12 O’Clock Marionette

Chapter 9

Betty, her face full of pride, led me in front of the mirror.

The empire-style dress, with its long shirred fabric, wrapped smoothly around Siora’s body.

Since the base was already good, it suited her well. End of assessment.

“Is His Grace really not coming?”

“He says he’s busy with work.”

“That’s a shame. If you look through the Empire’s history books, there’s no face as—”

Gasp—Betty abruptly cut herself off.

Her display of human instinct was almost endearing.

Just then, someone knocked on the already open door.

“Are you done?”

It was Gavotte, who, as of yesterday, had officially become my brother.

He was my designated escort for the night, though he made no effort to hide how much he hated it.

Still, he had diligently played his part in this dress-up game—his hair and outfit were immaculately styled.

“Wow.”

Since he had gone through the effort for my sake, I gave him a round of applause.

Clap, clap, clap. With each clap, Gavotte’s expression twisted further.

“That’s enough. Let’s go.”

“Yes, sir!”

Gavotte lazily approached and offered his arm.

If he hated it this much, he could have just run away, but for some reason, he insisted on being responsible in the strangest ways.

Now that I thought about it, Gavotte had been the only one who opposed my adoption.

Whether it was because he didn’t want to be family with me or because he wanted no connection to Cruello, I wasn’t sure.

But his opinion had been dismissed since he held little influence.

Well, for the sake of the greater good, Gavotte just had to endure it.

It wasn’t like I planned to stay as Siora forever.

The party hall was set up in the mansion’s main hall.

All I had to do was descend the grand central staircase.

Two long party tables covered in white cloth stretched through the hall.

On top, elegant cutlery, floral arrangements, and meticulously prepared dishes filled every inch of space.

Dressed in dazzling attire, the nobles formed their own clusters, clinking champagne glasses as they chatted away.

Among them, someone spotted me.

“Oh my, the guest of honor has arrived.”

The chatter died down, and an array of odd gazes locked onto me.

That was… unsettling.

I composed my expression and stepped forward.

Back straight, eyes sharp, the corners of my lips slightly lifted, but not too much. Keep my gaze steady—don’t let my eyes dart around.

Focus on the chandelier, then bow.

To ensure I wasn’t underestimated, I even released a faint trace of holy power.

“Good evening, I am Siora Bonetti.”

Thank you for coming, and so on, and so forth.

I delivered the prepared speech flawlessly, not missing a single word.

That was the extent of my role. The real host, Minuet, approached with a smile.

“I’ll introduce you to the guests.”

And so, the greeting nightmare began.

I lost count of how many times I said, Hello. Just that alone was exhausting.

By the midway point, I started secretly hoping for something to go wrong.

Maybe some chaos could break out? Nothing happened.

Maybe an excuse to escape would present itself? No such luck.

“Lady Siora, by the way, I hear you’re getting engaged soon.”

“Oh yes! To the White Desert Duke, no less.”

“I believe you first met at the puppet theater… Ah, but we shouldn’t bring up the theater, should we? Haha.”

They were just poking at my nerves.

Smiling, but growing increasingly irritated.

Gavotte had already let go of my arm and escaped long ago, while Minuet simply observed from the sidelines.

Life was lonely.

“Well, I’m just a regular person, haha. Everyone seems so interested, though. Haha.”

Forcing a laugh, I reached for a passing servant’s tray and grabbed a glass of wine.

“I heard that your fiancé’s previous betrotheds…”

You know what?

Getting drunk might actually be the better option.

I tilted my glass back and downed the wine in one gulp.

And then—

“Pffffft—!”

“Argh!”

I spat it out. Hard.

What the hell is this?

I hadn’t noticed before drinking it, but as soon as it hit my mouth, a dark energy surged through me.

It felt like the aura of a monster—was this some kind of liquor brewed with monster ingredients?

Or…

“Oh.”

Could it be monster venom? No way. Seriously?

“What in the world are you doing, Lady Siora?!”

The man directly in front of me shouted in protest. Sir Labyrinth, was it?

His face was now completely drenched in the wine I had just spat out.

Wait a second. If this was really poisoned—?

“I’m sorry!”

Oh no, this was bad!

I just spat poison all over someone’s face!

I reached into my coat, but my pockets were empty.

Unfortunate—I wasn’t the type to carry a handkerchief.

With no other options, I grabbed the tablecloth and rubbed Sir Labyrinth’s face mercilessly.

“Wha—, Gah, Sto—, Ugh, I can—, Breathe—!”

He seemed to be struggling to resist, but this was a life-or-death situation, so he’d just have to endure it.

As I wiped his face, I continuously chanted in my head.

Purify, purify, purify, purify!

“…Hic.”

“Phew.”

Alright, he shouldn’t die from poisoning now.

I tossed the ruined tablecloth aside and inspected his face.

Clean as new! But now his face was bright red, like a beet.

Oh, I recognized this development.

“Did you just fall for me?”

“As if I would!”

At that moment, Gavotte grabbed my arm and dragged me away into a secluded corner.

The surrounding guests were too stunned to react, simply watching as I was hauled off.

Well, at least I successfully escaped.

“What the hell was that about?”

“I expected you to just yell, ‘Are you insane?’ but that was oddly considerate.”

“Was there something wrong with the wine? Did it taste off?”

Oh? Sharp.

That was a difficult question to answer.

It definitely gave off a bad energy for humans, but my knowledge was too limited to be certain.

Maybe I should casually ask if monster-infused liquor actually exists?

“…Damn it, I saw something suspicious. I won’t get mad, so just tell me.”

“Suspicious?”

“…I didn’t get a clear look, but I think I saw a servant adding something to the wine.”

Oh-ho.

There was no way they were making monster liquor on the spot, so that meant—

“So it’s really monster venom?”

“Dooop—!”

I slapped a hand over Gavotte’s mouth before he could finish.

Was he trying to shout about poison in the party hall for everyone to hear?!

No, wait.

There was a bigger issue at hand.

“Did that servant bring the poisoned glass directly to me?”

“I don’t know. I got suspicious and followed them, but I lost track.”

Okay, let’s summarize.

Best-case scenario: I was the only target.

Worst-case scenario: Anyone in this hall could be a target.

And even worse—there might not be just one victim.

Oh, fantastic. We’re doomed.

“You got your answer, now it’s my turn, Siora. What exactly was that earlier?”

“Be quiet.”

I summoned my holy power.

—2nd-order spell, Sensory Expansion.

Goosebumps prickled across my skin as my senses sharpened, amplifying my ability to detect energy.

The same ominous presence from my glass was scattered all over the party hall.

Focusing on the traces of poison, I noticed a common factor.

Dark red liquid.

It was all in the red wine.

Whether it was for its taste or color similarity, it didn’t matter. The key point was—

“Gavotte, we need to collect every red wine glass immediately!”

“What? But people are already drinking them!”

“Snatch them away and say you’re thirsty!”

“You’re insane.”

That was the last thing I heard before I took off running.

From that moment on, I became a wild stallion.

“Oh, this wine has quite a kick to it.”

“It’s spoiled! Toss it out!”

“Gah! Where did you come from—? W-Wait, Lady Bonetti?”

“Lovely to see you, Lady Catherine! That necklace suits you beautifully. Since we’re fated to meet, how about a handshake?”

“Huh?”

—Purification.

“It was great meeting you! Bye now!”

Next person!

“You see, I was just parched and wanted a sip of this—AARGH! WINE THIEF!”

“I’m sorry! I was just so thirsty! Ah, Sir Liliant, congratulations on your knighthood! Quite an achievement at your age—only a thousand knights have reached your rank so young!”

“O-Oh, uh, thank you…?”

Since he hadn’t drunk yet, no need for purification.

Next person!

“Baron Herbert, I heard you enjoy refreshing flavors. Instead of that, how about a nice rosé? I think it would suit your palate better.”

“Oh, hello, Lady Siora. If you recommend it, then—”

“Ah! But your collar is slightly out of place. Hold still.”

—Purification.

“You look even more dashing now! Well then, I’ll be on my way!”

Surprisingly, Minuet’s guest list was proving to be quite useful

By pointing out things they liked, I was able to take their wine without resistance.

For those who were too dumbfounded to protest, I simply encouraged them to look at life more positively.

Next, next, and next!

“We’re almost done. The remaining wine should be—”

“Siora Bonetti!”

“Mm.”

Minuet blocked my path.

Her expression was composed—probably because of the watching eyes—but her voice burned with anger.

“Do you have a death wish? Are you trying to ruin the party on purpose?”

“Quite the opposite.”

“What?”

“Minuet, we can talk later—”

“Lady Holmaze, get a hold of yourself!”

A frantic cry cut across the party hall.

Oh, crap.

“Minuet, get a priest!”

I rushed toward the commotion.

A woman with autumn-colored hair had collapsed, clutching her chest.

Nina Grace Holmaze, the only daughter of Count Holmaze.

“Hic, kkh—!”

“Lady Holmaze! What’s happening all of a sudden—?!”

“A priest has been called, please wait a moment.”

I knelt down beside Nina and examined her.

Her face was ashen, and she was gasping desperately for air.

Inside her, the venom’s energy was raging.

When I grabbed her hand to check further, she suddenly gripped mine with all her strength.

“S-So… scary…”

Her breathing was too erratic.

I immediately covered her mouth.

“Lady Siora! What are you—?!”

“Breathe through your nose, slowly. Stay calm.”

“Mmph—!”

“It’s okay, Nina. You’re not going to die. You’ll be fine.”

Her condition was rapidly deteriorating.

If we waited for the priest, it might be too late.

Earlier, I could have cured her discreetly, but now—**with all these witnesses and her visible symptoms—**it was too obvious.

What do I do?

At that moment—

Drip.

Something wet landed on my hand.

Tears.

Nina’s eyes overflowed with them.

Without realizing it, my mouth opened slightly.

“…You’ll live. I’ll save you.”

Screw it!

I could make up an excuse later!

I quickly scanned the area.

Perfect—an ally was nearby.

“Gavotte, bring me a paper bag! Something like a bread bag!”

Gavotte, looking baffled, nodded automatically.

Conveniently, a dessert bag was nearby.

I held the bag over Nina’s nose and mouth.

The bag inflated and deflated with each breath.

“What’s the bag supposed to do?”

“I… don’t know…”

“Let’s just wait and see.”

Her hyperventilation was only a surface symptom—the real cause was something else.

But as a distraction, this would do.

With everyone’s attention on the bag, I carefully poured holy power into her body.

—Purification.

“Oh my! Her complexion improved the moment we used the bag!”

Yes. It’s a scam.