Chapter 13
What was giving Cayente a headache as he leisurely sipped tea across from the emperor wasn’t how to acquire the pink diamond from Mount Kasad.
“I know you’re beautiful, but I’m dying to hear how you managed to win over a count who never showed interest in women, and how you’re now rushing to marry him so secretly.”
The emperor was quick-witted and always out for his own gain, yet oddly, he had this romantic streak when it came to relationships between men and women.
“Haven’t you already won over your future husband?”
“Have I? Well, he doesn’t look at other women, at least.”
“What man wouldn’t fall for Your Majesty after seeing you?”
“No need to flatter me with words you don’t mean. Especially after rejecting my marriage proposal.”
The emperor had once blatantly flirted with Cayente, defying the custom that one must marry a noble of the Empire. So, naturally, the true intent behind this marriage, particularly any money involved, was not something he could reveal.
“Well then, I’ll get going and begin sourcing the jewels for the party.”
“Very well. Go on. I hope I haven’t asked too much of you.”
“Not at all. I’ll see you at the party in a week.”
That was the real worry—how they could properly explain this marriage to others.
“You’re back, my lord.”
“Tell the new maid to begin preparing for the imperial party next week.”
“Young Lady, someone from the Count’s family has arrived.”
Yulia, who had been relieved to get through dinner without any conversation about it, felt her heart drop.
Was it Uncle Henry coming to talk about calling off the marriage?
While she was trying to calm her racing heart, a young maid with red hair and chubby cheeks was guided into Yulia’s bedroom.
“Here she is. This is where Lady Yulia is.”
“Thank you, Aunt Emma. Hello, my lady. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Lucy. I look forward to serving you.”
Yulia blinked in confusion, and Lucy continued with a warm smile, holding a small suitcase.
“Didn’t you receive a message? Oh, I must have arrived before the letter. I was selected to be your personal maid, my lady. I was told to start attending to you right away, so here I am.”
The Baron Ruper household couldn’t afford many servants. The lady’s maid often doubled as a housekeeper, and the butler filled in for a footman. So it was unthinkable to have a personal maid for each family member.
Cayente must have noticed that Yulia always moved around alone and sent someone accordingly.
“You’re going to be the mistress of Count Clue’s household soon, after all. I think he was concerned about you being on your own.”
Emma, who had been a lady’s maid in the Baron Ruper household for a long time—and had briefly been Yulia’s nanny—clasped her hands with emotion. But Yulia, who had expected the marriage to be called off, was caught off guard and staggered slightly at the realization that he had sent a maid ahead of time.
“My lady! Are you alright?”
Lucy quickly dropped her bag and rushed to support her. Despite looking even younger than Ian, she seemed skilled and experienced in her actions.
Lucy helped Yulia to a nearby chair and loosened the strings of her dress at the back so she could breathe more easily.
“You’re dizzy, right? Are you eating properly? I’ve seen a lot of brides who starve themselves before the wedding just to look good in a dress—surely you’re not doing that, are you? Please don’t, my lady. There’s barely anything to you as is!”
She fussed over Yulia, saying she could feel only bones when she touched her arm. Truthfully, Yulia hadn’t been eating well ever since the marriage was arranged, and she had lost even more weight.
“Here, drink some water, my lady.”
“Thank you.”
“Please feel free to speak casually to me. I’ll be by your side from now on, and it’ll be awkward if you’re too formal.”
“Alright, I will.”
Lucy opened a window to let in fresh air and handed her the water. It was strange hearing someone call her “my lady,” and it was odd not doing things herself—but it was undeniably more convenient.
“The wedding date hasn’t even been set yet. He already told you to come serve me?”
“Yes!”
As Emma had said, Cayente clearly wasn’t concerned about her walking around alone. The real reason became obvious soon enough.
“He said to start preparing for the imperial party happening in a week.”
“I see.”
So, there was another reason. That the marriage was still moving forward, despite everything, was oddly comforting.
“I’ll be counting on you, Lucy.”
“You can rely on me, my lady!”
Yulia greeted Lucy with a smile, but deep down she felt hollow, realizing how her life would now sway according to Cayente’s decisions.
“Good morning, my lady!”
From the very next morning, Lucy fully assumed her role as Yulia’s maid—opening the windows for fresh air, tidying up the bed, informing her of breakfast plans.
Because Lucy’s actions flowed so naturally, Yulia quickly adjusted to her presence.
“Please sit here, my lady. What tea would you like? Good morning, young master.”
“You’re full of energy this morning, Lucy.”
“My lady has a lot to do today.”
“Our Yulia was invited to the imperial party?”
“Yes, Lady Lorina.”
“It’s an honor for the family, Yulia.”
Yulia still wasn’t used to being called “my lady” before even being married. But Lady Lorina and Ian, already seated at the table, didn’t seem fazed at all.
“There’s not even a decent dress prepared, and now you have to meet His Majesty? I’m worried. Should we call the dressmaker about the outfit we ordered last time?”
“I already did, Lady Lorina. They said they’ll bring the fitted dress the afternoon after tomorrow. The shoemaker will be here this morning, and the jeweler is coming in the afternoon.”
“What about the hatter? I hear most imperial parties are held in gardens—shouldn’t we have a hat?”
“I thought we should wait to see the final dress design before choosing a hat, but I’ve already spoken to a quick-handed hatter.”
“The weather’s going to warm up… Can I get myself a new hat too?”
“Count Clue said not to skimp and to get whatever’s needed, so I think that’s alright.”
Although she’d always served herself from dishes at the table, Lady Lorina now waited for Lucy to serve her food, acting completely at ease being attended to.
“Mother, getting a new hat without saying anything is…”
“There you go again. What’s the big deal? Cayente adored you even when you were little. He even sent a personal maid before the wedding. He must think you’re absolutely lovely. And who am I, huh? I’m your mother! A couple of hats won’t break the bank.”
No, mother. I’m not lovely at all. Every time he sees me, there’s a cold wind in his gaze, and he only talks to mock me…
“Who is the new guest at our house?”
“Hello, sir—”
