Episode 11
Clatter, clatter-.
A carriage with intricate patterns carved on its sides, accompanied by the sound of horseshoes, headed towards the city.
[A mind-boggling incident unfolded in the Drenihan family. A near-tragic event at the celebration! Young Lady Sierra, still struggling with her fate?]
‘They certainly chose a provocative headline. It’s been a while since I woke up.’
I read the newspaper I was holding inside the carriage with a dry gaze.
The incident where the protagonist of the Drenihan family, Young Lady, almost died at her awakening celebration adorned the front page of the imperial newspaper like a novel.
Even though it happened a week ago, the public’s attention was still focused on it…
[The flaw of Duke Karsian, the true nature of Young Duke Ludwig.]
It wasn’t just about me.
Rumors even circulated about Ludwig, saying he had a severe complex about his face since he rarely appeared in social circles.
However, after revealing his unusual appearance and the power of the hidden evil dragon, people’s interest skyrocketed.
His unrealistically unique appearance, undoubtedly the result of divine craftsmanship, spread like wildfire through rumors.
There had been sporadic rumors like that since my birthday celebration, but considering the numerous eyes and ears at an awakening celebration, it was perhaps an inevitable outcome.
“Could it be that the Duke is increasing his external activities to find a spouse?”
Nella, who was sitting in front and knitting, spoke.
“People are gossiping about it right now.”
Families with connections to the Duke’s household could afford to engage in casual discussions, even behind closed doors. However, there was no such privilege for Ludwig.
The perception that he was not the successor of the Duke Karsian’s family but rather a son born to a foreign woman, a descendant of the evil dragon, was so strong that no one dared to approach him for a private conversation, even though the situation was perplexing.
Until now, people might have imagined Ludwig as a monster like a legendary evil dragon. Furthermore, the Duke Karsian’s family had never responded to the malicious rumors about Ludwig, so people seemed to accept them as almost established facts.
“Now that the Duke Karsian’s family is under the tight control of the council, and the councilors don’t want Ludwig to become the Duke… the more his reputation falls, the better.”
On the other hand, Ludwig probably had plans to slowly reveal his claws and overturn the family’s power. This was just the starting point, to exert pressure on the elderly councilors and gain control over the family’s authority.
In such a situation, the incident that occurred in Drenihan was quite helpful in restoring his lost honor. He wasn’t a monster with scales on his face, and he even proved that the power of the evil dragon could save people.
The more heroic tales circulated about him, the better it was for Ludwig. Moreover, if he entered the party with me as his partner, it would be a promising start towards his ambition.
I wasn’t sure whether being useful to him would benefit me or harm me.
‘After the party ends, I might get a better sense of it.’
My priority was to find a clue that could prevent Ludwig from becoming a ruthless slayer of protagonists in the future.
In the original story, it was said that he slaughtered those blessed by the Terrarium with the instincts of the evil dragon…
‘Arzen already possesses the blessing, and soon, once he becomes the Duke, he will inherit the blessing from his father.’
Whether it was the original story or not, since the lives of my dear ones were at stake, I had to find a way to subdue the violent tendencies.
‘I need to recall the entire content of the original story as soon as possible. Maybe then, I can find a clue.’
But the memories were still sporadic, like looking at a fragmented puzzle.
I lightly sighed, touching my forehead.
Seeing me like that, Nella asked with concern, “Miss, you had a restless night yesterday. Are you sure it’s okay for you to come out like this?”
“It’s fine,” I replied, forcing a smile and setting the newspaper aside.
“More importantly, it’s my first time attending a party as a partner…”
Despite being almost as perplexed as Ludwig, no one approached me for a private conversation. Who would try to engage in a private talk with a young woman in her early twenties suffering from an incurable disease?
In cases where partners were as close as fiancés or betrothed, they might coordinate their dress codes, but usually, they would each prepare their own party attire.
Ludwig hadn’t given any specific instructions, so he probably left the choice up to me. Still, since I was recognized as the partner of the Duke Karsian’s heir, it would be appropriate to wear the family’s symbolic colors.
“We’ve arrived, Miss.”
Stepping out of the carriage in the heart of the city, I entered the most prominent and glamorous salon on the street.
Jingle-.
As a clear chime resounded, a woman with her head held high approached me with a broad smile.
“Oh my, welcome! Young Lady Drenihan, we’ve been waiting for you.”
It was Madam Kadiel, the owner of Kadiel Salon, which was the object of all young ladies’ dreams and currently enjoyed unrivaled popularity.
Normally, the salon would be bustling, and it would be difficult to take a step inside. But now, there was no one except me because my father had rented the entire salon for my dress fitting.
Since I wasn’t usually one to desire material things, it seemed that my father wanted to do something special for his eldest daughter, who had rarely worn a dress…
‘I didn’t know they would go as far as renting the whole place.’
“My father has already ordered several dresses for you. The staff is bustling around after a long time.”
Madam Kadiel spoke with a delighted voice.
I wondered what kind of wealth could make Kadiel Salon, where astronomical prices were set for a single outfit, so busy.
There were reasons behind my diminished sense of wealth and complete lack of material desires.
“Anyway, I’m here to get a party dress fitted.”
“Do you have a specific feeling in mind?”
Usually, I would have asked for something moderately simple, but not this time.
“A dress that harmonizes red and black.”
My words seemed to slightly surprise Madam, but she professionally put on a salesperson’s smile and showed me several design sketches.
“How about this design? It will be a beautiful dress even just imagining it. You are so pretty that any dress will shine on you, Miss.”
The design Madam showed me was a style with layers and lace decorations on the front and back of the dress.
It was a trendy style these days and a perfect match for combining two colors.
“Or if you prefer a different design…”
“No, I’ll go with this one. I like the design.”
“I’m glad you like it. Then, I’ll prepare it in this design!”
* * *
After Sierra left the salon.
Madam Kadiel thought to herself.
Black and red.
That was none other than the symbolic colors of the Duke Karsian’s family.
She recalled the rumor that had been circulating when she pulled out the most luxurious fabric from the salon.
The reason why the Karsian’s heir had been frequently seen in public might be because he was approaching a marriageable age and looking for a fiancée.
Some of the young ladies who had seen Ludwig’s appearance might even be deluding themselves into thinking that it was about them.
But how much of that rumor was true?
‘I wonder if the social circle will be turned upside down in a few days.’
Sierra was just as reclusive in society as Ludwig.
Even the debutante ball, which was the ultimate fantasy and the most anticipated moment of all young ladies, was missed by Young Lady Sierra.
Of course, it was unavoidable at the time due to her deep illness.
Young Lady Sierra, who had all that wealth but was weak and bedridden, had recently undergone a transformation. Even though her complexion was slightly pale, she exuded elegance and composure, not different from any other person.
As a natural beauty, Sierra had become so remarkably healthy compared to before that her dazzling appearance was hard to ignore.
If people were to think of a princess from the Drenihan Duchy, most would recall Jeria, the daughter of the second son, Orzen, rather than Sierra, her cousin.
Unlike Sierra, Jeria was lively and exuded a healthy charm. She had dominated the social scene and lived a life often compared to Sierra’s while studying at the Royal Academy.
A few days ago, she had graduated and was planning to make a glamorous appearance in society once again. Just yesterday, she had gone to the salon to fit several dresses.
“Are you picking a dress to wear to the Karsian party?”
“Yes. Since it’s been a while since I attended a party, I will wear a more dazzling dress than anyone else. The Duke Karsian himself might be utterly captivated.”
Jeria seemed brimming with confidence.
She had an arrogant smile, as if she could easily conquer even the Duke himself.
Everyone in the salon was captivated by her radiant beauty, to the point that Madam Kadiel herself wholeheartedly agreed with her words.
But then…
“After seeing Young Lady Sierra today, maybe Young Lady Jeria might not be the protagonist of that day after all.”
Not only had Sierra already been designated as the Duke’s partner, but her appearance after a few months had become even more beautiful.
In contrast to Jeria’s arrogant confidence, Sierra exuded an elegant composure that even hinted at some level of leisure.
Madam couldn’t help but imagine how much Sierra, dressed in a graceful black dress, would astonish everyone at the party she couldn’t attend.
“I must go beyond the ordinary and create a masterpiece.”
To the extent that it would be selected as the dress of the year.
Madam hummed a happy tune as she headed to her workshop.
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