Chapter 58
“They say she visited the Gibermann Count’s residence after noon.”
“Gibermann?”
“Yes. And then she returned directly to her mansion.”
At Franz’s casual question, Hans replied.
Gibermann? Franz raised an eyebrow at Iella’s inexplicable movements.
“I couldn’t figure out the reason, but they said Lady Gibermann herself came out to see her off.”
“Were those two close…?”
“Not particularly. If anything, she was closer to Miss Louisa. But among noble ladies, everyone knows each other to some degree.”
“Hm. I see.”
Frowning, Franz leaned back in his chair and pressed his temple. Lately, there had been so many troublesome matters that he hadn’t had a moment’s peace. At times like this, he felt that being of royal blood wasn’t always such a blessing.
“Your Highness, it’s time for you to depart.”
“Let’s go.”
The royal family’s garden, though outdoors, was decorated so splendidly that it lacked nothing compared to a grand ballroom.
King Hendrik, Queen Elisabeth, their ten-year-old princess and prince, Crown Prince Frederick with Crown Princess Diane Merryweather, and Prince Franz all arrived in a line of carriages. Following them were Countess Winston and the carriage of the Duke of Morris.
All eyes turned toward the royal family. They took their seats at the very center of the special section reserved for royalty.
When the young nobles confirmed that Franz was not escorting Iella Clarence, they let out audible sighs of relief. Their sighs were loud enough that Franz gave a crooked, inward smile.
Though it was still early, familiar faces filled the hall. Richard, standing with Andrew, beamed at him with exaggerated friendliness.
“I’ve been waiting for you. Lapland’s greatest masterpiece, lover of all, and the people’s prince—once again, alone this year.”
“Well, your situation doesn’t look much different.”
Franz casually sipped his champagne. Richard found him infuriatingly nonchalant but only laughed it off.
“It’s fine, no need to be embarrassed.”
“What are you babbling about? Already drunk?”
“Strange, isn’t it? No matter how much I drink, I don’t feel like I’ll get drunk.”
Franz chuckled lightly and gestured to a passing attendant, who presented a silver tray.
Richard grabbed a fresh glass of champagne. Without a word, Andrew drained his own glass in one go and picked up another.
Andrew looked unmistakably grim—like a man who had lost his entire kingdom.
“What’s wrong with you, young duke?”
“Who knows. He’s been gloomy every day lately.”
Richard shrugged, feigning ignorance.
“That’s how it is. Franz, you’ll have to be my drinking companion for a while. Don’t pretend to be busy, or I won’t forgive you.”
Andrew emptied his glass again.
“Why so obsessed with drinking these days?”
“It feels like I’m about to lose the only thing I have left. At least if I ruin my body, I might be able to endure it.”
“What nonsense is that? Did you gamble away your fortune?”
Franz gave him a strange look. Richard and Marco both shrugged, as if to say they didn’t know either.
“He really is acting odd these days.”
Franz soon lost interest and turned his gaze to the entrance of the ballroom.
Andrew let out a despairing sigh, as though he already knew whom Franz was waiting for. Marco patted Andrew’s shoulder in encouragement.
They weren’t the only ones curious about the situation.
“Has the Clarence family not arrived yet?”
“The main star is always late.”
“Do you think Iella Clarence will really appear?”
“She will.”
The men all glanced at Franz.
Having finished greeting the royals, Franz was now conversing with bankers and businessmen he was acquainted with.
His perfectly refined face was calm yet carried an air of composure. In his immaculate tailcoat and dignified bearing, he looked flawless, without the slightest imperfection.
Then Hans approached him and whispered in his ear.
“The Clarence carriage has arrived.”
Moments later, the Clarence family entered the ballroom. The smile that had been painted on Franz’s lips slowly disappeared.
“Milady, it’s time to get ready now.”
At Betty’s voice, Iella turned calmly from where she sat before the vanity.
“Betty. Could you bring me the Tintoria flowers?”
“The Tintoria flowers? Now?”
Startled by the request, Betty asked again.
“Yes.”
“But you only prepared the pigment recently—did you already use it all?”
“I need it for something.”
“Alright, I’ll bring it right away.”
Though puzzled, Betty hurried off to fetch it, eager to finish her errand quickly and help her lady get dressed. She had even prepared aromatic oils for a massage, since it was such an important day.
But when she returned—
“No! Milady, please don’t.”
Betty quickly hid the glass jar of Tintoria flowers behind her back. She already knew what Iella intended, which only made her more anxious.
“Why are you doing this, milady? Tell me, please?”
The berries of the Tintoria flower were used together with azurite to create blue pigment. During that process, Iella had discovered that being pricked by the thorns caused red rashes to spread across the body.
At first, she had been frightened, but since no other symptoms appeared, she realized it wasn’t dangerous. From then on, she had used it whenever marriage pressure became unbearable.
“Is this because Madam brought up marriage again?”
“No, Betty. That’s not it. I just can’t go to the ball tonight. I mustn’t.”
“Why not?”
“I’ll explain later. Now, give it here.”
Betty, her face clouded with distress, reluctantly handed over the glass jar.
“I’m sure you have your reasons, but this time, it really breaks my heart.”
Seeing Betty so upset as if it were her own problem, Iella felt both grateful and guilty. She was just as disappointed herself. But she told herself this was a step back for the sake of moving forward.
“Tell the butler to call for the doctor.”
“…Yes, milady.”
Betty left with slumped shoulders.
Before long, Laura Clarence rushed into Iella’s room.
“Iella, what is the meaning of this? Why all of a sudden…?”
She let out a pained sigh at the sight of the red rashes covering her daughter’s face, arms, and any exposed skin.
“Mother.”
“It’s alright, dear. The doctor is on his way. Just wait a little.”
Whenever rashes appeared without warning, Laura’s heart filled with worry. She wondered if she had pressured Iella too much with talk of marriage, causing this relapse. Though she had tried to be careful, she feared her stress had brought this on again.
“I’m sorry to disappoint you.”
“No, your health is the most important.”
“I’ll be fine. A little medicine and rest, and it’ll pass. You mustn’t be late—please go prepare.”
“How could I attend a ball peacefully when my daughter has fallen ill again?”
“It’s not the first time, and it’s not serious. I’ll be fine, truly.”
“Don’t say such things.”
Despite her mother’s protests, Laura eventually left Iella’s side after the doctor’s visit. Repeated assurances that staying would not help convinced her at last.
Only Louisa and Betty remained.
“Louisa, you should finish getting ready too.”
“What happened so suddenly?”
“The doctor said it’s from stress.”
“You haven’t seemed well lately… are you sure you’re alright?”
Iella felt a pang of guilt at her sister’s worried expression.
“After a little rest and medicine, I’ll be fine. Don’t worry too much, just go get ready.”
“…I still don’t feel right about it.”
“It’s happened before. I know my own body best.”
“Don’t let yourself get too stressed, alright, sister?”
“Yes, I’ll try.”
When Louisa left, only Betty remained by her side.
“Are you truly alright, milady?”
“You’ve seen it before, Betty. I’ll be fine.”
“Thank goodness.”
“I’m sorry for making you lie on my behalf each time.”
“Don’t worry about me.”
“Thank you, Betty.”
“You’ve seemed so tired lately… I know you must have your own burdens you can’t share.”
Betty gave a small, sheepish smile.
“Go on, get ready and join the others.”
“What? No, I don’t want to. I’ll stay here with you.”
“You can’t. Don’t say such things.”
“It won’t work on me. I’ll stay. Besides, the Rose Festival isn’t only this year.”
Betty plopped down beside the bed. Though Iella tried to persuade her otherwise, she eventually gave up. Too much time had already passed.
“It’s too late now anyway. Everyone’s already gone—you wouldn’t even be able to find them in the crowd. Just give up.”
“Then go to the kitchen and bring cookies, cakes, and a tea set. Since everyone’s out, let’s enjoy the festival here together.”
“Alright, milady!”
A little later, Betty returned with a cart loaded with desserts and light fare.
Iella, meanwhile, was standing in the powder room, looking over her dresses.
“What are you doing, milady?”
“Perfect timing, Betty. Come here.”
Iella spread out a dress she had chosen.
“I picked out one of the new dresses that I thought would suit you.”
“For me?”
“Yes. It’s still a festival, so you should dress up too. What do you think? Do you like it?”
“They’re all so pretty… but I don’t think any would suit me.”
Betty looked both pleased and hesitant, lacking confidence. The sight gave Iella a pang of déjà vu—it was like looking at herself.
Smiling reassuringly, she pulled Betty to the mirror and held up three different dresses against her, choosing carefully.
“Your skin is healthy and fair, so how about this orange-hued dress? The others are nice too, but this one looks best on you.”
“…Yes. I think… I like it too.”
Betty stared entranced at her reflection, as though seeing herself for the first time.
“Good. Now, try it on.”
“I should help you first, milady.”
“Hmm… then let’s help each other.”
The two of them changed into their dresses and carefully styled each other’s hair.
