The Sleeping Devil

Sheriel's POV

After explaining the spa to the ladies, I had a tea party with the children in the salon.

They were the same children I had a pleasant time with at the post-baptism tea party, so the atmosphere was peaceful and harmonious---at least at first.

"Giselle-sama, were you invited to the Walpurgis Night? How was it? Was it glamorous?"

"Yes, it was truly glamorous and dazzling. The most enjoyable part was the midnight tea party with Lady Sheriel in the room..."

As Giselle wrapped her pink-tinted cheeks in her hands, her eyes welled up. "Wow, a midnight tea party sounds so fun!"

"Did Didier-sama attend too?" The atmosphere suddenly became lively.

"Speaking of Didier-sama, he's quite popularly known as the Prince of Wisteria in the capital. Everyone is curious about who he will choose as his partner for the coming-of-age ceremony this year."

With curious eyes, the eldest among them, Countess Dora, who was from the Earl's family, leaned forward to speak.

The Prince of Wisteria... Didier, who came of age this year, had held a grand coming-of-age celebration before the start of the academy, but I had never heard such a nickname before.

Giselle seemed curious about Didier's partner, as she looked at him with a serious expression.

"Is there anything you'd like to ask, Lady Sheriel?"

"Well, since such conversations are rare... I was a little surprised to hear that my brother is seen in that light."

"If he's such an excellent and handsome gentleman, anyone would admire him!"

Wait, aren't we forgetting something important?

"Um, I hesitate to say this, but it's about Bériault, isn't it? I'm worried about whether my brother can get married."

"Indeed, before entering school, there were rumors that he was harsh... I mean, terrifying, but now I only hear that he's very affectionate."

Dora seemed to be good at socializing, as she was unusually well-informed about rumors from other territories and the capital. When one person mentioned it, it led to the retelling of Didier's anecdotes, and that's where my hell began.

"It's well-known that Didier-sama took a long vacation to attend Lady Sheriel's baptism ceremony, right? Despite being in his second year, he managed to pass all his exams with top marks."

"That's wonderful sibling love."

It was indeed heartening that Didier, who was still a minor, had participated in the practice of attribute allocation.

"And so, Didier-sama, who learned of Prince Alphonse's misconduct at that tea party, apparently attempted to take the prince's head."

Excuse me? How does Dora-sama know about this? Didn't Dirk stop him immediately?

"I heard about that too! It's so cool!"

"Wait, is that story well-known? Has Prince Alphonse heard about it?"

"No, it seems Didier-sama declared it directly to the prince. I think..."

Dora went on to describe the situation in detail.

It seemed that Alphonse had attended the end-of-term ceremony as a member of the royal family. Although evaluations were conducted across all grades, Didier had held the top position for two consecutive years, from his first to second year.

After the evaluation results were announced, and even the potted plants nurtured in class were showcased on stage, it was a flawless ceremony, with no complaints.

Then, Didier, who received the medal given to the top student from Alphonse, apparently said with a refreshing smile, "This time, instead of the prince's head, I'll take this pot for Lady Sheriel. But if you dare to touch Sheriel next time, I'll really take your head. Wouldn't it be better for you to be grateful to me and this potted plant?" Of course, Alphonse turned red with anger, and Didier left calmly.

I wonder how he managed to come back unharmed. Even though this country's blasphemy laws are quite strict...

"Um, what's so cool about that story?"

"It's wonderful to stand up to those above you without caring about the danger for the sake of your beloved family! As a maiden, one would dream of such a thing if that affection were directed at oneself."

No, no, isn't that strange? Don't you think about the possibility of being executed as an accomplice with that "if"?

Oh, I see, it's possible to dream like that because it's the Marquis de Beriard...

I remembered the special exception that there is no complicity in our family, but I couldn't empathize with the bloodthirsty maiden's dream.

"I'm not at all happy to receive a severed head as a birthday present."

"A severed head, well... "

Even though Shamar agreed to it, Dora's praise continued as if that wasn't a problem.

"Did you receive a very valuable magic flower, I suppose? It's said to be extremely precious, requiring a lot of effort until it sprouts, and apparently it's so valuable that it's traded with gold coins. There were also rumors circulating that it was being grown and gifted to Lady Sheriel."

"Was it really that precious? I remember it's said to summon fairies when it blooms?"

"I've been pouring magic into it little by little every day, but it hasn't bloomed yet, just grown a bit larger. I heard that just getting it to sprout would earn top marks in that class, so I've made up my mind not to let it wither."

"Also, I heard there's an exam for those aspiring to be Sir Didier's knights, where they're shown Lady Sheriel's portrait and asked to express their thoughts."

"What kind of ridiculous exam is that?"

"It's embarrassing beyond belief. It might be because of Sir Didier's exam that Virgil, Giselle's brother, seemed particularly unreserved even on first meeting."

In that sense, it's helpful, but...

"I'm starting to get a headache from the conflicting feelings of not wanting to hear any more and being afraid of what I might find out."

"Furthermore, it's said that all mandatory units have been completed with top marks by the third year, and of course, this year's top spot is already assured for the Beriard family."

"I've heard the Beriard family is special, but they're really amazing, aren't they?"

"For some reason, I break into a cold sweat under Giselle's envious gaze directed at me. Could it be that I'm also expected to achieve similar results?"

"If Didier is so outstanding, I'll probably seem inferior despite being somewhat good at studying. I recall the hand-drawn magic circles with shaky lines and feel like crying."

"The conversation continues about which noble from which territory is handsome, or which kind of man they want to marry in the future."

"The girls here seem to have given up on becoming mistresses since they've actually seen Alphonse at a previous tea party."

"Who would Lady Sheriel like to marry?"

"I'm not sure since I haven't interacted much with noble children my age, but I tend to see them as children in appearance, so they don't seem like romantic prospects."

"Someone I can respect, with a cute side perhaps?"

"Does it matter about their family background, rank, or business?"

"Is it a political matter? Although marrying as a safeguard might be an option, I've heard that the Beriard family doesn't see any territories as threats for now, so it seems I don't need to think too much about it."

I tilt my head in confusion at the debutantes' stunned expressions. Then Giselle timidly adds a clarification.

"If you marry into a lower-ranked family, life can become difficult, you know? You might not be able to afford maids or have servants who are commoners. You might end up with the same status as the maids you've been using so far, like Lady Sheriel."

Ah, I see. Among them, Giselle, who is from a viscount family, has the lowest status, and today she was supposed to be accompanied by a commoner maid. Although I need research funds, I don't mind living with commoners. I've lived as a commoner before, so the only problem is not having electrical appliances.

"If a house can't afford maids, I can develop magical tools. Besides, I have a lot of magical power, so I can manage most things on my own even without servants."

It seems like the worry of petrification is okay for now, and I wonder if I'll ever fall in love. I've only had unrequited love in my past life, so I can't imagine what it's like to be in a relationship.

"So, it's about emphasizing personality, isn't it? That's wonderful."

"Someone you can respect and find cute... Is it usually someone younger? But if it's someone Lady Sheriel can respect, it must be difficult."

As everyone discussed my ideal man, I started feeling embarrassed. Just as I tried to change the subject, a maid from Dior came to call us.

"Everyone, you've returned."

As the wide doors of the tea salon opened, we were hit by a wave of imposing magic, causing us to instinctively stop.

"I understand! It feels like peeling off layers of skin!"

"Yes, exactly! Your skin feels unbelievably soft."

"Look at it! I just lightly dusted some powder!"

"Yes, indeed!"

It's incredibly lively...

When we arrived, the noblewomen looked like they were wearing thick, blank masks, but now they had natural, healthy glows. The effects seemed to be quite satisfactory, as they were all excitedly forgetting their manners.

Each of them had a seat prepared next to their mothers, and the presentation event began.

"Lady Sheriel, you mentioned earlier that joining once allows you to use this place repeatedly if you pay?"

"Yes, all the prices are listed in this document. If you choose to use magic, there's a separate price under the 'magic usage' section."

The atmosphere changed drastically as everyone eagerly looked at the distributed documents. "Wow, it's just one large silver coin!" "If you use magic, it's five small silver coins," voices of surprise were heard. I had intended to set the prices boldly, but judging by their reactions, they could have been a bit higher.

"For those who want to bathe at home, there's also information about installation services, so please speak to the staff later."

The air seemed to ripple, and everyone except Dior's staff changed their expressions.

"Is it alright to reveal such things so easily? How is this business managed?"

"Our salon primarily sells beauty products. Think of it as a beauty shop with experiential facilities."

The initial goal was to promote bathing habits. As a result, facilities like spas were created, so there's no need to skimp on bathtubs. Plus, if it's just a bathtub, it's easy to make, so it's more profitable to arrange artisans from the start.

When I mentioned that we would also be selling clay packs and new face powders that hadn't been released to the company yet, everyone looked at me with intense, predatory gazes.

"What is this water purification system?"

The one who eagerly asked about the facilities was Shamal's mother, Ilmela.

Since the servants in her house are a mix of lower nobility and commoners, she's interested in what combination would work best.

As I explained about the water purification while showing a simple diagram on a slate, some nodded in understanding while others tilted their heads, but overall, they seemed to grasp the concept.

"You can choose to just have the bathtub or to install a faucet with the water purification system included. You can even have your servants fill the tub and measure the amount of magic used, so feel free to consider your budget and magic usage while discussing it."

"If you can make the initial investment, that's better in terms of magical cost-effectiveness. They should be able to calculate that properly since they manage the estate on a daily basis."

Sergio and Dior showed reluctance about revealing the water purification facilities, but just installing the bathtub alone wouldn't be enough to keep up with the magical capabilities of lower nobility. Besides, once the water system becomes widespread within the territory, soap would likely become the biggest revenue earner.

"Can you also sell those peculiar magical tools?"

"I personally craft the independent magical tools, so I've only made the ones we have here. But if there's demand, I'm considering selling them."

"Could it be, Lady Sheriel!?"

After the salon echoed with sounds of astonishment, there were hushed exchanges about my age and curse.

After a brief pause, I began explaining about the tea salon.

"This tea salon is also open for use, so feel free to enjoy it. Please check the document for the prices of tea and sweets. You can order whatever you like and settle the bill when you leave."

Since they usually only have tea with others by invitation or when they're invited, they were puzzled about how to use the tea salon.

Come to think of it, does the noble academy have a cafeteria? I should have asked Didier, but I observed the reactions of those around me instead.

"Hey, take a look at this... it's only a small silver coin."

"Oh, really? Then we could come every week."

"This document is very easy to read."

"I'd like to arrange to come together sometime."

Hosting a tea party involves considerable expenses, from creating invitations to preparing confections, tea sets, flowers, and costumes. Lower nobles only host one per year at most, and they can't even meet anyone without being invited.

I want those people to feel free to use it too.

"Is this chocolate from Dior's tea party?"

"Yes, we'll gradually introduce items that received good reviews at my mother's tea parties."

Dior nodded, and there was an exclamation of delight.

I had gotten too used to it and almost forgotten, but usually, other nobles lick sugar cubes while drinking tea.

If the sweets that could only be enjoyed at Dior's tea party can be eaten whenever they want, they're sure to come often.

I struggled to contain the smile that threatened to spill over at the sound of the clinking gold coins in my mind.

I had prepared a set course of light snacks and sweets on three-tiered plates for everyone that we plan to serve at the salon. There are courses with and without vegetables, and I plan to change the menu slightly every month.

"In addition to the courses, you can also order your favorite sweets individually, so please feel free to use them."

"If we have an admission pass, can we use just the tea salon?"

"Yes, of course."

In a way, it's a compound facility combining a spa, a café, and a cosmetics store.

"This salon begins with introductions from everyone here. Each person can introduce up to three people, and if the person they introduce causes any problems, they will be held accountable collectively and forced to withdraw from the membership. So please be careful."

"We'll be the first members, won't we?" "I never imagined we'd receive such privileges."

Emulating Walpurgis Night's introduction system seemed to appeal to them, but they seem to be particularly weak to privileges. However, one upper-class noblewoman interjected into the excited buzz.

"Lady Sheriel, isn't this already beyond the scope of a business? What we'll gain will be much greater than we can imagine. We must prepare now for when His Highness ascends the throne. We must be united as the nobles of this territory to acquire power surpassing that of the capital. Do you understand the extent of this influence? I'm worried that friction with other territories will arise soon."

Amidst the mixed feelings of anxiety and warning, Dior, who had been silent until now, spoke up for the first time.

"Sheriel understands everything. Trivial matters like interference from other territories aren't important. You all know that we had a marriage proposal from the royal family in the past. And the qualities of the current Crown Prince, Alphonse..."

Once Dior stopped speaking, the space fell silent except for the sound of swallowing.

Of course, I was also concentrating on Dior's words with all my senses.

Because I didn't understand at all why influence, marriage proposals, and what it had to do with me.

"When His Highness ascends the throne, this country, this territory, must change. We must prepare now for the calamity brought by the foolish king. This isn't the time for factional squabbles. In preparation for the future, the nobles of this territory must unite and gain power surpassing the capital... That is the true purpose of this business."

Everyone stood up simultaneously and bowed deeply to Dior and me.

"Please forgive my shallow remarks. Indeed, you are the daughter of the Beriard family. Once again, we pledge our loyalty here."

Huh... Rebellion? Is it rebellion? I'm completely lost, what are they talking about?

Dior smiled contentedly, allowing everyone to take their seats, while I could only sit next to him, attempting to mimic an appropriate expression and giving a faint nod.

I only wanted to earn a little money with my knowledge from my past life and my whimsical studies of magic, but how did it end up like this...?

No, but it's about bringing together the nobles to enrich the territory, right? It should be okay; it's not that ominous. I also want the territory to prosper.

In the end, it became a bit unclear, but the business unveiling event ended safely, and I hurriedly busied myself with preparations for the evening banquet.

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