Today, Rashid also wore the brooch I had gifted him on his chest. The well-polished amber boasted a soft luster. The butterfly trapped inside also looked quite elegant. Even though I chose it myself, I felt oddly proud that I had chosen well.

“We’ve arrived.”

With his words, the carriage came to a stop.

It was my first visit to the main building of the Imperial Palace. I thought the Penvernon ducal mansion was grand enough, but the Imperial Palace was even more magnificent. After passing through the castle gates, the carriage had to travel quite a distance before reaching the main entrance.

“Alisa, your hand.”

I reached out naturally and took his hand as I stepped out of the carriage.

I felt nervous about entering the ball. Although I had attended the Chrysante family’s party, this was on a much larger scale. Moreover, this wasn’t just a simple ball, but the one opening the Founding Festival that happens only once a year.

“Are you nervous?”

“Yes, I’m feeling jittery.”

I answered honestly. Even if I denied it, my expression would have given me away anyway.

As we entered the hall, numerous people were already present. Rashid and I were busy exchanging greetings with various nobles.

There were far too many people interested in the Penvernon ducal family. I summoned all of Alisa’s memories to recall their names and engaged in small talk as naturally as possible.

Soon, the Emperor appeared and began his congratulatory speech. Come to think of it, this was my first time seeing the Emperor.

“…And with that, I hope you all enjoy the Founding Festival.”

After the Emperor’s speech ended, the orchestra began to play. I danced the first dance with Rashid. Fortunately, my body remembered the rhythm and movements.

“Your dancing has improved.”

“Yours too.”

I felt a little proud. I was glad I had practiced a bit at home.

As the night deepened, the atmosphere of the ball gradually livened up. People paired off in small groups to network. Many approached Rashid, hoping to establish connections.

For some reason, Rashid stayed by my side for a long time, but even that had its limits. The Emperor had summoned him.

“His Majesty is calling for me.”

“Go ahead.”

“Don’t faint again.”

“My goodness, again? When have I ever done that?”

I feigned ignorance.

After sending Rashid off, I familiarized myself with other noble ladies.

“Lady Penvernon! I’m delighted to see you again.”

Countess Spendal also pretended to be very pleased to see me. She asked my opinion about the items we bought last time in a friendly manner. We chatted happily about that time for quite a while.

The most important point was to let those around us know that I had spent a lot of money.

“Let’s go out together again, Lady Spendal. I realized I still have a long way to go in decorating the mansion to my liking.”

I said, showing off a bit.

The surrounding ladies looked at me with shining eyes.

“Of course. I’ll introduce you to more skilled craftsmen.”

“Oh my, did the Duchess personally visit the workshops?”

One lady asked.

“Yes. I met Lady Spendal by chance. It was a wonderful time. Thank you, Lady Spendal. I’m thinking of holding a party when it’s finished, and I’ll be sure to invite you.”

“Please do invite me too, Lady Penvernon. I’m so curious about both of your tastes.”

“Me too!”

The noble ladies chimed in one after another. I smiled, pretending to be graceful.

“Of course, I won’t forget.”

After parting ways with Countess Spendal and promising to meet again, I moved towards the table where refreshments were laid out.

Having danced and conversed as soon as we arrived at the Imperial Palace, I was completely exhausted. I needed a moment to catch my breath.

I picked up a glass from the table and moistened my throat. The sweet and cool drink refreshed my heated body.

“Are you tired, Alisa?”

At that moment, Patricia quietly approached and spoke to me.

‘Oh, no.’

After learning Patricia’s true feelings at the last ball, I had been trying to avoid her as much as possible. She invited me to a few small tea parties and requested personal meetings, but I declined them all, making excuses about being ill.

So this encounter was uncomfortable. However, I couldn’t think of a good reason to leave.

“I’m fine. Thank you for your concern, Patricia.”

I responded casually. Patricia gently stroked my back as if she was genuinely worried about me. It was a sign of affection. Her violet eyes filled with concern and her fine silver hair looked so beautiful, I almost felt mesmerized.

“Alisa, you’re not used to these events, I wonder if you’re staying too long.”

Is she telling me to leave now?

“Haha, I suppose so.”

I just pretended not to know and drank my beverage.

It was then.

“Are you looking for a dance partner, Duchess?”

A woman approached me, acting as if she knew me.

“I was just taking a short break.”

I answered with a forced smile, trying to be kind. It was a familiar face.

This woman, to be precise, was Scarlet, the daughter of Marquis Avellaine.

Scarlet was one of Rashid’s numerous former lovers. I heard she was his last lover before marriage, and they dated for quite a long time compared to other women. Because of this, there were rumors for a while that she might become the Duchess of Penvernon.

“You look like you could use some company.”

Her wavy golden hair was radiant, and her blue eyes were like jewels. Her glamorous and alluring face was the exact opposite of Alisa’s.

‘So Rashid likes this type of woman.’

The dress that revealed her plump upper chest perfectly complemented her sensual figure. Her eyes, captivating enough to steal anyone’s gaze, curved gently as they focused on me.

“I’ve been wanting to talk to you, but there hasn’t been an opportunity until now.”

“Ah, yes. It’s fortunate we have the chance now.”

Scarlet smiled brightly at my dry response. Her smile was as beautiful as a red flower in full bloom. She was clearly an attractive woman who could probably make any man fall for her.

He dated a woman like this? He’s quite capable. Well, I suppose Rashid is a very handsome man too, though I’m trying to get out of this situation as quickly as possible for my own mental and physical well-being.

I mentally placed Rashid and Scarlet side by side. They made a well-matched pair.

‘But Rashid is Priscilla’s man anyway.’

So, one shouldn’t harbor futile desires, that’s the point.

Unaware of this, and with no way of knowing the future, Scarlet’s gaze fell on my dress.

“Oh my, now that I look at it, isn’t this dress from Madame Kruger?”

“Yes, it is. You have a good eye.”

“I heard about it from His Grace the Duke.”

Oh dear, it wasn’t just a rumor?

“Ah, I see…”

I felt a bit disappointed.

Not understanding my feelings, Scarlet pressed on. She probably misunderstood that I was feeling down because of Rashid… but I didn’t have the energy to correct that misunderstanding.

“I also heard about that necklace. Ruby is my favorite, you know.”

I smiled slightly at her words.

‘Oh no! Could it be that he was planning to give it to Scarlet, but suddenly got married and couldn’t? So he just threw it at me like he was getting rid of it! How cruel!’

…That’s what she wants me to think, right?

Honestly, I didn’t care either way. What mattered was the ‘ruby’ that Rashid had given, not that ‘Rashid’ had given it. For me, the more important issue was how much I could get for it if I sold it later.

“Would you like to have it then?”

“…Pardon?”

“You seem to want it.”

I saw Scarlet bite her lip. Was it because of my unexpected response? Well, she shouldn’t have said unnecessary things.

“If you don’t need it, that’s fine.”

I had no real intention of giving it to her anyway. As if I’d give away something so valuable to someone else.

“Yes, of course. It’s not like that’s the only ruby in the world. And I’m interested in a different gemstone these days.”

Scarlet quickly regained her composure. She must have really heard something from Rashid. It’s not my business, but I do wish Rashid would restrain himself a bit, considering he’ll meet his destined partner soon.

“I see.”

“Rubies are beautiful, but he said celestial stones would suit me well too.”

She deliberately left the subject of the sentence ambiguous, and I could only nod and say, ‘Yes, yes.’ What use are celestial stones or whatever if they’re not mine?

Seemingly displeased with my lack of enthusiasm, Scarlet raised her hand to her chest and lowered her eyebrows. Hmm, even her frown was pretty, confirming that she was indeed a beauty.