Chapter 50
The person at the window was the Grand Duke.
“Raymond?”
I quickly went to the window and opened it. His face was flushed, as if he had rushed over, and he stepped inside.
“Eilene, I came as soon as I got your note.”
“Oh… We could’ve talked tomorrow…”
I felt a little guilty for calling him so late at night, but he just gave me a gentle smile.
“My heart was in too much of a hurry.”
“…I’m glad you came.”
I had been wanting to see him anyway. Lately, I’d had far too much contact with the Emperor, so I’d been desperate for more time with the Grand Duke—to clear my head and rebuild my mental defenses.
I offered him a seat on the sofa, took the invitation from my desk drawer, and sat across from him. But suddenly, Raymond stood and came to sit right beside me.
Huh? Did I tell him in detail about how the Emperor had done the same thing earlier?
For a second I wondered if my memory was playing tricks on me.
Seeing my confused look, Raymond spoke.
“The sofas are too far apart. I wanted to look at the invitation with you.”
“Ah, I see.”
So that was all it was.
I took the envelope and handed him the invitation. As he read it, his face came close to mine.
A fresh, cool scent filled my nose—a different kind of comfort from the Emperor’s scent. Without realizing it, I sniffed the air like a little rabbit.
Ah… this fresh fragrance. I wanted to breathe it in deeper.
Drawn in by the scent, I leaned closer and, when I looked up, his face was right there.
Luckily, Raymond was focused on reading the invitation and didn’t notice me staring. I took advantage of the moment and studied his face.
His eyes were a deep, clear blue that some might find intimidating, but to me they were gentle and soft.
But then—our eyes met. I could see my reflection in his gaze, and my heart pounded and fluttered.
“Eilene.”
His voice seemed to echo in the air, shaking my heart and sending ripples through me.
Our noses were barely a hand’s width apart.
The thud-thud of my heartbeat felt loud enough for him to hear.
It almost felt like we were leaning even closer when—
Flap, flap!
The sound of large wings cutting through the air startled us both. We turned to see Oki fly in through the open window and land proudly on the table.
The owl struck a triumphant pose, as if to say, I’ve done my job—praise me.
“Oki, you’re here?”
“Welcome back, Oki. Good work.”
“Oook!”
Oki gave a short, satisfied hoot at the greeting and praise.
The atmosphere between Raymond and me had turned awkward.
Raymond cleared his throat to break the tension.
“Ahem. Eilene, about this party invitation…”
“Yes, Raymond?”
“I received one too.”
“You did?”
“Yes. The contents are completely different, though.”
He glanced at the invitation again.
Honestly, I hadn’t wanted to show it to him—because of what it said:
Eilene. I wish to hold a grand party in your honor.
Please shine beside me as my partner. Yours, Kyle.
That sweetly written message was exactly why it made me uncomfortable.
Not to mention, the Emperor’s party was going to be in my name.
I didn’t understand what he was thinking. That’s why I’d wanted to consult with Raymond—but I didn’t want him to see me looking close to the Emperor, even if it was all fake.
“It’ll be fine. I’ll be there too. Let’s go together.”
“Alright.”
He gently stroked my hair, and I smiled up at him, feeling reassured.
The Day of the Party
The party was being held at the imperial palace—and it was my party.
It was an honor for my family, and the mansion was in chaos like it was preparing for war.
I was dressed up more elaborately than ever.
I bathed, scented my body and hair with oils, and applied soft, flower-colored makeup.
Fortunately—or unfortunately—my dress and jewelry for today had already been chosen. The Emperor had sent them ahead of time, calling it a “special dress” for the event.
“Wow…”
“You look stunning.”
The dress, brought by the designer under the Emperor’s orders, was pure white.
The bodice was heart-shaped, the waist narrow, and the skirt flared in an A-line—completely covered in diamonds. Even if a few fell off while walking, they’d still form a glittering galaxy.
With my pale skin, white dress, and soft pink accessories to match my hair, the reflection in the full-length mirror was dazzling.
I really did look like the star of the party.
Still, it was a bit much. White dresses are usually reserved for weddings, not parties. Why did he insist on me wearing one? Did he plan to hold a wedding right after? I couldn’t help but wonder—and worry.
Clip-clop.
The carriage passed through the palace gates without trouble.
Nobles were lined up outside, having their invitations checked, but my status as the guest of honor meant I got straight through.
When I stepped down from the carriage, the doormen opened the hall doors wide, their faces showing surprise and admiration. Inside, nobles looked at me with the same expressions.
Whispers and exclamations spread through the room.
“Wow, that’s Lady Cowet, right? She’s beautiful.”
“I guess it’s true the Emperor treasures her. Just look at that dress.”
“With looks like that, I can see why. Amazing…”
In my past life, I’d been an ordinary woman living an ordinary life. Having so many eyes on me was overwhelming. But instead of looking down, I held my chin high and walked confidently.
“Lady Cowet, good evening.”
“The guest of honor has arrived.”
I nodded politely to the greetings and strode forward.
The Emperor was already seated at the head of the hall. Spotting me, he came down the stairs with a bright smile. He wore a formal white military uniform, more ornate than usual.
“I greet the sun of the Empire,” I said, placing my hand lightly over my heart.
When I straightened, his cheeks were slightly flushed as he came closer.
“Eilene, you look truly beautiful.”
He took my hand in his.
Startled by the bold gesture, I hesitated, but since I was his official partner, I linked my arm with his. Then I glanced around, searching for the Grand Duke.
I didn’t see him yet, so I sighed softly and decided to wait while walking the hall with the Emperor.
Meanwhile
The Grand Duke arrived at the palace—not on horseback, but in a carriage.
It had been a long time since he’d visited in person.
Although his royal blood meant he didn’t need to be checked, he knew the Emperor’s guards might try to slight him.
So he deliberately left late, arriving only after the long line of nobles had gone through.
Almost last to enter, he swept his gaze over the grand hall. Nobles greeted him, but he only gave brief nods, searching for one person.
Eilene.
He found her at last—standing beside the Emperor, just as he’d expected.
But the sight still made his heart drop. In that white dress, she was breathtaking—so much so that anyone seeing her might feel the urge to propose on the spot.
Sometimes, you see someone more clearly from afar. That was how it felt now. She was even more radiant among the crowd than when she smiled up close.
She was a single pure rose, with the surrounding guests like baby’s breath to make her beauty stand out even more.
And in his eyes, there was only her.
So much for “being able to endure it”—that was a lie. Just seeing her there, untouchable, made his palms sweat. His clenched fist moved toward the sword at his hip.
The urge to cut down every obstacle and take her away surged through him.
Cut them down. Cut…
Just then, a cool touch landed on the back of his hand. Startled, he turned—and saw Adrien standing beside him, smiling faintly.
