If I married Crown Prince Leon, Vern would no longer try to pair Clayton and me together.

“If you spout nonsense again about disliking the Duke or your feelings cooling…”

“I’ll need to prepare the finest dress.”

Vern frowned, seemingly finding my answer absurd.

“I need to dress beautifully to make Father’s wishes come true, don’t I?”

In truth, my goal was to impress Crown Prince Leon, not Clayton. Hiding my true intentions, I smiled sweetly.

“Now you’re finally acting normal. Good thinking!”

“Thank you. I’ll need money to prepare.”

“Buy whatever you want!”

“Yes.”

I’ll buy the most luxurious and expensive dress. And I’ll seduce the Crown Prince!

I resolved this inwardly.

* * *

The day of the ball arrived.

“You look so beautiful!”

Lucy exclaimed in admiration as she made final adjustments to my outfit. I evaluated my reflection in the mirror with a critical eye.

The dress, pink like spring blossoms, was pure and lovely. Meanwhile, the beads and sequins densely studded along the bodice, sleeves, and hem created the height of splendor.

The money spent generously had clearly paid off. My mysteriously sparkling sky-blue eyes gleamed with satisfaction.

“You did well.”

“I honestly thought you wouldn’t attend the ball.”

“Why?”

“Because you had an unpleasant experience at Count Deliant’s banquet.”

Lucy spoke while gauging my reaction. She was probably referring to how Charlotte Fraxon had been mocked because of me the day before my possession.

“Did you think I’d be too embarrassed to go?”

“That’s not what I meant!”

Lucy jumped, horrified.

“It’s fine. If it were the old me, well, I would have just locked myself in my room. And I hear there’s a rumor going around that Lady Evelyn humiliated me, but it’s not true.”

“But…”

“Lady Evelyn simply gave me kind advice.”

“What advice was that?”

“You have to take action to gain anything.”

“Ah, so that’s why you changed your mind and decided to attend the ball, unlike usual.”

“Exactly. If I don’t move, how can I get what I want?”

“So what you want must be at the ball?”

“There’s a wonderful person there. Perhaps someone who will save me in this life.”

“Now I understand!”

Lucy clapped her hands. When I turned to her questioningly, Lucy’s eyes sparkled as she spoke.

“You’re planning to get along well with Duke Medvez. That’s wonderful!”

“What?”

I looked at Lucy with a suddenly furrowed face. My good mood from being beautifully dressed felt like it had been dumped in the trash.

“Why, why are you like that? Did I make some mistake…”

Lucy panicked at my sudden expression change.

“I have no intention of impressing the Duke.”

“But I heard the reason the Count generously supported you this time was because of Duke Medvez.”

“No.”

“But you just said a wonderful person… Duke Medvez is the one who suits you perfectly, and the Count has high expectations…”

“I said no.”

When I spoke firmly, Lucy’s spirit deflated and she hunched her shoulders.

“There’s someone more wonderful than the Duke.”

At my words, Lucy rolled her eyes and fell into thought. Then something occurred to her and her eyes widened.

“Surely not!”

“That’s right.”

We exchanged glances briefly. Without saying it aloud, we both knew who was being discussed.

“But Miss, that person is nice too, but my preference is Duke Medvez.”

“I’m not curious about your preference.”

“I’m sorry.”

Lucy, feeling sheepish, quickly bowed her head.

Knock knock.

“Lady Charlotte, are you ready? You must depart for the palace soon.”

A prompting voice came from outside at just that moment. When the door opened, Dylan Emvidad stood there.

“You look truly beautiful.”

“Thank you.”

I nodded once, then brushed past him and descended the stairs. Unfazed by my cold response, Dylan smiled and followed me.

Outside the mansion, two carriages waited. Employees led by the butler stood in a long line to see off their masters.

Count and Countess Fraxon were nowhere to be seen, having apparently already boarded their carriage.

“Miss, this way.”

Dylan pointed to one of the two carriages. Though I found it odd that Dylan was guiding me instead of the butler, I shrugged and boarded the carriage.

Then Dylan followed and sat across from me.

“What are you doing?”

“Attending the ball.”

Only then did I notice his attire. Dressed in a pristine white frock coat, he looked like an elegant young nobleman. His blond hair, slightly covering his neck, was as brilliant as the sun and even appeared sacred at a glance.

“Satisfied? I took some care not to embarrass you as your companion.”

He spoke mischievously after following my gaze to his outfit.

“I didn’t know Sir Dylan would be attending the ball too.”

“Life’s too precious to spend buried in work every day.”

“Is it necessary to ride in the same carriage as me? Does Father even know about this?”

“Of course. The Count directly ordered it.”

“Father did?”

I couldn’t believe Vern, who was indifferent to his daughter, had given such an order. Hadn’t he always treated Charlotte like a thorn in his side?

“He told me to protect Lady Charlotte. I’ll be accompanying you wherever you go from now on.”

“Wherever I go? Is Paradi Trading Company such a leisurely place? To have time to follow me around.”

“Don’t worry. Paradi Trading Company won’t collapse just because I’m following Lady Charlotte around. I’m quite capable, you see.”

He winked one eye. I shook my head and turned my gaze to the window.

I didn’t understand what the Count was thinking, assigning Dylan as my protector.

“Are you here to monitor me?”

“Monitor?”

“Father wants to marry me to Duke Medvez. Of course I objected, but Father wouldn’t budge. So I wonder if he asked Sir Dylan to prevent me from ruining your plan.”

“For example?”

“If I act rudely or offensively, the Duke’s perception of me will worsen. Enough to flatly refuse even if a marriage proposal comes.”

“Oh.”

He exclaimed with apparent interest.

“Am I right?”

“Unfortunately, he said no such thing. I’m simply accompanying you as a protector.”

He brought his hand to his left chest as though speaking the truth. I narrowed my eyes and scrutinized him, but his grinning face remained harmless.

“I hope you won’t be an eyesore.”

“Of course not.”

The carriage finally moved. We headed to the palace while hearing the employees’ farewells.

Herva Palace, where the ball was held, was by far the most beautiful and magnificent among the various buildings. The splendid chandeliers hanging from high ceilings, the gleaming marble floors, and walls carved with delicate floral decorations inspired admiration.

Just as we entered the ballroom, Dylan pointed somewhere.

“Lady Charlotte, I’ll be waiting over there, so if anything happens, find me. Though of course I’ll always be watching you.”

“What could happen here?”

“Who knows.”

“Since you came to the ball, Sir Dylan, enjoy yourself too.”

“I’m already enjoying myself plenty.”

Dylan replied gently, then turned and entered the crowd. Several young ladies watched him pass with enchanted eyes.

“What a strange person.”

I shook my head while watching him depart. Once he completely disappeared from view, I immediately erased him from my mind. Then I carefully surveyed the scene before me.

Cheerful music filled the wide hall, and splendid nobles moved through it. Suddenly I thought she might be in there somewhere.

Lady Evelyn Lorenfort. Until my possession, I had been Evelyn.

I was curious what it would feel like to see “myself” through someone else’s eyes. My heart pounded with anticipation.

“First I should greet Her Majesty the Queen.”

I moved to find Queen Christine, the ball’s host.

“Stop right there, Charlotte.”

An irritated voice came from behind. When I turned, Vern and Rosalinda stood there.

Vern quickly surveyed the surroundings before continuing.

“Today is a truly important day. You understand what I mean?”

“…”

“Why aren’t you answering?”

He frowned, seemingly annoyed.

“You mean to seduce Duke Medvez.”

“If you pretend not to hear next time too, you’ll be in trouble.”

He glared and growled with angry eyes.

“Dear, people are staring.”

Rosalinda, standing guard of the surroundings, gave Vern a warning look.

“Ahem, anyway, I’ll create an opportunity for you to be alone with the Duke, so you do whatever it takes to captivate him. Understand?”

“…”

He glared at me for not answering. No matter how murderously he stared, I had no intention of obediently playing along with his wishes.

I wanted to make him anxious. I surveyed the surroundings with mischievous eyes.

When I still didn’t answer, Vern snapped with a fierce face.

“I clearly warned you. If you pretend not to hear one more time…”

“Oh my, Her Majesty the Queen!”

I cast my gaze over his shoulder and smiled brightly. Startled, Vern hurriedly turned around. His expression showed he was horrified, thinking the Queen stood behind him.

I watched the scene with a mocking smile.

“You, this…”

He whipped around to glare at me, twitching his mustache. The reason for his anger was simple.

Queen Christine was standing far away. Not knowing this, he must have been terrified for a moment, thinking the Queen had overheard the plan regarding the Duke.

‘Moreover, his attitude toward his daughter was terrible.’

I gloated inwardly. Then I pretended not to notice him trembling, unable to vent his frustration, and waited for the Queen to approach.

The Queen, who had been exchanging warm greetings with people around her, finally stopped before us.

“I greet Your Majesty the Queen.”

“Count Fraxon, it’s been a while. Countess, you’re as beautiful as ever.”

After greeting the Count and Countess, the Queen turned her gaze to me.

“Thank you for the invitation, Your Majesty.”

I grasped my dress hem lightly and curtsied.

“So you’re Lady Charlotte Fraxon. Welcome.”

Queen Christine greeted me with a benevolent smile. Then she examined me carefully before addressing Vern.

“You must be proud to have such a lovely daughter, Count.”

“You’re too kind.”

Vern chimed in. However, his sidelong glance at me was full of displeasure.

He still seemed irritated about the expensive dress I’d purchased. When I’d submitted the dress bill, he’d pointed his finger and raged, calling me “a girl who doesn’t know her place.”

Recalling that moment, I raised the corners of my lips. Sparks flew in Vern’s eyes.

The dress was indeed splendid enough to make him rage. While I could cite the gorgeous embroidery and beads as the dress’s strong points, the wave-patterned lace starting from the waistline was the finest touch.

Thanks to this, my silver thread-like hair flowing down my back and sky-blue eyes stood out even more. Having taken special care for today, I’d been drawing attention from the moment I entered the ballroom.

“Really, these days all the young ladies are so pretty. I was once second to none myself.”

“Your Majesty is still beautiful.”

I spoke sincerely. In truth, Queen Christine wasn’t a beauty.

However, she had the insight to find clothes that suited her and knew how to make herself appear charming. Above all, her clear soul and wise, benevolent nature were enough to captivate people’s hearts.

I thought such a Queen was more beautiful than anyone.

“You speak beautifully too. Come here.”

The Queen beckoned me closer, then linked arms with me without reserve. The ladies nearby, including young noblewomen, showed surprised expressions.

Vern was the same. He could only stare blankly as the Queen led me away.

“I heard an interesting rumor recently. I’ve been counting the days to this event because I wanted to hear directly from the person involved.”

The Queen chattered while strolling through the crowd.

“I seem to be the person involved in the rumor.”

“You’re quick-witted too.”

The Queen glanced at me affectionately.

“May I ask what rumor? There are so many I can’t guess.”

“I heard you’re dating Duke Medvez. Is it true?”

“What?”

I was shocked.

“It’s not?”

“Wh-where did you hear that?”

“Oh my, so it is true. Though if the rumor weren’t true, there’d be no reason to wonder about the source.”

The Queen smiled mischievously.

“Your Majesty, the reason I’m curious is because it’s a false rumor.”

“A false rumor? But didn’t the Duke recently visit Count Fraxon’s estate?”

“That’s true, but the Duke’s visit was…”

“Because of the Kolova trading post. Since the Duke is the bidding supervisor, you invited him to obtain information about the trading post. Isn’t that right?”

The Queen knew very well. Even so, I didn’t understand why a rumor about me dating him had spread from that visit.

Of course, it was true that he’d suggested dating. But no one knew that fact.

It had been a secluded garden with only Clayton and me conversing. Or had someone I didn’t know been secretly eavesdropping?

Then the Queen whispered in a subtle voice.

“That’s what appears on the surface. In truth, Count Fraxon is using it as an excuse to scheme pairing you with the Duke.”

“Your Majesty…”

“Don’t worry. Only I know this. But the Duke visiting the Count’s estate is easy fodder for gossips. They have a talent for greatly inflating small matters.”

“So just from the visit, a rumor spread that the Duke and I are dating.”

“So how does Lady Charlotte feel about it?”

“That rumor is…”

I was about to say it wasn’t true at all.