Chapter 55
Franz suddenly grew curious—how did he look in Iela’s eyes?
“May I see the drawing?”
“Yes, of course.”
The moment she gave permission, Franz rose and examined the pencil sketch. He stared at the canvas for a long while, unable to speak. It felt different from the casual sketches she had shown in the garden.
Oh… this is beyond my expectations.
Iela was quite skilled. To call it “good” was insufficient. Her drawing had a mysterious charm that caught the eye. Until now, he had thought of it as no more than a refined pastime for a lady of standing. But this was far beyond hobby-level—it was elevated to something like a sacred act.
“What do you think?”
Watching him scrutinize the picture so closely, Iela grew nervous. She took a deep breath before speaking.
Franz crossed his arms and stroked his chin, then let a satisfied smile spread across his face.
“It’s excellent. Truly.”
The unexpected praise made Iela’s eyes widen with emotion.
“It’s quite impressive. Even compared to a court painter, it’s not lacking.”
He didn’t add any flowery words, yet to her it felt more precious than all the shallow compliments she’d ever received from noble ladies. The tight knot of tension in her chest loosened.
“Ah, what a relief.”
“I’ll be looking forward to seeing it completed.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
Iela began to feel a growing sense of pride in herself. More than that, she wanted to live up to the prince’s trust and expectations.
“You don’t need to thank me. Just do your part well.”
Franz shrugged lightly and smiled before turning away.
As she watched his tall figure stride toward the balcony, Iela strengthened her resolve to give this work her very best.
Franz stood silently by the window, gazing outside for a long time.
Sunlight seemed to pour down only on him, shining brilliantly. At some point, Iela found her gaze locked on him.
His golden hair shimmered as though dusted with gold powder. His ocean-blue eyes, shining against the greenery beyond the window, were mesmerizing.
As she watched, her heart pounded strangely, almost aching. A faint sorrow tugged at her for reasons she couldn’t explain. Without realizing, Iela continued to gaze at him for a long time. It was in that moment that Franz carved himself deeply into her heart.
With time, public interest in Iela gradually waned.
The newspapers that had once focused on her began shifting their attention elsewhere. Still, a few gossip sheets continued spinning romantic tales about her and Franz.
Because of the picnic, Iela had unwillingly become a celebrity in the social world. Whether she wanted it or not, she now fully realized the overwhelming power of Prince Franz.
Once the event became known, every unmarried young lady either envied or resented her.
“Iela Clarence—was she always that pretty?”
“Right? She and Louisa really are sisters.”
“Honestly, she was so quiet you barely noticed her.”
“Always pretending to be demure, yet look at her now…”
“But aren’t you jealous? A friend who saw it said it was so sweet her legs nearly gave out. Prince Franz is unbelievably gentle.”
“Hmph. She’s just lucky to have such a sister.”
“True. If not for Louisa Clarence, the flower of society, the prince wouldn’t have accepted the queen’s request.”
“I heard he wasn’t even in good condition that day, and yet his manners were impeccable.”
“For Louisa Clarence, I suppose that makes sense.”
“Did you hear? He refused to take a walk with Ellen Ziberman before that—despite the queen herself asking him.”
“What! Really?”
“Yes, really.”
“Oh, Ellen must have been crushed! Haha.”
“She tries to act unfazed, but come on.”
“Serves her right. She’s always so arrogant. So annoying!”
Some asked Iela directly, while others simply enjoyed whispering behind her back.
Walking beside Iela, Loren marveled at the curious stares they received.
“Ever since that day, this keeps happening. Isn’t it strange?”
“What is?”
“People’s attention. Don’t you feel it? After Louisa and Ellen, you might be the third most popular now.”
“That’s ridiculous.”
Seeing Iela brush it off so lightly, Loren clicked her tongue.
“You really don’t get it. Why not enjoy the attention a little? At the academy, I’ve noticed more and more boys looking at you with admiration.”
“I’m not interested.”
“You don’t have to be. Like it or not, you’re already seen as a desirable bride with a fine lineage.”
“Men, marriage—it’s all unnecessary. All I need is money.”
“If only it worked that way, Iela. But daughters can’t even inherit property.”
Loren sighed. Iela, too, found the truth frustrating.
“You’re right.”
“Anyway, I regret not being there that day. Normally, you’d brush off even a prince’s hand coldly. Ha!”
Imagining it, Loren burst into uncontrollable laughter.
“Stop laughing, Loren.”
Only after Iela’s mock glare did Loren stop, though still smiling.
“He seemed like a good person. I don’t know him well, but…”
At that, Loren’s smile grew sly.
“A good person? If you don’t know him well, how can you be sure?”
“Because I’m ashamed of disliking him without reason. I think I had been seeing him through a distorted frame—just letting rumors sway me.”
Loren blinked, surprised.
“Never thought I’d hear you say that.”
“Of course not. It’s surprising even to me that Prince Franz’s charm could change my view so much. But I get it. He’s the kind of man who can win over even his critics.”
Loren teased with a playful grin.
“There are still people gossiping about the two of you, but if it were true, I’d absolutely approve.”
Iela’s eyes widened in shock.
“Loren! Don’t be ridiculous. How could I ever… with him?”
“No, really. The prince may be known for his dalliances, but you’re beautiful and kind enough to make anyone fall. If he saw your true self, he’d never let you go.”
Her eyes curved in a bright smile.
“They say charm is the power to capture hearts, the strongest allure in the world. And right now, you have that. It means you can achieve anything you set your heart on.”
“I don’t understand what you mean at all.”
“Smart Iela, just look at your heart. You know the reason why that hidden charm of yours has awakened.”
Loren left her with those enigmatic words. Left alone, Iela mulled them over.
She hadn’t unraveled the meaning yet when Tom Wagon’s voice called out.
“Lady Clarence.”
“Ah! Hello, Mr. Wagon.”
“I’ve readied the carriage nearby. Shall we go?”
“Yes. Thank you, as always.”
Her sincere gratitude made Tom smile warmly.
“It’s my duty to serve you, my lady. Please don’t give it a second thought.”
Iela returned his casual words with a gentle smile.
From a distance, Loren watched, a knowing grin on her face.
She had once secretly followed Iela after classes, curious about her sudden disappearances. To her surprise, she saw Iela being picked up by a carriage marked with the royal emblem, driven by a coachman who seemed to be waiting just for her.
She didn’t know the circumstances, but she could see it was a good influence on her friend. And so, she chose to say nothing—only to silently cheer for her.
After returning from Grenville, Iela sat beside Louisa, who was playing the piano, and sank into thought. While drawing, she hadn’t thought of it, but now the memory surfaced.
“I’d absolutely approve of you two. …Look into your heart. You already know the reason your hidden charm has awakened.”
She repeated Loren’s words to herself. She told herself it was nonsense, yet her heart kept pounding.
Suddenly, she recalled the day she sketched the prince’s portrait, when he had stood before the window.
She remembered the moment he turned, puzzled at her gaze, then smiled at her—that smile was etched in her chest. Ever since, just recalling that instant made her heart race and her face grow warm.
No way…
The realization burst in her mind like a bolt of lightning. Face burning, she covered it with her hands.
Th-this can’t be.
The instant she recognized her feelings for Franz, she rejected them.
No. He’s not for me. He belongs to another world. In the end, I’ll only get hurt.
She scolded herself.
I should give up. Better to let go quietly, before anyone knows.
And so, just as she always had, Iela resolved to bury her feelings with calm resignation.
