Chapter 76
“Yes…”
Jessica was still trembling from the shock of seeing Rodelia and Alperen in the reception room last time.
In truth, she had lied to her parents — she’d told them she was going to spend summer vacation at a friend’s house, and that’s how she’d managed to sneak off to the capital.
She was sick of life in the countryside, and after eight years, she was sure Rodelia would have long forgotten her.
But when Rodelia turned pale the instant she saw her, Jessica panicked.
She was terrified she’d be punished harshly if things went wrong.
So, that very day, she had told Princess Nanael’s household she could no longer serve as a personal maid and began packing to go home.
Now, being suddenly summoned by Nanael herself, she was nervous beyond measure.
“I’m truly sorry for leaving after all the kindness you’ve shown me, Your Highness.”
“I see. Well, if you really must go, I can’t stop you.”
“Thank you, Your Highness—”
“But, did you know?”
“Know… what?”
“Rodelia apparently doesn’t remember you.”
“But that day, she definitely…”
“It seems Duke Ferris used memory-erasing magic to wipe out everything about you — and even forbade anyone at the estate from mentioning it.”
“R-really?”
Jessica’s eyes went round as saucers as she stared at Nanael.
It had taken all her courage to come to the capital.
She had been dreading the thought of leaving empty-handed — so this news was like a gift from heaven.
Her lifeless eyes now gleamed with energy again, and Nanael smiled in satisfaction.
“I also heard that the letter of agreement Count Miranda signed was lost years ago. Well, it’s been over eight years, so I suppose record-keeping got sloppy.”
The word agreement made Jessica’s expression flicker violently.
That alone was enough to confirm — she hadn’t even known it existed until now.
“It’s been over eight years. I’d say there’s no reason to feel bound by the past anymore.”
Jessica bit her lip, unable to answer.
“But if you still want to go home, I won’t stop you.”
Nanael effectively dismissed her.
And because she didn’t even leave her time to think, Jessica blurted out in panic—
“W-wait, Your Highness!”
“Do you have something else to say?”
“I—I think I decided too hastily. I’m sorry for changing my mind so often, but… if you’ll still have me…”
Quick on the uptake, that girl. Nanael’s lips curled in a pleased smile.
“You know, I absolutely hate people who can’t make up their minds.”
“Ah…”
“Still, if you really want to stay under me again, then we’ll do it properly — we’ll make a contract. Hiring new servants isn’t exactly easy for me either.”
At her gesture, one of Nanael’s close maids handed over a prepared document.
It was a long, detailed contract — but Jessica only skimmed the parts about pay and benefits before signing it.
When she handed it back, she said earnestly,
“Thank you, Your Highness, for giving me another chance.”
“And thank you, for staying by my side.”
Nanael waved the contract lightly and smiled thinly.
Now, Jessica Miranda would never be able to leave — not until Nanael allowed it.
Unaware of the trap she’d just walked into, Jessica left to unpack her things.
* * *
Not long after, while I was idly passing time at home, a letter arrived from Lottie.
[Dear Rodelia,
I finally finished your dress!
If possible, could you come try it on?
— Yours, Lottie]
The tweed dress I’d seen at her atelier — meant for everyday use — had already been delivered.
It wasn’t quite suitable for formal events, so I had been saving it for something casual or semi-official.
Maybe she thought I hadn’t worn it because I didn’t like it?
Just a few days ago, she’d come to take my measurements for a special gown she wanted to finish before the upcoming Founding Festival — and now, it was already done.
She was probably rushing because the Crown Prince’s birthday banquet was coming up right after that.
I could tell she was overworking herself.
So this time, I’d decided I would definitely wear her gown to the first banquet I attended.
“Speaking of which… the Crown Prince’s birthday party will be when Adrian and Summer meet for the first time.”
In the original story, Summer hadn’t been able to afford a dress and attended the banquet in her usual simple outfit.
Her modest clothes had stood out painfully among all the glittering nobles.
If not for her radiant looks, it might have been less noticeable.
But the gossipers had pounced on her like vultures.
And the one who came to her rescue was — of course — Adrian.
“My brother will fall in love with her at first sight, no doubt.”
Back then, Adrian — who had never shown the slightest interest in any woman — fell for Summer as if struck by lightning.
After that, he became a hopeless love fool, completely blind to the fact that his beloved sister was tormenting her so-called friend.
“But this time, she’s already met Alperen first.”
They had already reunited dramatically by the roadside.
By now, they were probably running into each other often at the Tower, gradually growing closer.
“Good. Let the original story take care of itself. I’ve got my own life — and my revenge — to worry about.”
Since then, even Alperen’s magic messages hadn’t come.
Coincidentally, that had started the moment Summer began working at the Tower — and that didn’t sit well with me.
“Unbelievable. Sure, I was the one who said we should stop, but already flirting with another woman?
He doesn’t even think of me anymore, does he?”
Boiling frustration filled me as I climbed into the carriage.
When I arrived at Roji Boutique, Lottie was the first to greet me.
“Welcome, Deli! I’m so sorry for calling you here personally.
My mother insists the design can’t be seen by anyone else until the reveal.”
“It’s fine. But aren’t you overworking yourself? You’ve got dark circles under your eyes.”
I brushed under her eyes gently, and she flushed bright red.
“O-oh, once I start working, I just can’t stop…!
It’s not as bad as it looks, I promise!”
Lottie backed away a little, then guided me toward the fitting room.
She helped me into the gown herself — focused and serious, every movement precise.
“She’s really passionate about this.”
Her focused expression looked surprisingly cool.
“If there’s anything uncomfortable when you move, please tell me.”
“Not at all. Honestly, it’s the most comfortable dress I’ve ever worn.
You really made this all by yourself?”
“Hehe. I promised, remember? I’d make you a dress that’s comfortable to wear.”
“Even that last dress you gave me was enough.
I feel like I’ve just been receiving so much — I want to do something for you.
Is there anything you’d like?”
Lottie blinked in surprise, then lowered her eyes shyly.
“Then… could you wear my dress at the Crown Prince’s birthday banquet?”
For a moment, I just blinked.
That was already my plan — but I hadn’t expected her to ask.
When I didn’t answer right away, she panicked and started taking it back.
“O-of course, if you already have something else prepared, then forget I said anything…”
A dark cloud seemed to form over her head.
Seeing her small, timid face, I suddenly felt a pang of empathy.
How odd — standing beside her reminded me of my old self.
So I smiled gently to reassure her.
“Of course I’ll wear it.
In fact, I’ll wear only your designs for future banquets too.”
“Huh? Y-you mean you’ll officially choose me as your designer?
But I’m just a trainee — I’m not even well-known yet…”
She fidgeted with her fingers, looking lost for words.
I squeezed her hands and smiled.
“Who cares when you started?
Honestly, I haven’t worn something this comfortable in years.
Thinking about all those stiff, suffocating gowns I used to wear makes me feel cheated.”
“Deli…”
Lottie’s eyes sparkled with emotion.
“Now that I’ve worn one of your dresses, I don’t think I could wear anyone else’s.
So yes — please keep designing for me.”
I wasn’t flattering her.
Lottie’s dresses weren’t as flashy as the big-name boutiques,
but they were made with care — and with the wearer in mind.
The way she shaped the waistline naturally without a corset,
or added hidden pockets for small items — every detail was thoughtful.
How could I not love it?
Honestly, the moment I saw this dress, I was certain.
Right now, Lottie was still unknown — but once I appeared at the banquet in this gown,
she’d become famous overnight.
