Chapter 14

As she stood in front of the mirror, the hem of her sky-blue dress fluttered. It had been a long time since she last wore a dress, but the familiar discomfort settled naturally on her body.

Since her divorce, she had naturally stopped appearing in the capital’s social circles. Except for tea parties held for promoting her business, Blumen, she had not attended any major gatherings in nearly a year. After moving to Heringen, she had been so focused on her café business that she had no reason to attend any parties.

The Charlotte reflected in the mirror seemed awkward, as she fiddled with her hair, which had been twisted into a half-updo.

“Oh, come on, Viscountess! If you keep doing that, your hair will get ruined.”

“Oh, sorry.”

At Lida’s scolding, Charlotte quickly withdrew her hand, her face flushing red.

“It’s been a while, that’s why.”

“Well, it has been ages since you decided to go all out and dress up, Viscountess.”

Lida, who had been smiling nonstop, murmured happily. Although Charlotte had custom dresses made at Heringen’s famous boutique, known for quickly following the capital’s trends, her usual attire was more practical than formal—blouses, skirts, and dresses that were easier to move in. 

Unlike her previous life, where she wore pants only for uniforms or sports like horseback riding, here, women’s fashion dictated that pants were reserved for activities like riding or exercise. This was the best Charlotte could do within the constraints of this world.

There’s so much that needs to develop here, not just science, she thought to herself.

Sometimes, she missed loose hoodies and worn-out sweatpants with baggy knees as much as she missed fried chicken. Even in her cramped studio apartment, wearing those clothes and rolling around in a blanket felt like heaven. Unlike chicken, which she could occasionally recreate here, those comfortable clothes were something she could never find in this world.

Unlike those memories, the Charlotte in the mirror was dressed to the nines. The chiffon dress, which fluttered like butterfly wings with her every movement, was adorned with small moonstones that sparkled like starlight.

“Do you know what one of my most enjoyable moments serving you has been, Viscountess?”

Lida asked while adjusting the dress.

“It was back when you were the Marquis’ wife. I got to dress you in every beautiful gown imaginable.”

“That’s a bit much, Lida.”

“But it’s true! You have no idea how happy I am right now, Viscountess.”

Lida, who had a habit of making Charlotte blush with her candid compliments, was especially talkative whenever she was helping her dress up. Today, as Charlotte wore a dress for the first time in a long while, Lida’s enthusiasm was particularly intense. Charlotte should have anticipated this when Lida had been unable to hide her joy the moment they received the invitation from the Earl of Friesland’s estate. Before Lida could say anything more, Charlotte quickly changed the subject.

“If we keep this up, we’ll be late. Let’s finish up and head out.”

“Ah, yes! I wonder if His Grace the Duke is ready. It’s a bit of a shame that the Young Master won’t be escorting you….”

Lida muttered softly. Having worked for the Rothschild family since she was young and now serving alongside Charlotte, her feelings were understandable.

Although the Rothschilds were not a noble family, they had amassed wealth through numerous businesses, living as bourgeois elites. On the other hand, the Rosenheim family, which had been revived through a marriage contract with Charlotte, was a noble house.

Between the two, Lida’s pride lay firmly with the Rothschilds.

“Oh! But that’s not to say His Grace the Duke is lacking in any way!” 

“I know what you mean.”

Realizing her slip, Lida hastily covered her mouth with one hand, clearly flustered. Charlotte reassured her with a calming gesture, though something about the situation left her feeling slightly uneasy.

Why? What’s wrong with Erhen Rosenheim? He’s a high-ranking noble, highly educated, and undeniably handsome.

However, bringing this up now would only make things awkward, so Charlotte silently picked up the invitation.

“Viscountess Charlotte Lintz.”

Charlotte had received two invitations. One was addressed to her as the representative of Blumen, the other as the partner of the Duke of Rosenheim, who had quelled the fire at the night market. It seemed that the latter had been sent after the former, resulting in a duplication.

There was no need to deliberate over which invitation to use. However, there was an outdated, unspoken rule in the social circles of these parties:

“Women must be escorted by men upon entry.”

That was the problem.

In an era where female heads of households were active, this archaic notion felt absurd. Ignoring the rule was possible, as there were instances of women entering alone. However, doing so inevitably invited pitying gazes.

Charlotte neither wanted to face those gazes nor appear as a rebellious, tomboyish girl overcoming the odds. Instead, it was far more advantageous to make the most of what she had.

Apologies. I have an important meeting that day. Instead, I’ll send over a few accessories for you to wear.

Her first request had been to Lucas. However, her second brother, who had planned to stay in Heringen for a few weeks, declined due to an unavoidable meeting. Instead, he sent his apologies along with twenty sets of jewelry boxes filled with diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and other high-end pieces from Heringen’s jewelers.

The opal necklace and earrings Charlotte wore today were among them.

Her second option was—

“Charlotte, well….”

Erhen Rosenheim, already prepared and waiting by the carriage adorned with the Rosenheim family crest, greeted her.

“I’m not going with this invitation.”

Charlotte said, pushing aside the one that listed her as the Duke’s partner. Though Erhen felt disappointed, he acknowledged her decision as typical of her.

“However, while I’ll be attending as Viscountess Lintz, I intend to use the Rothschild name as well.”

“Why? I thought you didn’t like that.”

“If I attend under my title, it’s obvious what kind of misunderstandings will arise.”

If her name was to be associated with Erhen, it was better to be seen as a business partner of Rosenheim rather than as a noblewoman. Even though it was only a matter of time before the Degenhof social circles learned that she and Erhen were divorced, it was better to control the narrative.

Even if the truth led to rumors, as long as she had the power to prevent anyone from speaking about it in front of her, she would be fine. Fortunately, wealth was a formidable force here as well.

“I don’t like to flaunt it, but I’ll use it when necessary.”

Charlotte spoke calmly. Hearing her resolve, Erhen moved closer, knelt on one knee, and extended a hand.

“Shall we go together, Viscountess Lintz?”

She hadn’t even mentioned that Lucas wouldn’t be coming. Yet Erhen spoke as if it was only natural that he would be her escort. Charlotte, though slightly exasperated, accepted his escort with a faint smile.

Erhen remained silent as he watched Charlotte walk toward him. He had always known she was beautiful. But was she always this stunning? He found himself at a loss for words as he took in her appearance.

Charlotte approached him, and he continued to gaze at her without saying a word.

“Did I keep you waiting?”

“…No, I just got here too.”

To him, Charlotte was always beautiful. From the moment they first met, there wasn’t a single time when she wasn’t. Her coral-colored hair, her emerald-like eyes, and her lips, always slightly smiling, seemed to match her bright personality.

While appearance was only a secondary factor in judging someone, Erhen knew from experience the privileges that beauty afforded. Of course, his feelings for her weren’t solely based on her looks. But her beauty was undeniably a factor.

“What is it?” 

Charlotte asked, feeling a little self-conscious under his gaze.

“Have I ever told you?”

“Told me what?”

“That you’re beautiful.”

Charlotte smiled warmly at that. It seemed her effort today had paid off.

“What are you saying? It’s not like this is your first time seeing me dressed up.”

Her nonchalant shrug made Erhen’s expression turn slightly complicated.

The carriage slowed to a stop as they arrived at the Earl’s estate. Erhen stepped out first and extended his hand. Charlotte placed her gloved hand, covered in white lace, over his black leather glove.

As Charlotte descended from the carriage with Erhen’s assistance, curious gazes followed them. Unlike the carriages of other well-known Eastern families, the Rosenheim family crest was unfamiliar to many.

Following the guidance of the Earl’s servant, who accepted their invitation, they walked into the mansion.

“It’s been a while, so I’m a little nervous. I feel like I used to approach these events like going into battle.”

“You’ll do well. You always do.”

“When did you ever notice that?”

Erhen replied matter-of-factly, 

“I’ve always noticed.”

Charlotte smiled at his quiet affirmation. She had accomplished much after joining the Rosenheim family, and her efforts were widely recognized. While Erhen had acknowledged her achievements before, his simple and direct words today felt different—more meaningful.

Before they knew it, they had reached the entrance of the grand banquet hall. The announcer, after reading their invitation, widened his eyes in surprise. He blinked several times, as if doubting what he saw, before straightening his posture after a nudge from the Earl’s servant.

The doors opened, and the announcer’s voice rang out:

“His Grace, Erhen Rosenheim, Duke of Rosenheim, and Charlotte Rothschild, Viscountess Lintz, have arrived!”