36
2. Holding a jewel that doesn’t belong to me
Honestly, I didn’t take Dante’s words about hosting my debutante party at face value.
He faithfully kept his promise.
It all started when,
“Miss Elze.”
While Liam trailed behind me like a puppy, he began explaining various things.
“The head chef in charge of cooking has been decided as the executive chef of Leventra Restaurant.”
What did he say?
I doubted my ears for a moment.
Leventra Restaurant.
The head chef in charge of the imperial palace’s cuisine, and the Leventra marvel, who gained a noble title with just one dish, had independently established a high-end restaurant.
Since he operated it under his own name, it was only natural that the executive chef was Leventra marvel.
“Are you talking about Leventra marvel?”
“Yes.”
I swallowed dry saliva.
Leventra Restaurant is a place where it’s difficult to even make a reservation, and he went ahead and hired that person.
How far does Dante’s skill extend?
However, Liam didn’t bat an eye and moved on to the next matter.
“And we’ve decided to source food ingredients and alcohol from the top of Odne Food Supplies. Since they’ve assured us, the quality will be guaranteed.”
Odne Food Supplies.
I had heard that name a few times.
No wonder, because that top…
“If you mention Odne Food Supplies, are you talking about the branch of Schmaikel top?”
Benedict owned the top, that’s why.
Meanwhile, in response to my question, Liam raised his eyebrows as if surprised.
Well, that kind of reaction is somewhat understandable.
The original Elze was only interested in consumption, not caring where the things she consumed came from.
“Yes, that’s correct. If it’s Schmaikel’s top, we can trust both the delivery speed and quality.”
“I see.”
I nodded my head and fell into thought for a moment.
Suddenly, Benedict came to mind.
‘Come to think of it, Benedict mentioned that he’s currently raising stock prices.’
Taking my advice, Schmaikel’s top didn’t get involved in the dispute in the Romdio Territory.
In return, they were thriving.
Several mid-level tops who tried to undermine Schmaikel’s top at every opportunity got involved in the Romdio Territory dispute and ended up in ruins.
Naturally, Schmaikel didn’t miss the opportunity to absorb those tops.
As those mid-level tops were quite lucrative, Schmaikel’s influence in the imperial rankings became even more solid.
At that moment, Liam spoke up.
“And Miss Elze, a gift has arrived for you.”
“For me?”
It’s strange; I don’t have anyone sending me gifts.
I felt a bit puzzled.
As if he could read my mind, Liam added mysteriously.
“Yes. It’s a 25-year-old Solomon, and the sender is Count Rüneburg.”
If it’s Solomon 25-year-old, it’s the highest quality liquor priced like a farmhouse near the capital.
Usually, a lady celebrates her debutante party, toasts, and congratulates herself when she comes of age.
It could be considered a gift with some sense.
But more surprising than the liquor was the sender.
‘Benedict?’
I blinked my eyes blankly.
“He expressed his gratitude for facilitating a large deal with Marquis Offenheir and congratulated you on your debutante party.”
“Well, then, shouldn’t the gift be received by the Marquis rather than me?”
After all, it was Dante who spent the money.
Liam shrugged his shoulders in response.
“In any case, you were the reason for the deal, Miss Elze. I’ll make sure to place the liquor in the banquet hall.”
“Well, okay.”
I nodded.
I thought Liam’s business might be over at this point, but…
“Oh, right. I have something to tell you about the banquet hall.”
It doesn’t seem like nothing.
“What is it?”
“Marquis mentioned that he will open the townhouse of the Marquis Offenheir for this debutante party.”
“….”
I paused for a moment.
If Dante wanted to throw my debutante party with money, there was room for understanding.
Dante was typically a person who rotted away with money but didn’t have time.
You could say he bought dignity and time with money.
“So, naturally… I thought this banquet hall would be borrowed from the Jade Hotel.”
Of course, Dante’s hotel ownership wasn’t something I cared about.
From Dante’s perspective, he would try to categorize our relationship as ‘private and trivial.’
So I thought I could overlook having a debutante party at just about any hotel.
However…
“He said he would open the Marquis Offenheir’s townhouse?”
Until now, it had been somewhat burdensome, but I could somewhat keep a straight face.
But this seemed really unlikely.
Of course, the townhouse was a private space where members of the family resided.
“Can you really open the Offenheir townhouse?”
I cautiously asked.
“Of course, Marquis has been very considerate to me, which I truly appreciate, but…”
I, who had blurred my words for a moment, continued.
“I think the weight of a hotel banquet hall and a townhouse is different, don’t you?”
That’s right.
The hotel banquet hall could be easily summarized as ‘putting some effort into it for the sake of former toys.’
However, opening the Marquis Offenheir’s townhouse meant an entirely different significance.
Of course, Dante himself would probably open the family townhouse due to his unique caprice, but…
‘At least there’s plenty of room for interpretation from the outside.’
The imperial nobles likely think that Dante is really taking our relationship seriously.
Therefore, there is a high probability that they will misunderstand that Dante is hosting this debutante party at the family level.
Dante probably knows that much…
“You don’t need to give others a chance to gossip.”
“Well, Marquis strongly recommended that you throw Elze’s debutante party perfectly.”
In response to my question, Liam answered with a somewhat ambiguous expression.
Perhaps Liam also didn’t fully understand the current situation.
But then.
Knock, knock.
A short knock echoed.
“Come in.”
The maid who entered the room bowed politely.
“Madam Tilda has arrived.”
“I see.”
I turned my head slightly and glanced at Liam.
“I think we should conclude our conversation here for today.”
“Yes, I believe I’ve conveyed most of the necessary information. I plan to handle the remaining matters myself. Is that acceptable?”
“Of course. I’m glad to have Liam’s assistance.”
Grinning, I followed the maid out of the room, feeling Liam’s subtle gaze persistently trailing behind me.
Well, that was to be expected. Even though Dante’s caprices were like a force of nature, there was a distinct difference between experiencing and not experiencing such caprices.
This was the first time he granted such favors to my “toys.”
*Sigh.*
I sighed inwardly. It felt like being burdened with something heavy even though I hadn’t eaten anything.
* * *
I entered the reception room where Madam Tilda was waiting.
It might be strange to have a separate space for receiving guests in a boarding school designed to confine students.
Perhaps that part would be puzzling.
However, Rose Cross Boarding School was a legally approved institution under the Empire.
According to the school corporation and private school laws, schools must have a space where guardians can meet students.
Of course, it’s rare for that space to be used for its original purpose.
So…
‘In this way.’
I cast a fleeting glance at Madam Tilda.
“L-Lady Lepherian!”
Madam Tilda, who was nervously sitting in her chair, gasped and swallowed hard as she spotted me.
Then, she jumped up from her seat.
“I’m so pleased to meet you like this.”
A mixture of tension, fear, and expectations for sales blended in her gaze.
Facing her, I, like a luxurious villain, raised the corner of my lips and smiled.
“Yes, it’s been a while.”
Madam Tilda shrank like prey in front of a predator.
Whether she liked it or not, I casually spoke.
“I have no hobby of being disappointed. Understand?”
37
“Well, yes. I’m well aware of Lady Elze’s refined taste.”
Refined, huh?
I inwardly smirked.
‘Exactly, it’s written as refined, but it’s read as extravagant.’
Meanwhile, at the end of my gaze, Madam Tilda, after seeming to shudder her shoulders, soon started bustling around.
“In that case, I’ll begin preparing the fitting.”
“Fine.”
I nodded.
Madam Tilda brought a tape measure and started measuring my body.
Then she giggled.
“You’ve lost a bit of weight.”
Instead of responding, I just shrugged my shoulders.
Dealing with Lucian alone was already giving me a headache, and now Dante was getting involved too.
Losing weight due to stress was inevitable.
Especially recently, with frequent meals with Dante. Each time, I’d check my weight, and some nights, I even threw up everything.
‘Come to think of it.’
I glanced out the window.
‘I wonder what Lucian is doing right now?’
Far away, I could see the annex reserved for special students.
The place where only Lucian currently resided.
The annex, enveloped in a rose garden of deep red, stood out conspicuously.
A few days ago, after breakfast with Dante…
I hadn’t heard anything about Lucian.
Once Lucian becomes a hot topic…
[“It’s good to work hard, but… I hope he’s not planning something like killing Duke Kalleid.”]
Dante, with an icy smile, dropped a sarcastic remark.
‘Even if I personally hire someone to find out about him…’
Even with just Liam at the boarding school, it’s already burdensome. The situation gets even worse with Dante lurking around.
“…. Sigh.”
I involuntarily let out a short sigh.
But at that moment.
Bang!
The door to the reception room swung open without even a knock.
And the person who revealed themselves…
‘Dante?’
My eyes widened a bit.
“I greet Marquis Offenheir.”
Madam Tilda, startled, quickly composed herself with a polite greeting.
I adjusted my surprised expression and asked Dante a question.
“Marquis, what brings you here?”
Whether it was the boss of the underworld or the head of a prestigious noble family, he couldn’t escape from the mountain of paperwork.
Even though Dante could be capricious, he was someone who cared enough for the organization to run smoothly, especially after I pacified it.
So, by now, shouldn’t he be stuck in the office, buried in documents?
“Do you have any concerns, my dear?”
Dante, with both hands in his pants pockets, walked confidently into the room and gazed at me.
“I could hear a sigh all the way from outside.”
Ah.
As I blinked my eyes absentmindedly, I reflexively smiled.
“I find the fitting a bit boring.”
Madam Tilda seemed to be contemplating me, but I deliberately avoided her gaze.
I genuinely felt sorry for Madam Tilda, but I couldn’t think of any excuses…
Then Dante deliberately put on a teasing expression and gave me a hint.
“So, you’re not even going to say that you missed seeing me?”
“….”
I felt truly exhausted for a moment.
But since Dante still held the reins of my life, I deliberately smiled brighter.
It was a sharp-tongued remark.
…I felt shivers running down my whole body.
‘What did I say wrong?’
I urgently reviewed my actions and words up to this point.
However,
‘I don’t seem to have made any mistakes.’
At the same time, Dante turned around abruptly and walked towards the sofa.
Seating himself on the sofa with a slump, Dante leaned his body sideways and crossed his legs.
“So? Aren’t you going to fit it?”
“What?”
“I said, aren’t you going to fit it?”
I was a bit puzzled.
“Uh, perhaps.”
As I cautiously gauged Dante’s mood, I asked carefully,
“Did you come all the way here to watch me fit it?”
“So?”
Dante retorted with a sarcastic tone.
“Did you think I came here to take a nap or something?”
“….”
Really, how cheeky.
I glanced briefly at Dante with a sidelong glance.
Beneath the casually thrown shirt sleeves, muscular forearms were revealed.
Combined with black leather pants and boots, it was an attire that seemed indifferent to the gaze of others.
As if a wild beast lurked behind, I shivered slightly.
And then,
“Shall we continue with the fitting?”
Turning towards Madam Tilda as if nothing had happened.
Given my situation, there was nothing I could instruct Dante to do.
It was simply a judgment call to turn a blind eye to it.
“What about this red dress?”
“Well, it’s not bad.”
“I’m glad you like it. Oh, right. This dress is also the latest trend.”
Madam Tilda, even with Dante standing behind her, continued to change dresses without hesitation.
I couldn’t help but admire Madam Tilda’s determination for sales…
“It’s a mermaid-line design that accentuates the figure. It should suit Lady Leferian well.”
“It’s pretty, but I wish the pearl ornament on the neckline were adjusted a bit.”
“Oh, yes. I understand.”
After finishing the fitting and changing into several sample dresses.
Dante continued to watch me intently.
Although watching me change dresses seemed rather uninteresting, and it actually appeared quite boring.
He showed no intention of leaving his seat.
Feeling somewhat irritated by Dante’s presence,
I, who couldn’t stand it any longer, struck up a conversation with him.
“Aren’t you bored?”
“Huh?”
Dante raised his gaze briefly.
Carefully choosing my words to not reveal any sign of annoyance, I continued.
“Usually, gentlemen aren’t particularly interested in ladies’ dresses, aren’t they?”
“Right. I’m not particularly interested in women’s clothes.”
Dante retorted sharply.
‘Well, why are you still sitting here?’
It seemed my curiosity was evident on my face.
Dante elaborated unexpectedly.
“Nevertheless, for ladies, debutante parties are quite important events, right?”
Oh, I didn’t expect Dante to consider such things.
I was a bit surprised.
But Dante’s bombshell statement wasn’t over yet.
“So, when choosing a dress for a debutante party, attention to detail matters a lot.”
“Ah…”
“It’s not for someone else but for your own debutante party.”
Dante casually shrugged.
“So, I’m making an effort to pay attention to the details.”
“I see.”
“Moreover, Liam said that women appreciate it when men pay attention to the smallest details, right?”
…That Liam, he really talked nonsense.
I barely managed to suppress a sigh that rose to the back of my throat.
At the same time, Dante gracefully narrowed his eyes.
“I think I’ve been a bit lacking in such efforts so far.”
“Please don’t say that. I’m truly happy that you came here.”
As I habitually grinned, I paused.
A faint sense of discomfort passed through Dante’s pupils.
‘Again.’
But that discomfort quickly disappeared.
“I just might not be of much help.”
Dante spoke with a peculiar tone.
“In my eyes, everything suits you perfectly.”
38
Even though he exuded an air of boredom, his voice itself was sincere.
“Hmm.”
I looked down at the colorful sample dresses hanging on the long rack.
Though all of them were expensive and extravagant, none of the dresses particularly caught my eye.
“I’ll take some more time to think.”
“Yes, understood.”
Madam Tilda, after exchanging pleasantries with Dante and me, left the room.
Servants carried the long rack with dresses outside.
Simultaneously, a jeweler who had been waiting outside entered.
He was a middle-aged man with a sturdy build.
“Marquis Openhauer, and Lady Leferian, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Still young and fresh-looking, the jeweler humbly bowed deeply to Dante and me.
Well, that’s probably because Elze from the original work has overwhelming sales, I suppose.
Madam Tilda, even with Elze from the original work causing a scene in the dressing room several times, continues to do business with us.
“The first item I’ll show you is this star sapphire ring. It’s a 20-carat piece mined from the Ringcon Mines…”
Starting with that, earrings, bracelets, rings, hairpins, and numerous jewels were presented.
‘Not bad.’
I thought with a contemplative gaze as I looked at the dazzling jewels.
Having lived a luxurious life until now, I had developed a somewhat discerning eye for objects.
And the jewels the jeweler brought out were all truly top-notch.
‘It seems not bad.’
I thought Dante might share a similar sentiment.
“Should we just buy them all?”
Seeing him propose like this, the jeweler’s eyes sparkled for a moment.
“Wise decision, indeed!”
It seemed that, at this moment, the jeweler’s greed for sales was even greater than the fear of the young boss who had conquered the Empire’s underworld.
The jeweler spoke passionately.
“Although it may be lacking, I have carefully selected only the gems befitting Lady Leferian’s reputation!”
Well, I had no intention of refusing jewelry.
Although it might be a bit cumbersome to convert them into cash, precious metals had the advantage of being small and valuable.
Later, when I escaped from this damn boarding school, they would undoubtedly come in handy.
Moreover, Elze from the original work was fundamentally a luxurious and foolish villain…
“It’s fine, Marquis. Thank you.”
I lowered my eyelids gracefully.
“All the gems are so beautiful. I’m having trouble deciding which one to wear for the debutante ball.”
“Is that so?”
Dante, who was responding nonchalantly, showed a momentary change in his eyes.
At the same time, he reached out and picked up a necklace.
Rustle…
A platinum chain poured out of Dante’s grasp.
At the end of the chain, a large topaz pendant reflected light and sparkled.
“In that case, I would like you to wear this necklace.”
“Oh my, did you personally choose this for me, Marquis? I’m delighted…”
I deliberately blushed my cheeks and looked up at Dante.
At the same time, I quickly turned my head.
‘Topaz.’
Although it is an extremely beautiful gem, in reality, it is somewhat inferior in terms of price compared to other gems.
But why did Dante choose topaz?
Is it a sign that he doesn’t want to invest that much in me?
However, simply interpreting it that way doesn’t make sense, as buying all the gems brought by the jeweler involves a considerable expense…
Or maybe it’s just a suggestion for me, who is nothing more than a lover, to understand the theme with an appropriate gem?
“Yeah, I like this topaz.”
Dante looked at the topaz pendant with a satisfied gaze.
“It’s similar to the color of your eyes, isn’t it?”
I was momentarily speechless.
‘So, did he choose that just because it seemed to suit me well?’
And it was Dante of all people?
Just then, Dante tilted his head with a satisfied smile, turning to look at me.
“You?”
“Oh, yes.”
I suddenly came to my senses and reflexively smiled.
“I didn’t expect you to choose so carefully. I’m really touched.”
“Is that so?”
Dante, who had been looking at me with a dubious expression, shrugged his shoulders and stepped back.
“Well, let’s just buy all these gems. My secretary will take care of the payment.”
“Understood, Marquis!”
The jeweler left with a cheerful smile.
At the same time, Dante spoke to me.
“Shall we have lunch then? You said you skipped breakfast this morning.”
“…”
I struggled not to show my annoyance outwardly.
Lately, Dante had been upset every time he saw me without eating.
I knew that if we looked at each other and ate together, it was highly likely that he would offer me food again…
“Yes, let’s go.”
I smiled and nodded.
And as we turned away, my gaze suddenly reached outside the window.
The roses blooming in the garden of the annex were dazzlingly red.
At the same time, a voice whispered in my ear.
[These roses resemble the lady’s hair color.]
A voice, still youthful and somewhat husky, just crossing the threshold of adulthood.
In that moment, my chest felt as if I had swallowed a large rock, making it difficult to breathe.
“…”
Thud.
I closed the door.
The roses that painted the view in red disappeared as if erased.
* * *
Inside the dark cell where no light penetrated.
Lucian sat huddled in that spot, gazing through the iron bars at the garden beyond.
The vividly blooming red roses were bathed in sunlight, shimmering brightly.
As he continued to stare at that scene.
His vision blurred for a moment.
“…”
Lucian tightly shut his eyes and opened them again.
Under his eyes, a deep shadow had somehow cast its presence.
“Annoying.”
A faint irritation was embedded in his muttered words.
It was an unavoidable problem.
Lucian hadn’t slept properly for the past few days.
In fact, saying he hadn’t slept properly was too subtle; more accurately, he had stayed up the whole night.
Lucian ruffled his bangs, narrowing his eyes.
‘Come to think of it… I haven’t met Lady Lepherian even once recently.’
At least, she showed up three times a day for meals.
Recently, Elze had been disappearing completely.
Now, even that figure seemed vague, as if he had once glimpsed an illusion.
Listening casually to the maids, it seemed the Marquis Offenheir was personally organizing Elze’s debutante party.
For some reason, the Marquis seemed to be quite concerned about her debutante party.
‘Well, from Lady Lepherian’s perspective, it’s not such a bad thing.’
She’s already twenty years old.
It was somewhat late for her to have a debutante party.
In such a situation, if the Marquis organizes her debutante party, not even an event at the Imperial Court, but something directly under her name.
For her debutante party instead of the Imperial Court’s debutante ball.
To make such a decision, she must be paying considerable attention to Elze.
‘Well, it’s not a bad thing for Lady Lepherian.’
Considering her position, the debutante ball was more important than I thought.
Even those who subtly ignored Elze due to the debutante issue might become speechless.
The maids mentioned that the Marquis was putting quite an effort into Elze’s debutante party.
‘What’s the reason for this frustrating feeling?’
It felt as if I had swallowed gravel endlessly, and my chest was congested.
However, at that moment.
Knock, knock.
A brief knock echoed.
Lucian tensed up and turned towards the door.
Clang, clang!
The sound of metal clashing reverberated.
Creak…
The door opened, revealing a neatly dressed man on the other side.
Well-groomed hair, composed gaze.
His immaculate suit evoked the image of a high-ranking administrator.
“Hello, Duke Kalleid.”
The man courteously greeted Lucian.
Lucian remained silent, facing the man.
The day after meeting Marquis Offenheir.
This man had visited Lucian for the first time.
[I am Liam. I am Marquis Offenheir’s secretary.]
The man calmly met Lucian’s gaze.
[For the time being, instead of Elze, I will take care of Duke Kalleid.]
Precisely, it’s written as ‘take care,’ but it probably means ‘manage.’
Lucian didn’t delve into that part and asked something else.
[Where is Lady Lepherian?]
[Well, it doesn’t seem like something you need to know, sir.]
However, Liam maintained a calm gaze.
“Duke.”
At that moment, a voice calling him made Lucian snap back to attention.
Liam, who had approached step by step, looked down at Lucian.
“Have you slept well, sir? How about your meals?”
It was an extremely businesslike attitude.
As if evaluating the condition of a possession, checking for any scratches or decrease in marketability.
Lucian responded reflexively.
“Not bad.”
“…”
Liam, who had been closely studying Lucian’s face, immediately turned his head.
“Oh, are you lying.”
39
“What?”
“Dark circles under your eyes, and your face is pale. While performing our tasks, our employees sometimes end up in a state similar to yours….”
Perhaps these tasks involve guarding a smuggling warehouse for several nights, engaging in internal conflicts among organization members, or something like that.
Simultaneously, Liam added sarcastically, “Usually, such employees don’t survive for long.”
Lucian’s eyes narrowed momentarily.
Whether he noticed or not, Liam stepped back, clapping his hands.
“Oh, excuse me. Of course, we will do our best to ensure that Duke Kalleid doesn’t exert himself physically. After all, you are the most important special student.”
It sounded as if he were saying, ‘You are the most valuable item we possess.’
Well, to them, it probably didn’t carry any special meaning.
“I’ve heard that you’ve been having trouble sleeping recently.”
… How did they find out about that?
Lucian’s blue eyes gleamed with wariness, and he emitted a chilling aura.
Liam tilted his head.
“Don’t be too upset. Screaming every night; we can’t help but notice, can we?”
Lucian remained silent.
It struck a nerve.
Lucian bit his lip tightly.
Liam, who had been scrutinizing him, threw another question.
“Your complexion doesn’t look good. Shall I prescribe some sleeping pills for you? A stronger prescription might help reduce nightmares.”
“…”
Instead of answering directly, Lucian, with gritted teeth, stared at Liam with a cold gleam in his eyes.
Liam sighed briefly.
“I can see that you can’t trust us. I understand that sentiment, but you’ll be receiving a prescription from a doctor, so there’s no need to doubt to that extent.”
“Fine.”
“Well… alright then. If it were me, I’d take some sleeping pills to get some rest, but your opinion matters the most.”
Liam shrugged and took a step back.
“If it still gets tough, feel free to let us know. We genuinely want to take good care of Duke Kalleid.”
With those words, Liam, who had shown a courteous gesture, exited.
The door clicked shut.
Lucian, who had been glaring at the door with a stern gaze, slowly crumbled in that spot.
“…Good grief.”
Lucian covered his face with both hands and gritted his teeth.
His shoulders trembled slightly.
Was it because of the betrayal of his trusted cousin or Elze’s disappearance, the only person he was relying on?
An old nightmare returned to Lucian.
On a gloomy winter day with drizzling rain, the door slammed open, and a servant of the duke’s house rushed in.
[Something terrible has happened!]
[What happened?]
Instead of Lucian, the nanny who had taken care of him for a long time raised her voice.
The servant’s eyes shook violently.
[The Duke and the Duchess…!]
Before the servant could finish, he bit his lips until they bled.
At that moment.
Even though Lucian was still young, he could understand.
Something terrible had happened that should never have occurred.
Afterward, the nightmare relentlessly pursued Lucian.
Despite thinking he had escaped from it since the time when the Marquis Craig acted as his parents, he was wrong.
When Elze stopped searching for Lucian.
Whenever he closed his eyes, the nightmare wriggled in his mind.
[Aaahh!]
Covered in cold sweat, Lucian struggled to get up several times as if he were being ejected. When he opened his eyes, panting heavily, the surroundings seemed eerie. No one was beside him. The fact itself was overwhelmingly lonely.
“Why am I so incompetent?”
His suppressed voice flowed out, and Lucian spent a long time burying his face in his hands, as if hoping to escape the profound self-loathing and guilt that gnawed at him.
* * *
Time passed quickly, and finally, the day of the debutante ball arrived. The townhouse of the Marquis of Offenheir was opened. Due to the carriages of the nobles invited to Elze’s debutante ball, the street connecting to the townhouse was crowded.
“Did the Marquis of Offenheir open the townhouse for Lady Lepherian?”
“As far as I know, this is the first time the townhouse has been opened.”
“Yes, until now, whenever there was a party, the Duke used the hotel ballroom he owns.”
“Well, it seems like the Marquis is more sincere about Lady Lepherian than I thought.”
The nobles were all abuzz. In fact, it couldn’t be helped. Despite lingering ominous rumors, the Marquis of Offenheir was a man standing at the pinnacle of noble society.
On the other hand, Lady Lepherian, who was being paraded around as the Marquis lover…
“But why is the Marquis putting so much effort into Lady Lepherian?”
“I mean, Lady Lepherian is beautiful, but… that’s about it, right?”
“Among the ladies who have been the Marquis ‘s lovers so far, there have been many beautiful women. Moreover, some were even of higher status than Lady Lepherian.”
People glanced at each other with sinister looks.
“But the Marquis is going so far as to host a debutante ball.”
“Well, at least it seems like we need to keep an eye on her for a while.”
Lady Lepherian, or Elze, who made the gossipmongers happy, was currently gazing into the mirror with a mysterious feeling.
* * *
I stared into the mirror contemplatively.
Then, in the mirror, a unfamiliar Lady with long eyelashes looked at me cheerfully.
Her hair was tightly braided into one and adorned with flowers, extending down over her shoulders. She wore a light cream-colored dress that enveloped her entire body.
No matter where you looked, it was a young and lovely Lady, debuting in an extravagant manner.
‘Something… feels strange.’
Unconsciously, I touched the mirror with my hand adorned with lace gloves.
I used to meticulously adorn myself with the obsessive need to not yield to anyone, to appear flamboyant every time.
‘…This appearance also looks quite natural.’
But then, the door opened with a soft click.
And the only person who could enter my powder room like this without knocking was one.
“You’re here, Marquis?”
I instinctively lowered my eyelids.
It was Dante.
From the perfectly tailored high-end suit to the gold cufflinks and the neatly arranged black hair, Dante looked like he had just stepped out of a high-end fashion catalog.
Approaching me, Dante raised the corner of his lips arrogantly.
“There’s a legend about a wretch who fell into the lake, enchanted by their own beauty and drowned.”
Dante, who approached me, extended the long fingers wrapped in gloves towards my cheek and jaw.
He simply lifted my chin.
“Are we also dreaming of such a wretch?”
His tone was as sharp as usual.
After observing me up and down as if tearing me apart, Dante gracefully curled his eyelashes.
“But it makes sense. You’re naturally pretty, but today, exceptionally beautiful.”
“Thank you.”
“Come to think of it, it seems like the first time you’ve worn a light-colored dress when going to a party.”
For a moment, I was a bit surprised.
I didn’t expect Dante to remember my usual attire, let alone show interest in me.
“Ladies who debut usually wear dresses in light colors. Also…”
I glanced briefly at the jewel box on the vanity.
Then, I smiled subtly.
“You chose a necklace for me for the first time in a while, remember?”
“Why?”
“So I asked Madam Tilda to match the dress to this necklace as much as possible.”
Was it a misunderstanding?
Dante in front of me seemed strangely satisfied…
“…I see.”
Dante nodded slightly, his eyes narrowing.
“But why weren’t you wearing the necklace?”
“Well, I was waiting for Marquis to arrive.”
“Me?”
“Yes. Since it was a gift from you, I wanted you to be the one to put it on for me.”
Perhaps it was an illusion, but Dante seemed to wear a subtly pleased expression…
“…I see.”
Dante, tilting his head slightly, opened the lid of the jewel box.
Click.
A drop-shaped citrine, intricately carved, sparkled brilliantly, reflecting the light.
Ding…
A platinum chain slid through Dante’s fingers.
Dante, who had been examining the necklace closely, skillfully put it around my neck.
The cool chain and the sensation of the pendant distinctly touched my skin.
As my shoulders tensed slightly, Dante pressed his lips to my ear and whispered in a low voice, “Doesn’t it feel nice when I say that?”
40
He kissed along the boundary of my neck and shoulders where the necklace hung, resembling a bird pecking gently. It started as a playful kiss, but it quickly intensified.
“Wait a moment, My Lord…”
Realizing a bit too late, I tried to stop Dante, but it was futile. He persistently kissed, licked, swallowed, and nibbled my neck.
“Ugh.”
Finally, after an odd sound escaped my neck, Dante detached his lips from my neck. My entire body felt hot, and my nerves were on edge. I took a shallow breath, glancing at Dante through the mirror.
“Really… there’s no need to be so mischievous.”
Confirming that my expression had become a mess, Dante playfully lit up his eyes like a mischievous boy.
“Well, I think it’s because you’ve been too indifferent lately.”
“What do you mean…”
“I guess I have to do this much to get your attention, don’t I?”
Dante teased as if daring me to deny it.
“Really, what a peculiar hobby.”
Unable to voice my frustration, I silently swallowed my irritation.
Dante burst into laughter as if he heard my internal complaint.
“I can tell you’re silently calling it a peculiar hobby, huh?”
“…”
He went as far as exposing what people wouldn’t say out loud. No wonder he heard the term peculiar hobby.
I narrowed my eyes subtly.
Seeing my disheveled expression, Dante, like an impish boy, gleamed his eyes mischievously.
“Well, I think it’s because you’ve been too indifferent lately.”
“What do you mean…”
“I guess I have to do this much to get your attention, don’t I?”
Dante teased, shaking his head as if to listen.
“What a peculiar hobby, indeed.”
I refrained from voicing my frustration and tried to suppress my irritation inwardly.
Dante burst into laughter as if he heard my internal complaint.
“I can tell you’re silently calling it a peculiar hobby, huh?”
“…”
Exposing even the things people wouldn’t say out loud.
No wonder he heard the term peculiar hobby.
I subtly narrowed my eyes.
Seeing my disheveled expression, Dante, like an impish boy, gleamed his eyes mischievously.
“Well then, shall we leave it at that?”
Surprisingly, he used a polished etiquette when addressing a lady.
“Yes.”
Folding my hands on his large palm, I inwardly sighed in relief.
‘Alright.’
After all, it seems I’ve managed to cater to Dante’s taste reasonably well until now.
* * *
The banquet hall was truly luxurious. Beneath glittering crystal chandeliers, numerous gentlemen and ladies exchanged smiles and engaged in conversations.
Orchestras in the corners played instruments tirelessly. Expensive drinks were served like water, and dishes made with lavish ingredients continuously emerged.
In the midst of the buffet-style food table, there was a dish featuring a whole rare bird cooked by the renowned chef Leventra Kyungyi for display.
The bird, with its wings spread wide, looked so delicately prepared that it seemed as if it were still alive.
‘Definitely something Dante would do.’
Despite being compared to imperial banquets, this event felt even more dazzling. I admired it quietly as I entered the banquet hall with Dante as my escort.
Instantly, the attention of the crowd shifted towards us.
“Marquis Offenheir and Lady Lepherian!”
“My goodness, they’ve finally arrived.”
“Seeing the Marquis at such an event is indeed rare.”
People gazed at us with a mixture of admiration and apprehension.
I glanced at the crowd with a subtle side-eye.
‘All the influential figures of the Empire have gathered here.’
It was probably because Dante’s calculations with the nobles aligned. From Dante’s perspective, inviting powerful nobles demonstrated his inclusion as a central aristocrat.
From the nobles’ perspective, they wouldn’t want to compete with the influential Marquis Offenheir, who controlled the shadows of the Empire.
Some nobles stood out more than others.
They were the families of students currently enrolled at the Rose Cross School.
‘This is… quite bold.’
I inwardly clicked my tongue.
I didn’t know why Dante openly invited these people. It was some sort of coercion.
‘I hold your secrets; naturally, you will come, won’t you?’
It was something along those lines.
However, at that moment.
“Dear.”
A gentle voice tickled my ear.
When I raised my head, I met a pair of bright red eyes staring directly at me.
Dante, ignoring everyone else, was solely focused on me.
His intense gaze felt suffocating.
“What are you thinking?”
“Today is my debutante party. I heard Marquis Offenheir has paid attention to me in various ways.”
Suppressing tension, I responded with a subtle, smiling gaze.
“I was considering how grateful I am.”
“Really? It feels good to know you appreciate my efforts.”
Dante slyly lifted the corner of his lips.
“I made an effort to look good for you.”
“Ah…”
Unconsciously, I trailed off at the end of my words. Whenever Dante said such things, I sometimes found myself at a loss for what to say. It was inevitable.
‘’When Dante says things like that, I’m sometimes puzzled about how I should respond.’
Because, well, it was quite absurd for Dante to say, “I made an effort to look good for you.”
A man who desires unconditional love from others but doesn’t love anyone himself. I wondered if he even had the slightest intention to impress someone for their sake.
‘If that man really knows the feelings of trying to look good for someone… It would be too ludicrous.’
At that moment, I felt a chilling coldness creeping into my chest. Simultaneously, Dante led me to the center of the banquet hall.
At a vantage point overlooking the entire hall, a table adorned with a red velvet tablecloth was set. On it were bottles of golden champagne and champagne glasses, arranged for toasts marking the beginning of the debutante’s ball.
Suddenly, I flinched.
“…”
Dozens, if not hundreds, of pairs of eyes were all fixed on me. The malice within those gazes made even me, who had weathered countless rumors as the villainess, feel a sense of oppression.
At the same time, Dante gently guided me with his large hand on my shoulder. It was a rough hand that had crossed many boundaries, yet it felt warm.
“Oh.”
I glanced up at Dante with trembling eyes.
Dante spoke with a subtle tone.
“Dear, you’re my lover. You know that, right?”
However, despite the words, his gaze was unusually cold for someone addressing their lover. Though his eyes were significantly arched, the red pupils within them didn’t show a hint of a smile.
It was more like an evaluator assessing an interviewee.
“Don’t be scared.”
“…”
“If you act pitiful, you’ll show weaknesses to hyena-like bastards.”
After a lifetime of tearing down, trampling over people, and shedding countless drops of blood, the man who had climbed to the pinnacle with an arrogant gaze looked down at me.
“And the moment you show weakness…”
His ruthless but composed voice echoed.
“Those greedy bastards will try to devour even a single piece of your bone without leaving a trace.”
“Lord Huffen.”
“So, stand tall, and meet everyone’s gaze directly.”
Dante spoke directly.
“If there’s someone you don’t like, slap them. Or kick them with your foot.”
Though his words were harsh and conveyed a sense of fierceness.
At that moment, strangely, the tension in my rigidly poised back relaxed a bit.
I raised the corner of my lips and smiled.
“Of course, I am your woman.”
In an instant, Dante’s eyes flickered.
I tilted my chin slightly, locking eyes with Dante.
“No one here dares to say anything to me. This is the townhouse of the Offenheir.”
