Regressor Instruction Manual

Chapter 1376. An Unexpected Debut (11)

“Lady P-Peneloti, is it true? You really... talked all night?!” Lady Paint asked.

“No, we didn’t talk all night. I just played a game that Marquis Jayce enjoys... The game was more fun than I expected, so I forgot the time,” I answered.

“Isn’t that the same thing? Oh my... I was worried you were staying up too late... Did you really stay up all night?” Lady Paint asked.

“...”

“...”

At Lady Paint’s question, Lady Brush shouted loudly, “T-that’s way too suggestive, Lady Peneloti! Th-that’s crazy. It’s crazy... How can both of you talk all night? How is that possible?! It’s so scandalous. Scandalous, I tell you! It’s so scandalous that it’s revolutionary!

"Did you reach adulthood without us knowing?! And Marquis Jayce...”

‘Which part is supposed to be suggestive? What does reaching adulthood even mean?’

“That’s not something to enjoy, Lady Brush. Haa... Miss Peneloti ... what on earth...” Lady Paint muttered.

“...”

“What time did Marquis Jayce leave the salon?” Lady Paint asked.

“A-around five in the morning,” I answered.

“Phew... No one else should’ve found out. Lady Peneloti, I'm saying this because you’re innocent, so don’t misunderstand. Of course, I would like to support your meeting with Marquis Jayce, but there must be limits. Even though we were all in the salon and nothing had happened, if word of today were to spread, it would surely become a scandal.

"Others who might be jealous of you will spread unnecessary rumors and exaggerate things,” Lady Paint explained.

“Ah...”

“If Marquis Jayce understands his reputation and has realized his mistake, he’ll overlook today’s incident. Even if a scandal arises, he will surely handle it. But... still... haa... I should’ve been awake. This is all my fault,” Lady Paint remarked, blaming herself.

‘Paint, it’s not like it’s your fault...’

It was obviously Marquis Jayce's fault. Even if a young lady who just debuted in society had insisted on playing together with him, common sense dictated that he ought to have refused the request.

Especially when the young lady was an innocent one like Lady Peneloti.

Instead of guiding her, he got even more excited and encouraged her to play all night, so it was only right for him to be criticized. Lady Pastel, perhaps also unhappy with Marquis Jayce’s behavior, frowned and said, “Um, Peneloti... I don’t like that man."

“Pardon?”

“There’s just something off about him... Even coming over at eleven is suspicious. Could he have ulterior motives? It feels like he’s desperate to somehow get his hands on our beautiful Peneloti. Staying up here all night today was definitely part of his plan.

"He probably wants to use a scandal to make it seem like something has already happened between you two! You're becoming pretty popular, after all!” Lady Pastel said, assuming things.

“Y-you think so? But Marquis Jayce... clearly said he would keep today a secret,” I told her.

“He's lying! He must have other thoughts!” Lady Pastel argued.

“Don’t get too worked up, Lady Pastel. Marquis Jayce surely knows the value of his reputation,” Lady Paint remarked.

Unfortunately, Lady Paint's explanation was not enough to assuage Lady Pastel's worries. Despite her suspicion, it was clear that Marquis Jayce favored me. When I revealed the conversations we had all night, they began to think of him in a positive light.

“W-what... did he say?” she asked.

“He just said... that it wasn’t boring... and that it was fun,” I answered.

“T-that crazy...!” she muttered.

“Wow...”

“R-really? Did he really say that?” she asked.

“Yes, he definitely said that,” I answered.

“How did you feel?" she asked.

“Huh? I...” I paused.

“Yes?”

“Actually... I think I... I had fun, too,” I replied.

“Kyaaaaaaa!”

“T-this is insane! It’s insane! Insane!” Lady Brush shouted.

“So... these things really do happen. Really... just like Lady Brush said... Lady Peneloti has become an adult. I only heard it in stories... but it really is possible to meet your destined partner at a debutante ball,” Lady Paint remarked, looking dreamy.

“Wait, everyone! Nothing’s decided yet! Don’t jump to conclusions! The debutante ball has just started... Don’t start saying things like ‘destined partner’ and make Lady Peneloti waver!” Lady Pastel scolded them.

“Marquis Jayce isn’t bad. Of course, we need to get to know him a bit more... but chances like this don’t come often. Lady Pastel, you saw the gentlemen at the ball yesterday, right? Was there anyone like Marquis Jayce among them?” Lady Palette asked.

“But... isn’t it too early to decide? She has only met one person... It seems too rushed for her to make a decision so soon. She should meet more people and gain more experience to make her own decision. Isn't that right, Lady Peneloti?” Lady Pastel asked.

Lady Cigarette[1] responded to Lady Pastel’s words, saying, “Lady Pastel has a point. But...”

“Y-yes?”

“I don’t think our Black Rose Salon will realistically get a chance to meet others. It’s just not possible,” Lady Palette continued.

‘Why does she look so pessimistic while delivering this line?’

“Lady Paint is correct. Marquis Jayce meets all the conditions—appearance, ability, and manners—everything about him is top-notch. If she wastes time trying to meet others... she’ll end up married off like some aging noblewoman,” Lady Palette argued.

“Of course, that’s true... but...”

“If Lady Pastel isn’t going to take responsibility for Lady Peneloti’s life... it’s better not to say such irresponsible things,” Lady Paint chimed in.

“I-I can... take responsibility...” Lady Pastel murmured in a voice as low in volume as a mosquito's droning, but my attention wasn't on her. It was hard not to feel bothered and chime in, but I hadn't expected Lady Cigarette to think that way.

‘Why are you so hopeless? With that kind of attitude, how on earth do you plan to survive in this brutal ballroom...?’

She probably understood her own situation better than anyone else, so it was understandable. Still, it didn’t sit right with me that she was thinking so pessimistically at an age when she ought to be nurturing dreams and hope.

Lady Paint and Lady Brush seemed to have a bit of that tendency, too, but in Lady Palette’s case, it stood out much more. Perhaps it was because her family was more conservative than the others.

I couldn't help but think that perhaps she had a deep sense of disillusionment toward the life of a young lady who was sold off into a loveless, political marriage.

‘Still, that’s not right, damn it, you have to take charge of your own life.’

“So... I think it’s best to take a good opportunity when it comes, Lady Peneloti. That’s my honest advice to you as a friend. You should accept Marquis Jayce,” Lady Palette said.

“...”

“...”

“S-so... what are you going to do, Peneloti?” she asked.

“I...” I trailed off.

“...”

“I think... I’d like to meet other people, too,” I answered.

“...”

“Why’s that?” Lady Palette asked.

“Just...” I paused.

“...”

“Just because I want to,” I answered.

“...”

“It’s all such a new experience. Talking with Marquis Jayce yesterday was truly fun. It was my first time feeling something like that. So, I want to have more of those experiences,” I told them.

“But Lady Peneloti—”

“Of course, I understand what you meant by your advice, Lady Palette. I know what you’re worried about. But... right now, I just want to do it this way. I want to stay here a little longer, spend more time with all of you, and get to know others, too. The debutante ball lasts for a long time, doesn’t it?” I asked.

“Ah...”

“...”

“...”

The salon suddenly grew quiet for no reason. Lady Pastel was nodding, and Lady Paint and Lady Brush seemed to show respect for my decision.

Lady Palette, who had offered heartfelt advice, looked a little displeased, but she also seemed to be lost in thought. It felt like she thought that the foolish Peneloti, who had never stepped into the real world until now, was chasing empty dreams. However, at the same time, she looked as if she wanted to cheer me on.

Every now and then, her face would go blank, and I guessed she was reflecting on whether the philosophy she held onto was truly right or not.

“You’ll regret it, Lady Peneloti,” Lady Palette said.

“That’s fine. It’s my choice,” I told her.

“Either way, we can’t even attend the ball. We won’t be able to host proper guests in the salon...” Lady Palette said.

‘That’s not true. We’re trending after yesterday.’

Just then, the retainers burst in on cue.

“Ladies, do you have a moment? We’d like to go over today’s schedule with you!” a retainer asked.

‘See?’

“Is there really anything to discuss? It’s probably the same as always,” Lady Palette asked.

“That’s not true at all. So many people are requesting to visit the salon that we can’t even count them all!” the retainer answered.

“What? Is that really true?” Lady Palette asked.

‘Of course it’s true.’

“Yes. Requests have been piling up since this morning’s scheduling began... Sixteen groups have expressed their interest in having brunch with you. Please check the invitations and reply as quickly as possible,” they requested.

“We get to choose?” Lady Brush asked.

“Yes.”

“We can... really choose?!” Lady Brush asked again.

“Yes. There’s no time to waste, ladies. We need to notify the gentlemen as soon as possible...” the retainer urged.

‘Well, it’s only natural.’

It probably started with curiosity. I was sure those people wanted to get a closer look at Lady Peneloti, who made such a strong impression at the ball.

Since even Marquis Jayce showed interest in her, it was only natural that others wanted to acquaint themselves with the likely future marchioness. Of course, there was a chance that they simply couldn’t stand the thought of someone else sweeping her away first. Since Marquis Jayce had shown interest in me, they believed I couldn't be an ordinary lady.

Regardless of the reason, what mattered was the fact that the reputation of the Black Rose Salon was actually rising.

More importantly, everything from this point on would truly matter. Lady Paint's face came into view, looking tense. Watching her adjust today’s schedule alongside the overdramatic Lady Brush, they clearly understood that today's appointments could determine the salon’s future.

The entire salon was busy sending invitations to the gentlemen worth meeting, and polite rejection letters to those who weren’t worth meeting at all.

Meanwhile, Lady Cigarette remained still, quietly staring at me. Of course, she knew that the one who had stirred up this storm was none other than Lady Peneloti.

I was sure that was why she looked so unsettled. She was a bit clumsy, but...

‘That’s just who she is...’

At first glance, she seemed unsure of herself and a bit awkward, but she would never hesitate to show her true self. She expressed her thoughts clearly, and rather than being frightened by an uncertain future, she seemed like the type to focus on what was right in front of her.

Whether Peneloti’s way was right or wrong didn’t really matter.

What mattered was that she looked happy and that she would continue to be happy.

I caught a glimpse of Lady Palette clenching her fists tightly, looking as if she had made up her mind about something.

During the long-awaited meeting with the young gentlemen visiting the salon, I saw Lady Palette turning toward one of them. Seemingly spurred on by impulse, she called out. “Baron Naisont.”

“You called for me, Lady Palette?” Baron Naisont asked.

“If you don’t mind, would you care to take a short walk with me?” Lady Palette asked.

“Yes... of course,” he answered.

“I just thought it might be nice to share a smoke before the meal,” Lady Palette said.

“Ah, yes, a smoke before a meal is always... Wait, a smoke... together...? H-huh?” Baron Naisont stammered.

“There’s a special kind of cigarette made from leaves grown only in Laios. I think it'll suit your taste,” Lady Palette remarked.

Lady Paint's jaw fell to the ground upon hearing that.

‘That can actually work out. Our salon can’t compete through pedigree anyway. Something like that might be just the thing that gets people’s attention.’

It felt like a gamble, but her choice didn’t seem wrong. No man in his right mind would dislike a confident woman. From the balcony, I could see Lady Palette with Baron Naisont, along with a few others who had followed him outside. All of them were smoking together in one place. Their laughter rang out loud, and they seemed to be enjoying their conversation about tobacco.

‘We need to go for individuality—something special, dangerous, and unique. That’s our strength.’

The other ladies nodded at Lady Palette’s boldness. There hadn’t been any formal meeting, but in that instant, the direction of the Black Rose Salon was decided.

Meanwhile, the debutante ball had just become the talk of high society, and it was unknown whether it was for better or for worse.

1. Lady Palette ☜