As Planned

Max stood in a tower next to Madam Fresia’s salon wearing a confused expression. That woman, Jubelian… what in the world was she planning? He didn’t understand why she looked at him with those eyes nor why she was so kind to him. What did she want him to do? He recalled her face then sighed. He was discomfited by her caring eyes and how they revealed how she had expected nothing from him.

Suddenly, he felt distressed.

This was pathetic. He had no reason to seek that woman out anymore, so why was he always thinking about her? Max tried to erase her existence from his mind, but time and time again, for reasons strange and unknown to him, he would be reminded of her smiling face and friendly eyes.

Damn it!

Max’s expression warped violently, but at that moment, the door swung open.

“Oh, dear,” Fresia gasped. “Why do you look so irritated, my lord?”

“If you have something to report, say it and leave,” Max replied coldly.

He doesn’t need to be so hostile when she was just worried about him… although Fresia was displeased, she managed to control her expression and deliver her news. “It’s nothing much. Your stand-in, Victor, has sent a letter.”

“Concerning?”

“Ah, the emperor’s envoys are refusing to return to the imperial palace because Your Highness keeps delaying your return to the capital.”

Simply put, he was now under surveillance. A bloodthirsty smile manifested upon Max’s face. “He was the one who delayed my return indefinitely when I wanted to go back before. Why can’t he wait a little longer now?” he wondered out loud. “Tell Victor that his actions must look flawless,” he instructed icily.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Fresia was about to leave the room, but she suddenly turned around as if she just remembered something. “Oh, and about Lady Floyen... it seems like she’ll be ignored by many at the banquet since there are rumors floating around that she doesn’t get along with her father.”

Max had barely managed to forget about her, but now he had been reminded of her once again. He scowled furiously. “You don’t have to report anything about her from now on,” he spat.

He had been so curious about her until now. What caused this change of heart? Fresia was puzzled, but she nodded, knowing how capricious her lord could be. “Yes, Your Highness.” She tried to leave again, but a soft voice stopped her.

“Where are you going?”

“Huh?” she asked, dumbfounded.

“Shouldn’t you at least finish the work you’ve started?” Max proposed harshly.

No matter how hard she tried, Fresia just couldn’t keep up with her lord’s whims. What on earth was he talking about?

✤ ✤ ✤

 

“Have you decided to attend Count Arlo’s banquet this week, Lady Daffodil?”

“Of course. And you, Lady Cosmos?”

“Yes, I will be attending as well.”

In Madam Fresia’s salon, nobles concealed their identity with masks and aliases. Now they were busy talking about Count Arlo’s banquet, which would take place over the weekend. This was natural, given that the person at the very center of the rumor mill these days had unexpectedly decided to attend.

“I’m really curious about who Lady Floyen’s partner is going to be. What do you think, Madam?”

Fresia was quietly drinking a glass of expensive liquor in the corner. When all the attention fell on her, she smiled as if she indeed knew something. “I’m not sure. She might attend with her relative, Sir Ronel… or she might come alone.”

“Oh my! What makes you think that?”

Fresia took another sip of the amber drinks he held and parted her red lips. “If she enters with another man after breaking up with Sir Mikhail, she’ll only add fuel to the fire. But if she enters with a relative such as Sir Ronel, or even alone, she’ll be able to avoid some of the criticisms that await her.”

Everyone admired her speculations.

“Now that I think about it, it’s not a bad idea for her to enter alone,” someone said.

“Although there’s a lot of talk regarding her behavior, many noblemen have long since admired her beauty.”

“As expected of Madam Fresia! How wise!”

Fresia laughed at their compliments, the corners of her eyes crinkling with mirth. “No, no, it’s all uncertain. I’m just guessing.”

“Even so, your insight is amazing!”

Fresia’s smile grew. What was truly amazing was that these people couldn’t even think that far themselves.

Nevertheless, it felt nice to be at the center of attention even if the target of their admiration was the character she played rather than her own self. Fresia smirked a bit as she continued to drink out of her glass.

“Will you be attending the banquet as well, Madam?”

Prompted by the question, Fresia recalled what her lord had said.

“Fresia, attend the banquet and approach Lady Floyen,” he had commanded. “If she gets into trouble, help her. I’m asking you to do this because she might be useful in the future, not because I like her.”

She had been ordered to take care of Lady Floyen, as well as keep watch on her. And if that wasn’t enough…

“Just in case, I’ll attend the banquet to keep an eye on her, too.”

Her unpredictable lord was going to follow Lady Floyen to the banquet, too! Why did he give her so many tedious tasks? She had to assist the rumored lady and her selfish master all by herself! Fresia sighed, brooding over her lord’s command. Then, she gathered her wits about her and met the noblewomen’s curious gazes.

“Ah, yes. I received an invitation, so I must go,” she said gracefully.

Not going meant disobeying a direct order. She had no choice. She sighed and downed more liquor. The nobles around her had no means of understanding her thoughts, so they resumed their chatter.

“Then we can make a bet about who the lady’s partner would be,” a noblewoman joked while laughing. Instead of answering her, Fresia just nodded and laughed along.

At that moment, another lady asked a question that she had been withholding. “What happens if Lady Floyen attends alone, as Madam speculated? We will never be able to ascertain whether the rumors about her were true, will we?”

“No, no, that’s not necessarily the case. We could just find the person wearing the cufflinks!” another woman said. Since they began theorizing amongst themselves, Fresia didn’t feel the need to intervene, so she continued to drink soundlessly.

“By the way, I heard that the successor of Marquis Hessen, Sir Mikhail, will be attending the banquet as well.”

“Oh!” Everyone perked up at this news. A pair of parted lovers were going to reunite at the banquet hall. How intriguing!

“I wonder who his partner will be.”

“Me too! He’s so handsome that Lady Floyen did all sorts of things for his sake.”

“He’s very competent as well… I’m sure many young ladies want to be his partner.”

All the women in the salon smiled happily, thinking about Mikhail’s outstanding appearance.

“He must be relieved that the lady who used to harass him has found a new lover…”

“Ah, that’s right! They were said to be lovers, but Sir Mikhail didn’t reciprocate her feelings at all. It’s a well-known fact that Lady Floyen was the only one of them in love.”

Fresia nodded slightly in agreement, but her smile fell from her lips when a man passed by her table. He looked very drunk. Although this salon’s dreadful patrons acted refined for appearance’s sake, sometimes moments where people failed to control their impulses would arise and they would throw a fit.

“Not in my salon,” Fresia thought sternly. It was enough that her lord caused some trouble a few days ago.

She frowned and beckoned a guard who was standing nearby. “Watch that guy,” she signaled. As befitting an elite member of her information guild, the guard carefully started following the man without making a sound.

It looked like he was leaving. The exit was right around the corner, which meant the guard’s task would be over soon. At that moment, the man who the guard had been following suddenly turned around, and to his surprise, approached him.

Huh? The guard tried to defend himself, but the man’s hands were faster.

“Why are you following me?” the man asked angrily. The guard could tell he wasn’t an ordinary person since he possessed agility advanced enough to instantly overpower his opponent. What on earth was he?

Although the guard was confused, he responded quickly to manage the situation. “Oh… I thought you were drunk, so I was worried,” he explained.

The man’s eyes peered through his mask and inspected the guard. When he saw the salon’s badge on the guard’s jacket, he loosened his grip.

“I’m not drunk,” he said. Then, he turned back around and headed for the exit. The guard stared at his retreating back with a blank expression, wondering what he should do.

He sighed. It was alright. The man left and didn’t cause a commotion. It wouldn’t make a difference if he continued to follow him or not. After making this judgment, the guard went back to the main hall.

The man who he had been following boarded a carriage that had its household seal covered. “Let’s go home,” he said. After informing the coachman of his destination, the man took off his mask, revealing a pained, twisted expression.

“Jubelian,” Mikhail thought.

Even if she had deceived him, he had tried to ignore any news of her, thinking that it would be a waste of time to care about her any longer. Now that it became clear that the rumors were true, however, he couldn’t continue to act as he did before.

Did she really gift a pair of cufflinks to another man? And to a lowly person who couldn’t even reveal his identity, at that…!

Mikhail’s expression crumpled in anger, but he couldn’t understand why. Then, he recalled how Jubelian used to cling to him.

“I only did that because I was upset about you spending time with someone else, Mikhail. It won’t happen again, so please don’t abandon me,” she had begged.

Jubelian was someone who always repeated the same mistakes over and over again, clinging to him endlessly. He thought he would be overcome with joy once they parted, but every time he heard about her, he only felt anger.

Why did this woman make him feel this way?! Mikhail clenched his fists, confused by his emotions.

Suddenly, his eyes lit up, recalling something he could use to hurt her. Yes! Jubelian would surely be flooded with regret if she saw him with another woman!

Mikhail slowly closed his eyes, pledging to make the woman who deceived him suffer. Although his heart ached inexplicably, he forewent examining the pain. It was probably because of all the drinks he had.

✤ ✤ ✤

 

I entered my room and sighed. Ah, what now? I never planned for Father to be my partner. If I went to the banquet with him, I would have to be careful with every little thing I did.

I worried about how to act for a while, but when it became too cumbersome to worry any longer, I quickly concluded that I wouldn’t have a problem as long as I stayed as quiet as possible.

No one would even know I was there.

✤ ✤ ✤

 

Time passed until it was finally the day of the banquet. The carriage ride to Count Arlo’s residence was a little boring since I could only see a series of indistinguishable buildings near the capital, but the view reminded me of downtown Seoul, where it was also crowded with similar-looking skyscrapers

Ah, everything near the capital looked the same. There was nothing interesting to see.

I wanted to yawn because I felt strangely tired, but I restrained myself, afraid that Father might scold me for appearing unrefined. Ah, I was so sleepy… my vision began to blur.

“Don’t worry,” Father said. I glanced up at him. He was looking out the window. “I will stay by your side today.”

I didn’t know why he was telling me this, but I supposed he was uneasy about what other people would end up thinking about our family. They might find it strange if we entered as partners only to end up interacting awkwardly in the end. He was also probably concerned that I’d cause a scene.

“I’m mostly worried about you, Father…” I wanted to say. I couldn’t figure out what he was thinking lately, so I was nervous that he might interfere with my plans. Nevertheless, I wore a smile to cover up my true thoughts. “Oh, I appreciate that you’re coming with me, Father,” I said. As long as I didn’t make any mistakes today, there wouldn’t be any problems.

At that moment, I noticed Father smiling softly as he continued looking out the window.

What was he smiling at? I turned around to look outside the window to check, spotting a pretty mansion surrounded by flower beds brimming with red roses. The roses gave it a lively atmosphere. We had arrived at Count Arlo’s townhouse, which was located at the capital’s outskirts.

It was a pretty house, just like Rose had said. I was staring blankly at the beautiful mansion when Father called out to me.

“Jubelian.” I turned my attention to him. He was reaching out to me. “Let’s go,” he said.

I studied his hand for a moment before tentatively taking it. I held it delicately in case my touch bothered him, but he squeezed my hand tightly.

✤ ✤ ✤

 

“Announcing Duke Regis Adrey Floyen and his esteemed daughter, Lady Jubelian Eloy Floyen!”

The banquet attendees stirred at the herald’s introduction, especially since the famous Duke Floyen usually didn’t attend social events. As everyone held their breaths, the picturesque father and daughter duo alighted upon the banquet hall, making them all gape in astonishment. Lady Floyen was dressed in a white dress embroidered with gold threads and she looked so elegantly beautiful that for one fleeting moment, her notoriety was forgotten.

“Her reputation precedes her beauty,” someone said.

As they admired her, the duke gently wrapped his arm around his daughter’s shoulders. Their attention immediately followed his movements, and everyone noticed that he was wearing a white robe that matched her dress. Despite his age, the duke was still youthful and handsome, comparable to a man in his twenties. The only part of his appearance that hinted at his age was his sunken eyes.

“That’s His Grace, Duke Floyen, right?”

“Yes, you’re right. It’s been a while since he’s attended a banquet.”

Unmarried ladies as well as noble ladies who had admired him in the past blushed when they saw him.

“He still looks great.”

“Yes, he does.”

The nobles watched Duke Floyen as if they were possessed, following his every move down to the slight raise of his arm. When he revealed something shiny under his sleeve, everyone saw what it was and their eyes widened in realization.

That was…!

The rumored blue diamond cufflinks everyone had been looking for could be seen twinkling upon the duke’s wrists, capturing the light beautifully. The nobles were mesmerized for a moment, coming to an understanding as to why they hadn’t seen the cufflinks until now. If they were a gift for him, it made sense since the duke usually didn’t wear accessories, spending most of his time at home…

The man in question slowly surveyed the banquet hall. His cold eyes seemed to warn people to not draw any hasty conclusions, making onlookers recoil with fright. Even so, some people smiled in response to his frightening gaze.

Rose, in particular, was elated. She glanced at her mother, who had scolded for exchanging letters with Jubelian. “Are you seeing this? I told you Lady Floyen wasn’t at fault,” her gaze seemed to say.

Countess Arlo fanned herself in embarrassment. Other nobles who had believed in the rumors looked away as well, equally flustered. There was only one man who fixed his gaze on the duo unflinchingly.

“What? The cufflinks were for the duke?” Mikhail wondered, astonished. He stared at Jubelian, a slow smirk gracing his lips. “Of course. She can’t possibly have eyes for anyone other than me.”

✤ ✤ ✤

 

As soon as I entered the banquet hall, I detected the scent of lilies. Wow, what a pretty house…

Rose’s mansion wasn’t as big as ours, but the antique interior sported mahogany walls, decorative lily adornments, and cream-colored fabrics that accentuated the elegant and spacious atmosphere.

I might live somewhere like this when I become independent. My current home was made entirely out of white marble, so the servants had to do a lot more work than usual to clean it every day. In addition to sweeping and wiping the floors and walls, they also had to polish them. For this reason, I always felt bad coming back home after spending my day outside when it rained.

Once I lived on my own, I’d decorate the interior with wood! It would be nice to have a rocking chair in the library, too.

I was planning out my future when Father suddenly released my hand and wrapped his arm around my shoulders.

“Don’t worry,” he said. “Just have fun.”

What? I was daydreaming about my bright future without any worries. Why did he say that?

I was dumbfounded until he took his hand off me and whispered, “Don’t forget whose daughter you are.”

I gulped nervously and flashed him a smile. For some reason, my hands were starting to get sweaty. He was probably going to kill me if I made a mistake today. Regardless, even if Father didn’t warn me, I had every intention to behave properly and attend this banquet inconspicuously.

“We greet our empire’s hero and his daughter.”

The Arlo family rose from their seats and stepped forward to greet us, as it was customary for the host and his family to greet guests of higher status. I observed the girl standing at the very end; she seemed to be around my age. As soon as our eyes met, she smiled like a blossoming flower.

Rose.

Now that I looked at her more closely, she seems to be a very lovely lady. I could only recall Mikhail’s appearance from my memories as the Jubelian of the past, so other people were merely formless figures to me.

I had been missing out on a lot of precious things, it seemed… people would often overlook the stars in the night sky because they were distracted by artificial lights and neon signs. My past life was like that as well, but now I simply wanted to live happily and enjoy what I had missed out on instead of obsessing over Mikhail, the very light that had been distracting me.

To do that, I needed to be reserved today so I could go home without making any mistakes. I repeated this resolution in my head as the Arlo family members bowed.

“It’s an honor for Your Grace and the lady to attend my daughter’s birthday banquet,” Count Arlo said.

After royalty, dukes were the highest rank in the social hierarchy, so we weren't expected to maintain the same level of formality.

Father bowed silently. “Happy birthday, esteemed daughter of Count Arlo,” he said.

“Thank you, Your Grace.”

The scene of Rose receiving a congratulatory message from Father highlighted the fact that she was the banquet’s main focus. She approached me while I was still observing her. Then, she took my hands. “Thank you for coming today, Lady Floyen,” she said.

This was the first time I met her in person, but she was very friendly. Perhaps it was because of all the letters we wrote to each other, but I also felt very close to her.

“Happy birthday, Rose,” I said in reply.

Then, I turned around to look at Merilyn, who was holding her present. Noblewomen usually exchanged expensive perfumes, poetry books, tea leaves, and teacups as gifts. What I had prepared was neither flashy nor substandard, which assured me that she wouldn’t be offended by it, at least. When I signaled Merilyn, she presented the gift.

Rose gasped. “This is…”

I smiled at her as she beheld the box with trembling eyes. “I sincerely prepared this small gift for you, my dear friend,” I told her.

Rose burst into bright laughter, brimming with anticipation. “Ah, thank you so very much!”

Although her smile exuded youthful vitality, the countess frowned at her daughter’s reaction, which may have seemed unrefined to some onlookers. Hm… as expected from a lady who’s rumored to be strict…

Either way, her displeased reaction was somewhat justified since her daughter was being kind towards a lady rumored to be rude.

“You can hand the gift to me,” a servant said.

As the servant accepted the gift from Merilyn, I noticed that Rose was looking at the box with curiosity. Although it was good manners to check gifts after the banquet was over, an exception could be made if the guest gave permission to open them. It wasn’t a big deal, so I figured it should be okay.

I smiled at Rose. She looked very eager. “You can open it if you’re curious,” I encouraged.

Rose didn’t hesitate at my approval. “Thank you,” she said.

She took the gift with sparkling eyes. Then, she unraveled the ribbon and opened the box to reveal what was inside. When Rose lifted the box’s lid, her eyes grew big.

The black object within was almost as big as a fist, but it was shaped like a flat cylinder. Its surface possessed a smooth luster and bore a delicately crafted red rose on top, its beauty undeniable. It didn’t serve much of a great purpose, though. Any young lady who wore makeup could identify the fluffy velvet puff housed within it, which was somewhat thinner than the ones more commonly used. This was a portable powder compact with a mirror attached beneath the lid that I had often seen in my past life.

Well, I didn’t think Rose would like this gift very much because it was just a modification of something that already existed, but I hadn’t expected her to dislike it as much as she seemed right then. She had been murmuring to herself, frowning slightly, so she was probably disappointed. She probably didn’t need my gift because her maids already carried all her makeup supplies for her.

I was a bit taken aback because I didn’t think her reaction would be this bad, but her disappointment was justified when I thought about it once more. She had spent so much time writing letters to me, but I had given her such a common gift. I was just grateful that she had been writing to me until now.

I tried to remain indifferent about this situation, but I couldn’t help but feel sorry that she had been so kind to an outsider like me.

“I should get going now…” I said, trailing off.

At that moment, however, Rose’s voice held me back. “Please wait for a second, Lady Floyen.”

I braced for what was coming, wondering if she was going to criticize me, but her next words were so unexpected that I doubted having heard them correctly.

“You gave me such an innovative gift!” she cried. “I’m touched.”

✤ ✤ ✤

 

At first glance, Jubelian’s gift looked suspicious to many onlookers. What was it? Everyone observed the flat, round object decorated with a rose with much interest. It looked like a small, aesthetically pleasing container used for storing miscellaneous accessories, but it was difficult to determine its true purpose. People only began to marvel when Rose opened the case.

Puff? Was it a powder container? At that realization, everyone felt like they had been hit by a ton of bricks.

When noblewomen went out, a maid would usually bring a powder set to correct their makeup throughout the day, but since this was impossible to do if they weren’t accompanied, a dull and greasy face was a discomfort many ladies had to endure alone. Jubelian’s gift easily solved this common issue.

“Oh, a powder container small and thin enough to fit inside a purse!” someone exclaimed.

“I’ve never seen anything like it before.”

“To think of such an object and request a production of it… incredible.”

The object was both charming and practical, so it was no wonder why many eyes possessed such a covetous gleam.

“If she’s presenting something like that, wouldn’t this year’s Star go to Lady Floyen?” a noble asked.

The Star was a brooch awarded to the person who spearheaded the biggest trend in high society that year. This annual privilege was a great honor, as nobles tended to be sensitive about outward appearances.

“I agree. Considering that everyone’s eyes are already shining… isn’t it a sign that gift will become a trend?”

“Of course, but I doubt Lady Floyen will disclose which workshop she ordered it from.”

Although everyone was curious about this, it was a sensitive subject they couldn’t freely pursue because nobles rarely disclosed such information. Moreover, it was difficult to approach the lady in question, who was notorious for her wickedness. While everyone cowered, someone eventually brought up what no one dared to ask, and it was none other than Rose, the star of today’s banquet.

“If you don’t mind, could you tell me which workshop you commissioned to make this powder container, Lady Floyen?” she asked. “I would like to order one for my mother as well.”

Even those who had openly disapproved of Jubelian were made anxious by this situation. If she was the Lady Floyen they thought they knew, she wouldn’t stop at just causing trouble.

Unexpectedly, however, a soft, amiable voice drifted from Jubelian’s dainty lips. “Ah, it was the Fyodor workshop,” she answered. “The craftsman there is young but skilled, so you can trust him.”

Many people were amazed by her smooth response.

“Thank you so much for giving me such valuable information,” Rose gushed.

Jubelian waved her hand. “It’s nothing much. I’m quite embarrassed by your extensive praise, so I’m not sure how to react. I can only thank you for liking the gift I gave.”

She had not only answered, but answered humbly. At this point, people were wondering if someone had begun impersonating the lady, taking her place in the banquet instead. While everyone’s minds were thrust into disarray, it was Countess Arlo, Rose’s mother and the lady of the Arlo household, who set out to calm the chaotic atmosphere.

“I am very pleased that you gave my daughter an unforgettable gift today,” she said.

In response to her gratitude, Jubelian gracefully lowered her head. “And I am honored to have been invited to such a high-class banquet, Countess Arlo.”

The countess unconsciously marveled at her response. Jubelian was pretty good. Not only had she praised the Arlo family and their guests, but she managed to avoid seeming servile. She had truly mastered the aristocratic manner of only saying what was necessary. The countess’s expression, which had initially stood frozen like a sheath of ice in the midst of winter, thawed, becoming akin to a warm spring breeze.

“I hope you have a great time, Lady Floyen,” she said earnestly.

“Thank you for your consideration.”

When Jubelian expressed her gratitude, the countess and her husband bowed to Duke Floyen, who stood next to her. The duke likewise bowed in silence, then reached out to his daughter.

“Let’s go.”

They walked toward the corner of the banquet hall. It was usually an inconspicuous spot, but everyone’s attention strayed there to observe the lady.

“How can she be so different?” someone wondered.

“She’s really pretty when she smiles. Did you catch a glimpse of her face?”

In response to the numerous praises coming from the surrounding noblewomen who had been gossiping about Lady Floyen just yesterday, Countess Arlo spread her fan.

“My daughter certainly has an eye for people,” she said. “The lady I met today was befitting of Duke Floyen’s prestigious household.”

People noticed her shift in attitude and nodded in agreement.

✤ ✤ ✤

 

I sighed softly as the banquet hall became noisy, a bit taken aback by everyone’s unexpected attention. I thought it was a simple gift… but I guess it wasn’t.

This wasn’t what I wanted. I forced a smile, tired from all the unanticipated curiosity I drew from other people. I wanted to go home and rest.

At that moment, Father reached out to me. “Let’s go,” he said.

It would be nice to go home at this point, but we simply moved to a set of chairs by the window and sat down. It was a bit awkward to sit with Father like this. I looked up at him, but he was staring out into the distance with a cold expression.

It seemed like being here put him in a bad mood. Although I didn’t force him to come with me, I felt somewhat uncomfortable.

No, I shouldn’t pay so much attention to him.

I turned away from Father and looked at the center of the banquet hall, where men and women were dancing in pairs. It was a pretty sight. I was quite entertained by the beautifully dressed couples moving expertly, so much so that I felt like I was watching a splendid performance coming from a group of professional dancers.

It was just as I thought; it was more fun to watch other people dance than to try dancing myself.

I was still sitting next to Father when I spotted the back of a familiar figure surrounded by a crowd of women. Huh? That guy looked a bit like Mikhail. Was that him?

Even if it were really him, I remembered the warning I had given to him in the past. “Fine, I’ll trust you. Just never show yourself around me ever again,” he had said.

It was a small world, but he couldn’t have possibly come to this banquet, right? I knew that Mikhail didn’t enjoy banquets, so it was unlikely that it was actually him. The last thing I wanted to do was get involved with him since a lot of people perceived him as a pitiful, handsome man who had been harassed by me, a villainess, for two years.

“I’ll head to the terrace and stay there for a while, Father.”

He sighed in response. “Okay,” he said.

I had been worried that he would order me to fulfill my responsibility as his partner so I was relieved that he granted me permission. I rose from my seat in a good mood.

Then, he spoke again. “Don’t forget that I'm here.”

When he said those words, a burdensome weight descended upon me. I couldn’t even rest in peace… the thought of staying in the banquet hall for any longer made me exhausted, so I trudged towards the terrace anyway.

✤ ✤ ✤

 

Many people watched Lady Floyen enter the terrace, regret rolling off them in waves. “Ah, it’s a pity I couldn’t ask her to be my partner,” they thought. The duke’s hostile glare prevented people from approaching her, much less ask her to be their partner.

Mikhail frowned. As one of these people, he had been conscious about Jubelian’s presence since she entered the banquet hall. She went to the terrace. Was she signaling for him to follow after her? He was about to follow Jubelian when Duke Floyen, who had been sitting nearby, stood up and leaned against the wall beside the entrance to the terrace.

Damn it!

Mikhail couldn’t even move one step forward because the man who had once shown him favor was now exuding candid hostility. Although this uncomfortable encounter left Mikhail feeling uneasy, the duke gave a wry smirk.

This was ridiculous. He couldn’t believe Mikhail was such an unpleasant person.

In the past, Regis approved of Mikhail simply because Jubelian liked him, but now that they had parted ways, Regis couldn’t bring himself to bother with someone who had become nothing more than a nuisance.

When Mikhail turned around, the duke relaxed his fierce gaze. He couldn’t ruin the banquet his daughter was enjoying just to deal with some insignificant insect.

✤ ✤ ✤

 

When I left the stuffy banquet hall and entered the terrace, it became easier to breathe. Because I was on the first floor, the Arlo family’s garden sprawled out in front of me.

It was nice that it was quiet. I stared blankly at the garden and took a deep breath. The wind carried a fresh and fragrant scent my way. Although the colorful flowers had been trimmed by human hands, they were still beautiful products of nature and I began to feel at ease as I watched the roses sway in the wind.

I should move to the countryside when I become independent. It would be a good idea to plant some flowers and start a farm as well.

As I planned for my future, my eyelids slowly grew heavier. I was sleepy. I almost unconsciously reached up to rub my eyes but then I stopped. I almost forgot I had makeup on and I could've messed it up if I had touched my face.

At that moment, I felt the sudden urge to yawn, so I covered my mouth and exhaled after lowering my head. Ah, the tears started coming out again. My makeup shouldn’t be erased because of a few tears, right? They always came out when I yawned, but I couldn’t help this physiological phenomenon.

I left my powder compact at home… Nevertheless, I wiped my tears, hoping there wouldn’t be an unfortunate event where I had to correct my makeup.

“What are you doing?”

I turned towards the direction of the familiar voice and saw a very attractive face come into view. He was the last person I had expected to see. What was Father’s disciple doing here?

“Hey, how did you…?” I tried asking him for an explanation but stopped short when his long, masculine fingers gently began to wipe away my tears.

“Did someone harass you by any chance?” he asked with a harsh voice akin to the low growl of a beast. Unlike his tender touch, the look in his crimson eyes was fierce.

✤ ✤ ✤

 

Max glanced at the azure sky, vibrant roses, and crowded banquet hall, going over all the lovey-dovey guests who displayed their affection for each other on the terrace. As someone who had survived many near-death experiences, Max felt irritated and uncomfortable by the peaceful, picturesque nature of his surroundings.

“It might be difficult to find each other, so please stay at our arranged meeting place, Your Highness,” Fresia had told him. Max tried to endure his boredom by thinking about her earnest request, but this was difficult to do considering that he had already been hiding in a tree all day long.

Should he just leave? Although he wanted to abandon the plan and return to Salon Blooms right away, he practiced patience.

“Oh, and about Lady Floyen... it seems like she’ll be ignored by many at the banquet since there are rumors floating around that she doesn’t get along with her father,” Fresia had said.

There was a lot to gain from this banquet. Many nobles who worked at the imperial palace were in attendance. Max decided it would be a good idea to make a mental note of who approached his master and nip them in the bud later.

Despite his resolve, an imagined image of Jubelian wearing a gorgeous dress and dancing in someone else’s arms suddenly accosted him. She should’ve been dancing by now, right? His gaze became increasingly bloodthirsty as he stared out the banquet hall.

If he revealed his identity and went in now… Max was overcome by this intense impulse when the door to the terrace, his arranged meeting place with Fresia, opened. Upon seeing who arrived, his eyes grew wide.

Jubelian? He thought he was hallucinating at first, so he blinked to confirm that the person who entered the terrace was indeed the woman in question. Why did she come out? Various thoughts crowded his mind, but he was strangely contented by her appearance, so much so that the boring and dull scenery suddenly seemed much livelier. Judging from how she gazed at them so seriously, she probably liked roses.

Max unconsciously smiled as he observed her, but he was soon puzzled by what she did next. Why was she lowering her head?

When she lifted her head back up again, he realized why. Was she crying? He thought he was just imagining things again, but the sight of her tears dripping down her periwinkle, jewel-like eyes was unmistakable.

At that moment, Fresia’s earnest words returned to Max once more. She had wanted him to stay here so she could find him easier later…

Max paid no heed to her request and jumped off the tree.

✤ ✤ ✤

 

I stared at Father’s disciple and frowned slightly. What was he suddenly talking about? I didn’t know what he thought of me, but I was still the only daughter of a duke. Although I was infamous for being vicious to others and never having to experience difficulties, it seemed like he thought I was a pushover because I had been kind to him.

“Tell me,” Father’s disciple said. He spoke in a bloodthirsty tone as if to interrogate me.

I met his gaze. “If I tell you someone harassed me, are you going to punish them?”

“Yes. I promised to help you, after all,” he responded immediately.

I sighed, dumbfounded by how he had so casually twisted my words. What a foolish guy! Helping me would only bring him closer to death!

Although I had overlooked his arrogance because I didn’t want to seem overbearing and haughty, other nobles wouldn't be as forgiving. They considered it a form of mutiny for commoners to speak informally to nobles and they never hesitated to immediately dole out harsh punishments. As a commoner, he would meet the same end if he used force against a nobleman. Perhaps that wouldn’t even be enough.

He could be bluffing, but knowing him… he could actually try something. After observing Father’s disciple for a few days, I realized that he didn’t know many social norms, almost as if he had been raised in the wild. His mind was like a blank sheet of paper that could lead to his death if he wasn’t careful. We had known each other for quite a while, so I couldn’t just let him die. Although we weren’t close, I sometimes felt comfortable with him. He didn’t seem to have any ulterior motives and treated me like a normal person instead of the unapproachable Lady Floyen.

“Excuse me,” I called.

He turned to me. “Yes?”

“If you want to help me going forward, please speak to me formally in public,” I said.

“What?” he asked as if I had said something ridiculous.

“I’m still in a situation where I’m being ignored by those in high society,” I elaborated. “How much of a joke will they think I am if you disrespected me as well?”

He stared at me in response, deep in thought. I looked into his eyes and said, “You can make friends or enemies depending on how you say things, especially when it concerns nobles. Although this will be a different story if the class system was abolished, I’m just warning you to be careful.”

He continued to stare at me even after I finished speaking. If he was dissatisfied, he should just say so instead of looking at me so seriously. Why was he staring at me like that? Before his gaze got any stranger, he slowly nodded.

How nice. He looked like an obedient child when he nodded. I unconsciously felt the urge to stroke his hair as if to praise him, but I hastily pulled my hand back before I did.

“Oh, why are you here at the banquet?” I asked.

“Because of work,” he responded quietly.

Well, this made sense. It wasn’t uncommon for nobles to hire mercenaries as security guards for banquets. I briefly wondered if he was overqualified to work as a temporary guard, but that wasn’t as big of a problem as his appearance, which was very unusual for a commoner.

“If nobles speak to you, you must respond formally. Okay?” I said, making sure he understood to ease my worries.

He sighed. “Alright.”

Despite his affirmation, I knew how arrogant and ignorant of the world he was, so I stretched my pinky finger out. “Promise me.”

He frowned in response then sighed and gently hooked his pinky finger around mine. After stamping our thumbs together, he pulled his hand back and spoke with irritation. “By the way, why did your partner leave you alone, making you look like someone who had been abandoned?”

Hm, I probably did look like that. The terrace was a place where guests could, in a positive light, take a break. It was also, in a more negative light, a place where people could escape if they were left out or unable to acclimate themselves. Considering the fact that my partner was a certain someone, I wasn’t in a situation where I could enjoy the banquet.

“Father is in the banquet hall…” I trailed off.

He stared at me with amazement when I mentioned Father. “What?” he asked. “Didn’t you decide to partner with a relative?”

“Well, that relative ended up being Father.”

He frowned in response. “Have you danced yet?”

I sighed. “If someone asked me to dance, would I be acting like someone who was abandoned, as you said?”

As soon as I finished speaking, he snickered. Yeah, he probably thought this was funny. In the past, people often asked me to dance out of reverence for my status as a duke’s daughter, but oddly enough, I hadn’t received a dance request from a single person today.

Well, it was probably karma for the life I had been living until now. I was lost in my thoughts when I suddenly noticed movement. I looked at Father’s disciple, who wore a serious expression as he stretched an unwavering hand out to me.

“Why are you extending your hand like that?” I asked.

“Don’t you understand? I’m asking you to dance with me,” he said, frowning slightly.

“You know how to dance?” I asked, surprised. “My goodness.”

He nodded in response. “You should be honored. I don’t dance with just anyone,” he said proudly.

I was a bit worried that he would step on my feet, but I couldn’t refuse someone who seemed so eager after they decided to be generous. I took the hand he offered me. “Yes, it would be an honor to dance with you.”

At that moment, I wondered if my eyes were playing tricks on me. For a second, he looked like an arrogant prince wearing a confident smile, which was quite unusual. His face was probably just really handsome.

I gawked at him almost as if I was possessed.

“Then, let’s start,” he said, raising my hand.

The orchestra echoing across the banquet hall could also be heard at the terrace. I probably needed to take the lead, right? I moved slowly, trying to be considerate toward a beginner like him. To my surprise, however, he began to lead me instead.

Huh? His steps were too skilled for a beginner; even his guidance was perfect. Every move was completely flawless, almost as if he had practiced many times. How? I stared at him, dumbfounded.

“Ah!”

Perhaps it was because I wasn’t concentrating on my steps despite wearing high heels, but I missed a step and almost fell.

“You aren't paying attention,” he scolded.

In what felt like no time at all, he closed the distance between us, hugging my waist tightly. Flustered, I tried to escape his arms.

“Is your ankle okay?” he asked. Although he spoke brusquely, his words showed that he was worried about me. I felt strange for some reason.

“Ah, it’s okay. Now—”

I tried to distance myself, but he suddenly lifted me up into his arms, carrying me bridal style.

Wait—what was he doing?!

Taken aback by his unexpected actions, I could do nothing as he sat me on a nearby bench and applied something to my ankle. The cool sensation reminded me of a pain relief patch. When I regarded him with amazement, he lowered his head.

“You’re lucky I brought this ointment… if I didn’t, what would you have done?” he complained.

Did he carry around household medicine because he was a mercenary? I stole a glance at him.

“Thank you,” I said.

He lowered his head further down in response, looking irritated. “There’s no need to say thank you. Just don’t get hurt.”

I caught sight of a leaf on top of his head just then, so I figured I should take it off for him.

“I’m done n—”

At that moment, he raised his head slightly. I felt embarrassed because, at that moment, it probably looked like I was trying to stroke his hair.

He took my hand. “What are you…”

Oh, did I make him mad? His face had flushed a slight red, so he must’ve been angry at me. I was about to apologize when I suddenly heard a voice.

“What the hell are you doing?”

I turned towards the entrance of the terrace, where Father was staring at us with a terrifying expression.

“F-Father!”

✤ ✤ ✤

 

Regis initially thought that she was going to take a short break, but Jubelian hadn’t returned from the terrace for a while. As he continued to guard the entrance back in the banquet hall, he started feeling nervous. Did something happen to her?

Although the duke possessed the ability to detect the presence of living beings, he deliberately avoided using his powers to survey the terrace out of respect for his daughter’s privacy, but as the minutes ticked by, he began to imagine the worst-case scenario.

If the emperor made a move…

Of course, he wouldn’t act so hastily because he possessed that, but pulling a trick wasn’t out of the picture for him. The duke had clearly provoked the emperor during his last audience with him, too. Refusing to take any chances, Regis activated his powers to detect his daughter’s movements on the terrace.

His eyes grew wide in astonishment. Jubelian was with someone… and it was a man, at that. Regis glared at the door. After briefly detecting Jubelian’s movements, he concluded that she was dealing with someone she knew. Regis had no choice but to act carefully because he didn’t want to disappoint his daughter any further, otherwise she would lose trust in him if he opened the door in a circumstance such as this.

He decided to identify who it was first and then secretly order a background check later. Although he was trying to be patient as a father, this was becoming harder when the two people on the terrace, who were already close, stepped closer to each other.

How dare that man… Regis clenched his fists unconsciously. He could tell by their posture and the placement of their hands that they were about to dance.

Who on earth was with his child…? After what had happened with Mikhail, the duke was nervous at the thought of another unqualified man deceiving his daughter. Now that someone was doing exactly that after evading his attention, Regis became resentful.

At that moment, Jubelian staggered. Regis flinched reflexively, but he didn’t move from his spot because she didn’t fall. The man with her had quickly supported her back. Although he felt relieved by that, a strange feeling washed over him. When Jubelian passed out before, he had wished it was a nightmare he could wake up from, but when he couldn’t, his heart had been consumed by fear and anxiety. He worried she would faint without notice again, especially if she was out of his sight.

Thankfully, his daughter was safe because of the unknown man’s quick reflexes. His instincts were quite useful. Although his strange pride was quite stubborn, he had to admit that there was probably someone else who could also protect his daughter.

Regis’s fists tightened as he tried to suppress his impatience. It would’ve been alright if he chose to investigate who this man was later…

At that moment, Regis’s eyes burst with fury. That goddamn bastard! He didn’t usually resort to profanity, but this time he had a reason for it. How dare that man touch his daughter in such a place!

Regis was usually patient—as exhibited by how he dealt with the emperor who liked to provoke him—but when the stranger took his daughter and lifted up the hem of her skirt, he immediately tore the terrace door open. There, he caught the man touching his daughter’s ankle with his head bowed low as Jubelian reached to stroke his head.

He didn’t know who this person was, but he wasn’t going to forgive him. When the delinquent in question raised his head, Regis’s expression stiffened.

It was his foolish disciple, whom he had already disqualified for his daughter. Maximillian.

Despite his handsome appearance and many talents, the emperor’s son was an extremely ferocious and arrogant man. It wasn’t an exaggeration to say that his perverse and foul personality was below her standards on top of other, more average standards as well.

A murderous aura emanated from Regis’s eyes. This guy dared to approach his daughter?

“I won’t say thank you because you were the one who decided to accept me as your disciple,” Max had once said. Although his claims back there were nothing but arrogant, Regis hadn’t become angry at him. He didn’t expect anything in return for helping him, and he wasn’t so petty as to argue with an immature child.

Even so, he wanted nothing more than to separate his ungrateful disciple from his daughter right away. He wanted to warn him never to see her ever again. He wanted to beat him up until he came to his senses.

This strange sensation made him feel like his head had been lit aflame.

“Father?”

The moment Regis saw his daughter staring at him with wide eyes, he knew he couldn’t do this. He exhaled slowly and relaxed his tight fists. Of course. There was no way he could win against her.

That didn’t mean that he approved of her relationship with Max, however. If she decided to stay with him, Regis could clearly imagine the hardship she would have to undergo. She could do anything else, but she couldn’t get involved with that guy. He was too dangerous.

Regis needed to pull the two apart and ensure they never met again.

✤ ✤ ✤

 

When Father suddenly entered the terrace, I became a little nervous, worrying that he would blame me for not showing myself at the banquet hall. Contrary to my expectations, Father simply extended his hand.

“I’ll ask for more details later,” he said. “First, let’s leave.”

His reaction was strange, seeing as he didn’t scold me, but I approached him anyway. “Okay.”

I tried to take his hand, but his disciple held me back. “Your ankle. You’re hurt.”

I could still walk, so it was a little embarrassing for him to say that. “I’m fi—”

Father smiled kindly and dropped his outstretched hand. “It’s not something you should concern yourself with,” he told his disciple.

I tried to look indifferent, but it seemed like Father was telling his disciple that I was insignificant and not worth caring about. I was wondering why he wasn’t angry. Was it because his disciple was here?

My mood had begun worsening when someone suddenly lifted me up. Huh? I looked at Father in surprise, wondering why he took me into his arms.

“Because she’s my daughter,” he continued with a slight smile. It wasn’t something for his disciple to concern himself with… because I was his daughter?

In the past, I would've been shaken by his words because I was a child yearning for his love, but I wasn't like that anymore. I couldn’t expect anything from him. My past expectations were only false hopes that had always let me down. I thought that he might love me if I acted cutely and humored him, but I had no intention of continuing such foolish behavior anymore because I knew how this story ended.

I was immersed in bitter thoughts for a while before I heard Father speak.

“I will visit you in the future, so don’t come to my home anymore,” he told his disciple.

As someone who didn’t travel for most things, Father personally told his disciple that he would visit him. It seemed like he really cherished him, but when I glanced at the young man, I noticed that he was slightly frowning. Wasn’t his expression a little strange for someone who should be deeply moved? I frowned, too.

Wait, Father. Wasn’t this a little too much? I didn’t realize that he would enter the banquet hall while holding me like this, but he did.

“Father,” I called.

His blue eyes focused on me. “You injured your ankle. There’s no need to push yourself to stay at the banquet.”

No, that wasn’t it! I wanted you to let go of me because I was embarrassed! However, if I quarreled with him over this matter, I would only end up standing out even more. The attention I was already receiving was more than enough. I wanted to disappear quietly, but no matter how hard I wished for something, reality wasn’t as merciful.

Once everyone’s attention in the banquet hall turned to us, so did Count Arlo’s. He approached us. “Your Excellency, did something happen?”

“My daughter isn’t feeling well, so we must depart,” Father said.

I sighed. Ah, this was so embarrassing.

My original plan was to go home after quietly attending the banquet as it was the only way to avoid further backlash, but now I practically had a spotlight trained on me because I was being held in Father’s arms with the excuse of feeling sick. On top of the attention I received after my gift to Rose, by this time tomorrow, I was destined to become the prime subject of every piece of gossip around.

This wasn’t anything unexpected or surprising because I was often the subject of others’ hostility, but at the thought of suffering from some strange new rumors again, I started getting a headache.

✤ ✤ ✤

 

When Duke Floyen and his daughter left the banquet hall, guests who had frequently targeted Jubelian began gossiping.

“I can’t believe she caused such a commotion at someone else’s banquet!”

“I don’t understand how someone who was doing fine just a moment ago could act like that.”

“She’s not intentionally doing this to get attention, right?”

At that moment, a cold voice stifled their conversation fiercely. “I guess everyone forgot that Lady Floyen had come down with an illness only a short while ago,” said Rose, the star of the banquet.

Upon her reminder, silence fell upon the hall. She looked over the guests who had just gossiped about Jubelian.

“It seems like she hasn’t fully recovered from her illness, but she came to my birthday banquet anyway despite how sick she felt… I think that was really considerate of her,” she said.

Many people began to agree with her words.

“Just a while ago, she was sitting with a pale complexion before going out to the terrace.”

“Yes, I saw that as well.”

Rose became teary-eyed after listening to this and said, “Although it hasn’t been long since I’ve become acquainted with the lady, I have gotten to know her through exchanging letters. I feel like she’s a very kind person.”

Several nobles agreed with Rose and expressed their own opinions.

“Lady Arlo is right. I didn’t expect anything when I received a letter under her name, but when I learned that Lady Floyen had written it herself, I realized that its contents were rather distinctive.”

Among these voices was the esteemed son of Count Rowen as well. “I made the mistake of finding another partner before the lady could answer me. She forgave me nevertheless and looked like an angel while doing so…”

His words were full of ulterior motives so Rose ignored them. “As the host of this banquet, I am grateful to her,” she said. “So…”

When she became at a loss for words, Count Arlo wrapped his arm around his daughter’s shoulders and spoke for her. “Dear guests, since we’re all comrades with the same political position, shouldn’t we all be united?” he asked. “Moreover, if the duke finds out that we have spoken ill of his daughter today… he will be really disappointed.”

The guests who had been gossiping about Jubelian gulped in response. It was a well-known fact that people would even slander the emperor if he wasn’t present, but the atmosphere a little while ago was becoming too overheated. Moreover, the sight of the duke holding Jubelian in his arms was quite different from the rumors which claimed that their relationship was a neglectful one.

As the silence settled, Count Arlo smiled pleasantly. “It seems like the banquet’s liveliness has died down because the music has stopped. Please resume the performance, Maestro.”

When the music resumed at the count’s request, the icy atmosphere of the banquet hall slowly melted away. Some nobles began to quietly whisper among themselves.

“The count is obligated to act amicably towards the Floyen family because the young lady gave his daughter a great gift, right?”

“You’re right. And even if it weren’t for the gift, it genuinely seems like the duke truly cares for his daughter… it would be good for both families to develop friendly relations.”

As the popular opinion shifted in Jubelian’s favor, Rose looked at her father proudly. Now that she thought about it, she had only been able to exchange letters with Lady Floyen in the first place because of the support she had received from her father.

“Thank you, Father,” she said.

Count Arlo laughed softly at his daughter’s quiet word of thanks. “It seems like you’ve made a good friend.”

Rose gazed at her father affectionately for a moment. Then, she smiled as she recalled Duke Floyen leaving with Jubelian in his arms. She was relieved that Lady Floyen had a good relationship with her father as well.

✤ ✤ ✤

 

Although I felt much better after leaving the banquet hall, I was still pretty uncomfortable because Father was still holding me in his arms. My breathing only calmed when I saw our household’s carriage in the distance. Once we board it, this discomfort I felt would subside.

After we entered the carriage and Father placed me down, however, I continued to feel tense because he decided to sit right next to me.

“You might pass out like last time, so I’ll sit beside you on our way back home,” he explained.

Unable to act against him, I forced a smile.

✤ ✤ ✤

 

Mikhail balled his hands into fists as he recalled how Jubelian left the banquet hall. She wasn’t feeling well? Did that mean she wasn’t faking her illness?

Jubelian had always been able to follow him wherever he went. Even when he walked quickly, she never fell behind, doing her best to match his pace. Because of this reason, he thought she was a naturally healthy person, but now that he thought about it, she wouldn’t show herself again for days after following him around. She also seemed to struggle to breathe as she pushed herself to keep up…

Strangely enough, when Mikhail realized this, his heart began to ache.

✤ ✤ ✤

 

Because he had suddenly become angry on the terrace, I wondered if Father was going to ask me about what I was doing with his disciple. However, he only left me a request before leaving my room. “Refrain from going out these next few days,” he had said. “Allen told me that you should rest.”

Because Father ordered me to take care of myself, I was bound to my bed again. Why on earth was he acting like this? He used to treat me like I didn’t exist, but now he was acting so differently. Not only did these changes make me feel uncomfortable around him, but they also made it difficult for me to understand him. What was the point of being nice to me?

To my surprise, I came to an answer rather quickly. Well, I guess there were some benefits to treating me like this. He needed to make sure I was healthy enough to marry the crown prince, right?

When I recalled the crown prince from the original novel, I sighed. It would be unreasonable to try to appease a cruel and inhumane individual like him…

I thought that breaking up with Mikhail would save me from the path to death, but if I had known that I would encounter a bear while trying to avoid a fox, I would’ve found a different solution.

Well, the past was the past. I couldn’t do anything about it now. I clenched my fists. Although I needed to obey Father for the sake of a brighter future, I didn’t want to end my life by getting married to the crown prince.

“Watch me. This will never go the way you want,” I silently promised.

 

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