# 21
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Ian's clear gaze seemed to be very direct. Why was he suddenly paying so much attention to me?
I didn't want his attention. I naturally looked away to avoid showing my annoyance.
“Well, should I say that someone caught my eye?”
"Specifically, I've wanted to meet him for a long time. I never had the chance."
Of course, at that time, I had not yet possessed this body.
Ian's expression became complicated after hearing my answer.
“You've been waiting for the opportunity...”
“Excuse me?”
He muttered something, but it was too quiet for me to hear.
'Why is he acting so seriously?'
I almost told him she was the princess, but decided against it.
After all, Ian and the Princess were half-brothers, even though they shared blood.
There was no point in revealing that I was wary of the princess.
'Ian's not the type to tell her anything...'
“I'll tell you more about that later.”
I shrugged lightly. The pace quickened again, but somehow, Ian seemed more dissatisfied than before.
However, he did not let go of my hand. Soon, we reached the front of the glass balcony.
Although we had attracted attention while walking, now that we had reached the entrance of the main place, the number of gushing gazes had increased dramatically.
Some people looked discreetly, while others stared openly at me and Ian. The only thing they all had in common was that their expressions were filled with shock.
“This is the most I need to accompany you.”
I stopped in my tracks and smiled at him.
As I moved to withdraw my hand, Ian tightened his grip and gently pulled me closer.
“Hmm?”
I looked at him confused. He looked around and then turned to me.
The sunlight above me cast a faint shadow on his blue eyes as they settled on me.
“Since you requested a polite companion, I will do my duty.”
"What?"
Before I could respond, he turned to face me.
He raised my hand and leaned down, pressing his soft lips firmly to mine.
…huh?
'What is he doing?'
Before I could fully realize what was happening, Ian pulled his lips from my hand, delaying only a moment.
His transparent gaze was focused on me so inteny that I felt almost annoyed.
The afternoon sun sparkled in his blue eyes, casting a sparkle.
However, his face remained cold, devoid of any emotion. The breeze blew gently.
“Have a good time.”
Somehow, I felt like the word “enjoy” was subtly emphasized.
“Okay, I'm leaving.”
After a short farewell, he released my hand and turned to go.
“Oh my God...”
“Did you see that?”
The whispers of the surrounding nobles echoed in my ears like a distant murmur.
“What…”
It took a moment for me to realize the truth.
Confused, I quickly covered my hand with the other, trying to hide the unfamiliar sensation that still lingered on my skin.
'Did he eat something strange for breakfast? He's not acting like himf.'
My heartbeat quickened, agitated. Sure, a kiss on the hand was a common gesture of courtesy toward a lady, but we were talking about Ian.
He wasn't the type to do such things. Why did he press his lips so hard? It felt more like a seal than a kiss.
I was embarrassed by the warmth creeping into my hands, so I quickly adjusted my position.
The way everyone's eyes were fixed on me made it impossible not to notice. I straightened my back and stood upright.
Protect.
It is time to calmly assess the situation. She took a glass of champagne from a maid and walked confidently across the ballroom. With all the attention I was already getting, someone was bound to approach me.
All I had to do was classify them – potential allies or enemies.
'However, in a situation like this, finding someone friendly with me might be the biggest challenge.'
As expected, it wasn't long before a group of women approached me.
“Greetings to the Grand Duchess.”
I turned my head slightly to watch them.
Judging by their ages, they were not young ladies but were likely fellow nobles, or perhaps young unmarried women of marriageable age.
"I never imagined we would meet in this way. I am Isabella, second daughter of the Marquis Howard."
The brown-haired woman standing in the middle bowed slightly as she introduced herf, and the others followed suit, introducing themves one by one.
This marquis's daughter, that baron's daughter...
As expected, most of them were noble women, with some eligible young women mixed in, including Isabella.
‘Wait a minute… some of these names sound familiar.’
I narrowed my eyes, watching them cloy.
They were not from any particularly prominent families, but their faces were strangely familiar. After thinking for a while, she let out a silent sigh.
'I remember now.'
I knew them. They were the ragtag group who showed up at every social event in the original story, and who constantly insulted Diana for trivial reasons.
'Wow, I really see them in person.'
Among them, Isabella Howard was the youngest daughter of the Marquis and had been in love with Ian for a long time.
However, when she confessed to him after she turned eighteen, she was strongly rejected.
When Diana returned from the academy and began to develop an unusual dynamic with Ian, Isabella could not stand the humiliation and began causing all kinds of trouble for Diana.
I remember this well because thanks to her, Diana's dress becomes soaked with wine in the first part of the story.
It was a heartbreaking episode as Diana had to rush home to everyone laughing.
'It was that beautiful sky blue dress that Diana had chosen so carefully! 'She was so upset that day!'
When I remembered this, my expression worsened.
“Well, Your Highness, the Grand Duchess?”
Isabella cleared her throat and called me again. Only then did I realize that I was silently staring at them with all my might.
“Oh, I apologize.”
I quickly softened my expression and forced a smile. I felt my lips trembling.
“No need to apologise, Your Highness.”
Isabella smiled warmly, her eyes arched in a show of politeness.
"How are you?"
'What's up with that friendly tone of voice?'
Given the way I treated Diana, it made sense for me to be wary of her.
What are you trying to do, trying to act like a friend now?
But of course, Isabella, unaware of my thoughts, continued to talk cheerfully.
"I was really surprised. I never expected to see Your Highness here."
"Is this correct?"
“Of course. It's very rare to see you outside.”
The young woman next to her quickly intervened.
“That's right, it's been...how many years?”
“Yes, the last time was at Her Majesty the Empress’s birthday celebration.”
“Has it really been that long?”
“You must have been very busy, Your Highness.”
They surrounded me, each one of them making a comment, but the atmosphere was eerie. It didn't take long to figure out what was happening.
"naturally."
Whether they were a scattered group or not, their intentions were clear. They're all gathered here to subtly mock me.
As expected, Isabella glanced at the other noblewomen and young ladies, covered her mouth with a fan and laughed.
“…For this reason, they say it is more difficult to see Your Highness than the royal family.”
"Oh, my God…."
Several people sighed as if on cue.
“I think I heard that too.”
“Oh my God, me too.”
“Is it really hard to see you, Your Highness?”
“Aren't you practically the most famous face in the empire right now?”
“Maybe you want to be mysterious? Maybe that is it.”
“Oh my God, is that so? I almost forgot what Her Highness looks like.”
The people around me made quirky comments and laughed among themves.
This was the notorious gentlemanly method of indirect compliments, and I could feel each one hitting its target.
What about my impression?
'Wow...they really do this.'
It was great.