As Kieran departed, the parade of noble guests to the townhouses persisted, each one more taken aback and impressed than the last upon laying eyes on Canilia at Claude’s side. The capital’s aristocracy remembered Canilian Vale well, and so their shock was to be expected. Some of them gawked slack-jawed at Canilia in her elegant attire, only to be met with a fierce glare from the duke when they eventually dared to look up. Nonetheless, Canilia was too preoccupied scrutinizing the papers in her grasp to take heed of their stares.
Despite Carso’s appointment as the duke’s steward, he still had much to learn. Furthermore, as Claude had entrusted Canilia into Carso’s care so she could focus on her studies, all the documents eventually made their way into her capable hands.
In any event, word of Canilia Vale becoming the duke’s wife spread like wildfire. Everyone was loudly discussing the duke’s return with Canilia, now a woman, in tow. The influx of gifts from nobles recognizing her as the belle of high society began around that time.
“So… all those men clutching flowers want to request a dance? For what purpose?” Lia gazed out the window, as if she genuinely didn’t comprehend the tradition. The duke’s mansion was swarmed with footmen from noble families waiting their turn. They all bore hefty bouquets of blooms, awaiting their moment. Pepe pressed his hand to his chest and peered out the window alongside her.
“Dancing with the Duke’s wife is a great honor for any family. Plus, it’s Miss’s debut.”
“Hmm, so they send flowers for that?”
Pepe nodded and pulled taut the laces of Lia’s corset.
“Well, it appears that the Duke is exceedingly irate… but in society, it’s simply par for the course. Thus, even the Duke won’t be able to deny a dance request.”
“No, nothing is impossible for that man,” Lia remarked.
As she scrutinized herself in the mirror, she swallowed her dry throat. Though curious about Claude’s condition, it wasn’t the time to fret about it.
Today marked the first day of the Imperial Ball, the most important event where Lia would finally come face to face with the Emperor himself. Dressed in a gown that once belonged to Mrs. Ihar, Lia carefully picked up the black diamond earrings resting on the plush velvet tray.
As she began to dress, she transformed into a vision of elegance, a golden willow tree standing tall in a field of freshly fallen snow. Pepe, trembling with excitement, fastened the earrings and expertly arranged Lia’s unruly hair. A hint of shadow danced beneath Lia’s long, dark lashes, adding a subtle mystique to her already captivating aura. The people assisting her couldn’t help but look at her with admiration, barely able to breathe in her presence.
With a tiara resembling black coral atop her head and gloves that exposed her innermost feelings, Lia glanced at her reflection in the mirror. Pepe bowed deeply to her, moved to her core. “I am so proud of you, Miss,” she said.
Lia grinned, her hand pressed to her lips. “You’re so random,” she replied, spraying herself with perfume before exiting the room. The rich hem of her gown swayed with every step, and the scent of her presence filled the hallway. Servants stopped in their tracks, and even Edith’s cheeks took on a rosy hue as she emerged from her own quarters, already dressed.
“Truly, it’s just as the rumors say, Your Highness,” Edit remarked.
“Don’t say that, Edith. It’s embarrassing,” Lia replied, a little taken aback.
“It’s true. You’re even more amazing than when you met the Princess. No wonder the Duke is…” Edit trailed off, a glint in her eye, similar to Pepe’s just moments before. Lia felt a twinge of unease. Just what were they thinking?
Her curiosity was satisfied sooner than she anticipated.
Canilia caught sight of Claude’s back, standing at the center of the hall with his arms crossed, scanning the guests as they arrived and collected their cards attached to bouquets of flowers. Beside him, Owen nervously fidgeted, wiping his forehead with a handkerchief until his eyes met Canilia’s. She stood facing him on the stairs leading to the first floor.
Claude turned his head when he noticed Owen’s sudden movements, locking eyes with Canilia’s. Despite having seen her all dressed up for the party several times before, she still felt embarrassed under his gaze. Canilia slowly descended the stairs with a bright smile, but Claude’s expression was far from pleased, something both Canilia and Owen had noted. It was a look she was all too familiar with.
With his arm extended, Claude approached her, and Canilia bashfully placed her hand on his arm, causing him to sigh deeply as he looked down at her. “You’re going to drive me crazy,” he said.