Though I’m a Homebody, I Found Myself in a Dark Captive Genre

The carriage I rode was a luxurious, gleaming one drawn by eight well-groomed black horses.

And just as it’s common knowledge that expensive cars cost a lot to maintain, carriages pulled by powerful and sturdy horses were no different.

Coachman, carriage mechanic, horse caretaker…

Why am I bringing this up?

‘This isn’t all going to be billed to me, right?’

That thought suddenly struck me as I boarded the carriage headed to the Marquisate of Ambrose.

At first, I assumed the expenses were covered by the Grand Duke since my stay in the Imperial Capital was related to business involving the Grand Duchy’s citizens. But if that wasn’t the case—

The wages for newly hired staff and chefs, maintenance for the estate in the capital, transportation fees—if all of it was being charged to me?

Then what was I supposed to do?

‘I’m not the Grand Duke’s lover. It’s not like he likes me. There’s no possibility that he would like me.’

If all of this wasn’t an expression of affection toward a woman he liked, then there was every chance I’d be billed for all of it.

As I instinctively began to estimate how much it cost to bring my people here, I squeezed my eyes shut.

‘Please… let this be covered under business expenses.’

This is technically a business trip, so he should be covering it… right?

If the Grand Duke has even a shred of conscience, he’ll take care of it. I’m not including room and board this time, either.

As I repeated that to myself—or rather, prayed for it—I eventually arrived at the Ambrose estate.

“You’ve arrived from the Blaire Grand Duchy, yes? This way, please.”

It was the same maid who had led me the last time I visited to see Baroness Pavron. She took the lead again, guiding the way.

And the moment I stepped into the tea party venue—

‘Wh-what the—?!’

I was momentarily overwhelmed, left staring blankly with my mouth slightly open.

It was because of the noblewomen happily chatting away, seemingly unaware of my presence.

The room was overflowing with vibrant, multicolored dresses.

High-pitched laughter, elegant speech… And most of all, there were far more people than I expected.

At least more than ten, I guessed?

‘Now that I think about it… this is my first time at a social gathering like this.’

All external social events had always been handled by Lemeia. I was the administrator stuck behind the scenes.

And more importantly, I had never even been recognized as a princess back in Salt.

In short, I had zero experience in things like this.

‘There’s no way I’d be familiar with this kind of noble ladies’ society, which spans women from their 20s to their 50s!’

A sneaking suspicion began to rise—maybe I’d be ostracized before I even had a chance to make an entrance.

It’s one thing to have to deal with straightforward, to-the-point work discussions… But this? This was a battlefield where people smiled while verbally slaying each other.

‘It’s my first time being on unfamiliar turf, but… let’s give it a try.’

Still, I took a deep breath and gripped the hem of my dress tightly.

I had too much to gain from this to back down now.

I was the one who asked the Marchioness of Ambrose to arrange this gathering in the first place—because I needed it.

Because…

‘I can’t figure out who’s an enemy within the Blaire Grand Duchy.’

I had suspicions about the Marquess of Stephan’s household, but I didn’t even know exactly what they did or what kind of history they had.

Sure, the Grand Duchy’s intelligence network had gathered some information, but the inner gossip shared only among nobles was something I could never hope to access directly.

That’s why I chose this method—the social circle.

‘I can do this.’

I’d asked for attendees who were fans of Regarding the Safety Rules of the Haunted Castle Operation—a request meant to work in my favor.

At the very least, revealing I was a creator of that comic would likely win me a few favorable impressions.

Yeah. Even if it was a bit underhanded, it was still better than going in completely blind.

“Ahem, ahem.”

“You’re finally here.”

I deliberately made my presence known, and the Marchioness of Ambrose brightened as she came over to greet me.

The Marchioness was usually very busy with her distribution business, but she’d made time for this gathering at my request.

Of course, it wasn’t just out of kindness—if the Grand Duchy’s businesses continued to falter, her trading company’s commission would shrink. So her cooperation made perfect sense. Still, I was grateful for the help, no matter the reason.

“Hello, Madam. Thank you for the invitation.”

“Not at all, we’ve all been waiting for you. Hohoho, come along.”

After exchanging the proper greetings in front of everyone, the Marchioness stood from her table and lightly tapped a spoon against her teacup to draw attention.

“Allow me to introduce someone. This young lady is Miss April, a distant relative of Grand Duke Kayan Blaire, and one of the creators of Regarding the Safety Rules of the Haunted Castle Operation.”

“Oh my!”

Was it thanks to her dramatic introduction?

I could clearly see the curiosity lighting up the faces of the noblewomen seated at the various tables.

“Miss April, please have a seat over here.”

“Oh, thank you, Madam.”

Being seated at the Marchioness’s own table meant she was publicly recognizing me as someone important.

Taking my place, I smiled and greeted everyone as if I hadn’t been shaking with nerves just moments ago.

“It’s an honor to meet such distinguished ladies in person.”

Now, under the strong support of the Marchioness, it was time to begin my true objective.

* * *

“So the story hasn’t reached its conclusion yet?”

“Unfortunately, no… As you know, each character has their own story, so it’s hard to say which direction things will go.”

“I thought everything had already been planned out, but hearing this behind-the-scenes detail makes it even more intriguing.”

As expected of a fan club for the comic, the conversation was still following a familiar thread.

And just as I’d hoped, revealing that I was one of the creators of Regarding “Safety rules for duke’s haunted manor” seemed to soften the attitudes of the haughty noble ladies.

“But there’s one thing I’m curious about.”

The question came from Countess Cornelia, who had her dark gray hair loosely tied up.

“The tumblers and thermal bottles were made by the team behind Regarding “Safety rules for duke’s haunted manor” for loyal readers, right? Aren’t you going to address the rumors that have been spreading lately?”

It was a question I had expected—and had been waiting for.

“Of course we will.”

I shook my head calmly.

“We’re dealing with this issue more seriously than anything else. Our official response… will be published on the very last page of this week’s issue.”

“Oh ho, so you’ve already decided how to handle it.”

It must have been a topic of real curiosity, because everyone, including the Marchioness of Ambrose, leaned in to listen.

“Yes, I can’t share the details just yet, but… I’m sure you’ll be satisfied.”

To come up with this plan, I probably shed at least a liter of metaphorical blood and tears.

Still, it was my responsibility to see through what I had started.

At that moment, I reaffirmed my resolve to uncover the mastermind behind the conspiracy.

“Even so, those of us who work in comic production get discouraged—every day there’s a new article bashing the tumblers and thermal bottles.”

“Oh dear.”

When I smoothly shifted the topic, Countess Cornelia was the first to respond.

“Lady Elegance’s way of speaking is rather blunt.”

“She tends to dig deep when she focuses on something.”

“But can we really say it’s entirely her will at play? Hohoho…”

Ah. At last, the veiled, roundabout speech typical of noble social circles was beginning to make its appearance.