A familiar silhouette appeared in front of the full-length mirror, engraved with an ornate rose pattern.

Cornelia’s clear, light brown eyes calmly scanned her reflection from head to toe.

In high society, she was known for her pure and delicate image.

Her consistent preference for neat and elegant styles over extravagance had shaped this reputation over time.

‘Should I try something different today…?’

Cornelia tilted her head slightly.

Her gaze landed on the dazzling rose-gold chiffon dress in Sophie’s hands.

In truth, in terms of appearance alone, Cornelia was someone who suited extravagant styles better than anyone else.

Today, for some reason, a deeply personal desire to maximize her striking features surfaced unexpectedly.

‘No, no. Cori, calm down. Let’s not do anything out of character.’

What could possibly be gained from adding a touch of extravagance purely out of personal sentiment?

Today was a day dedicated to the author Emily Hathaway.

The one who deserved the spotlight was her, not Cornelia.

Letting go of the lingering temptation, her unsettled emotions gradually stabilized.

“But, my lady.”

“Hmm?”

Cornelia fixed her light brown eyes on Sophie, who was pouting slightly.

“That writer, Emily, the one you mentioned—she must be quite famous.”

“She is. She’s been recognized as one of the greatest literary figures on the continent. Why do you ask?”

“Well… I went to a maid’s gathering, and they had the nerve to compare Lady Citran to you!”

“To me?”

Cornelia tilted her head slightly at Sophie’s frustrated stomping.

“Yes! No one has ever managed to invite Emily Hathaway before, but apparently, Lady Citran did! And now they’re comparing her to you? Honestly, how dare they?”

“Sophie, mind your words in front of the lady.”

As Sophie’s voice grew louder, the nanny, who had been selecting jewelry for Cornelia, shot a wary glance before swiftly approaching her.

“But it’s upsetting! Everyone was fawning over her just because she’s the emperor’s rumored lover! It was unbearable to watch!”

“I said enough.”

The nanny hurriedly intervened, but even as she busied herself picking a dress, Sophie didn’t stop talking.

“It’s infuriating. Not long ago, they were all singing praises about our lady, but now, they’ve changed their tune so quickly…!”

“…..”

“Our lady could become the future empress if she so wished.”

“Sophie, stop with the unnecessary talk and focus on getting ready.”

For the first time, the nanny spoke in a colder, lower tone, urging Sophie forward. Her cautious gaze checked Cornelia’s expression to see if she had been offended.

But Cornelia, listening to their conversation, appeared just as composed as ever.

“Let’s pick up the pace. Nanny, bring me the jewelry box.”

“Yes, my lady.”

“Sophie.”

“Yes, my lady.”

“Nothing extravagant—keep it simple.”

Sophie briefly looked disappointed but quickly began moving efficiently, gathering the dress and accessories.

Though Cornelia preferred a refined and minimalistic style, that did not mean what she wore lacked value.

With the empire’s top trading company and a maternal lineage of imperial blood, wealth was never an issue.

Each season, the trading company sent the finest goods to Cornelia and her mother, further elevating her already impeccable taste.

She often accentuated her look with just one or two exquisite pieces, but because they were of the highest quality, they were far more precious than what most nobles could ever dream of possessing.

Cornelia turned her gaze to the large window.

The sight of the lush greenery outside soothed her wavering thoughts.

The reason she even considered attending a tea party hosted by Carlisle’s rumored lover, despite the discomfort it brought, was simple.

Emily Hathaway, her favorite author, would be there today.

Cornelia had been a devoted fan for years.

Recently, she had heard that Emily Hathaway was touring the continent to promote her new book.

For months, she had eagerly anticipated the author’s arrival in the Roman Empire.

The joy she felt upon learning that Emily would be attending the Citran family’s tea party was immeasurable.

If not for her entanglement with Carlisle, she would have been able to enjoy this moment without any hesitation.

Cornelia let out a small, bitter smile.

Emily Hathaway was set to leave the empire for another kingdom after today’s event.

Which meant that regardless of her current discomfort, Cornelia had to attend—for her own satisfaction.

***

The luxurious carriage of House Olsen, carrying Cornelia, came to a halt at the entrance of the Citran estate, where the tea party was being held.

“We have arrived, my lady.”

“Thank you, Sir Edin.”

Thanks to Sophie’s magic-like touch—executed with only minimal restraint—Cornelia had transformed into an enchanting, ethereal fairy of the forest.

As she stepped into the well-manicured garden entrance, Grace quickly spotted her and approached.

“Lady Olsen! Thank you for attending. It has been quite some time, hasn’t it?”

It was expected that she would be the first person Cornelia encountered, being the host of the tea party.

Cornelia’s soft light brown eyes rolled smoothly toward Grace.

“This is the first time since the last salon gathering. Thank you for the invitation. Have you been well?”

Grace wore a long red dress that accentuated her voluptuous figure, her dark hair cascading freely around her shoulders. Her overall appearance exuded an alluring and seductive charm.

For a literary gathering, her attire was somewhat excessive, but Cornelia’s attention was drawn elsewhere.

Her eyes lingered momentarily on the partially exposed neckline of Grace’s dress.

‘It seems similar… or maybe not?’

As she passed, Cornelia subtly compared their figures.

There wasn’t much of a difference in size, but the overall atmosphere each of them projected was undeniably distinct.

‘Haa… What am I even doing?’

Realizing her own thoughts, Cornelia let out an almost imperceptible sigh, barely audible.

She turned her gaze away from Grace without hesitation and looked straight ahead.

As she was escorted to her designated seat, she exchanged greetings with several noblewomen and young ladies, but her attention never returned to Grace.

***

The tea party was going smoothly.

The tableware and tea sets used were all highly acclaimed pieces from this year’s tea set collection, proving their exceptional value. The desserts and dishes, meticulously prepared by renowned chefs, satisfied even the most discerning guests.

The delicate ornaments placed throughout the venue, carefully chosen to match the tastes of young ladies, drew admiration. Moreover, Grace’s skillful conversational guidance, ensuring that noble factions with conflicting interests never clashed, was quite impressive.

It was evident that great care had been taken in every aspect of the event, leaving no room for criticism.

“Lady Grace, thank you for the invitation. I can’t believe how much you’ve prepared. Everything is truly wonderful.”

“The honor is mine to have been able to extend the invitation. I’m relieved to hear that you’re enjoying it.”

Grace smiled at Lady Marianne, the daughter of an earl whose family frequently interacted with hers.

“I was so moved by your kind-hearted nature when I saw you helping those in need during the last charity event. And as expected, this tea party has not disappointed either.”

It seemed that Lady Marianne, wanting to leave a good impression on Grace, continued to shower her with praise.

“Oh my… I never did those things expecting anything in return, but hearing such kind words, I’m not sure what to say.”

“You’re too modest. I also heard that the esteemed Emily Hathaway would never have been able to fully bloom as a writer if not for your generous support.”

As Lady Marianne spoke, several young ladies seated nearby chimed in.

“Yes, I heard the same!”

Up until now, most patronage for artists had come from the Marquisate of Olsen. The success of Emily Hathaway, who had been supported by the Count of Citran, was enough to draw significant attention among the nobility.

On top of that, Grace was known as the lover of the reigning Emperor of the Roman Empire.

Naturally, words of admiration and efforts to ingratiate themselves with her gathered around Grace like moths to a flame.

“My, such a kind heart! Perhaps His Majesty fell for Lady Grace because of her delicate, considerate nature.”

“That’s true. Now that I think about it, Lady Grace, if I may be so bold—haven’t you been with His Majesty for quite some time?”

One of the young ladies asked Grace in a sly tone.

“Oh, well…”

Grace blushed as if embarrassed by the curious and envious gazes of the young ladies.

“As I’ve always thought, there’s a reason relationships that last are built to last. You and His Majesty truly make a wonderful pair.”

“Absolutely! Who knows? We might very well be honored guests at a future Empress’s tea party.”

“My goodness! What a shocking thought! I could never presume to claim such an esteemed position!”

“Did that surprise you? But considering that a masterpiece from the late sculptor of the Kingdom of Romania recently passed through your estate’s main gates… it doesn’t seem entirely out of the question.”

At Lady Marianne’s subtle remark, Grace’s eyes curved into a soft smile.

“His Majesty… well, he has always adored everything I do…”

Though turning personal matters into public discourse could lead to misunderstandings, Grace deliberately emphasized the Emperor’s affection for her. She was well aware of the envy in the young ladies’ hearts.

Tap. Tap.

Seated at a prime spot, Cornelia had overheard the entire conversation.

Carlisle likes everything she does?

A faint crease formed between Cornelia’s delicate brows.

Her gaze, sweeping over Grace, was as cold as ice.

A little while later, when the tea party was in full swing, Grace, who had been busy leading conversations as the host, rose from her seat.

“Everyone, may I have a moment of your attention?”

As all eyes turned to her, Grace’s confident smile deepened.

“It is my great honor to introduce someone to you all today.”

While quietly enjoying tea and conversation with the Grand Duchess of Lauren, Cornelia looked up at Grace at the mention of an “introduction.”

“As some of you may already know, Emily Hathaway is present at this gathering.”

Is this it?

At the mention of Emily Hathaway, Cornelia’s soft hazel eyes gleamed with excitement.

For this moment, all the unpleasantness and discomfort related to Carlisle and Grace vanished from her mind.

Emily Hathaway was a literary genius and the first woman ever to be granted the title of Grand Writer.

Cornelia, who loved books and frequently visited bookstores, had become a fan after stumbling upon Emily’s debut work during her early, unrecognized days.

Since then, whenever Emily published a new book, Cornelia would provide generous patronage and ensure she acquired a first edition with the author’s signature.

Not a single one of those collected books was missing from her personal library.

‘Hmm?’

As Cornelia watched Emily enter the tea party venue, her eyes narrowed slightly.

‘Why does she look like that?’

Emily Hathaway, introduced as the guest of honor, seemed somewhat withdrawn—

Almost as if she had been forced to come.