“It couldn’t be helped. But even so, I can’t keep people by my side who whisper to others behind my back, can I?”
“…Oh dear. So, those people were scheming something suspicious behind Madam’s back?”
“Yes. That’s why, after driving them out, I’d like you to find out who was behind them. Can you do that?”
“Leave it to me.”
Gray, his gaze cold, responded. Daniella smiled as if satisfied.
“And one more thing. About the butterfly-shaped accessory I showed you last time—could you make just one in advance by next weekend?”
“What kind of gemstones should I use?”
“Hmm, make the butterfly’s eyes with emeralds, and for the wings, I’d like alexandrite, where red and green coexist. The body should be platinum.”
“That will be quite an expensive piece. I assume the recipient is someone worthy of such value?”
“Of course. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say she’s the most noble lady in the entire Ashilard Empire.”
She was, after all, the Emperor’s sister.
Daniella swallowed those words and added another reminder.
“Remember, the deadline is next weekend morning.”
“Understood.”
Gray gave a brief reply and bowed.
Nobles scattered across various regions had flocked to the capital all at once, and in the western district, where the townhouses of royals and aristocrats were clustered, parties were held every night.
Young nobles, under the watchful eyes of their parents and chaperones, danced until dawn, while carriages carrying nobles roamed the capital late into the night. The romantic—or scandalous—rumors that spilled from their lips spread through the empire even faster than those carriages.
On the weekend afternoon of the season’s first week, Daniella was in the middle of getting dressed, surrounded by her maids. They tied up the top part of her red hair with a ribbon string adorned with silk roses. Then, they dressed her in a voluminous gown that shimmered with a subtle blue hue—one that reflected her taste and aesthetic sense.
Lastly, they adorned her exposed neck and ears with jewelry made of pearls and diamonds.
Daniella took a moment to gaze at her reflection in the mirror. It was appropriately beautiful and glamorous, just as she liked. The maids, too, showered her with endless compliments about how stunning she looked. Satisfied, Daniella turned to Mela, who stood by her side.
“Where is the jewelry box Gray brought?”
“Right here.”
Mela handed over a box wrapped in violet velvet. Daniella opened it for a final check to ensure the butterfly-shaped hairpin was inside. It was even more elegant and exquisite than she had envisioned, making her very pleased.
Now, everything was perfectly prepared.
The only thing left was to make sure that Princess Elizaveta and Ashid didn’t get into an argument before the party ended.
Just then, a knock sounded at the door, followed by Ashid’s curt voice.
“The Grand Duchess isn’t ready yet?”
“Hoho, she’ll be out soon, Your Highness!”
Mela chuckled softly and answered in a bright voice. Daniella, escorted by Mela, approached the door.
As soon as it opened, she and Ashid stood face to face across the threshold.
“…!”
“…Ah.”
His short, well-groomed black hair was slicked back, revealing his broad forehead, further emphasizing his strikingly handsome face. His muscular frame was wrapped in a sleek black uniform, and a deep blue fur-lined cape draped over his shoulders.
He was already an incredibly attractive man, but seeing him so impeccably dressed made it impossible to look away.
Her cheeks flushed faintly as she stared at him.
Ashid, too, found himself unable to take his eyes off Daniella.
Her half-up hair, adorned with a rose ribbon, and the soft blue, glossy gown she wore gave her an air of delicate elegance—like a rose blooming in a spring garden.
It was a stark contrast to how she had looked when she was Adrian’s fiancée—back then, she had dressed so extravagantly that it was almost unappealing.
Now, she was so beautiful that he couldn’t help but admire her.
‘Damn it.’
That only made him angrier.
She definitely hadn’t dressed like this to impress him.
Which meant she must have wanted to look good for someone else at the party—most likely Adrian.
Convinced of this, Ashid spoke in a slightly sarcastic tone.
“That dress looks a bit thin. Aren’t you cold?”
“I’m fine, so don’t worry.”
Honestly, what a pointless concern.
Daniella had secretly hoped he would at least make a passing remark about how she looked, but his reaction left her disappointed.
Seeing her sullen expression, Ashid’s mood darkened further. He bluntly extended his arm toward her.
“Stay by my side until the party is over.”
“I know. I got it.”
‘Otherwise, you might start running your mouth in front of the Princess.’
Daniella placed her hand on his arm, almost slapping it down, and the maids and attendants followed them closely.
Escorted by Ashid, Daniella stepped into the carriage waiting in front of the main building.
Once Ashid boarded, and their attendants finished their preparations, the carriage set off at a steady pace.
After some time, the carriage arrived in front of a grand mansion in the heart of the capital.
Stepping out, Daniella looked up at the vast and magnificent estate in quiet admiration.
The central building, covered by a rounded teal roof, stretched long on either side. The expansive, well-manicured gardens made it resemble a European palace.
Ashid, his expression indifferent, led Daniella inside.
Walking through the long hallway that extended from the main building toward the west, they soon arrived at a grand banquet hall.
Inside, under dozens of chandeliers pouring light as bright as day, nobles who had arrived before them filled the space.
As soon as the doorman spotted them, he called out loudly.
“His Highness Ashid Carlisle Alberic, Grand Duke, and the Grand Duchess have arrived!”
At that moment, all eyes in the banquet hall turned toward Daniella and Ashid.
Feeling self-conscious, Daniella moved closer to Ashid as they stepped inside.
The nobles greeted them with bows before retreating, whispering among themselves in small groups. It was obvious they were discussing the rumors surrounding her and Ashid.
‘Ignore it. Pretend you didn’t hear anything.’
Daniella forced herself not to listen and followed Ashid’s lead.
Just then, a servant dressed in a red uniform adorned with golden tassels approached them.
“Her Highness the Princess has instructed that you both be brought to the audience chamber immediately upon arrival.”
“I understand. We will go shortly.”
Daniella stopped Ashid from following right away and turned to Mela, extending her hand.
Mela quickly handed her the velvet box, and Daniella hastily stepped back to Ashid’s side.
The Princess’s audience chamber was directly adjacent to the banquet hall.
The white wallpaper embroidered with golden lilies and the red carpet covering the floor gave the chamber an opulent feel.
Inside, Princess Elizaveta, Crown Prince Adrian, and their attendants were already waiting.
Elizaveta, her silver hair elegantly pinned up and crowned with a diamond tiara, wore a silver gown that made her look both younger than her years and undeniably formidable.
Ashid approached, knelt on one knee, and kissed the back of her hand.
“Ashid Carlisle Alberic greets the esteemed Princess Elizaveta Marianne Castria.”
“It’s been a while, Grand Duke.”
Retracting her hand with an air of arrogance, the Princess turned her gaze to Daniella.
“And you as well, Daniella.”
“I apologize for the late greeting. Daniella Liliane Alberic greets Your Highness Princess Elizaveta and His Highness Crown Prince Adrian—”
“Who would have thought you’d end up as ‘Alberic’ rather than ‘Enchanto’ or ‘Castria’? Life is truly unpredictable.”
Cutting her off mid-sentence, the Princess unfolded her fan, covering her lips as she continued.
“No matter how much Adrian allowed it, who gets married to their ex-fiancé’s half-brother in less than a month?”
“…”
“You married in such haste that I wondered if there was some urgent reason… But it seems that’s not the case. That, at least, is a relief.”
Her frosty gaze landed on Daniella’s flat stomach.
