Chapter 13
A few days passed since I barged into the Duke’s office and told him to accompany me to the party.
And now, the morning of Marchioness Windy’s party had finally arrived.
From early morning, Jane and the maids dragged my sleepy body straight to the bath.
After a short soak in hot, scented water, I sat before the dressing table. The maids carefully dried my hair and brought several dresses for me to choose from.
“Which dress would you like to wear, Madam?”
“Hmm… anything’s fine.”
“You can’t say that!”
“I really don’t mind… Then maybe that white dress with the pearls?”
“Oh my, on a day like this, you should wear something more dazzling! I think this one suits you better.”
Jane shook her head and pointed to another dress — a bright mint-colored one with soft pink roses blooming across the fabric.
I frowned slightly.
“Isn’t that too fancy for someone like me?”
“What are you saying, Madam? You’ll look perfect in it!”
“That’s right! You’ll be beautiful, Madam! Trust Jane’s taste!”
All the maids chimed in, showering me with praise. I couldn’t help but nod in defeat.
A short while later, they rolled a tall mirror in front of me.
“Please look, Madam. Isn’t it stunning?”
I stared blankly at my reflection — or rather, Evangeline Roxanne Este’s reflection.
The mint-colored gown with short sleeves, the aquamarine necklace, and the diamond butterfly hair ornament made me look like a queen straight out of a famous painting.
Without thinking, I murmured,
“…Yeah, it’s pretty.”
The maids smiled proudly at my words.
Knock, knock.
Just then, a voice came from outside the door.
“Madam, please hurry. The Duke is waiting.”
“Please wait just a moment! We’ll bring Madam right away!” Jane replied for me.
She helped me up gently. Holding the mask she handed me, I walked toward the mansion’s front gate.
Just as the butler said, everyone — including the Duke — was already waiting.
He wore a black formal suit embroidered with golden thread and a cloak bearing the crest of a soaring eagle. With his neatly slicked-back hair and cold eyes, Duke Nigel Clyde Este looked undeniably handsome.
‘Wow… he really is good-looking. Even if he’s just a supporting character, he’s still a romance novel man through and through.’
As I stared, our eyes met.
The Duke frowned and glanced at me from head to toe.
“So that’s why you were late. You were busy putting on every decoration you could find.”
“…Excuse me?”
“You’re going to wear a mask anyway. Why bother with all that makeup? Or were you planning to meet your lover at the party?”
I clenched my fists.
‘Seriously, can’t he ever say something nice?’
Regret instantly hit me for ever admiring his looks.
I glared at him and said sharply,
“I’m sorry for being late, but you didn’t have to mock me like that.”
“What?”
“You heard me. You didn’t even give me a chance to apologize before you started insulting me. If you wanted an apology, you should’ve let me say it first.”
He raised an eyebrow.
“So, if I gave you time, you would’ve apologized?”
“Yes. You were waiting for me, after all. Anyway, I’m sorry for making you wait. There. Satisfied?”
I grabbed the hem of my dress and gave a small, polite curtsey.
His sharp eyes widened slightly, surprised.
But only for a moment. Then his expression hardened again.
“I didn’t realize you were someone who could apologize so easily.”
“What—now you’re criticizing me for apologizing?!”
I snapped back, and he smirked in amusement.
While we glared at each other, I suddenly noticed Olga and Olivia Rose Este standing behind him.
Olivia peeked out from behind Olga’s skirt, her small face pale with fear as she looked at us.
My heart sank.
‘Right… I shouldn’t fight with the Duke in front of her.’
In the original story, Evangeline and Duke Este always treated each other coldly, constantly arguing whenever they were together.
Each time, young Olivia would cover her ears and pray for it to end — though she also dreaded what would follow, because every argument ended with Evangeline taking her anger out on the child.
Those moments left deep scars in Olivia’s heart — scars that would one day turn her into the “Witch” of the novel.
I bit my lip.
‘Get a grip, Ji-won. Don’t hurt her like before.’
Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to calm down. Then I looked the Duke in the eye and said,
“…Let’s stop. There’s no point arguing.”
“What? No point?”
“Why? Do you want to keep fighting? If you do, let’s continue after Olivia isn’t watching.”
His eyes widened slightly at that.
Ignoring him, I turned and walked to Olivia. I crouched down to meet her eyes.
“I’m sorry, Olivia. Did we scare you?”
“…Auntie.”
“The Duke and I weren’t fighting, sweetheart. We just had a small disagreement to sort out.”
“…Really?”
“Really. So don’t worry, okay? Stay with Olga and have fun while we’re gone. I’ll be back soon.”
I gently patted her head.
She looked uncertain but nodded slowly. Seeing the fear fade a little from her face, I stood up — and boldly looped my arm through the Duke’s.
“Shall we go, Duke?”
Without waiting for a response, I dragged him toward the carriage.
He frowned deeply.
“What do you think you’re doing?”
“What does it look like? Olivia got scared because we were arguing. Just play along. You can scold me later in the carriage.”
“…So you actually meant what you said earlier?”
“Of course! Did you think I was lying? Anyway, let’s hurry — you said we’re late, remember? You complained enough about me already.”
I muttered under my breath as we reached the carriage.
A servant opened the door, and I quickly released the Duke’s arm. Accepting the servant’s help, I climbed inside first.
The Duke followed, and the door closed behind him.
I crossed my arms and said,
“Alright, now that we’re alone — say what you want to say, Duke. And for the record, I’m angry too. So let’s talk this out properly.”
“…Hah.”
“And let me make something clear. I’m not going to this party to betray you or meet some lover. I have an important reason — something I could swear on the name of God.”
In this world, a vow made “in God’s name” was absolute. If it was a lie, divine punishment would strike immediately.
The Duke stared at me for a moment, then sighed quietly.
“…Alright. I see. I must’ve misunderstood. I’m sorry — truly.”
“…Wait. What?”
I blinked, stunned.
Of all things, I never imagined he’d apologize first.
