Chapter 80
A little over a week passed in the blink of an eye.
During that time, Mrs. August from the clothing shop and Mrs. Christie from the accessories store had visited the Montclair residence.
They listened to the long list of orders and let out ecstatic screams.
I couldn’t close my mouth as I admired the masterpieces of the two ladies.
“No… Seriously, isn’t this insane?”
“Lizette, did you learn to say things like that from your mother?”
When I commented on Eloise’s attire, her perfectly groomed eyebrows furrowed.
It was my little secret that I had nearly used even stronger words.
“If you can look at this and not be impressed, your eyesight must be close to zero.”
The A-line, deep blue chiffon dress flared generously below the slightly cinched waistline.
Rose embroidery stitched with silver thread sparkled with every movement of Eloise, as if dusted with jewels.
The white chiffon sleeves, descending from below the shoulders to her wrists, were semi-transparent, emphasizing Eloise’s delicate frame.
The elegant, graceful, and beautiful dress suited her perfectly.
“This dress must be so happy to exist just for Ellie.”
The tiara, adorned with white gold and grandidierite, along with matching drop earrings and a necklace resting just below her collarbone, epitomized elegance.
Every time her sleeves lifted slightly, the bracelet set with alternating grandidierite and diamonds gleamed.
Finally, a ring with a 3-carat grandidierite was placed on her right ring finger.
“The jewelry reflects Ellie’s light so dazzlingly—”
“Lizette.”
Eloise stopped me from gushing further.
Tch. I still had thirty-one more compliments left unsaid. Such a shame.
“Sophie, could you show Lizette the mirror? That way her chatter will be directed at me.”
“Certainly. Here you go, Miss Lizette.”
Sophie handed me the mirror with a bright smile.
The cat in the mirror looked particularly glossy today, wearing the deep blue dress with white wings.
Around its neck was a choker identical to Eloise’s necklace.
Its sky-blue left eye and pale green right eye sparkled vividly.
“Isn’t it just adorable?”
Sophie spoke for me since I was staring so intently.
Even knowing this cat was me, it was irresistibly cute.
“I suppose it is.”
Feeling unnecessarily embarrassed, I mumbled my reply.
Sophie returned the mirror and adjusted my dress one more time.
“All ready.”
“Good work. Let’s go, Lizette.”
As expected, Eloise carried me in her arms and descended to the main hall of the mansion.
The Duke and Duchess, along with Raoul, were already waiting in the hall. While the Duke and Duchess looked stunning, Raoul seemed noticeably different.
“Raoul?”
Was it the fitted deep navy suit? He looked a bit more mature.
The silver Montclair family crest embroidered on the lapels and sleeves stood out.
Paired with neatly combed black hair, Raoul appeared even more composed.
“Why are you calling me?”
“Just… you look a bit like a young duke?”
“Not ‘like.’ I am a young duke.”
Raoul naturally escorted Eloise into the carriage.
The sound of hooves and rolling wheels accompanied our slow view of the passing scenery.
Inside the carriage, the Montclairs were quiet, a comforting silence almost lulling one to sleep.
“Lizette, we’ve arrived.”
“Ah… chu.”
I had dozed off and tried to wipe my drool with my paw.
Raoul took out a handkerchief and gently wiped my mouth.
“It’s best not to show this side of yourself to others.”
“Uh… thanks, Raoul.”
I still couldn’t get used to him.
The boy, once mischievous, now exuded the dignified aura of a young duke.
The grand banquet hall, guided by palace attendants, was already bustling with nobles.
“Duke and Duchess Montclair, Young Duke Montclair, Princess Montclair, and Miss Lizette have arrived.”
The attendants at the entrance announced our arrival loudly.
All eyes in the hall turned toward the entrance.
The Montclairs descended the stairs first, followed by Eloise, who, escorted by Raoul, moved with the grace of a peacock.
I hissed sharply at the persistent gazes of the men, who couldn’t take their eyes off her.
“Well done.”
The praise came quietly from Raoul, as if speaking with minimal lip movement.
As we entered the hall, the stares only intensified.
A boy with a thug-like look approached with only one corner of his mouth raised.
“Raoul. Long time no see.”
“Singler. It’s been a while.”
“Haha, calling each other Singler like friends? I told you to call me Mori.”
“Right. Mori Singler.”
I wondered if Raoul, like Eloise, had only a few friends. Judging by him, probably just a handful.
The noticeable Mori bowed to Eloise.
“Princess Montclair, it’s an honor. I’m Mori Singler. I’m quite close to Raoul.”
Mori reached out to kiss the back of Eloise’s hand.
Smack! I swatted his hand with a loud, solid slap.
“Who do you think you are, trying to touch someone’s hand?”
“Haha, as rumored, a clever little cat.”
He hid his reddened hand behind his back and forced a smile, though his eyes glinted dangerously.
Feeling a chill behind me, I looked up to see Eloise smiling with her lips only.
“Singler, the family that fought for three days straight over three mistresses when the countess passed away. Now I see you really take after your father—oh, I mean looks.”
Mori’s face flushed red at the family scandal.
I couldn’t tell if it was embarrassment or anger, but one thing was clear: Eloise had won.
The original villainess’s way with words never failed.
“My… friend called me here, so I’ll take my leave.”
As Mori left, other boys hesitated, unsure whether to approach.
The Montclairs were already engaged in conversation with other nobles.
“Miss, I think there will be more boys trying to claim they’re my friends.”
“Seems like it. Could you escort me just to the lounge area over there?”
“Yes.”
Raoul skillfully avoided the boys’ stares as he escorted Eloise to the lounge area of the hall.
Eloise leaned on the largest couch and summoned attendants to bring her a glass of juice.
“Honestly, I’d rather deal with jealous noblewomen than these boys.”
“This is the downside of a broken engagement. Flies start circling.”
Hearing my grumbling, Eloise let out a soft laugh.
The men who were still watching her stared blankly at her laughter.
Curled up on Eloise’s lap, purring under her gentle touch, I felt content.
“Look at Princess Montclair! She even brought a cat to the national founding banquet!”
“They barely just awakened and are already this shameless.”
“Well, that cat… I heard a demon possessed it!”
Ah, I knew it would come to this.
I tried not to care, but I wanted to correct her.
It wasn’t a demon—it was the soul of an ordinary college student from Korea.
“Tch.”
Hearing my tongue click, Eloise stood from the couch, carrying me, and approached the women who were loudly gossiping.
“Miss Everton, you really like that dress, don’t you? I think you wore it to the Marchioness Brie tea party as well.”
“That…!”
Eloise gently patted my back while elegantly pointing out the Everton family’s poverty.
The woman fanned herself frantically to cool her flushed face.
“I understand. I love our Lizette so much that I carry her around every day.”
I really love Eloise too.
Purring happily on Eloise’s lap, my teal eyes curved with contentment.
“I-I was just saying that the princess really cherishes her cat. Really.”
Though I had been cowardly gossiping behind her back, I couldn’t say a word in front of her.
Hmph. I’d probably gossip again later anyway.
I sprang off Eloise’s arm toward Everton’s dress.
“Meow!”
Cheap silk ripped long under my claws, revealing a worn-looking petticoat beneath.
“Aah!”
