Now, Go Ahead and Stamp It - ✿ dusk blossoms ✿

“Ah.”

Duchess Tria let out a small exclamation, indicating she understood what had transpired.

“Well, it seems we still lack discernment…”

“Strange. I recall hearing talk not just about the design but also about the quality of the products.”

Spaniel, observing their behavior, threw in a sarcastic remark.

“Oh, now that you mention it, I do remember hearing such things.”

Ellen casually affirmed Spaniel’s words, drawing Duchess Tria’s gaze toward them.

Baroness Oseman avoided making eye contact, averting her gaze from Duchess Tria.

“Our goal is to produce something as excellent as this dress, so I believe you will be satisfied as well. What do you think?”

Duchess Tria stared intently at Oseman and Periwinkle as she responded.

“I’ll accept it gratefully.”

“I’ll send it to your residence in the capital.”

At that moment, Kaiden slipped between them and spoke.

“What about me?”

“Pardon?”

“I think I’d make a decent promotional model too.”

“Oh… Are you talking about the dress?”

When Ellen asked if he was serious, he furrowed one eyebrow.

“…I was referring to menswear. I understand you handle it as well.”

“Ah, of course. It’s ready.”

Ellen beamed with a smile.

“I’m delighted to have such distinguished people with us. It seems this season will be quite successful.”

As Ellen clasped her hands together and spoke, Kaiden cleared his throat with a slight cough.

‘…Are they really going to have clothes made at Thalia, bypassing the imperial designer?’

Spaniel gave Kaiden a curious look before tossing out another remark.

“Can you recommend some of that menswear for Ted too?”

“Of course. I’ll make a recommendation catalog and send it over.”

Terriard interjected with a concerned voice.

“You can just pick something suitable according to your taste, Ellen. You said you’re busy.”

“Choosing something suitable will probably take more time. Not everyone just grabs anything like you do.”

“Oh, really…?”

Kaiden snorted dismissively.

“It’s fine. It’s more of a hobby than work.”

Ellen chuckled, and Terriard, feeling awkward, turned his head.

Spaniel, watching Kaiden’s reaction closely, was about to ask something else.

“Your Highness, you look splendid today.”

As the Crown Prince lingered in one place, those with business began approaching him.

“Ah, Marquis Port. What brings you here so extravagantly?”

“Haha, it’s a party worth dressing up for.”

He turned his gaze to Duchess Tria, who was present there.

His cold smile was chilling.

‘It seems the previous meeting bothered him quite a bit.’

He seemed quite upset about having to concede a point, which hurt his pride.

His loyalty was commendable, but such stubbornness was exhausting.

Kaiden moved to placate him.

“Well then, see you next time, my lady. I’m looking forward to the gift.”

“Yes. You can look forward to it.”

As they moved away, Duchess Tria, also intending to leave, offered a light farewell.

“Well, it was enjoyable nonetheless. It’s a pity your surname is Krembell.”

“I feel the same.”

Ellen laughed softly.

“That’s why I decided to let go of this name.”

“Hmm?”

“I’m planning to divorce.”

Ashley’s eyes widened.

Divorce?

She repeated Ellen’s words in a small voice, taking a moment to fully process them.

She nodded and spoke.

“It’s truly surprising in many ways. Once you reclaim the name Crient, I’ll formally invite you.”

With this, the rumor of her divorce became a credible fact in social circles.

Moreover, she seemed to have genuinely impressed Duchess Tria.

Ellen smiled contentedly.

“I’ll be eagerly waiting, madam.”

But then a voice cut through the pleasant atmosphere.

“…Who gave you permission to say such things?”

A voice full of irritation.

There was no need to turn around to recognize it.

Gillian Krembell.

The current Duke of Krembell and her current husband.

Ellen responded without even glancing in Gillian’s direction.

“I did.”

“…Let’s talk for a moment.”

Gillian abruptly declared and strode over, grabbing Ellen’s arm.

“Ugh!”

“Kyaa!”

“What are you doing, Duke Krembell?”

Spaniel let out a small scream, and Terriard shouted angrily from the side.

However, Gillian ignored her groan and Sir Cheshire’s outcry, saying,

“It’s a family matter. Outsiders should step aside.”

He tightened his grip on Ellen’s wrist.

“Duke Krembell. Wouldn’t it be better to respect the ladies’ conversation time?”

“As I said, it’s a family matter.”

Ignoring Duchess Tria’s attempt to stop him, Gillian turned his back on the party and used his strength to drag Ellen away.

Ellen chuckled at Gillian’s behavior.

Normally, he would have entered the banquet hall just before the emperor’s entrance.

But today, for some reason, he was already present, and he didn’t seem to intend to leave the ballroom after greeting a few key figures as usual.

It was an unexpected situation, but that was all.

‘He’s still the same.’

Ellen clicked her tongue inwardly.

There was no point in resisting with force.

But if that’s the case, she just needed to find a way with what she had.

Bang!

As soon as the terrace door closed, Gillian growled lowly.

“I don’t know what Count Crient is doing.”

With no eyes watching, Gillian spoke fiercely, as if he’s finally free from restraint.

Ellen nodded lightly, suggesting he look at her attire.

“He must be busy with various affairs. As you can see, keeping up with this season’s trends.”

Gillian’s gaze briefly scanned her.

But instead of agreeing with her, he chose to point out what he found displeasing.

“Ha, a family that handles matters this way. And what’s with that appearance?”

His expression clearly showed his annoyance.

Ellen found his behavior contemptible and chuckled, and Gillian’s face, still unaccustomed to her reactions, cracked slightly.

“He’s managed to do this much because he’s diligent. And about my attire, I think His Highness would explain it in great detail if you ask directly.”

Ellen smiled openly, apparently to provoke him.

She knew it would irritate the man in front of her the most.

Sure enough, Gillian’s brow furrowed, his face crumpling like a piece of paper.

“…I heard His Highness personally gifted it.”

“You’re asking despite knowing everything; you have quite a mischievous side. I didn’t know that.”

“No matter how much nonsense you spout, you’re still a Krembell. Change into something more modest. And don’t think about wandering around; stay quietly by my side.”

There was a time when she thought those strong eyes were admirable.

But now, what those eyes held was not the strength of responsibility and patience, but anger over a situation that didn’t go his way.

“Oh, if you’re dissatisfied with my actions, you can divorce me and find a new wife to satisfy you.”

Ellen continued speaking, ignoring his words, and Gillian rubbed his face with one hand.

He couldn’t raise his voice here, so he spoke, suppressing his anger.

“…Ha, this is serious. Very serious. I don’t know what might happen if I leave you outside any longer. You’ll return to the mansion today.”

At that moment,

Knock, knock, a short knock was followed by the terrace door opening with a bang.

“Oh, is the conversation over?”

Someone with the status to open a door closed by a duke.

It was Crown Prince Kaiden Istazio.

“You ran out without even greeting me.”

Kaiden walked onto the terrace with a sly smile.

Ellen turned her gaze to the open door.

Sir Cheshire and a crowd of people curious about their conversation had gathered around.

“…I’m sorry, Your Highness. I had some matters to discuss with my wife.”

Gillian, smoothing his furrowed brow as if he had never been angry, spoke.

With his usual expressionless face.

To this man who hid his true feelings, Kaiden spoke with a friendly face.

“Haha, it seems you were still talking. I started looking for you because you weren’t around. I don’t have much time, so come have a drink with me. It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other.”

“I’m sorry, Your Highness. I have some things to sort out… I’ll visit you shortly.”

Gillian subtly evaded his invitation.

He judged that settling things with Ellen here would prevent further noise, but the situation didn’t go as he intended.

“Oh… I see. That’s unfortunate, but it can’t be helped. Then, since the party is boring, I’ll enjoy the banquet with the lady first. Visit me when you’ve sorted your thoughts.”

“Your Highness?”

Gillian questioned, asking what he meant.

But Kaiden, pretending not to hear, extended his hand to Ellen, who placed her hand on his.

“It’s an honor, Your Highness.”

If you’re going to use your wits, do it properly.

A sneering gaze lingered, but Gillian seemed oblivious, his eyes fixed on the joined hands of the couple.

“Then farewell, Your Grace.”

The faint sound of laughter accompanied the farewell, putting an end to the situation.

With a click, the door closed, leaving Gillian alone on the terrace.