Chapter 59
“It’s such a shame I’m the only one who gets to see you like this.”
Betty gave a thumbs-up as she admired Iella in her apricot-colored dress.
“I’m sure you were the most beautiful of all, my lady.”
Iella gave a bitter smile as she looked at her reflection in the mirror. The gorgeous dress looked so out of place on a body mottled with red rashes that she could only laugh.
Outside the window, the garden was already bathed in sunset. The final day of the festival had reached its peak—the King and Queen had finished their procession, and the streets were full of people ready to celebrate the last night of festivities. It was the moment young men and women looked forward to the most.
The dazzling performances and open competitions had ended. By the time the sun set and the festival was at its height, Iella still had not appeared.
“What’s going on?”
“So Lady Clarence isn’t coming after all?”
“Right? What kind of bet is this without the main character? Ridiculous.”
Time had passed with no sign of her, and the men could no longer hide their disappointment.
“To think we made such a foolish bet just for it to end like this…”
“And even wagered the club trophy on it.”
“Who was the idiot that suggested this in the first place?”
Some raised their voices, trying to pin blame, while others cursed their own poor judgment.
“Enough already. We all thought it’d be fun. Who can blame anyone now?”
“Bet it was just drunk talk.”
“If that’s the case, then no one was sober that night. Forget it.”
A heavy sigh fell over the group.
“Should we ask Miss Louisa?”
“Oh please. Even if we ask, what are we supposed to say?”
“Obviously, why Lady Clarence didn’t show up.”
“As if she’d give us a straight answer.”
“Ugh. This is the dumbest conversation I’ve ever had.”
“You just picked too difficult an opponent. Even Franz wouldn’t go through with it.”
“Doesn’t look like it bothers him. He’s perfectly fine.”
“What’s there for him to miss, anyway?”
Their gazes landed on Franz, who seemed to be enjoying the festival with ease, showing no sign of frustration.
On the surface, he looked completely unbothered. In truth, he was keeping a tight rein on the rage boiling black inside him. His smile masked a blade-sharp coldness beneath.
What is going on, my lady? It’s not too late, even now.
Hans kept glancing at the entrance nervously. Since he was the one who had delivered the dress, he wished more than anyone else for Iella to appear.
If only she’d scold him. That would be better than this eerie calm—this is far scarier.
As Hans fidgeted inwardly, Franz finally gave his command.
“Find out what she’s doing, where she is.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
The chill in Franz’s voice made Hans flinch. He had already sent someone to the estate, and soon enough, news would arrive through other channels as well.
Franz swallowed back the emotions clawing at his chest. This wasn’t just about a lost trophy or ruined theatrics—his fury ran deeper than that.
I was certain she had feelings for me… Was I being arrogant?
The failure of his carefully laid plan irritated him. He had never been thwarted like this before.
She approached me first—so why? What’s her reason?
He had held back, been patient, even treated her with kindness. He had shown her the utmost courtesy, and this was what he received in return.
Iella. Have I been too soft with you all this time?
His eyes darkened with a flash of ferocity.
When the fireworks began and ended, Iella still did not appear.
As elegant waltz music filled the air, the ballroom turned lively with pairs dancing gracefully.
Standing aside without dancing a single song, Franz was approached by Queen Elisabeth.
“I was hoping you wouldn’t be alone for the fireworks this year. Yet here you are, alone again. How disappointing.”
“I don’t believe in such absurd superstitions.”
“Even when you and your brothers are the very proof of them?”
Franz said nothing, though a bitter smile flickered across his lips.
“So tell me, did you not have a partner to begin with, or did she fail to appear?”
Her teasing tone earned a flat reply.
“What do you think?”
Elisabeth chuckled.
“You do realize you’re letting me down right now, don’t you?”
Indeed, her smiling reprimand was more frightening than outright anger.
“I’m trying. Don’t push me too much. Rush water down your throat and you’ll choke.”
“You rascal. Don’t tell me you’ll leave again this year without a single dance?”
“I’m busy.”
Even at his indifferent answer, the Queen smiled at him warmly.
“Busy or not, you must make time. Among these lovely young ladies could be your match.”
“I doubt it. None seem fitting.”
Franz only pretended to glance over them. Such a stubborn son. She could only sigh at how pitiful it seemed.
“Franz, you need the courage and wisdom to invest in things not yet visible. You do it in business so well, yet close your eyes and heart when it comes to choosing a partner.”
“My apologies.”
“Ah, speaking of—where is that young lady? Iella Clarence, was it?”
Her probing remark earned no reaction from Franz. He smoothly steered the conversation back to the festival.
Elisabeth exhaled softly. He’s my son—how can I not notice his changes?
If he liked that girl, the royal family could support him. But he was so secretive, it left her frustrated.
“Franz—”
Just then, Hans approached.
“Excuse me, I must step away.”
“Go ahead.”
Franz left with Hans, heading to a secluded spot.
“Well? Where is she now?”
“Um…” Hans scratched his head awkwardly.
“She’s at the estate, Your Highness.”
“Incredible.”
Franz let out a laugh of disbelief.
“And this, she asked me to deliver.”
Franz tore open the letter and scanned it quickly.
I’m sorry.
—Iella Clarence
Barely a few words. Not even a sincere explanation. Not even an effort to put her feelings into writing. Try as he might, he couldn’t understand.
I should never have started this. One act of foolishness, and this impudent woman has me dancing on her strings.
Crushing the note in one hand, Franz seethed.
“But Your Highness… it seems the young lady is unwell.”
“What?”
“Her maid said she broke out in rashes and was unable to go out.”
“That makes no sense. She was perfectly fine earlier today.”
“Food poisoning or something similar, perhaps. The doctor already visited, I was told.”
What in the world was happening? His mind was a storm of fury and concern.
“And apparently, she won’t be able to visit Grenville for some time either…”
“Tch. Finally, my temper breaks. What is this nonsense about feigning illness?”
Franz raked his hair back roughly. His anger made Hans look almost wronged.
“Feigning? Surely not, Your Highness. Would she really pretend illness just to avoid appearing?”
“After she pulled this stunt, you still believe her? You don’t even know why she approached me in the first place.”
“Well… that may be true, but—”
Hans wasn’t sure of her intentions, but he had come to believe in the sincerity of her warm actions and words. He thought the prince felt the same way, even if he’d never admit it.
“There are no ‘buts.’ She says she’s sick, and I’m supposed to just accept it?”
Franz felt the sting of failure tonight, his pride shaken. His already narrow patience twisted tighter with resentment.
This wasn’t about a trophy. This was about his pride.
“Send a carriage tomorrow morning and bring her here. I’ll decide for myself whether it’s real or not.”
“What? But if she truly is ill—ah!”
Hans shrank under the prince’s sharp glare.
Franz sighed inwardly. What am I even doing?
He knew he was being petty and cruel toward someone claiming illness. Even telling himself it couldn’t be helped didn’t ease the sourness—if anything, it made his frustration worse.
When he returned, Queen Elisabeth was no longer alone; Lady Laura Clarence and Lady Louisa Clarence were with her.
Franz, forcing his emotions into order, greeted them with a well-practiced smile.
“Franz. Lady Iella Clarence is ill, so she could not attend tonight.”
“My, what a disappointment.”
He feigned surprise as though hearing it for the first time.
“What did the doctor say?”
The Queen continued the conversation that had paused at his arrival.
“They couldn’t determine the cause, nor provide a cure.”
“Oh dear, how pitiful. To be unable to enjoy tonight at all.”
Laura Clarence bowed respectfully at the Queen’s sympathy.
“Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty.”
“Then I’ll send the court physician tomorrow. Perhaps they can identify the cause. Wouldn’t you agree, Prince?”
The Queen smiled meaningfully, her eyes narrowing. Franz held her gaze before smiling faintly in return.
“A splendid idea.”
Their smiles were strikingly similar.
“Oh, that’s too generous, Your Majesty. We are already grateful for your kindness.”
“Don’t refuse me, Countess Clarence. I simply worry for the poor girl.”
Since refusing further would be impolite, Laura Clarence, deeply moved, bowed even lower.
“Prince Franz, I would like you to visit Lady Clarence in my stead. What do you think?”
“If it’s Your Majesty’s request, I’ll make time, no matter how busy.”
Whether he brought Iella to Grenville or went to her himself, the result was the same. He hadn’t asked for this attention, but if she wanted to hand him a pretext, he wasn’t about to decline it.
Laura Clarence’s heart swelled at that moment. The royal physician and a visit from the prince—what in the world was happening? She was left dizzy with disbelief.
