Incidentally, the masquerade ball was being held on the first floor of the mansion and was open to the public.

The dancing, however, only took place in the hall, allowing the remaining participants to enjoy their meals and exchange conversations in other rooms.

So, this is the “slightly high-class masquerade ball” that Lady Alexandra was talking about…!

For the first time in her life, she couldn’t help but bask in her surroundings.

“…You seem to be enjoying yourself.”

“…! That’s right!”

Even with a mask, Avril could tell from his eyes that Chris was smiling. She was a bit embarrassed at his seeing her be so carefree, but she couldn’t help it. Thus, all she could do was agree.

“Would you like to see another room? If you stay in this hall, that insect might come back.”

“Okay!”

Avril’s eyes lit up at Chris’ suggestion, who spoke in a tone as if he was coddling a toddler.

After leaving the hall, Avril walked alongside Chris down the carpeted hallway. The doors of each room had been left open so that one could see what was going on inside, making it easy to navigate from one room to another.

“The room after that is a break room with a buffet table. Next to it is a café area, and in the second room from the back corner, you should be able to enjoy board games.”

“Why does Lady Avril know about such things?”

“I checked the guide map at the entrance.”

“…I see.”

She could easily remember most of what she saw. Chris followed Avril’s guidance without asking too much.

Considering the size of the party, and the fact that it’s being hosted by the Ashfield family, I assume there must be several places where one can speak business or have trysts while avoiding the public eye…!

Surely, Dylan was also conducting his business in one such place. The atmosphere of the masquerade ball made her feel like a spy, and she was really excited.

No… I have to stay firm. Tonight, my duty is to support Lord Dylan. I have to remain inconspicuous so as to not disturb him.

Reflecting on how thrilled she was, Avril desperately held herself together and entered the second room from the back.

She could see around ten men and women conversing in front of a chessboard. There was a minibar at the entrance—and…

“…We, we meet again. Did you want to see me that badly?”

“Ugh.”

Instead of Dylan, Wallace, whom they had just chased away, was there.

Sitting next to him was a woman in a revealing dress and a gold butterfly mask. The seat across from the chessboard was empty.

Even though I left the hall to avoid Lord Wallace, I immediately stumbled upon him again…!

As Avril cursed her bad timing, Wallace grinned with his gorgeous companion.

“Kathy, this is the one I was talking about.”

“Ooh, that cheesy villainess Avril or something? Without that alias, she’s nothing.”

For Corinna, it was an alias…! I can’t say anything back!

At being greeted by the judging gaze and tantalizing voice of the woman named Kathy, Avril could only respond with a smile and give her thanks.

Kathy twirled her finger in her curly golden locks. ‘Hm~’ She gasped, before continuing.

“I’m curious as to how she looks like underneath that mask. Hey, you, let’s play chess. If you beat me, you don’t have to remove your mask.”

“…? Are you asking me to remove my mask if I lose?”

When Avril tilted her head, Wallace responded instead of Kathy.

“That’s wonderful. I’ve always yearned to see Avril’s face. After all, she never took off her mask.”

“…I—”

Seemingly having overheard of their conversation, the surrounding guests began to murmur.

To expose one’s true fac at a masquerade ball would be against the rules.

“Should you lose, you’ll have to reveal your face. Besides, the opponent isn’t me, but Cathy. It shouldn’t be that difficult, yes? Ah, but there were barely no intelligent conversations to be had or games to be play at the masquerade balls in the country town. Maybe this is too high of a hurdle for you?”

“You’re so mean~ Don’t worry, I’ll teach you the rules, and give you a bit of a handicap, so why don’t you face me?”

Cathy smiled in a taunting manner, something that Avril was already used to. After all, sudden hostility wasn’t new to her.

I don’t want to make any trouble, so I think I should just accept… Although, Lord Dylan might get in trouble if I revealed my face…

Above all, the two promised to give her some handicap, so she might be able to win.

When Avril glanced at Chris for advice, he only smirked profoundly.

“Understood. Then, the princess shall prepare herself.”

---

***T/N: Lmao and then she proceeds to checkmate them in 6 moves

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