingdom.
The ore produced within your lands are due to be investigated very soon.
I was hoping to say hello,
so speaking to you like this is perfect, Viscount Helco.
As you've attempted to woo my wife right in front of me,
I can assume that you've declared the ducal house of Royas
to be your enemy, correct?
For tonight, we'll excuse ourselves.
Well done, Julius.
Elsa, I'm sorry it took me so long to rescue you.
Oh, don't be!
I'm sorry I've interfered with your work.
And I made a scene.
You haven't interfered.
As a wife of House Royas,
I'm sure just greeting everyone must have been exhausting.
Thank you for coming with me tonight.
And, I'm late in saying this...
Your dress tonight looks wonderful on you.
I'm glad I picked that one.
Thank you, Husband.
My husband truly is a kind person.
That woman over there...
She looks lonely all by herself, doesn't she, Viscount Helco?
What do you think?
For Julius to get that angry in front of people...
It was quite the intriguing spectacle.
Wasn't it, Julius?
Enough! Please just take it away!
But, Miss, we've brought all your favorite cakes.
I'm not in the mood!
O-Our apologies!
What is he thinking? That Lord Julius...
After he disappeared midway through the soirée, he hasn't contacted me for days.
I told you, I don't want to eat—
Miss, a letter from Lord Julius has arrived.
There is something I would like to discuss.
If possible, I hope you can come to the royal palace.
You called, Miss?
Bring all my favorite clothes and accessories, please!
I must dress my very best!
Serafina.
Lord Julius.
I'm sorry for leaving the party the other night without saying goodbye.
Not at all! It didn't bother me a bit.
And you've sent me a letter, after all.
Ever since that night...
within society, the rumor that you, Serafina, are my true love,
and Elsa is my wife merely for show seems to have started circulating.
Oh my. Is that so?
I suppose that when people saw you and I greeting everyone
we may have appeared particularly intimate in their eyes.
Because we suit each other so well!
That's true. Which is why...
as I don't want any misunderstandings about my dear wife,
I would like you to take that into consideration in the future.
I had you come here today so that I could tell you this in person.
I felt that if I didn't tell you plainly, it wouldn't get through to you.
And now, I have work to do. If you'll excuse me.
Lord Julius!
Lord Julius...
Even when I've dressed myself up like this...
no matter how beautiful I may be...
you've never showed me even the smallest fragment of your heart, have you?
Oh, I've never felt so wretched in all my life!
I can't stand this! I can't stand it!
I will never forgive you.
Translation: Elanor Sakamoto Timing: Mariana Martinez Editing & Typesetting: Gabriella Alabanza Quality Check: Salem Alabanza Final Quality Check: Michelle Tymon