Chapter 5. Full Bloom Ⅱ

 As time passed, more and more attendees entered through the doors of the banquet hall. Since this was the first imperial banquet in years, the nobles who had dressed up with particular care held their chins high just for being invited to this occasion.

 And then, as if she were the protagonist of this banquet, a woman adorned in splendor strode confidently into the hall.

 Rosaline Sternbrow succeeded in capturing everyone’s attention, regardless of gender, as she took confident steps forward.

 In the midst of the ongoing banquet, her first glance was directed not at the imperial throne, but at the crowd. Upon confirming that Lady Varenne was nowhere to be seen, the corners of her mouth curved upward.

 ‘I thought she was stupid, but it seems she understood the message.’

 Rosaline smiled with satisfaction, having intended to completely crush her had she dared to show up after such humiliation. Noble ladies began to gather around her one by one.

 “Lady Rosaline Sternbrow, you look absolutely beautiful today.”

 “Indeed. Your skin is so radiant, it’s as if the entire banquet has brightened up since your arrival.”

 Praises aimed at gaining her favor poured in from all directions. This was the usual treatment she received as the daughter of a marquis who currently held the emperor’s trust and had established her position in social circles.

 “You’re too kind. I’m just the same as always.”

 Rosaline responded modestly while gently fanning herself. The women’s gazes naturally shifted to her dress.

 Rosaline’s appearance, with her thick golden curls flowing luxuriously, would have stood out even in a plain dress. But with the deep purple dress she wore on top of that, she overwhelmed everyone else despite their elaborate attire.

 “Lady Sternbrow, the color of your dress is so lovely.”

 “Um…… I’ve never seen such a shade before, could you perhaps tell us which dress shop you had it made at?”

 Envious voices continued at the sight of the obviously rare fabric.

 Judging by how they couldn’t take their eyes off it, it seemed worth the large sum she had paid to illegal merchants to procure the fabric specifically for this day.

 “It was a gift from a merchant my father deals with, so I’m not quite sure. I’ll ask when I get the chance.”

 “Yes, please do. It’s so pretty.”

 The ladies’ interest continued unabated, convinced it would become next season’s trend. Her shoulders rose higher at the praises exalting her beauty, just as she had expected.

 Maintaining a gracious smile, she searched for Duke Heinst with wide eyes. And before long, she found him surrounded by the largest crowd.

 But he wasn’t alone.

 Rosaline’s eyes narrowed sharply as she scrutinized the woman beside the duke. Even at a glance, it was clear they had come together.

 ‘Who is that woman? Was there a noble lady I didn’t know about?’

 For Rosaline, who knew most noble ladies thoroughly, this woman was unfamiliar. Judging by her appearance alone, she was dressed as splendidly as someone from a prestigious family, suggesting she wasn’t from an ordinary household.

 After confirming the musicians preparing to play, she silently made her way toward where he was.

 * * *

 After the nobles’ endless congratulations, music began at the emperor’s gesture, signaling the proper start of the banquet.

 As soft melodies flowed through the air, Flora truly remained quietly in her seat. She glanced briefly at the duke who was conversing with Heriot near the balcony.

 ‘What could they be discussing.’

 It was frustrating not being able to understand the duke’s intentions in bringing her here. Moreover, she couldn’t fathom why the emperor had asked to see her separately.

 The duke showed no intention of explaining anything. His demeanor had changed notably after a servant’s visit earlier.

 With both of them having left their seats, Flora felt stranded alone in an unfamiliar place.

 Everything felt strange and difficult. Suddenly, she missed Mary and her colleagues who would be at the peaceful mansion.

 Just then, someone abruptly sat down across from her. Looking up, she saw a beautifully adorned woman smiling at her.

 “Good evening.”

 Flora awkwardly bowed in response to Rosaline’s sudden greeting.

 “I heard His Majesty put quite some effort into this, and indeed the banquet is splendid.”

 With a bright smile as lovely as a flower, she appeared every bit the elegant noblewoman.

 “I’m Rosaline Sternbrow. I haven’t seen you before, may I ask which family you’re from?”

 Flora hesitated to answer her question. Not knowing what to do, she glanced at the duke, but he hadn’t seemed to notice the situation yet.

 Flora had no choice but to speak.

 “I’m…… Flora.”

 When no family name followed, Rosaline covered her mouth slightly with her hand and showed a surprised expression.

 “Could it be you’re a commoner? How could a commoner enter the banquet?”

 Her surprised voice clearly reached the ears of those around who were secretly paying attention to them.

 Wondering if she had inadvertently made a mistake, Flora decided to follow the duke’s instructions and continued.

 “I…… just came with Duke Heinst.”

 “……You came with the Duke.”

 The woman’s curved eyes gradually straightened, and soon contempt was etched in her pupils.

 ‘Has the duke taken a mistress.’

 After just that brief conversation, that’s what Rosaline suspected. The evidence was Flora’s appearance, adorned in finery worth a mansion in the capital despite not being nobility.

 “Oh my, I apologize for my rudeness.”

 Though Rosaline belatedly composed her expression, it was after she had already shown clear signs of displeasure.

 Just then, Claude returned and stopped abruptly upon seeing Rosaline.

 “If you’re looking for Marquis Sternbrow, I believe he’s not in this direction.”

 “Duke Heinst, it’s been a while since I’ve seen you. I came to see you, not my father.”

 Despite his clearly unwelcoming demeanor, Rosaline promptly took the seat right next to Claude, who sat across from Flora.

 She glanced sideways at the man’s face, which was flawless in every aspect.

 A cold impression. Though his face was expressionless, that’s precisely why Duke Heinst was beautiful. Unlike his exquisite features, he had broad shoulders and a firm physique trained by the sword.

 Moreover, his arrogant nature that wouldn’t yield to anyone was far more manly and impressive than the emperor who merely pretended to be dignified.

 “By the way, I heard this person is your companion……”

 “The lady need not concern yourself.”

 Though she meant to ask for Flora’s introduction, the duke responded in an almost indifferently plain voice.

 “Is that so?”

 Relieved by his clear unwillingness to explain, she moved even closer to Claude’s side. She had long deliberately ignored the presence of Flora sitting across from him.

 “Do you plan to stay in the capital from now on?”

 “I wasn’t aware the lady had such interest in my schedule.”

 He merely glanced at Rosaline and responded in his usual indifferent tone.

 “Well, the Heinst and Sternbrow families should naturally be in harmony.”

 A sardonic smile crossed Claude’s smooth face as he stared expressionlessly at Rosaline. Like father, like daughter – both seemed unable to discern their place as they tried to climb higher.

 “You speak of things even I, the head of the family, haven’t heard of.”

 “I think you might be misunderstanding something, Duke. Father wishes for a closer relationship with the Heinst family, he harbors no personal feelings.”

 A slight irritation appeared in Claude’s bored eyes. He remained silent, deeming it not even worth responding to.

 Just then, the musicians’ performance changed to a lively dance tune.

 “Oh my, Duke. It seems the dancing is about to begin.”

 Rosaline turned her head and extended her hand to Claude. It was a gesture meant to request a dance.

 So this is why she came.

 Claude’s expression twisted slightly before he smirked. Ignoring her outstretched hand, Claude immediately stood up and pulled Flora to her feet.

 “As you can see, I already have a partner. The lady should look for someone else.”

 “……Pardon?”

 As soon as he uttered the word ‘partner,’ Rosaline’s expression visibly stiffened.

 Claude deliberately pulled Flora, who had been in the corner, to the center of the hall. Flora showed rare confusion at being suddenly dragged out by the duke.

 “Master, I…… don’t know how to dance.”

 “Just pretend to follow my lead.”

 Following his tone that suggested he hadn’t expected otherwise, his large hand wrapped around Flora’s waist and pulled her close. The sudden proximity brought his sharp jaw right above her eyes.

 Flora, who had never even thought about dancing, bit her lip nervously. Being in the most open space made her feel even more eyes on them than before.

 Feeling as though she had been thrust into the center of people’s sidelong glances, Flora quietly spoke up.

 “Even so……”

 “You got all dressed up to come here, might as well have one dance.”

Claude showed a cynical smile as he took Flora’s hand and interlocked their fingers.

Her hand felt unfamiliar, trapped inside the large gloved hand meant for the banquet. Following his firm grip, Flora slowly moved her feet.