TEOGDA Chapter 4

“You don’t need to bother with things like that. My Bella only needs to see good things, think happy thoughts, understand?”

“Yes, Mother.”

“That’s my girl.”

They had intended to rent a carriage separately, but with it being such a busy day, it wasn’t easy to find one.

In the past, the Rosebird family would have had multiple carriages at their disposal, but with their fortunes in decline, the situation was different now.

Baron Rosebird’s gambling was at the level of addiction.
Still, Charlotte wasn’t worried about money.

After all, they had Raina, their golden goose.

Selling healing potions brought in a decent income, but after singing at Laorde tonight, she was bound to receive multiple offers.

And when that happened, even Baron Rosebird wouldn’t be able to say much.

“Bella, it’s time. Let’s go.”

Charlotte had also dressed up in a brown satin dress for the occasion.

As it was the first time introducing Bella to high society, she had taken great care with her own appearance as well.
Chin held high, Charlotte confidently stepped out the front gate with Bella by her side.

* * *

Meanwhile, Raina stared at the outfit Charlotte had given her, lost in thought.

‘This is humiliating.’

She lowered her head.

‘Do I really have to wear something like this?’

The red dress clung tightly around her waist, leaving her chest half-exposed.

Raina’s eyes darted nervously, unsettled by how much bare skin she was showing for the first time.

The skirt clung to her slim waist and flowed down, but it wasn’t the kind of skirt noble ladies wore.

There was no petticoat.

And with a long slit running up from the thigh, it revealed her legs with every step she took.

Raina’s face burned.

But things had gone too far for her to turn back now.

Still, she couldn’t bring herself to go out dressed like this, so she pulled a black coat over the outfit.

It did cover her body, but wearing a dark coat in weather like this looked just as ridiculous.

“Raina! What are you doing? Hurry up and get out here!”

At Charlotte’s impatient call, Raina had no choice but to step out of the room.

“Raina, get in quickly.”

At Charlotte’s gesture, Raina promptly climbed into the carriage.

Inside, the atmosphere was strange.

Bella, dressed in a beautiful blue gown, and Raina, wrapped in a black coat, couldn’t have looked more different.

“Sister, I’m so glad we’re attending the Debutante Ball together.”

They were sisters attending the same debutante event, but their appearances were complete opposites.

One was dressed perfectly for a grand debut; the other was completely covered in a dark coat, as if hiding.

“But… what’s with your outfit, Sister? Why the black coat?”

“…I have somewhere to stop by before I go.”

“Oh, that place where you’re singing? Honestly, insisting on singing on a day like this—Sister, you’re way too stubborn. But whatever, just finish your song and come to the venue. I’ll be waiting.”

At Bella’s words, Raina glared at Charlotte and mouthed silently:

‘You told Bella I’m going to Laorde?’

‘What’s the big deal? We’re family.’

Charlotte’s shameless answer made Raina suppress her anger.
No matter what, she had to escape this household as soon as possible.

“Sister, did you hear? Grand Duke Kaithan is attending this year’s Debutante Ball. Isn’t he amazing? I already feel like it’s destiny. Do you have anyone you’re interested in?”

“No, I don’t.”

“Come on, there must be someone you like. Don’t tell me it’s Grand Duke Kaithan?”

“I said no one.”

Raina didn’t want to continue the conversation any longer. She closed her eyes and turned her face toward the window.

During the carriage ride, Raina’s head throbbed from Charlotte and Bella’s endless chatter.

Their conversation revolved around one thing:
Grand Duke Kaithan’s wealth and power, his rumored womanizing, and how best to seduce him. That was all.

As they entered the capital, the carriage turned into a side street.
Unlike the main road, the atmosphere here felt a bit dark and gloomy.

“Raina, you’re getting off here.”

Charlotte grabbed Raina’s hand and pulled her toward the door.
The street was still quiet, as darkness hadn’t fully settled in yet.

“This is the place.”

Charlotte pointed to Laorde, a building adorned with flashy patterns.

“Go down the stairs—they’ll guide you inside.”

“What about you, Mother?”

“I’m in a rush, so I need to get to the ball quickly.”

“Where’s the dressing room to change?”

“Over there.”

Charlotte pointed to a boutique across from Laorde.

“It’s right in front. After you sing, come out quickly, change, and get ready. I’ll send a carriage for you.”

“Will you be coming too?”

“Yes, it’s a hassle, but what can I do?”

“If it’s a hassle, just give me the invitation now. I’ll make my own way there.”

Without an invitation, Raina wouldn’t be allowed into the Debutante Ball.

Charlotte claimed she’d come back, but if she got caught up taking care of Bella, they might run out of time.

Rather than wait endlessly, Raina wanted to make sure she had a way to attend on her own.

“There’s only one invitation. You know that, right? Your attendance was decided at the last minute. You weren’t originally supposed to debut today.”

“…I understand.”

“Just sing your song properly and wait quietly in front of the boutique.”

Raina clasped her hands tightly, trying to calm herself.

Every time she was humiliated like this, that night came back to her.

‘If only I hadn’t done that…’

But what use was regret now?

Raina quickly resigned herself.

“Alright. I just didn’t want to trouble you, Mother.”

“So you do know how much trouble you cause?”

“I’ll wait here after I’m done. Please make sure to come back.”

No matter what, she couldn’t risk upsetting Charlotte before the Debutante Ball.
She had to attend—no matter what.

“Fine. Sing well. I’ll see you later.”

As the carriage departed, Raina descended the stairs with heavy steps.

The dark staircase felt like it was drawing her into something ominous.

Steeling her trembling legs, Raina made her way to the bottom.

Just as she managed to push open the heavy iron door, a woman turned around.

“Who are you?”

“Um… I’m from the Rosebird family.”

“Ah, you’re the girl Charlotte said she’d send?”

Raina had never seen a woman with such makeup before.
Her eyes were painted in chaotic shades of black and purple, and her lips were a deep red—so much that it was impossible to tell what her real face looked like.

“Yes, that’s me.”

“I see. And what’s that?”

Emilia gestured at her with a flick of her chin.

“…What do you mean?”

“That trash bag you’re wrapped in.”

“This isn’t a trash bag.”

“Whatever. Just take it off.”

Raina undid the buttons and removed the black coat.
As the red dress and her pale skin were revealed, Emilia smirked.

“Now that’s more like it. Come in.”

Emilia beckoned arrogantly.

Charlotte used to be from this place.

But after sweet-talking a naive baron, she’d become Baroness and cut off all contact with her past.

That is, until recently—when she needed money and reached out again.

“Hey.”

“What now?”

“I’ll be wearing a mask from now on.”

“Whatever. Suit yourself.”

Raina put on the white mask she’d brought.
With her face hidden, she finally felt a little more at ease.

“You look ridiculous in that thing. Do you really have to wear it?”

“Yes. Absolutely.”

“Fine. I guess it’s got a bit of a vibe to it. Follow me.”

The interior of the place was dimly lit as Raina followed Emilia inside.

“You’ll be singing on that stage over there.”

“Got it. When do I start?”

“Before you get on stage, let me hear you once. I can’t just let anyone up there. Maybe to you nobles, it’s just some stage, but there are girls who wait days for a chance to sing there.”

“Understood. What should I sing?”

“Whatever you’re most confident in.”