CHAPTER 19………………………….
Time passed quickly, and the day of the grand ball finally arrived.
Ivelina’s eyes, which had been peacefully closed, snapped open.
She was usually an early riser, but today was a special day—she had to get up even earlier than usual.
Not long after she opened her eyes, a knock sounded at the door.
“Your Grace, it’s time to wake up.”
Berry carefully opened the door, only to find Ivelina already awake. Her eyes widened in surprise.
“You’re already up?”
“I have to start getting ready early. I can’t just rush and go to the ball looking half-done.”
“Then I’ll prepare your bathwater right away. Please wait a moment.”
Berry hurried into the bathroom.
Soon, more knocking came, and two other maids entered the room.
“Good morning, Your Grace. We’ll be assisting you with preparations for the ball today.”
“Oh, yes. Thank you.”
Like Berry, the other maids showed no particular reaction to Ivelina’s red eyes.
A short while later, Berry emerged from the bathroom and approached her.
“The water’s ready, Your Grace. You can go in now.”
Ivelina rose and walked toward the bathroom, followed by the maids who helped her bathe.
They massaged her hands and feet thoroughly and trimmed her nails neatly.
“Does the scent suit your taste, Your Grace?”
“Yes, it’s fine.”
A gentle fragrance filled the air above the large marble tub—Berry had added a floral bath additive to make her skin more supple.
After spending twice as long as usual bathing, Ivelina finally stepped out.
As soon as she sat down, the maids began drying her hair.
“For breakfast, we’ll just serve a light salad and some juice.”
“All right.”
One maid left to fetch her meal.
“What hairstyle would you prefer, Your Grace?”
“Since your hair is long and slightly wavy, twisting it up might look best.”
“I have the perfect floral ornament that would look stunning with that.”
Berry and another maid discussed it in front of the mirror and nodded in agreement.
Berry’s goal today was to make Ivelina the most beautiful woman in the Empire—to boost her confidence.
She believed that when someone looks beautiful, confidence naturally follows.
It pained her that Ivelina felt the need to hide her lovely red eyes.
Though she didn’t know the full story, to her, Ivelina’s eyes were like precious jewels—clear, luminous, and sparkling.
And secretly, Berry felt proud that she was the first to see those eyes—it made her feel trusted.
“This is the hairstyle we’re thinking of. What do you think, Your Grace?”
“It’s fine. Please make it pretty.”
“Yes, ma’am!”
Berry’s eyes shone with determination as she clenched her fists.
Together with the other maids, she began styling Ivelina’s hair with great care.
Ivelina wasn’t tired—but she was a little worried.
The maids were working so hard that she feared the result might not live up to their efforts.
She hadn’t expected much, honestly.
But when the work was finally done, Ivelina realized just how wrong she had been.
“Should I wear my hair up or down?”
“They both look fine, Your Grace.”
“Answer me sincerely.”
Noah wanted nothing more than to escape this room.
The outfit had already been chosen—it was a new uniform tailored for the ball—but Duke Arsen had been tormenting him for the past hour about hairstyles.
Noah swallowed his sigh and answered as sincerely as he could.
“Then how about half up and half down?”
“What?”
“Like this.”
Noah stepped closer and demonstrated roughly.
To his relief, Arsen seemed to like it and smiled in satisfaction.
Just as Noah thought he was finally free, Arsen started deliberating over which brooch to wear.
Noah wanted to tell him to just pick one already, but that would likely cost him his job.
“How about this ruby brooch, Your Grace? I think it matches the Duchess’s eye color.”
Though he’d never seen her eyes—she always kept them hidden—Noah somehow imagined they must be a brilliant ruby red, not dull or murky.
Arsen seemed to think the same.
“I should commission a ruby necklace soon.”
“I’ll inform Noel.”
Noah pinned the brooch to Arsen’s chest. The red gem glimmered over his heart, like a living ember.
When Arsen kept fidgeting with his reflection again, Noah checked his pocket watch.
“Your Grace, the Duchess should be finishing her preparations about now.”
Only then did Arsen turn away from the mirror.
He threw on a deep crimson cloak, completing his look.
Outside, a grand carriage was already waiting.
As he inspected his appearance one last time, he heard the sharp click of heels.
His head shot up instantly.
There stood Ivelina, looking slightly shy.
Their eyes met—and Arsen froze, as though bewitched.
His lips parted, but no words came out.
“Arsen…?”
“Ah…”
Only when Ivelina gently tugged his sleeve did he snap back to his senses.
“Are you all right? You’re not feeling unwell, are you?”
“I’m fine. It’s just… I was momentarily struck dumb by how beautiful you are.”
At his shameless words, Ivelina’s face turned crimson.
She avoided his gaze, flustered.
Behind her, Berry smiled proudly—her hard work had paid off.
Arsen looked at Ivelina again.
Her silver hair was pinned up elegantly, adorned with a diamond flower pin that suited her perfectly.
Her deep blue dress was even more luxurious than before, studded with tiny gems that shimmered like stardust.
Because the gown itself was so splendid, her earrings and necklace were kept simple.
The jewel on the necklace they’d chosen last time gleamed softly against her neck.
“You are breathtaking. Part of me wishes I could keep this sight all to myself.”
“…You look very handsome too, Arsen.”
It was a simple, honest compliment—but Arsen smiled as if he’d been handed the world.
Noah, watching from the side, couldn’t help but feel pleased.
There was no couple more perfectly matched than these two.
“Be careful not to trip, Your Grace.”
“With Arsen holding me, there’s no chance I will.”
Ivelina took his hand and carefully climbed into the carriage.
Once she was seated, Arsen followed her inside.
As Noah and Berry saw them off, the carriage rolled away toward the Imperial Palace.
The ballroom was already packed.
Guests gathered in groups, chatting animatedly—mostly about the Grand Duke and his mysterious wife.
“What could His Grace have been thinking, marrying such an ominous woman?”
“They haven’t even had an official wedding or signed the marriage papers yet. It must be a fleeting whim.”
“Still, I heard he’s bringing her tonight… and that this is her debut in society.”
At that, several young ladies exchanged jealous looks.
Debuting in society at the Founding Festival Ball was rare—unheard of, unless one had significant backing.
Whispers spread like wildfire.
“I can’t imagine how she dares show her face. She’s probably fat and plain from never going out.”
“Red eyes? Ugh, if I had those, I’d rather die.”
“Well, even if she’s attending, that’s all it is. Her debut must be purely for show.”
The noblewomen gossiped viciously, passing around half-truths and rumors.
“I also heard the Duke himself is rumored to be… mentally unstable.”
“I heard that too. Could it be true?”
“Would such rumors appear out of nowhere? There must be something to them.”
Among the gossiping women, one young lady stood out—pale and timid, her dress far simpler than the others’.
Another lady smirked at her.
“Rosalite, you look displeased. Don’t tell me you don’t like what we’re saying?”
“W–what? No, not at all!”
“Then smile. People might think we’re bullying you.”
“Y-yes…”
Rosalite forced a smile.
“Ah, I’m suddenly parched.”
“I—I’ll bring you something to drink.”
The others cheerfully asked her to fetch theirs too.
Looking awkward, Rosalite nodded and hurried toward the refreshment table, ignoring the giggles behind her.
She sighed as she began placing glasses on a tray, one for each of them.
But before she could return, a loud trumpet fanfare filled the room—announcing an arrival.
All heads turned toward the great doors, including hers.
The massive doors opened slowly, revealing the couple entering together.
“Wow… she’s so beautiful…”
Rosalite whispered the words without thinking, clutching the tray tighter. Then she quickly looked around to make sure no one heard her.
Relieved, she looked back at the entrance.
The sound of elegant heels echoed through the hall.
Arsen and Ivelina entered arm in arm—every bit the picture of a loving couple.
But all eyes fell on Ivelina’s gown.
Even without a spotlight, it seemed to glow softly, the dark blue fabric sparkling like the Milky Way itself.
Those who had dismissed her debut as mere formality were struck silent.
From head to toe, she was perfection—graceful, poised, radiant.
Even Arvella Pellus, famed as the Empire’s most beautiful woman, could not compare.
Everyone who saw Ivelina thought the same thing:
She’s the most beautiful woman in the Empire.
