~CHAPTER 16~
On the day of the National Foundation Day.
The maids of Oak Palace had been busy since early morning.
There were three ladies currently staying in the palace.
Preparing for a ball hosted by noblewomen and ladies of high birth always required an incredible amount of time and effort.
All the more so when those ladies were a Princess and a Grand Duchess, and the ball was the National Foundation Day banquet at the Imperial Palace, marking the end of the social season.
How does it make any sense for me to be included among them…
Even as the maids assisted her with her bath, Dianu couldn’t stop thinking about it.
The bathwater, filled generously with fragrant oils, smelled like a field of autumn flowers.
The maids scrubbed every inch of her body with soft brushes and combed her hair until it gleamed like silk.
It was the first time Dianu had ever received such an elaborate bath, and she couldn’t hide her discomfort.
The maids finished by straightening her shoulders, which kept curling inward in embarrassment.
After thoroughly drying her hair, they brushed it what felt like ten thousand times while she sat in a thin robe.
Only then was she finally allowed to dress.
Fortunately, the dress sent by the Emperor needed almost no alteration.
The maids of Oak Palace skillfully adjusted it to fit her perfectly.
It was a bell-shaped gown that tightly embraced her chest while leaving her shoulders and arms bare.
Below the short waistline, the voluminous skirt was embroidered with intricate gold patterns.
A sheer layer of lace was added on top, and long gloves completed a mature yet radiant look.
After putting on the layers of petticoats and corset beneath the dress, Dianu twirled once before the maids.
They couldn’t hold back their admiration.
“It suits you perfectly!”
“You look truly beautiful, Lady Dianu.”
Cora sprinkled pearl powder over Dianu’s shoulders and collarbone.
It had been given by Grand Duchess Erbinjel, despite Dianu’s polite refusals.
Around her smooth, gleaming neck lay a sapphire necklace, and between the twists of her pinned-up hair hung matching earrings.
Cora braided Dianu’s hair into several sections and coiled them neatly, tying in the ribbon gifted by the Emperor.
When the light makeup was finished, Dianu looked into the mirror with an awkward heart.
The modest governess was gone; sitting at the vanity was an elegant young lady who wouldn’t look out of place even with a noble title.
Cora’s face was full of emotion.
“I knew it! I always thought you’d look stunning once dressed up.”
“Didn’t you already say I was pretty?”
“Of course! But you know what they say — the more a woman adorns herself, the more beautiful she becomes.”
Dianu fiddled with the necklace resting deep over her collarbone, feeling conflicted.
She had never owned any jewelry before, so she only knew their value in theory.
There were five finely cut sapphires, each surrounded by tiny diamonds, and the rest of the setting was entirely gold.
It was clearly worth more than she could ever imagine.
As she stared blankly at the dazzling sapphires, Dianu quickly pulled her hand away.
I’ll have to return it once the banquet is over.
It would be a problem if she left fingerprints or scratches.
The Emperor might not care if an entire wagon of such necklaces were scuffed, but Dianu’s situation was different.
There would be no occasion in her future where she could wear such treasures again.
Yet she couldn’t help but feel a faint, shameful disappointment.
Surprisingly, it wasn’t about returning something so expensive.
It’s His Majesty’s gift…
It was the second gift she had received from him — and likely the last.
She suddenly wondered what kind of face the Emperor would make when he got the necklace back.
Maybe he’d give that same strained, helpless smile he always wore whenever she seemed burdened by his kindness.
“A gentleman never takes back jewels given to a lady.”
Maybe he would even say that.
She could easily imagine his chiding tone.
Her heart tingled — a strange feeling she couldn’t quite name.
***
“Sir Loisen has arrived.”
The maid’s voice pulled Dianu out of her thoughts as she gazed blankly at her reflection.
With Cora’s help, she stood up.
The dress was so full that sitting and standing alone was nearly impossible.
When she entered the reception room, Sir Loisen was already waiting.
He too was dressed in the formal uniform of the Imperial Guard.
The deep blue suited his broad frame perfectly.
As he toyed with his gloves and looked up, surprise crossed his face.
“You look truly beautiful, Lady Ortensa.”
Dianu replied in a mockingly prim tone.
“So, I wasn’t pretty before I dressed up?”
Sir Loisen, as serious as ever, answered sincerely.
“You are beautiful every day, my lady. But today, you shine even brighter.”
“…Doesn’t saying things like that make you feel awkward?”
“Not at all. I mean it. Shall we go? Her Highness the Princess and Grand Duchess Erbinjel have already departed.”
The royal ladies had the privilege of riding a carriage to Spruce Palace, where the banquet was held.
But Dianu and Sir Loisen didn’t, so they had to leave on foot if they didn’t want to be late.
Luckily, Oak Palace and Spruce Palace were close.
Dianu took his offered arm, linking hers with his, and left the reception room as Cora and the maids bowed to see her off.
On their way to Spruce Palace, Sir Loisen shared surprising news.
“Lady Bertona Aldebaron and Lady Luicilla Maier have both been placed under restriction by the head maid.”
“What? Then they won’t be at the banquet?”
“That’s right. I thought the news might let you enjoy the evening with a bit more ease, Lady Ortensa.”
Those two young ladies had probably been counting the days until this banquet.
Was she glad? Not exactly.
Dianu had no desire to build resentment, no matter the reason.
She sighed quietly.
“Why did Her Highness the Princess go to such lengths?”
Sir Loisen smiled faintly.
“Until the incident with Edric, Lady Elpenlira could not stand by when someone defied His Majesty’s will.
If the ministers raised their voices even slightly in front of the Emperor, she would glare at them with a terrifying expression.”
“…At least it’s clear she didn’t take my side.”
“Give His Highness some time. She has always been highly cautious.”
Dianu shivered as she recalled the Princess dismantling the maids with just a few words.
Not even her status as a Princess, anyone would be unwise to show ill will toward her.
The very fact that she was walking toward the banquet hall with Sir Loisen’s arm linked with hers proved it.
Dianu silently wished that the Princess’s mischief would end today.
***
Spruce Palace was built to host the Imperial family’s largest events and balls.
It only opened for royal weddings, coronations, and the National Foundation Day.
The National Foundation Day was the grandest holiday in the Catalos Empire.
The Imperial family provided food and drinks to citizens in the capital, while people decorated their homes with flags and played music.
Everyone, regardless of age or gender, wore flower wreaths and took to the streets to enjoy the festival.
Gentlemen who were not invited to the Imperial ball still held private dances in their homes all night.
The lively dance music from the palace orchestra spilled out beyond the palace walls.
Amid the waiting line of guests, Dianu forgot her awkwardness and looked around, taking in every direction.
The constant barrage of sights and sounds was overwhelming.
After a while, while admiring the beautiful architecture and landscaping, Dianu felt eyes on her.
All around her and Sir Loisen, the guests were sneaking glances in their direction.
Dianu instinctively shrank her neck.
She gestured urgently to Sir Loisen, who bent slightly to let her whisper.
“Why is everyone staring like that?”
“Because you, Lady Ortensa, are beautiful, isn’t that obvious?”
“…I’m serious, you know.”
“I am as well, but…”
While they exchanged these meaningless whispers, a certain noblewoman emerged from the slightly quieter crowd.
It was a familiar face.
“Marek!”
She stopped in front of Dianu and Sir Loisen with a friendly greeting.
Dianu felt internally flustered, but Sir Loisen nodded politely to the noblewoman.
“It’s been a while, sister-in-law. Where’s Tiber? Are you here alone?”
“He stepped away to speak with other gentlemen. He should be somewhere in that group by now.”
The woman, Sir Loisen’s sister-in-law, indicated the small gathering of men with her fan.
Even they were glancing curiously at Dianu, who quickly averted her gaze.
The noblewoman smiled gently at Dianu, who stood with her hands folded in front of her dress.
“And who is this beautiful young lady? Could it be… Marek…?”
“Absolutely not.”
The firm reply stung Dianu slightly, even though it was true.
No, it’s true we don’t match in status, but there’s no need to be that strict about it.
Still, she simply smiled politely.
“Hello, madam. Pleased to meet you. I am Dianu Ortensa, the governess of Princess Elpenlira.”
“Nice to meet you. I am Milena, wife of Tiber Loisen, Marek Loisen’s elder brother.”
Since Sir Loisen was the second son of the Loisen family, she was the future Countess Loisen.
After greeting Dianu, Lady Loisen continued.
“I wasn’t aware Her Highness had a governess. This is new to me.”
From her innocent expression, Dianu realized she didn’t know about the relationship between the Princess and Edric Loisen.
If even her family doesn’t know, the secret must be very well kept…
Of course, the Princess couldn’t be openly broadcasting her romantic choices, but Dianu felt anew how extraordinary it was that the Emperor had confided this to her.
If I made even a single slip of the tongue, I could vanish without a trace.
Her mind churned with anxiety.
Now that she knew the Princess’s secret, she might never truly escape the Imperial family’s scrutiny.
Even without having anything to hide or having done anything wrong, unease remained.
Lady Loisen did not hide her curiosity about Dianu.
“Lady Ortensa, where are you from? Might I have met your parents?”
It was the refined way nobles asked about the rank and family of someone being introduced.
Dianu was certain everyone nearby was listening intently.
“I am from the Duchy of Erbinjel. My parents have never been to the capital, so you wouldn’t have met them.”
“Oh…”
Dianu internally smirked.
Even with just a glance, I can send the message: why is a minor lady like me being escorted by a distinguished Imperial Guard and second son of the Loisen family?
Sir Loisen said bluntly.
“Lady Ortensa is an exemplary young lady. His Majesty the Emperor trusts her greatly.”
Dianu was slightly surprised.
Sir Loisen was not merely taking her side — he was, in effect, instructing Lady Loisen not to treat her poorly.
Lady Loisen, understanding the message, flushed faintly and excused herself, citing her husband was waiting.
Dianu lowered her voice.
“Are you worried she might dislike me?”
“I only spoke the truth. Your sister-in-law has a habit of judging people by title and family.”
That was true of most people, not just Milena Loisen.
Dianu looked at him with a mix of disbelief and curiosity.
“But she’s the future Countess and wife of the family head. Maintaining a good relationship would be advantageous, wouldn’t it?”
“That doesn’t matter to me. Before I am the second son of the Loisen family, I am a knight sworn to serve His Majesty the Emperor. My loyalty is always with Him.”
Seeing Dianu’s puzzled expression, Sir Loisen added casually.
“His Majesty would expect me to act this way.”
Dianu felt her ears heat up.
Yet Sir Loisen calmly turned his gaze to the main gate as if nothing had happened.
“It looks like it’s our turn.”
A footman took the invitation Sir Loisen handed him and called out loudly.
“Sir Marek Loisen and Lady Dianu Ortensa, please enter!”
The doors to the banquet hall swung wide.
Dianu composed herself and took a deep, steadying breath.
I just need to stay quiet in a corner, out of everyone’s sight.
She repeated this resolution several times.
