Unless under special circumstances, the investiture ceremony takes place only twice a year, in spring and autumn. This is when knights appointed by each noble family swear loyalty to the imperial family and officially receive their titles. Greta was preparing for the autumn investiture.

If Greta hears this news, she might be excited, but Sir Wayne might lose another fraction of his hairline. He isn’t even married yet. Just as I was pondering Sir Wayne’s forehead, Eloise suddenly appeared.

“Your Majesty the Empress, you two seem to be having so much fun chatting that I’m getting jealous.”

“Welcome, Eloise. Are you enjoying the ball?”

“It’s so stiff and dull, Your Majesty.”

Though she clearly meant it, Celia laughed it off as if she’d heard an amusing joke. Eloise, looking quite bored, took a seat at the table.

“Liv, when will you throw a party? I’m bored.”

“…After I’ve finished my work.”

Eloise frowned at my vague answer.

“Benjamin told me that you’re even acting as the acting lord of the Keppel territory? Will your work ever end? The estate is practically the size of a small kingdom.”

I just smiled. Eloise pouted playfully.

“You’re really too much, ignoring me like this when you’re my only friend in this foreign land. Spend time with me too.”

“I’m hosting a birthday party for my mother next month.”

“Really? Great! I’ll be looking forward to it.”

My mother’s birthday party was one I hosted without fail. At least on that day, I wouldn’t have to worry about the venue being empty. The Dowager Duchess of Keppel held a firm position in society. While I’d be treated like a fake duchess, forced to step back if my husband adopted an heir, my mother had already secured her position with her son being the Duke. However, this year, I intended to keep the celebration modest.

“My mother asked that we keep it simple, so it will be a small gathering this time.”

Eloise smiled happily.

“Oh, that means I won’t have to deal with all those random people. I prefer it that way. That’s what made the last party so much fun.”

While Cade and Celia seemed to have orchestrated everything with me in mind, Eloise was either genuinely sincere or jokingly so. Either way, I sighed inwardly as I noticed nobles discreetly listening in on our conversation. I had a feeling this would be exhausting in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Still, it didn’t feel too bad; I wasn’t receiving nearly as many scornful looks as I’d expected.

But, as always, things didn’t go smoothly. I had a sudden urge to visit the lounge, and as I was about to leave, I overheard voices discussing me from beyond the door.

“Is it true that the Duchess of Keppel used to be that singer?”

“I’m telling you, I have a friend who knows the industry well. They confirmed it, so it must be true.”

“A noblewoman selling her voice so shamelessly.”

“You saw that hair, didn’t you?”

Unconsciously, I ran my hand through my short hair. I’d come prepared to endure criticism, but hearing it directly was a bit awkward. Even though the Emperor and Empress had openly warned people, these women couldn’t help but indulge in their habit of gossiping. Maybe it was my fault for expecting that today would go smoothly.

“Even commoners would rather starve than sell their dignity. She must have no pride at all.”

“Truly. Watching Their Majesties turn a blind eye to her behavior makes me sigh. How could she dare spoil the New Year’s Ball with such vulgarity?”

“I always thought she was brazen. She pretends to be so devout, yet she does all sorts of strange things behind the scenes.”

“Selling her hair, her voice, who knows what else?”

I couldn’t listen any longer. I put the sedative I’d been taking out of my handbag back in and opened the door. The four women turned to look at me. Ironically, it reminded me of what Vanon and Mrs. Merloy had said. None of these ladies shared any political ambitions with Ian, nor did they have any daughters of marriageable age. I had to suppress a smile.

“…”

They looked genuinely shocked, as if they hadn’t expected me to be there. But I was sure they had followed me on purpose. Sure enough, they stopped in front of me and politely greeted me.

“Duchess.”

Then, as if closing in on me, they surrounded me. One woman spoke to me warmly.

“I heard you went away for some rest. Are you feeling better now?”

If I get angry here, I’ll only make a fool of myself, as it’ll look like I’m eavesdropping on others’ conversations and overreacting. But if I don’t react, I’ll seem like an idiot, sitting idly while others insult me. This was a trivial amusement for the noblewomen, like a casual gamble, a way for them to entertain themselves by demeaning someone else’s life. I kept smiling.

“No, I’m still not feeling well at all. I’m feeling very dizzy right now.”

I extended my hand, as if expecting them to escort me.

Considering their recent conversation, touching me to assist might seem distasteful. But rejecting an unwell person outright would invite gossip. The four women began glancing at each other uneasily. I had no real desire for their assistance, so I waved my hand dismissively, as if shooing away flies.

“If you don’t want to, then move aside.”

The circle they had formed around me quickly parted. I straightened my back, walking slowly and confidently. Everyone was watching me.

It felt as though I was alone on stage. The moment I became aware of their stares, the air around me seemed to press in on me.

Breathing grew difficult. The sounds around me gradually faded until only the thudding of my heartbeat filled my ears. Just then, I saw Ian rushing towards me, his eyes wide, just as the wizards at the party turned to look.

My vision went dark.

* * *

The Duchess has collapsed.

“Liv!”

The Duke managed to catch her just before she hit the ground, his expression twisting in anguish. Carefully cradling the Duchess in his arms, he knelt on one knee.

He leaned close to her cheek to feel her breath, and only then did he exhale in relief. People began murmuring in shock as they saw the Emperor abandon all formality and run towards them. Taking charge for the distraught Duke, the Emperor shouted:

“Baron Jodel!”

The Crown Princess of Laran arrived even faster than the court physician. As holy magic surrounded them, no one dared to speak. After a moment, Eloise looked around at the gathered crowd and sighed.

“Her magic levels have stabilized, Your Majesty. But if she continues collapsing like this, the protective magic I placed around her heart may shatter.”

“What will happen if it breaks?”

“…Her life could be in danger.”

“Since the Duchess of Keppel’s condition stems from last year’s incident, the imperial family will do everything possible to help. Please, give it your all.”

With a somber expression, Eloise replied.

“I’ve already done everything I can. Now it’s up to those around her. She needs to avoid further stress on her heart… I never imagined something at Your Majesty’s ball would disturb the Duchess so deeply…”

The silence was so heavy that even those far away could hear her. Just then, Ophelia stepped forward and spoke in a soft voice.

“Your Majesty, I have something to report.”

“Ophelia, now is not the time. Speak later.”

“I witnessed what happened to the Duchess before she collapsed.”

“What?”

Ophelia flinched under Cade’s sharp gaze but stood firm. The Duchess of Keppel was her chaperone, and despite her fear of her brother, she couldn’t let this slide.

“I was with Lady Avery, waiting to speak to the Duchess when those ladies over there approached her first. We overheard their conversation unintentionally, and I… couldn’t help but hear everything they said. I… ugh.”

Ophelia tried to hold back her tears. A dignified lady does not cry, but recalling the repulsive words she had heard directed at the Duchess, whom she admired and respected, brought tears of anger to her eyes.

“I… I can’t… I can’t even bear to repeat…”

“Speak, Ophelia. Who said what?”

Cade felt a surge of frustration. Seeing Ophelia on the verge of tears, Lady Avery and her fiancé tried to console her, but Ophelia only cried harder, unable to say anything coherent. Finally, Cade demanded:

“Who was the last person to speak with the Duchess?”

The Emperor’s furious voice demanded an answer, yet no one dared step forward. However, everyone’s eyes soon fell upon four trembling noblewomen.

“Was it you?”

“…”

“Why are you silent? I asked you a question! How dare you keep quiet when the Emperor himself asks?”

After a moment, one of the noblewomen, the eldest among them, answered cautiously.

“Yes, Your Majesty, it was us. But we were only inquiring about her wellbeing…”

“And she was so shocked by such an innocent inquiry?”

“…”

“So, you think I’m a fool now?”

The atmosphere grew heavier.

“I commend the Duchess of Keppel as a benefactor of the royal family, and this is how you respond? I’ll ask once more: what did you say to her? It would be wise to answer while I am still being polite.”

It seemed as if no one could stop the Emperor’s wrath. But then, someone called his name in a quiet voice.

“Cade.”

“…”

“No, Your Majesty. This is not a matter to interrogate publicly.”

While everyone knew the Duke of Keppel and the Emperor were close, the Duke had always maintained a strict boundary between private and official matters, so this was the first time he’d addressed the Emperor by name in public.

“I misspoke.”

Without thinking, he’d exposed his close bond with Ian in front of so many people, but neither of them cared. There was no time for such concerns. Ian wrapped Olivia securely in his arms as soon as Baron Jodel finished his examination.

“My wife is not a weak person. If she were, I would never have entrusted her with our estate. So if she was truly distressed by what was said, then perhaps those present may find the contents distressing as well.”

While his tone sounded as if he was merely concerned for the others at the party, Cade caught his hidden meaning. He was signaling for the conversation to end here, to prevent those noblewomen’s vulgar comments from spreading any further. Without another word, Ian began walking out of the hall, his focus solely on the woman in his arms. Cade, meanwhile, addressed the crowd.

“The ball is over. Only those involved will remain. The rest may leave.”