Chapter 22
News of the second issue of Social Scandal spread like wildfire across the empire.
To get their hands on it as quickly as possible, nobles sent their attendants to stand in long lines, while commoners took to the streets early in the morning. Those who couldn’t read paid others to read it aloud, drawing crowds around them.
“What’s the story this time?”
The person holding Social Scandal quickly skimmed through it before responding.
“Oh! It’s about the Grand Duchess again!”
Technically, she was still the future Grand Duchess, but no one cared about such trivialities.
“What? Really?”
“Don’t keep it to yourself! Tell us!”
“What’s so shocking?”
The reader gasped and held up the paper for everyone to see. However, it wasn’t the text that stunned the crowd—it was the illustration included in the issue.
“Are my eyes playing tricks on me?”
Those who saw it were equally astonished.
“So, the woman sitting there is the Grand Duchess, and the person tying her hair… is the Grand Duke?”
“Wait, is that the Grand Duke?”
The small illustration, about the size of a palm, was in full color. While the faces weren’t drawn in detail, the black hair and the mask made it clear it was indeed the Grand Duke.
The image of the notorious “Beastly Grand Duke” gently tying the Grand Duchess’s hair left everyone speechless. The shock of the illustration overshadowed the actual article.
When the first issue of Social Scandal was released, many doubted the Grand Duke’s affection for his bride-to-be.
But this image erased all skepticism.
“If he’s tying her hair so tenderly, they must be close.”
“And wasn’t that hair ribbon black?”
In the empire, black symbolized the Grand Duke.
“Didn’t the ribbon look beautiful?”
Unlike the roughly drawn Grand Duke, the Grand Duchess’s side profile was depicted with exquisite detail. Her golden hair, shining like honey, was meticulously illustrated, making the black ribbon stand out.
The ribbon wasn’t like ordinary ones, which were thin and inconspicuous. This one had delicate lace, giving it a unique charm. It wasn’t expensive to make, making it appealing to noble and common women alike.
After the first issue of Social Scandal, the Grand Duchess’s dress had already become a trend. Now, it was the ribbon’s turn.
Other salons scrambled to produce similar ribbons, but none could keep up with the well-prepared Andria Salon, which had already stocked plenty.
Andria, the salon’s owner, couldn’t believe how much revenue the ribbons were bringing in. Smiling brightly as she reviewed the sales ledger, she felt triumphant.
“Madam, is the design for next week’s summer collection ready?”
An employee entered, prompting Andria to pull out a notebook. She had received it last night from Andria’s designer, Andria.
The employee flipped through the notebook, marveling at the sketches.
“These are stunning! Only you could create such masterpieces, Madam!”
Though the compliment was intended for Andria, Andria, who had relied on Andria’s talent for over a decade, took it as her own and puffed up with pride.
“May I show these to the designers?”
Normally, Andria would never allow it, fearing leaks. But she was in such a good mood today that she waved it off.
“Go ahead. Just make sure it comes back.”
“Of course!”
After the employee left with the notebook, Andria also stepped out. When the employee returned the notebook to Andria’s room later, she placed it on the desk and left.
That night, a heavy iron door in the basement creaked open. Someone emerged, heading straight for Andria’s room. By morning, two things were missing: the person from the basement and the notebook.
“Hmm.”
Beloni couldn’t hide her fascination as she reread the paper in her hands for the third time. The writing was captivating.
“This illustration is incredible, don’t you think, Miss?”
Marina peeked over to look at the paper Beloni was holding. Following Marina’s gaze, Beloni’s eyes landed on the illustration again.
Marina was right; the drawing was stunning.
A few days ago, an exhausted Elness had dragged an artist in at dawn, asking Shanur to tie Beloni’s hair so the artist could observe.
Having already experienced the intimacy of such a moment before, Beloni and Shanur exchanged awkward glances but complied. Shanur expertly tied Beloni’s hair, and the artist quickly sketched the scene.
Now, Beloni examined the illustration closely under the sunlight streaming through the window.
“It does look amazing.”
Though their faces weren’t detailed, their silhouettes hinted at their beauty.
“How does someone draw so captivatingly?” Beloni thought of the artist in awe. As she moved to angle the paper better under the light, a voice interrupted her.
“Ah! Don’t move, please!”
Andria, busy adjusting fabric, looked up suddenly.
“Oh, sorry.”
Beloni stood still, watching Andria work.
“Andria, how do you find the Grand Duke’s estate? Is it comfortable?”
It had been three days since Andria fled her salon and began staying at the Grand Duke’s estate.
Feeling relaxed for the first time in a while, Andria had slept through the first day.
By the second day, she was designing dresses for Beloni.
Not wanting to refuse her kindness, Beloni allowed Andria to use her as a mannequin.
“It’s very comfortable. It’s been so long since I didn’t have to cover my face.”
Andria’s face glowed with newfound ease.
“How did you cover your face before?”
“I’d wrap a cloth around it and keep my head down. It hurt my shoulders and ruined my posture.”
“That must’ve been uncomfortable.”
“It was—stuffy and inconvenient.”
Beloni instinctively thought of Shanur’s mask. It didn’t look comfortable, and with summer approaching, the heat would only make it worse.
As a future duchess, Shanur would likely have to wear it more often.
Beloni frowned, deep in thought.
“Do you know of any cool, soft fabrics that would be gentle on the skin?”
“Hmm, I think so.”
“Could you let Rosalyn know?”
“Of course. That’s enough for today. Isn’t the Grand Duke coming soon?”
Andria finished her adjustments, and Beloni stretched with a groan. Standing still for so long was tiring.
“Yes, he’ll be here soon.”
“Miss, let me help you change.”
Marina helped Beloni into a dress and fixed her hair. Just as she was done, someone knocked on the door.
“My lady, the Grand Duke is requesting you.”
“Sir Nosel?”
Beloni was delighted to see Nosel. She hadn’t seen him since encountering the Third Prince. Shanur had explained that Nosel was away for training.
“Is your training complete?”
Nosel looked thinner and more tired than before. Beloni’s worried gaze made him bow deeply.
“Apologies, my lady. That day was my fault.”
He was referring to the time he’d left Beloni alone in the carriage. Realizing this, Beloni waved her hand dismissively.
“No, I asked you to do it.”
“I’ve been thoroughly disciplined, so it won’t happen again.”
“Please, don’t be so hard on yourself. It makes me uncomfortable.”
At her words, Nosel straightened up and offered his hand.
“May I escort you?”
Taking his arm, Beloni headed to Shanur’s study.
Upon entering, she paused, blinking at the dazzling light.
“Beloni?”
As her eyes adjusted, she saw Shanur surrounded by gemstones laid out on a table.
“What is all this?”
Shanur, who’d been staring at the gems with a serious expression, replied,
“These are for our wedding rings. I need to choose one.”
The thought of their upcoming wedding made Beloni blush slightly.
