[1]
“My Lady, this many came today as well.”
I was quietly sipping tea after breakfast in the garden, surrounded by all sorts of beautiful, vibrant flowers. That’s when my nanny, Sophia, came up to me with a servant carrying bouquets of flowers in both hands. She placed a stack of more than twenty letters on the table.
“Ah, again… By chance is there a letter from Duke Andrew?”
I asked, my eyes shining with anticipation, but Sophia shook her head in negative.
“No? Sigh… I guess he’s not interested in me after all. There are only ten days left, what can I do, nanny?”
“M-Miss there’s a letter from His Highness the Crown Prince.”
“W-Wh… Really?”
My hands trembled slightly as I received the elegant letter that Sophia handed over. It seemed that my fears had finally come true…
With trembling hands, I opened the envelope and pulled out the letter folded neatly inside, reading it.
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My Dearest Gloria,
Will you grant me the honor of being your debutante partner and sharing our first dance together? I have been eagerly anticipating this day for so long, please allow me this opportunity.
I hope to see your beautiful face as soon as possible.
Yours sincerely,
Oliver.
—————————————————————————-
Despite the pile of letters and bouquets of flowers that had begun to arrive months before the debutante, I had received no news from Andrew, whom I had hoped for.
And seeing the Crown Prince’s letter, a sense of crisis washed over me, knowing that if I didn’t make a decision today, I might be forced to do my first dance of the debutante ball with Prince Oliver.
“Sophia, my brother hasn’t left yet, has he?”
“Yes, the Lord is preparing to leave.”
“Good. I need to see him right now.”
Leaving our peaceful teatime behind, I hurried to my older brother’s room.
***
Knock. Knock.
“Brother, it’s Gloria, may I come in?”
I knocked and waited for an answer, but James opened the door and took a step back to let me in.
“What is it Glory? I’m supposed to be leaving soon.”
“I know. I won’t keep you long.”
I swallowed dryly and opened my mouth cautiously, glancing at James, who was all set to leave for the palace.
“Brother, have you talked to Duke Andrew yet?”
“Oh, regarding that… Sorry, sorry. I’ve been quite busy and haven’t had a chance to meet Andrew. I was actually planning to talk to him when I went to work today.”
“…You haven’t told him yet, I was getting worried that he’d turned me down. I got a letter from the Crown Prince today, and he wants me to do my first dance with him at the debutante ball. I really don’t want anyone else but the Duke. You know how long I’ve had a crush on Duke Andrew, so I hope you can convince him to let me have my first dance with him.”
“….Yes, I know, and I’ll do my best.”
My brother sighed softly and nodded as he watched me clasp my hands together, pleading for a favor with sparkling eyes.
“Oh, and I met Rachel yesterday. She wanted to ask, if you don’t mind, could you share her first dance?”
“T-That’s great. I hope to bring you good news too.”
” I couldn’t be happier, My brother and my best friend are going to be partners. You have to be good to Rachel, got it?”
“Sure. Don’t worry about Rachel.”
Looking at my brother, who replied with a confident smile, I also smiled happily. I was glad that Rachel’s long-time crush on my brother was finally coming to fruition.
“Oh, right! Brother, are you going to escort her?”
“Of course. Will you tell Rachel that I’ll visit her before the banquet to practise the steps?”
“Yes, brother. Rachel will be delighted.”
After seeing off James, I hurried to Rachel’s. I couldn’t wait to share the good news.
***
“Andrew, you’re early again today.”
The man, his blond hair gleaming in the sunlight streaming in through the window, looked up from the papers he’s been reading intently and gave a welcoming smile.
He possessed a strikingly handsome face and build that was unique to him. Andrew was the heir to the Duke’s throne. He took over the duties on the wishes of the former Duke, Charles Gardner, who retired two years ago and is now living their old age on his estate with his beautiful wife.
Despite becoming a duke at a relatively young age, his natural charisma, leadership, talent, and ability to lead the dukedom without much fuss has made him one of the most sought after bachelors in the empire.
Rumour has it that his house is overflowing with letters from Young Ladies hoping to partner with him, especially for the coming debutante. This ball decided how your position would be in society. Everyone was melting with anticipation.
And Gloria was one of them. James felt a heavy weight trying to ask Andrew.
“James, how come you’re late today?”
“W-well, I got caught up talking to Glory just before coming.”
“How’s Gloria? Come to think of it, it’s been a while since I’ve seen her.”
“Why? Is something wrong with Gloria?”
Seeing James suddenly darken, Andrew became concerned and urgently asked.
“No, it’s not really an issue… it’s more like… As you know, Gloria is participating in the debutante ball this year. But she still hasn’t decided on her partner for the first dance.”
“Oh, because of that….”
“And today, His Royal Highness sent Glory a bouquet of flowers with a letter asking her to share her first dance with him. It would naturally be a great honor to dance with His Royal Highness, but it would also increase the likelihood of her becoming the Crown Princess. So it’s not an easy decision for Glory to make.”
“So.… Oliver sent a letter to Gloria?”
“Yes, it arrived this morning. Well, he’s been expressing his feelings to Gloria for quite some time, so it’s not too surprising.”
The Duke of the Empire and also related to the current Emperor, Andrew, was one of the few people who knew that Prince Oliver had been in love with Gloria for a very long time.
“So, who does Gloria have in mind as a partner?”
“As you know, she’s been very shy and reserved since she was a little girl. I was hoping she would partner with someone familiar. So I was wondering if you could be her partner?”
“Me? I’d be honoured to be Glory’s partner. She’s the most beautiful woman in the empire. But does Gloria want to?”
“Of course, she’ll be happy to oblige.”
Andrew had always admired Gloria’s beauty and maturity from a young age, so James expected him to somewhat agree. However, Andrew’s quick reply was not something James had expected.
“Could you convey my message? I wish I could tell her myself, but unfortunately, I have business at the manor and must be on my way. I’m glad I waited for you. I’ll be gone a day or so, and I’ll talk to Gloria in person after that.”
“Of course. I hope I didn’t hinder you. Don’t worry, I will tell Glory.”
He bid farewell to Andrew, who left immediately with his attendants, and hurriedly finished his work before returning to the mansion to deliver the good news to Gloria.
“Brother, are you sure? Andrew said he’s going to be my partner, it’s not a dream, is it?”
“Haha, Glory, it’s definitely not a dream. Don’t worry, Just focus on preparing for the debutante.”
“Brother, thank you so much!”
I was so happy that I would be able to have my first dance with Andrew, which I had hoped for in my dreams, that I couldn’t sleep that night.
I went to bed early, but after tossing and turning in disbelief, I sat up and began to formulate a plan: a plan to seduce the Duke.
I thought to myself, “I’m going to make sure he sees what a beautiful, mature woman I’ve become.”
