I Taught You Carefully, So Why Are You Obsessed?

The Brilluze Ducal Estate was about a thirty-minute carriage ride from the Grand Duke’s residence. Naturally, there was no conversation between Ian and me, so a familiar silence filled the carriage.

‘I should have him change this by the time Diana arrives.’

I briefly considered teaching him how to initiate a conversation, but I gave up.

The debate we had this morning had already left me exhausted. Instead, I decided to ignore Ian and focus on the upcoming party.

‘Come to think of it, this will essentially be my reintroduction to high society.’

This event would determine my first impression. How I conducted myself at this party would solidify my position and ensure that I could become a strong ally for Diana when she returned.

‘Let’s do well, okay?’

I turned my gaze from the passing scenery outside the window to Ian, sitting across from me. He was sitting with his arms crossed and his eyes closed.

Is he seriously sleeping right now?

Sensing my stare, he slowly opened his eyes.

“…Is there something you need?”

“I was wondering if you’ve attended any of the Brilluze Ducal parties before?”

“I attended once, during my time as a prince.”

“Ah, right.”

I had forgotten that this man used to be a prince. Clearing my throat, I asked, “I’m a bit nervous since it’s an event where nobles I don’t often see will be present. As the Grand Duchess, is there anything in particular I should be mindful of? I’ll take it to heart and act accordingly.”

In other words, *why don’t you give me some useful tips if you’re not going to be helpful otherwise*

Ian’s navy-blue eyes narrowed slightly.

“I fail to understand the intent of your question. Wouldn’t you know better than I? Back then, you were the one who captivated society’s attention.”

Oh, so you’re aware of that, yet you still managed to ruin Eloise’s reputation so thoroughly?

“…My position has changed a lot since then, and I haven’t attended any social events since our marriage.”

“Just do as you always have. You have your own motives, don’t you?”

His answer was downright uncooperative.

“So, you’re saying you’re not willing to offer any more assistance beyond what’s necessary?”

His blatant attitude made me chuckle.

“Sure, fine. But regardless, I’d appreciate it if you could escort me to the entrance in a polite and charming manner.”

His gaze lingered on me, heavier than usual.

Why does it feel like he’s subtly picking a fight with me?

“…Understood.”

“Our goal is to show people that we’re a harmonious couple, right? We don’t have to stay together the entire time. If you escort me to the entrance, that should be enough to create the right impression.”

Ian’s eyes narrowed again before returning to their usual indifferent state.

“Oh, and don’t bother coming out to meet me when it’s time to leave. I’ll manage on my own. Besides, you’ll probably be busy.”

“Very well.”

Not even a token offer to meet me, huh?

I turned my head toward the window again, signaling the end of the conversation. By this time, the carriage had reached the front of the Brilluze Ducal Estate.

As the carriage bearing the Grand Duke’s crest passed through the gates, I noticed the knights standing guard straighten up and salute with a renewed sense of formality.

‘They’re so deferential just at the sight of the carriage.’

At first, I thought Madame Zed’s over-the-top bowing was just her being dramatic, but now I realized that this level of deference was standard across the board.

‘All of this should really be for Diana.’

I couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret. It was unfair that I was still occupying her rightful place. If it weren’t for that clueless Ian, Diana would be living happily as the Grand Duchess by now.

“…Why are you looking at me like that?”

Ian asked with an annoyed expression, clearly uncomfortable under my fiery gaze.

“It’s nothing.”

I just want to punch you.

The moment we get divorced, I swear I’ll punch him. Even a Swordmaster can’t dodge a surprise attack. Worst case, I’ll just ask him to take one hit for me.

As I made this determined vow, the carriage came to a stop in front of the entrance that led to the glass conservatory where the season’s party was being held.

The sounds of soft music and lively conversations drifted through the air, signaling that many guests had already arrived.

While I adjusted my dress, Ian was the first to get out of the carriage. He turned to face me.

“Please, step down.”

A white-gloved hand extended toward me.

Despite all the reminders I had given him before we left, his posture was impeccable, flawless.

“Thank you.”

Taking his hand, I descended from the carriage, and a gentle spring breeze caressed my cheek. The air was thick with the scent of flowers, likely due to the nearby glass conservatory and the blooming flowers surrounding us.

At the same time, I could feel the gazes of several people nearby turning toward us.

“Oh my…”

“Is that… the Grand Duchess and the Grand Duke?”

“Am I seeing this correctly?”

“They’re even wearing matching brooches? Oh my…”

Their whispered murmurs reached my ears like sweet music. Inwardly, I smiled in satisfaction.

Everything’s going according to plan.

Surveying the onlookers, I leaned in and quietly whispered, “Do you remember what I said earlier? Be polite and charming. Make sure you’re aware of everyone’s eyes on us and escort me properly to the glass conservatory. It’s not far.”

Instead of replying, Ian responded with flawless composure, gently leading me forward.

As we passed through the entrance and headed inside, the number of eyes following us multiplied exponentially.

Most looked shocked and couldn’t contain their astonishment, while some whispered amongst themselves as they watched us.

Unlike me, who managed to keep my eyes focused straight ahead, Ian didn’t seem bothered by the attention in the slightest as he cut through the crowd.

“…You seem used to this level of attention.”

“It’s not enough to be a distraction.”

His reply was exactly what you’d expect from the male lead.

How much attention does someone have to get for it to stop bothering them?

While I marveled at his indifference, I pointed ahead with my chin to where the glass conservatory’s entrance was coming into view.

“Just take me there. That should be enough for everyone who needs to see us.”

“Understood.”

Ian, who had briefly replied, fixed his gaze on the glass conservatory ahead. Silence hung between us for a while until Ian suddenly spoke.

“…You mentioned that you attend social gatherings to meet new people.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Do you think a party like this will suffice?”

His tone was ambiguous, leaving me puzzled.

Without looking at me, Ian continued speaking indifferently.

“This is primarily an event for noblewomen, young ladies, and their escorts, is it not?”

“That’s true…?”

“Doesn’t that seem somewhat misaligned with your purpose?”

Though Ian still wasn’t looking at me, there was a subtle sharpness in his voice. Meanwhile, I still couldn’t grasp his intention, my mind filled with questions.

‘What is he even talking about?’

Wasn’t he cutting out way too much context?

I hurried my steps to keep pace with him, tilting my head in thought.

Indeed, such parties were mostly for personal networking, meaning that noblewomen and young ladies attended more frequently than key imperial figures.

For business-oriented connections, royal banquets or similarly grand events would be more appropriate.

It seemed that Ian was pointing this out because I had hinted at my desire to recruit people.

I glanced at him, then raised my eyebrows and pursed my lips.

‘But I’m here for a different kind of business.’

There was no way this guy could understand my grand ambitions.

“While the Grand Duke isn’t wrong, there is someone I definitely want to meet today.”

He paused.

“…Someone you want to meet?”

“Yes, in fact, I came here mostly because of them.”

The imperial princess. Throughout the original storyline, she had been a constant thorn in Diana’s side, nitpicking and meddling in every little thing.

Yet despite her annoying nature, she had a discerning eye, as she was the one who discovered Madame Zed.

I planned to see her today—if possible, to sway her in a way that would benefit Diana.

“……”

As we walked toward the glass conservatory, Ian, who had been facing forward the entire time, finally turned his head to look at me. The sunlight filtering down cast a faint shadow over his face.

“…Didn’t you say last time that you didn’t have anyone in mind?”

“Hm? Yes, I did say that.”

“Has someone caught your eye since then?”

“Huh?”

‘What is he talking about now?’

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