The entrance to the hall bustled with crowds as attendants verified the nobles’ invitations and continuously called out arrivals in loud voices, accompanying the procession of noblewomen lavishly adorned with all manner of jewels.

Evelyn stepped down from the carriage, watching the center of it all, and blinked her eyelids as intense light pierced her corneas, making her dizzy.

“Remember this, Evelyn. Today is a gathering of high-ranking nobles, so you must behave properly.”

“Don’t worry. What am I, a child?”

At the Countess’s earnest plea as she descended first, Evelyn smiled brightly to show there was nothing to worry about. 

It wasn’t a wide-mouthed grin but a formal smile with slightly raised corners of her lips, just as she’d been taught.

“Yes. Of course. You wouldn’t cause trouble after coming all this way.”

The Countess nodded, seeming somewhat reassured, and checked Evelyn’s attire once more.

The moment they entered the hall, what caught Evelyn’s attention was the massive chandelier hanging magnificently from the ceiling, radiating light. 

Following that, from the splendid royal seats at the front to what seemed like a feast of all kinds of rare treasures, the interior was absolutely dazzling.

Evelyn, who had been looking around with wide eyes and raised head, became aware of her state and quickly straightened her posture.

‘Stay quiet and leave. Grace… I need to act with grace.’

Repeatedly reminding herself of her mother’s words that she must never act rashly, Evelyn slowly greeted those who approached them, following her parents. 

By the time she finished greeting people she didn’t even know with a smile that threatened to give her cramps, the effects of the stifling dress had reached their peak.

She wondered if there was any need to arrive this early before the Emperor even entered, and just as this gathering was becoming increasingly tedious, fortunately her parents moved to an inner reception room for business discussions.

Left alone, Evelyn awkwardly looked around when a familiar voice came from behind.

“Evelyn!”

“Oh… Caroline.”

Evelyn’s voice became lukewarm upon discovering who had spoken. It was Caroline, Evelyn’s friend and the eldest daughter of House Coven.

Friend in name only—from childhood, she was someone who chose only mean things to say, like how Evelyn’s hair was the washed-out color of Sheila’s hair. 

Whenever Evelyn got angry, Caroline would typically accuse her of having an inferiority complex toward her sister, yet paradoxically worshipped Sheila to the point of adoration.

<Lady Sheila is the perfect lady. Evelyn, you’re so lucky to have such a sister.>

Her pure and beautiful goddess-like sister was the object of admiration for many noble ladies, and Caroline was no exception. 

The reason she frequently visited the Windelson estate from childhood was to see Sheila, not Evelyn, and the sight of her desperate eagerness to emulate her sister had been irritating more than once or twice.

Perhaps because of this, the annoying friend whose every question related to her sister started with the same predictable question today.

“Where is Lady Sheila? I’ve been looking for her but I don’t see her.”

“You’re still so interested in my sister.”

“Well, it’s Lady Sheila. There’s more than one or two ladies who came to this event to see Lady Sheila.”

At Evelyn’s reproach, Caroline covered her mouth with her peacock feather fan and laughed. It was an elegant and graceful smile, but every word that came out was utterly annoying.

“You’ll wait in vain. My sister said she’s not attending today.”

“What? She’s not coming? I wanted to show her the dress I’m wearing today and ask about fabrics that will be in fashion next season…”

“Do you still want to bother my busy sister with such things? How long are you going to copy her?”

Caroline, with her luscious golden curls braided long down her back and wearing a luxurious dress embroidered with rose patterns, had put in much more effort than usual. However, seeing that she had once again chosen a style Sheila favored, nothing seemed to have changed.

“Hah… Are you jealous again? You’re not a child anymore, how childish… You’ve enjoyed all kinds of privileges from being Lady Sheila’s sister, so why are you so jealous?”

“What privileges have I received?”

“Everyone says so. The only reason you can attend the salon isn’t because they look favorably on you, but because you’re Lady Sheila’s sister.”

So Caroline, who often retorted that Evelyn enjoyed Sheila’s backing yet complained for no reason, continued with similar words today.

Evelyn’s eyebrows furrowed at the feeling of becoming a childish person jealous of her sister in an instant.

Perhaps because of her desire to emulate and resemble Sheila, Caroline had recently been making a name for herself, second only to her sister.

On the surface, she had the face of a perfect lady, but it was all pretense. That part wasn’t Evelyn’s concern, but Caroline constantly grated on her nerves with nuances suggesting she was doing better than Evelyn, her actual younger sister.

It would have been easier to cut ties altogether, but annoyingly, Caroline always changed her attitude right at the precarious boundary of anger.

“But what’s the occasion for dressing up so nicely today? I almost didn’t recognize you.”

The belated compliment brought no joy whatsoever. In fact, far from focusing on the conversation with her, Caroline’s eyes were still busily rolling around, looking toward the hall.

Seeing that face made Evelyn irritated enough to blurt out:

“Yesterday, the Berenberg family sent me a marriage proposal.”

“Berenberg? You don’t mean Duke Elkas Berenberg?”

Caroline, who had been halfheartedly engaged in the conversation, widened her eyes in surprise. Seeing that expression made Evelyn’s shoulders rise smugly as she pulled up the corners of her mouth.

“That’s right. Duke Elkas Berenberg himself.”

“What are you talking about? Evelyn, tell me in detail.”

“Just what I said. It was written that they wanted to welcome the lady of House Windelson.”

Though she didn’t know why her parents, who received that letter, hadn’t told her yet, the letter definitely said so.

Since she was currently the only unmarried woman in House Windelson, naturally it had to be her, right?

Then Caroline, who had been tapping her fan against her palm seemingly thinking about something, spoke up.

“Evelyn. Please don’t take what I’m about to say the wrong way. Could that possibly be referring to Lady Sheila?”

“What?”

“Think about it. Duke Berenberg left the capital for over ten years and only recently returned. He probably hasn’t heard the news of Lady Sheila’s marriage yet.”

Sure enough. What came back from words spoken out of spite was the absurd suggestion that it was sent to the wrong person.

“Who is Duke Elkas? Not to mention his handsome appearance, his family, his character—he’s literally perfect. Someone like that…”

Though she didn’t continue, Evelyn felt like she’d heard the unspoken words: would such a person be suitable for you? For a moment, it felt like the dress she was wearing pressed against her chest as her face heated up.

Like Caroline said, Evelyn also knew well the reputation of Duke Berenberg, famous throughout high society. A top-tier man lacking nothing in face, height, or ability—they said there wasn’t a woman in the empire who didn’t admire him.

“Evelyn. Have you ever met the Duke?”

“…”

Caroline, giving a look that said “I thought so,” snapped open her fan again and waved it gently.

“It doesn’t seem likely he’d send a marriage proposal to a lady he’s never met… but if it’s really true, the Duke won’t just pass you by. Right?”

Caroline smiled sweetly and gestured toward the attendant who was loudly announcing the entrance of Elkas van Berenberg.

* * *

After Caroline was called away by Baroness Coven, all of Evelyn’s attention was focused on the man who had just entered. 

As soon as the heavy doors opened, the man with a magnificent bearing who strode into the hall with long legs—a man of large build and beautiful appearance—certainly drew people’s attention.

When she heard Caroline’s words, she had deliberately gotten worked up about whether that man was really so great, but he looked extraordinary at first glance.

Even Evelyn, who had no interest in men, was impressed enough.

‘That man is Duke Berenberg.’

The appearance of the man she’d only heard about in rumors boasted an overwhelming presence compared to anyone else attending this banquet. 

Not to mention his tall height, his large frame was far more imposing than even the frontier counts who had been trained guarding the borders.

Unlike his rather rough-looking physique, the man’s appearance drew attention in a different sense—he was handsome enough to elicit admiration. 

No, beneath his brilliant golden hair, his distinct features were so delicate and beautiful, touched by divine hands that poets might sing about, that even the modifier “handsome” seemed inadequate.

She could understand why so many ladies in the empire waited for his marriage proposal even past marriageable age.

Proving his popularity, more than half the nobles flocked to him to offer greetings, and behind them she saw her parents hovering, wanting to speak with him. They seemed intent on confirming the marriage proposal directly.

‘Spiteful girl. Does she think I can’t do it?’

After hearing such words, she couldn’t just stay still.

Thinking of Caroline, who might be watching from somewhere, Evelyn firmly resolved to have a conversation with him today no matter what.

Evelyn used her small frame to weave through the bustling crowd, secretly stealing glances at the Duke.

‘The rumors weren’t exaggerated.’

Evelyn thought to herself, feeling like light descended only on his face. 

At that moment, the Duke, who had been nodding curtly to approaching nobles while scanning the crowd, suddenly turned his gaze toward Evelyn.

“…!”

Their eyes met precisely. However, the Duke immediately turned his head elsewhere, and their brief eye contact scattered.

Huh? She was sure their eyes had met.

Though it was less than a second, his action of seeming to avoid her gaze deflated her overflowing enthusiasm. Perhaps even their eye contact was just her imagination because she was too conscious of him.

Seeing his reaction showing he didn’t know who she was, her thoughts leaned toward the idea that he had indeed sent the proposal by mistake.

Like Caroline said, why would a man with whom she’d never even exchanged words, let alone been acquainted, want to take her as his wife?

Meanwhile, the Duke’s figure had disappeared. 

Just then, the announcement of the Emperor’s entrance rang out. The murmuring crowd instantly settled into place, and Evelyn, slightly pushed, bowed her head where she stood.

The Emperor’s words of blessing continued, followed by soft musical melodies as the banquet began in earnest. Evelyn noticed something strange when she took a step while looking around for her parents. Something hard from behind was poking at her lower back area.

She didn’t know what it was, but it was quite annoying and she was about to demand attention immediately when Evelyn changed her mind. It was because of her mother’s stern command when they entered.

<I’m begging you. Please don’t cause trouble and stay calm.>

The voice echoed in her ears, not even hoping she’d act as admirably as Sheila, just pleading that she not act rashly.

To act like an elegant and mature lady who never loses grace anywhere…

But the hard sensation poking her back was quite annoying to just ignore.

Was someone trying to play a prank in a place like this?

Wait, a prank? The image of Caroline’s annoyingly smiling face flashed through her mind.

“You… really…”

Evelyn’s two eyes widened as she whipped her head around, ready to give someone a piece of her mind, only to encounter an unexpected person. 

Duke Berenberg, who had been standing across from her just moments ago, was now standing right behind her.

Frozen in bewilderment, this time a hard sensation, even hot, pressed firmly against her back. 

With a strange feeling, as the man’s broad chest she hadn’t anticipated filled her view, Evelyn was so flustered that her lips opened hastily without passing through her brain.