Chapter 79

“But since I’m the one who said I’d do it, who can I blame? Establishing my position firmly will be necessary later on anyway….”

I steadied my mind with the thought that ‘all is well that ends well’ and pulled myself up. Today, I had to set these complicated thoughts aside. It was the day I had been eagerly anticipating—the day I would attend the ball with Evan.

“My Lady, you need to get ready!”

Mary burst into the room, her face full of enthusiasm. She was genuinely thrilled by the mere fact that I was attending a party as the future Duchess.

“You can’t run away this time!”

“I never even thought of doing that. I had no intention of running away in the first place.”

I raised my hands in a mock gesture of surrender. After all, I was the one who suggested this party.

“You’re finally wearing it! I kept it safely in the box because it seemed too precious to touch.”

Mary was beaming. It wasn’t so much that it was ‘precious’ as it was that I was too intimidated to touch it….

When Mary opened the box containing the dress Evan had sent, she gasped and covered her mouth. She made a huge fuss, exclaiming that there was only one dress like it in the world.

“There was so much talk about whose hands this would end up in…. To think it actually came to you, My Lady!”

Apparently, it was made by a famous designer. Mary hopped around, raving about how exquisite the fabric was. It felt like she was prepared to sing the dress’s praises for an hour.

What she said next was even more spectacular: the dress had been unveiled to the world through an auction, and there were rumors that even the Empress had her eye on it. And Evan—or rather, the Ducal House—had won the bidding war to bring it home.

Terrifying, truly. I realized for the first time that Evan is not a man to be trifled with.

“To me, it just looks like any other dress.”

“My Lady, can’t you see the value of this dress?!”

Rather than the value of the dress itself, I was heartened to see how much Evan had anticipated this. He had been adamant that he would be the one to prepare my dress. It meant he had cared enough to secure my gown through an auction.

“My Lady, we’re starting now.”

“Alright.”

I stoically accepted the ministrations of the maids. Having decided to stick close to Evan’s side, I could no longer stand the sight of strange women flirting with him.

‘Between what happened at the dessert shop last time and the countless stories in the newspapers….’

I endured them pouring scented oils into the bath, I stayed still even when they touched hair they had already finished, I turned my head when told to turn, and spread my arms when told to spread them.

The maids looked moved to tears by my cooperation.

“To think the Young Lady could be this well-behaved….”

Anyone listening would think I was a troublemaker. It seems I’ve been quietly looked down upon by the maids all this time. Well… it’s true that a maid’s pride often depends on the reputation of the lady they serve.

Mary was the one who attended to me at the academy, and I recall hearing that she was often ignored by other passing maids. She used to beg me to at least refrain from getting dirt on my dresses.

“Show them once and for all this time! Show them how beautiful and elegant our Lady is. That our Lady is the only one fit for House Weiss! My friend works for the Orca family, and I was so furious when she said her young miss would suit the Young Lord better!”

Who is that now? I realized anew just how many people wanted Evan. He really is popular….

Sometimes I miss my old life. No, wait—Evan was popular back then too, wasn’t he?

“My Lady. You may open your eyes now.”

I slowly opened my eyes. The makeup and the clothes were truly remarkable. I didn’t feel much when Mary called it a “magnificent dress,” but now… I could see why she said it.

The dress, which shimmered with a faint blue light, was both elegant and beautiful. And so was I, the one wearing it.

The surrounding maids all broke into applause. The maid in charge of makeup looked proud, clutching various tools between her fingers.

“When I put my real skills to work, this much is a breeze.”

I couldn’t help but let out a gasp of admiration. So this is what it means for a face to literally glow. I bowed my head slightly to express my gratitude.

“Hurry and go out, My Lady. Lord Evan has been waiting for quite some time.”

“…If Evan arrived, you should have told me first.”

“I apologize.”

“Lep, I was the one who asked them not to. I didn’t want to rush you. More importantly….”

Evan suddenly stood up and strode toward me. He slowly dropped to one knee and pressed a kiss to the back of my hand.

“Mm… you’re beautiful. Much more than I imagined. This way, no one will dare to covet you, right?”

I responded with a hollow laugh at his words.

“Actually, Evan, you look so handsome that I’m the one who should be more nervous.”

It was the first time I’d seen him dressed up like this since Bastien’s birthday banquet, rather than the simple suits he wore at the manor.

Back then, his pure white suit made him look like a sickly beauty, but now it was the opposite. Contrary to his pretty face, his body was sturdy—an irony that made him look even more attractive. Evan looked dignified, like a man wearing clothes that truly suited him.

Even I, who thought I’d grown used to Evan’s beauty, was dazed—so how would others feel? Perhaps sensing that I was staring at him blankly, he smiled, his violet eyes crinkling mischievously.

“I’m glad you think I’m handsome. You know you’re not supposed to look at anyone else, right?”

I let out a small laugh.

“By the way, which banquet are we attending?”

“Count Montana invited us to his banquet.”

“What? The Montana family?”

Since I had agreed to attend as his partner for whatever invitation he received, I had left the choice of location entirely up to Evan. However, I couldn’t help but be startled when I heard the location of the ball.

When I stared at him, he tilted his head as if asking if there was a problem…. But I knew. This was absolutely intentional.

Of all places, the Montana Count’s ball?

“I said I didn’t care where we went, but….”

“It’s the first ball we’re attending together officially since becoming adults.”

“Even so… a ball at the Montana household is….”

‘This… the stares are going to be piercing….’

I was the one who told Evan that any party was fine. But by that, I meant a casual party we could attend with a light heart, not a party like this.

The Montana family. They could be described as loyalists who have supported the Weiss family for a long time. Considering the host and the timing, the intention was clear. It was to solidify Evan’s position as the successor. And for me to attend as his partner….

‘Count Montana doesn’t exactly hold me in high regard.’

I had attended a ball there only once after the engagement was finalized. Since then, I had declined even when the Duchess invited me to go together, using the excuse of being busy with my studies.

‘…This is completely a “debut” ball for me, isn’t it?’

My brow furrowed slightly. My plan to give a piece of my mind to the young ladies flirting with Evan had gone up in smoke. Instead, I had essentially been caught in Evan’s own plan.

‘There was a reason he put so much effort into the dress.’

His reason for taking me to the Montana family ball was plain as day. He intended to leave a permanent mark. Taking me as his partner to a ball swarming with vassal families was proof of that.

I stole a glance at Evan.

The marriage Evan had mentioned… I had rejected him then because I had no intention of being with him. But now, having heard his desperate confession, I knew well that his proposal was sincere.

Noticing my gaze, he smiled softly.

Normally, if I gave signs of being this uncomfortable, most would ask at least once if I disliked it, but he feigned ignorance to the very end. He really wants to introduce me. It’s very different from the ball I had envisioned, but….

“Fine.”

Evan’s face brightened instantly.

“Let’s go with a light heart. Everyone will treat you kindly.”

He sounded certain. We’ll have to see about that, won’t we? They swore loyalty to House Weiss, not to me. To be honest, I felt a bit lacking.

‘Fine. They’re vassals I’ll have to meet eventually anyway, might as well see them now.’

Did he notice I was nervous? He gently took my hand.

“Lep, there’s no need to be nervous. I’ll be right by your side.”

“No. I need to get used to it too!”

I said I’d get used to it, but I didn’t expect so many people to be watching.

The moment we entered the ballroom, the countless gazes flying toward us were surely meant for Evan, but it was I who captured even more attention.

However, I had already reached a stage where I could lightly shrug off such stares. It was better than being scrutinized by the Empress.

“That dress…!”

“It wasn’t for the Duchess?”

“Indeed….”

They were shocked by the dress I was wearing.

“This makes it certain. The future Duchess is Lady Clies.”

“I heard proposals were flooding in, but not a single one was answered. Honestly, it was strange that he even received them. Lord Evan was so firm.”

“I think it’s fine. Isn’t it all thanks to the Young Lady that the Young Lord recovered? She’s much better than those hyena-like girls who aim for the seat beside him without knowing their place. Her abilities have basically been proven.”

“Is there anyone who doesn’t know of the Lady’s extreme devotion toward the Young Lord?”

They chattered about my achievements.

I smiled with satisfaction and nodded. It was as good as having my affection for Evan recognized. My nervousness was for naught; they were welcoming me sincerely.