Chapter 3

I have translated the text as requested:

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I have included a translation for the noble language as well. Since there are some ambiguous expressions, I have translated all the statements that required Roretta's translation.

I attended the evening party. It's not a masquerade ball tonight, but a regular evening party. It's not hosted by my family, but by the House of Solorak. It was held in a rather large hall owned by the House of Solorak. Many high-ranking nobles own such large halls. We have one too, but it's quite a challenge to maintain. Things like chandeliers with intricate designs are a real pain to take down and polish. I've never experienced that labor myself, but the maids and footmen seem to find it quite difficult.

I attended the evening party tonight in a beautiful deep blue dress. The deep blue, like the night sky, is adorned with silver beads that resemble stars.

"Lady Roretta, it's been a while."

My friend, Lady Barbena, called out to me. Lady Barbena has the same brown hair and blue eyes as me. Her eyes are a much lighter blue, almost aqua, and almond-shaped like a cat's. Her hair is straight, unlike mine. Her figure is slender and graceful. Her temperament is also whimsical, like a cat.

"It's been a while since I've seen your adorable face. (Translation: It's been a while. I'm glad to see your face.)"

"You're as charming as ever. Is Lord Alto not with you today?"

Lady Barbena is skilled at translating Roretta language, so she seems very close to me. She takes my sarcastic remarks in stride.

"We came in the same carriage. I don't know where he is now. Rumor...?"

Alto and I came in the same carriage and parted ways at the venue. We plan to return in the same carriage.

What kind of rumor? I'm a girl who can only spout curses when I open my mouth, so I'm not well-liked by others. In the social circle, there aren't many people who speak to me intimately, which naturally means I have less information.

"Apparently, he asked a lady to 'lift her skirt and spread her legs.' It's quite the talk of the town in various ways."

"Oh..."

What should I do, Alto's reputation is in a terrible state...

I'm worried!

"Some say it's rude and dirty, but others say it's manly. Everyone is curious about what's between the legs of the young ladies Lord Alto has shared a bed with."

"The people in the social circle are as idle as ever. (Translation: They only talk about nonsense! I'm so annoyed!)"

"Hehe. Now that I've told you, I'm one of those idle people too."

We chatted happily (or so it seemed). Lady Barbena is a friendly and well-informed person. She tells me all sorts of rumors. The hottest topic now is that Lady Beatrice has fallen ill and has stepped down as the Crown Prince's fiancée. The royal family is quite a noisy place, with people saying things like "I want my daughter to be the Crown Princess" or "I want to be the Crown Princess." While it's said that Lady Beatrice's engagement was broken off due to illness, the rumor that she eloped is strong. The head of Lady Beatrice's family, the Rozmond family, seems to be feeling the pressure.

"Lady Roretta."

The famous Crown Prince, Josephine, approached. With his sparkling golden hair and emerald green eyes, he is a very handsome and charming man. I can understand why young ladies want to be the Crown Princess. He is also a very cheerful person.

"Good evening, Your Highness."

"Hehe. It's been a while. I haven't been able to go out much... It's really been a while."

Since the spring garden party at the palace. Due to security reasons, the Crown Prince rarely leaves the palace. I wonder why he's attending today.

"Your position is so noble, it's understandable."

"I wish I could be in a more relaxed position. Lady Roretta, you've become even more beautiful, haven't you?"

"If I'm in full bloom. (Translation: Right?)"

I'm quite beautiful, too, you know? My coloring is common, though. Alto is even more beautiful. It's a bit frustrating. Alto, you're so beautiful for a man, it's unfair.

"Have you heard the rumors about me? I would be delighted if my next fiancée were a beautiful young lady like Lady Roretta."

"Flattery can be taken too far, and no one will find it charming. (Translation: Save your sweet talk for your pillow.)"

"But I'm serious..."

"Hehe. People have their strengths and weaknesses. (Translation: No way.)"

Lady Barbena quickly stepped back so as not to interrupt our conversation. Traitor. Pfft.

A long time ago, when we were still children, Crown Prince Josephine once proposed to me, but I declined. Honestly, being the Crown Princess would be too much for me with my peculiar language and attitude. A queen who curses and is mean to others is just not feasible.

Just as Josephine was earnestly courting me, another voice interrupted.

"Lady Roretta. You're being aloof. You won't even show me your face."

It was Lord Adavan.

A beautiful man with black hair and blue eyes. He has a gentle smile. Lord Adavan is a slightly effeminate gentleman. Sometimes his dramatic reactions seem a bit theatrical.

"If you want to see me, you should come to me on your own."

"That's impolite. Beautiful lady, it's an honor to meet you."

He took my hand respectfully and kissed the back of it. His theatrical gestures are truly elegant. He exudes a mature charm. A young girl would be knocked out by his allure. It doesn't affect me, though. I'm not a young girl. Alto is even more impressive... No, never mind! Never mind!

"Adavan, that's impolite. Lady Roretta was talking to me."

"That's impolite of me, Your Highness. I couldn't help but be captivated by the beautiful Lady Roretta."

"Oh, already calling her your fiancée? You're quite presumptuous. (Translation: Stop it. We haven't agreed to get engaged yet!)"

I was taken aback by being called a fiancée out of the blue. The engagement isn't official yet! I haven't agreed to it! Can you please stop trying to seal the deal without my consent!?

Lord Adavan sighed dramatically.

"Why won't you give me a favorable answer? I love you so much."

"I've heard that Lord Adavan has a very colorful romantic life. It's only natural to be hesitant."

"It's a physiological response. Even your brother, Lord Alto, acted based on the same physiological response, didn't he?"

"Alto intended to take responsibility. (Translation: Don't compare me to someone who just plays around.)"

I felt a bit uncomfortable. Alto did call me his "destined woman." I'm not sure if he would turn his back on me if I revealed my true identity, though.

"That's surprising. I heard that you and your brother don't get along well."

It must be surprising that I'm defending Alto. From the outside, we are seen as siblings who don't get along, and I do curse a lot. Alto has also said he hates me. But I don't hate Alto at all; in fact, I like him. I've never said I hate him.

"We don't get along well. But it's only because Alto dislikes me. (Translation: I don't hate Alto.)"

It's sad to be disliked, but I can only be close to people who can translate Roretta language well. It's become a habit for me.

"Your words make me uneasy. It would be better if this country didn't allow marriage between step-siblings."

Lord Adavan, who can properly translate Roretta language, looked troubled. Crown Prince Josephine also looked troubled. Both seem to view Alto as a rival in love.

"I have no intention of marrying Alto."

"You don't know what he thinks, do you?"

Alto wanting to marry me? That's impossible. I'm so disliked by him.

I chatted with Lord Adavan and Crown Prince Josephine. Crown Prince Josephine was eventually surrounded by young ladies and left.

"Hey, Lady Roretta. I love you the most in the world."

Lord Adavan whispered with a passionate look in his eyes.

I couldn't help but think that maybe he has a clear ranking of 2nd and 3rd place in his heart...