Chapter 53

Vivian, who hadn’t slept well, wiped away tears from her constant yawning.

“What kept you up so late last night?”

Tia asked as she applied light makeup on Vivian. Vivian didn’t want to answer and covered her mouth to stifle another yawn.

“You’re young now, but as you age, lack of sleep is a major enemy to your skin.”

Vivian nodded absentmindedly at Tia’s words. Realizing Vivian didn’t want to hear her nagging, Tia closed her mouth and continued with the makeup. Since it was the day of entering the palace, Tia was putting in more effort than usual.

“Soon, I think we’ll need to visit the dress shop.”

“Why? We have enough clothes.”

Tia placed her hands on her hips and snorted.

“The clothes we brought from Raspol are all too thin. They’ll be too cold for the capital. And the fashion in Raspol and the capital is very, very different!”

With a demeanor akin to a knight preparing for war, Vivian found herself nodding unconsciously.

“I’ll take responsibility and make a reservation at the dress shop, so you must make time, Young Lady!”

Tia was filled with an unquenchable passion for dressing up Vivian. 

On the way to the palace with Tia, they saw the streets bustling with preparations for winter.

Seeing the busy streets, Vivian imagined the people at the Raspol mansion also bustling with winter preparations. As she thought about contacting her father soon, Dovelia Palace came into view.

In a way, it was her first task since becoming a fiancée. Outwardly, it seemed like preparing for the winter ball was all there was to it, but Vivian also had to closely observe Jennifer Moore, which made her quite tense.

Though she hadn’t slept the night before, the elegant sight of Dovelia Palace instantly drove away her drowsiness.

Today, someone other than Alina greeted Vivian. Vivian was led to a reception room in the Empress’s palace, a place where she had tea with Daisy when she was young.

“Vivi!”

Rosie, who had arrived first, waved at Vivian. Not only Rosie, but Jennifer and Reina had also arrived before her.

Jennifer, perhaps still bothered by the mess of yesterday’s gathering, eagerly chatted with Rosie and Vivian. Reina, seemingly displeased with this, sat with her eyes narrowed and her mouth tightly shut.

Listening to Jennifer, Vivian naturally brought up the topic of the Water Rose.

“I’d like to grow Water Roses in the garden at Raspol. Could you tell me how you acquired them?”

“Of course! I’ll ask my mother. I’m not sure if we can get them, though.”

Jennifer, pleased with Vivian’s interest, fidgeted with excitement.

“They’re quite expensive, aren’t they?”

“Yes, my mother made quite a large expenditure.”

Reina, who had been sitting indifferently, shifted slightly at the mention of the high price.

“What flower are you talking about?”

With Reina’s interest piqued, Jennifer seemed even more excited and eagerly explained all about the Water Rose and how they came to acquire it.

“But is it really such an expensive flower?”

Rosie asked Vivian, but it was Jennifer who answered.

“Yes! It’s said to be worth the price of a three-story mansion on the outskirts of the capital.”

Jennifer’s shoulders soared as if reaching the sky. Rosie and Reina tilted their heads at Jennifer’s answer.

Reina quickly lost interest and returned to her indifferent expression, but Rosie was different.

Just as Rosie opened her mouth to say something to Jennifer, Alina’s voice announced the Empress’s arrival.

“You’re all early.”

Today, too, Empress Annette was beautiful. Her gaze, filled with warmth like the buds of spring, looked at the four young ladies.

As they sipped tea, they began earnestly discussing preparations for the winter ball. Jennifer was the most proactive in suggesting ideas, and the Empress listened to each one attentively.

“You’ve prepared a lot, Lady Jennifer.”

“Th-thank you, Your Majesty.”

Jennifer blushed at Empress Annette’s praise. Watching Jennifer, the Empress smiled brightly and looked at each of the young ladies in turn.

“Does anyone have different thoughts on Lady Jennifer’s ideas?”

At the Empress’s words, Reina raised her hand. With a nod from the Empress, Reina slowly moved her red lips.

“Lady Jennifer’s ideas are good, but the problem is they’re too costly.”

Vivian nodded internally at Reina’s words. Rosie seemed to agree, nodding before suddenly straightening her neck in surprise.

“This year is particularly special, isn’t it? It’s the 20th anniversary of His Majesty the Emperor’s ascension.”

Jennifer trembled as she countered Reina’s opinion.

“His Majesty the current Emperor always advises the nobles to avoid extravagance. Would someone like that enjoy such an excessively costly performance and decorations?”

At Reina’s words, Jennifer blushed and opened and closed her mouth like a fish.

“I’ve heard Lady Reina’s opinion. But since Lady Jennifer’s ideas are also quite brilliant, let’s find a compromise between everyone’s opinions.”

With Empress Annette’s words, the chill that lingered between Jennifer and Reina gradually disappeared.

They continued to share more opinions afterward. Vivian carefully absorbed and organized the ideas of Rosie, Reina, and Jennifer in her mind.

“Let’s conclude here for today.”

Empress Annette stood up for her next engagement. As she left, she made eye contact with each person, asking for their continued support.

“I want to age gracefully like that.”

Even after the Empress was completely out of sight, Rosie continued to gaze at the spot she had left and spoke.

“You can, of course, become like that.”

At Vivian’s words, a loud snort came from behind. The owner of the snort was Reina. Ignoring Reina’s glare, Jennifer approached Reina with a cold demeanor.

“Lady Reina. The Tapeullon Empire is the greatest nation on the Monfrey Continent.”

“Is there anyone in the Empire who doesn’t know that?”

“For such a significant event as the 20th anniversary of His Majesty the Emperor’s ascension and the year’s biggest event, wouldn’t such costs be nothing?”

Reina blinked rapidly at Jennifer’s unexpected response.

“I didn’t realize your spirit was so small, Lady Reina.”

Leaving those words, Jennifer swiftly passed Vivian and Rosie, exiting the Empress’s palace. Reina, looking incredulous, watched Jennifer’s retreating figure before turning sharply in the opposite direction.

Watching Jennifer and Reina disappear in opposite directions, Rosie smirked.

“Their friendship is utterly pointless. Really.”

Vivian gave an awkward smile at Rosie’s words. Once Reina was completely out of sight, Rosie turned toward where Jennifer had disappeared and began to walk slowly.

Vivian followed Rosie.

“Rosie, what are you thinking?”

Vivian asked, looking at Rosie, who frowned as if something was bothering her.

“It’s about Jennifer.”

“Yeah.”

At the mention of Jennifer, Vivian perked up her ears.

“Oh, never mind.”

Vivian almost shouted at Rosie in frustration. It was the worst to pique someone’s curiosity and then close your mouth.

“If you started talking, you should finish.”

Vivian calmed herself and asked, and Rosie turned to Vivian with a mischievous smile.

“Curious?”

Vivian nodded vigorously.

“If I tell you, can I come to your mansion today?”

“Our house? Why?”

“Well… just because…”

Rosie’s words trailed off, and she stopped walking. When Vivian stopped as well, Rosie linked arms with her.

“I just want to have a good chat after a long time.”

“I’m busy…”

“You’re not the only one busy! I’m busy too!”

“If you’re busy, why do you want to come to our house…”

“Shh!”

Rosie pressed her finger against Vivian’s soft lips.

“There’s a reason, trust me.”

Rosie’s violet eyes gleamed mischievously.

* * *

On the way back to the Crown Prince’s palace after attending a meeting with the ministers, Louis walked briskly, his long legs striding ahead, while Allen followed closely behind.

“Sir Hugo has contacted us to ask if the appointment could be delayed by about an hour.”

At Allen’s words, Louis stopped walking. Allen, who was following quickly, had to stop abruptly. Just before colliding with the Crown Prince, he managed to stop and sighed in relief, only to hold his breath again when Louis turned to look at him.

“Why?”

“Pardon?”

“Why does he need to delay the appointment by an hour? What could that old man be so busy with?”

“Sir Hugo is the head of the Empire Academy, so wouldn’t he be very busy?”

At Allen’s oblivious words, Louis’s eyebrow twitched noticeably.

“Sir Hugo said he’s having a private meeting with His Majesty the Emperor. That’s why he’ll be late…”

Before Allen could finish, Louis turned and resumed walking. As Louis walked again, Allen resumed breathing.

“Where’s Rayden?”

“I believe he’s at the training grounds.”

“Bring Rayden to me.”

“Yes.”

After confirming Louis entered the office, Allen started running to fetch Rayden. Louis was unusually irritable today. To avoid any trouble, Allen needed to move quickly.

Once inside his office, Louis sat and flipped through the documents related to today’s meeting agenda. But less than a minute later, he set the papers aside and stood up.

Looking at the garden, now filled with the atmosphere of winter, Louis recalled the recent events.

Despite his mother’s command-like request, Louis had willingly made time to head to the Dinever mansion. Since he hadn’t notified them in advance, the servants were flustered when the royal carriage arrived at the mansion.

At that moment, Louis spotted the maid who followed Vivian around and inquired about Vivian’s whereabouts, learning she was in the Duke’s office.

The moment Louis knocked on the Duke’s office door, he felt his mood plummet. It was then he realized he had been in quite a good mood until that moment.

-Tia? Has Aitor  returned?

Vivian, who had been waiting for Aitor. The voice of Vivian, who seemed so delighted, still lingered in Louis’s ears.

He wondered if she ever greeted him with such enthusiasm.

Louis pondered, but couldn’t recall such a moment. Vivian, who hadn’t even offered him a cup of tea and only worried about Aitor, kept intruding into Louis’s daily thoughts.

Each time, Louis disliked how childish his thoughts became.

‘Knock, knock.’

Biting his lower lip in dissatisfaction, Louis spoke at the sound of a knock.

“Come in.”

It was Rayden who entered. Following him was the very person who had been troubling Louis—Aitor, who entered behind Rayden.