“Hmm.”
Kaiyan let out a soft moan, his face scrunching up into a frown.
When the aides, who were reporting on budget expenditures, saw how clearly upset he was, they began exchanging worried glances.
“What's not to like?”
Did we miss something?
Did we forget something?
While the assistants rolled their eyes in anxious silence, Kaiyan himself did not notice anything at all.
Normally, he would control his emotions for the sake of others, but today, that control seemed to have escaped him.
“Marquis Stefan…”
Bitter relationship.
There were only a few people that Kayan considered to be at odds with him, and Marquis and Marchioness Stefan were among the top of that short list.
That's why they bothered him.
People who step on anyone for their success without hesitation.
“Your Highness,”
Liam's calm voice cut through Kayan's simmering thoughts.
“There is nothing else to report except matters concerning Lady April. May I dismiss the assistants?”
"Yes."
Only then did Kaiyan realize that he had kept his hand stabilizers upright for too long, so he nodded.
“I know you have all put a lot of effort into investigating the budget allocations and progress. You can call it a day.”
“Yes, Your Highness. Thank you very much.”
No one has ever hated going out early.
The relieved assistants quickly exited the office, their tensions melting away.
After the room became quiet, Kayan spoke again.
“What is the report about the princess?”
“Lady April is scheduled to attend a tea party soon, hosted by the Marchioness Ambrose in the Imperial Capital.”
He already knew that.
Perhaps this is precisely why he continues to be upset about the matter.
Noble society in the empire was much more complicated than it seemed.
As for April, who has not yet fully understood this complexity, she could easily fall victim to the likes of Stefan's family.
If they were really running things behind the scenes, April would look like easy prey.
“…Apparently, her personal maid requested access to Lady April’s account to withdraw gold coins to purchase a new dress and accessories.”
Liam's report was just a formality before approval.
Normally, Kaiyan would have asked him to act as he saw fit.
But this time—
“I'll take care of it.”
His reaction was different from usual.
"pardon?"
“…This issue is not separate from the duchy, after all. The princess is intervening in an issue that affects the livelihoods of many citizens.”
“……”
Not to mention that she is currently known to be a distant relative of mine. This means she needs the right support, right?
Liam didn't say a word, just listened.
However, Kaiyan continued to make awkward excuses, as if he were someone caught red-handed – even though he didn't seem to realize it himself.
I was unsure before, but now...
A sharp look flashed in Liam's eyes.
Although he pledged all his passion and loyalty to the service of the Duke,
Although he didn't have the time - or perhaps even the opportunity - for romance,
He realized it immediately now.
“This is a sign.”
Kaiyan, who was usually serious about his work and stone cold, began to act strangely whenever April was involved.
The most puzzling case was when Kayan personally worked as her bodyguard - and it didn't stop there.
Everyone thought it was temporary.
But when April got sick, he even cut back on his sleeping hours to work out of her room while watching over her.
Thanks to that, April's maid has probably now realized that her knight and the Duke are one and the same person.
Honestly, things seemed abnormal for a while.
Liam was annoyed with himself for not putting the pieces together until now.
“Yes, of course. In the capital, nobles who fall behind are often ridiculed. It is only right that we ensure that Lady April is well prepared.”
“…So you think so too?”
Kayan, who had looked confused after his suggestion, began to relax once Liam agreed to it.
“Absolutely. We will spare no effort and provide her with dresses and jewelry to match even the richest daughters of the nobility in the capital.”
“Good. Then there is no spending limit.”
I knew.
When Liam saw Kayan making the decision without hesitation, he was completely convinced of his theory.
It seems that his work-obsessed, secretive boss has fallen in love with a lazy hostage who is drowning in responsibilities.
* * *
After a few days.
After arriving at the Duke's private villa in the imperial capital, I hurried to prepare for my outing.
...But honestly, it was like I was being half-dragged into it.
“You have no idea how long I've waited for a day like this!”
At just the right moment, Bonita screamed beside me, clenching her fists as if possessed.
“It's just a tea party, what's the big deal?”
“No, even if it is a small tea party, the hostess is the Marchioness Ambrose! Of course you have to dress appropriately for the occasion!”
“Hmm.”
However, isn't this a bit exaggerated?
Plus, I'm officially just one of Duke Blair's very distant relatives.
Hurry now, or you'll be late.
I glanced nervously at the extravagant dress in front of me, but eventually gave in and allowed Bonita to help me change.
Some might say that wearing a beautiful dress is every dreamy girl's dream.
But I wasn't particularly pretty – as for the dress I was about to wear? It seemed like I could walk right into the end-of-year party and steal the show.
In other words…
It was so amazing and beautiful.
“Oh my God... now that I see you wearing it, the blue color really suits you, ma’am.”
“Hmm, really?”
“Of course! Your Highness clearly has good taste.”
Amidst the constant stream of compliments, I found myself moving closer to the mirror to get a better look.
The dress elegantly flared downward, adding an aura of tenderness even while standing still.
The calm and slightly muted blue color accentuates this elegance.
The material and texture of the dress were so luxurious that it did not look incomplete even without the sparkling accessories.
But the Duke also sent a lot of accessories.
As a result, every place on my body that could hold adornments – ears, neck, arms – is now adorned with sparkling gemstones.
Did the Duke really send all this?
لم أصدق ذلك عندما تلقيت الهدايا لأول مرة.
(In fact, I was so concerned that it might be counted as part of the cost of room and board that I asked Liam to double and triple check it for me.)
“I feel a little embarrassed...”
"Embarrassing? Not at all! You should at least wear this much to make His Highness proud!"
“Why would he feel proud of me wearing this?”
"Oh! That's, um..."
There was silence for a moment.
Bonita opened and closed her mouth several times before quickly blurting out an answer just as I tilted my head in confusion.
“…Because once you go out in public, you become the face of the Blair House! The more beautiful and impressive you look, the better for His Highness’s reputation!”
"truly…?"
"Sure! Ha-ha-ha! Ha-ha-ha! Ha-ha-ha-ha! That's normal!"
Bonita answered very loudly, shaking her head vigorously.
However, no matter how much I thought about it, it didn't seem that dressing a little smartly would have any significant impact on the Duke's image.
But... maybe others had a different opinion?
Although I was still unsure, I came to a conclusion: in the eyes of the other nobles, this might actually be the case.
After all, the Duke's family didn't have an official lady of the house yet – no one to represent them to the public.
“Everything is ready, ma'am.”
“Thank you, Bonita.”
After taking one last look at my reflection in the mirror, I carefully walked down to the first floor, being very careful not to step on the hem of the expensive dress.
Have a safe trip, ma'am.
At that moment, a nearby servant bowed to me with a polite bow.
“Oh, thank you...”
“Not at all. Please watch your step.”
After the servant's kind words, I walked more carefully on the polished floor.
But at the same time, I felt a twinge of confusion.
Didn't they say that this villa is not used much, so there will only be one maid and one servant here?
That's what the head maid told me, so I arrived expecting to handle most things on my own.
But everything I was told seemed like a lie.
From the moment I arrived, I felt that the place was lively and well-staffed.
Smartly dressed staff were bustling about, and sweet aromas wafted from the kitchen – as if my favorite snacks were being prepared.
Every dish and every dessert they served was something I loved.
I didn't know how they did it, but the entire property looked like it was designed just for me.
“Why do I feel like they are doing their best for me?”
Was I imagining things?
Still confused, I got into the carriage that was waiting for me outside.