Chapter 28
“Oh— I’m sorry.”
“…It’s fine.”
When Aileen apologized, the woman responded in a flat, emotionless tone.
The woman glanced briefly at the wooden storage box she had been reaching for, then quietly stepped aside. Aileen hesitated before asking,
“Didn’t you want this?”
“It’s alright. I don’t particularly need that one. Please, take it if you want.”
Though the offer worked in Aileen’s favor, something about the woman’s indifference felt strange. Still, the woman turned away to browse other items.
Aileen picked up the wooden box and went to the counter to pay. Even as she handed over the coins, she found herself glancing back toward the mysterious woman.
There was something about her — a calm but eerie presence that drew attention. Maybe it was the way she never smiled.
Sensing Aileen’s gaze, the woman turned her head. Their eyes met — dark green and piercing.
Startled, Aileen smiled awkwardly and held up the box.
“Thanks for letting me have this.”
The woman gave the slightest nod, then turned away again, her long silver hair glimmering faintly as it swayed.
She’s like a doll… Aileen thought.
A lifelike doll that moved without emotion, only following invisible strings.
After a moment, Aileen left the shop with the box in her arms. Cain spotted her immediately and hurried over.
“Allow me, Madam. I’ll carry that.”
“Thank you.”
“I’ve parked the carriage nearby. Shall we return to the estate?”
“Yes, it’s getting late. Let’s head back.”
Cain tucked the box under his arm and fell in step behind her. Just before stepping into the carriage, Aileen glanced back at the shop.
Inside, she saw the silver-haired woman examining another object — but her eyes were completely empty, without even a flicker of interest.
Aileen stared for a moment, unease prickling in her chest.
“Madam?” Cain called softly.
“…It’s nothing. Let’s go.”
She finally turned away and walked toward the carriage.
❧ ❧ ❧
“How do I look?”
“You look stunning, Madam!”
The maids’ excited voices filled the room. Aileen smiled at her reflection, pleased with how the blue dress fit her figure.
It was the same one she’d bought from the boutique a few days ago.
Today was the long-awaited tea party hosted by Lady Pain — her first social gathering in quite some time. Naturally, she had put extra care into her appearance.
She sat before the vanity, selecting jewelry to match the dress. A maid reached for a yellow gem necklace, but Aileen stopped her.
“Wait a moment.”
The maid looked puzzled. After a few seconds of thought, Aileen picked up another necklace instead.
“Let’s go with this one.”
It was the amethyst necklace Richard had given her as a gift.
A few maids who recognized it smiled knowingly.
“Understood, Madam. Then I’ll find earrings that match this shade.”
“Thank you.”
A faint blush crept across Aileen’s cheeks.
She told herself she was only wearing it so Richard wouldn’t be disappointed… though in truth, she genuinely liked it too.
The purple stone rested elegantly against her neck, bringing a soft smile to her lips. The maids tried not to giggle at her quiet delight.
“Big Sis, are you inside?”
A familiar voice came from the doorway — Adrian’s.
“Come in,” Aileen said, and the boy peeked his head in. His eyes widened instantly.
“Wow, you look so pretty, Sis!”
“Thank you.”
Adrian almost ran up to hug her but stopped midway, clearly worried about damaging her dress.
Aileen chuckled softly and glanced at the books he was carrying.
“Your lessons start today, right?”
“Yes! I’ll be learning about economics and geography.”
He held up the books proudly, his emerald eyes shining with enthusiasm.
Aileen couldn’t help but smile fondly.
“Do you want me to bring you something while I’m out? Anything you’d like?”
“Really? Then… chocolate!”
“Chocolate?” she repeated with amusement.
“It’s not just because I like it — they say it helps your brain work faster! I thought maybe it’d help me study better.”
His sincerity made her laugh softly.
He was taking his studies much more seriously than she’d expected.
“Alright,” she said. “But don’t eat too much of it, okay?”
“I won’t!”
Aileen checked the clock — it was nearly time to leave.
She walked outside with Adrian. As always, Cain was waiting by the carriage.
Adrian tensed a little but didn’t shy away this time. Gathering his courage, he stepped forward.
“Um…”
Cain turned toward him, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly — which made Adrian gulp. Still, he managed to speak.
“I—I’m sorry. For being rude before.”
“…What?”
Both Cain and Aileen blinked in surprise.
Adrian hesitated, his fingers fidgeting with the books in his hands.
“I mean… I was rude to you before. I shouldn’t have been.”
Aileen immediately understood — he meant the times he’d been distrustful and standoffish toward Cain.
She smiled, glancing at the knight. His usually composed face showed rare confusion.
“Ah… no. It’s fine,” Cain said stiffly. “I understand completely.”
“So… you forgive me?” Adrian asked earnestly.
“There’s nothing to forgive, really. But if it puts you at ease — then yes, I accept your apology.”
Adrian’s face brightened. It was clear he’d been worrying about this for a while.
Aileen felt a swell of pride — her little brother was growing up.
“Shall we go, Madam?” Cain asked, sounding slightly flustered by the tender scene.
Aileen nodded and took his offered hand, stepping carefully into the carriage.
Before the door closed, she looked out at Adrian.
“I’ll be home before dinner. Study hard, okay?”
“Don’t worry, Sis. I will!”
She smiled warmly at him, and then the carriage rolled away — bound for the Pain estate.
❧ ❧ ❧
By the time they arrived, several other carriages were already parked in front of the grand mansion.
Aileen stepped out gracefully and looked around. Nearby, a group of noble ladies were chatting together.
As she approached, their conversations quieted, and eyes turned toward her — some wide with curiosity, others with awe.
Aileen ignored the attention and smiled politely at the young woman who seemed to be the host.
“Lady Pain, I presume?”
“Yes. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Madam,” the young lady replied with a charming smile that resembled her father’s.
The other women quickly followed with polite bows.
“It’s an honor to have you here, Duchess,” Lady Pain continued.
“The pleasure’s mine. Thank you for inviting me,” Aileen replied gracefully.
The atmosphere warmed as they exchanged greetings. For now, everything seemed peaceful — she hoped it would stay that way.
Just then, another carriage arrived. All eyes turned to see who it was.
A moment later, a woman stepped down — and Aileen froze.
It was the same silver-haired woman from the general store.
As if sensing Aileen’s gaze, the woman looked up. Their eyes met briefly before the woman blinked, surprised.
“You’re…”
“Welcome, Lady Blaise! Now everyone’s here,” Lady Pain said cheerfully, not hearing the quiet words.
All attention shifted toward the newcomer, and Lady Pain smiled with satisfaction.
“The garden is ready — let’s move there for tea.”
“How lovely!”
“Yes, let’s go!”
The guests followed eagerly. Aileen joined them, stealing a glance at Lady Blaise, who was also watching her.
When their eyes met again, Lady Blaise quickly lowered her gaze.
Not wanting to make her uncomfortable, Aileen looked away and continued walking.
The tea party venue was set in a beautifully arranged garden. Lady Pain took the center seat, while Aileen was guided to the chair right beside her — the honored position reserved for the Duchess of Olden.
Once everyone was seated, Lady Pain rose slightly from her chair.
“Thank you all for coming. I’m Rosetta Pain, your host for today.”
Polite applause followed. Then, smiling sweetly, she turned to Aileen.
“Let’s start with introductions, shall we? If it’s alright, could you begin, Duchess?”
“Of course. It’s nice to meet you all — I’m Aileen of House Olden.”
Gasps spread through the table.
“Oh! You’re that Duchess?”
“It’s an honor to finally meet you.”
Apparently, Aileen’s reputation had already reached every corner of the social circle.
She wasn’t surprised — after all, her husband wasn’t exactly an ordinary man.
As she thought about Richard, the other ladies began introducing themselves one by one.
When it came to Lady Blaise’s turn, she spoke softly,
“…Lettie Blaise.”
Aileen’s eyes lingered on her for a moment, committing the name to memory.
Then another lady spoke up.
“The garden looks quite different from last time I visited!”
“Oh, I replanted the flowers for a change of scenery,” Lady Pain said proudly. “Do you like it?”
“It’s gorgeous — your taste is impeccable as always.”
Rosetta lifted her chin slightly, clearly pleased by the compliment.
Naturally, as the host, she became the main topic of conversation.
But soon, the attention began to shift toward Aileen.
“The Duke of Olden… is he really as cold as the rumors say?” one woman asked curiously.
In truth, their real interest wasn’t in Aileen — it was in Richard.
Aileen had expected this. Smiling serenely, she replied,
“I’m not sure what rumors you’ve heard, but from what I’ve seen, he’s gentle and kind.”
“Gentle? So he really is as refined as he appears from afar,” another woman said, her eyes sparkling.
Aileen could easily guess what they were thinking — gossip about other people’s love lives was always the highlight of such gatherings.
Her answer seemed to open the floodgates. Soon, question after question poured in — all about Richard.
Aileen remained calm and answered them one by one with polite grace. Most were easy to handle — until one bold voice spoke up:
“Madam,” the lady asked with a mischievous smile,
“what part of His Grace made you fall in love with him?”
