Chapter 13
Arthur, staring intently at her as if trying to read the thoughts hidden behind her expression, clicked his tongue lightly and said:
“As you said, Madam, as a member of the imperial family, I cannot dare defy His Majesty’s command.”
“Yes. That’s right.”
“…Understood. If that is your decision, I shall immediately send a letter to the palace expressing our willingness to attend.”
“Yes, please do.”
It seemed that Arthur was still somewhat displeased with Grace attending and asked her repeatedly for confirmation. Yet, Grace’s firm, unwavering answer made him finally nod in acknowledgment.
Then, letting out a very small sigh, Arthur lowered his gaze to Leon, who was still nestled in Grace’s arms, and said:
“Leon, it’s time to leave Madam’s arms. Her arms must be sore by now.”
“Yes, please put me down!”
“Ah, very well.”
At Arthur’s words, Leon released himself from Grace’s embrace and stepped lightly onto the floor. Grace, feeling a sudden emptiness from the absence of his warmth, rubbed her arms. Arthur noticed her reaction and, standing beside Leon, said:
“Leon, next time you see Madam, be sure to thank her and gently rub her arms.”
“Yes, Brother.”
“Now, I must be going. Leon, it’s almost time for you to study military science with Sir Roland. I’ll take you to the study.”
“…I don’t want to study military science…”
“But to become a proper knight of the Empire, you must learn it.”
Arthur tenderly brushed back Leon’s long bangs as he pouted. Then, glancing at Grace, who was smiling softly at the sight of Leon, he said:
“Then, Leon and I will take our leave now.”
“…Ah, yes. Please take care. Leon, study hard! We’ll see each other tomorrow!”
“Hehe, yes!”
“I look forward to seeing you again, Duchess.”
As when they first met, Arthur avoided Grace’s gaze, greeting her with an awkwardly stiff face. Grace, in turn, awkwardly lowered her head to return his greeting, then turned to wave at Leon, who was holding Sir Oliver’s hand. Leon smiled brightly, waved both hands energetically, and hurried to catch up with Arthur.
Grace let out a small laugh as she watched their retreating figures. Once Arthur and Leon disappeared from sight, Sally, who had been standing beside her, gave a subtle nod and said:
“We should head back to the bedroom now. It’s time to prepare for the party.”
“…Yes. Understood.”
Grace nodded slightly and followed behind Sally.
According to the letter, the imperial wedding celebration banquet was in five days. Though she had confidently told Arthur that she would attend, now that it was officially decided, her heart raced with worry and anxiety.
She was not only concerned about the curse but also fearful of seeing the family that had caused her first death again.
Yet, there was no avoiding it.
This was something she had to go through to live her second life as herself—‘Grace,’ truly and entirely.
‘…I need to stay sharp.’
Silently vowing this to herself, Grace bit her lower lip.
Grace returned straight to the bedroom with Sally. It seemed the servants had already lit a fire in the fireplace, as the room was now warm enough to thaw frozen hands.
Grace quickly removed her thick coat and sat in a soft chair by the window. Sally took the coat and hung it in the wardrobe. After checking inside briefly, she turned to Grace and asked:
“By the way—”
“Hmm? Yes, Sally?”
“Where did you put the dress for the party? Is it in that suitcase over there?”
“Oh, yes. That’s right. I didn’t take it out since I didn’t think I’d need it just yet.”
“Oh! I see! I should have organized it earlier—sorry about that.”
Grace’s explanation made Sally beam as she grabbed Grace’s suitcase next to the wardrobe. She opened it and carefully unfolded a dress. Inside was a deep navy dress with silver buttons, narrow in shape. Sally frowned slightly at its plain design and said:
“Surely you didn’t wear this to attend the party all this time?”
“…Yes, I did.”
“Oh my! Isn’t it far too simple for a party? I don’t know much about fashion, but I can tell this dress is way out of style.”
“…Haha.”
Grace laughed awkwardly and avoided Sally’s gaze. Indeed, the dress was very outdated, having been left to her almost as if discarded by her mother, the Duchess of Alberton.
‘When I said I needed a dress for my coming-of-age ceremony, she tossed this at me from the corner of the wardrobe.’
Grace grimaced at the memory of her mother’s annoyed expression. Sally, noticing her hesitation, sighed softly.
“…I’m sorry. I misspoke again.”
“No, it’s fine. You’re right.”
Grace looked at the plain, almost shabby dress in Sally’s hands with a complicated expression. Sally, concerned, alternated her gaze between the dress and Grace’s face. She had assumed Grace wore modest clothes intentionally to reflect her simple and kind nature, which was mistaken.
Sally sighed deeply.
“…I should have checked earlier. If I had known, I would have summoned the craftsmen immediately when you arrived.”
“So, it’s not really suitable to wear this dress to the party, right?”
“I’m afraid not. If you wear this, the noblewomen who gossip nonstop will have a field day.”
“…Haha.”
“I’ll call the craftsmen tomorrow and have multiple dresses made, along with some new accessories.”
Grace gave a troubled expression. She appreciated Sally’s concern but wasn’t entirely thrilled. After all, in a few months, she would effectively be nonexistent in this empire, so spending a fortune on dresses and jewelry seemed unnecessary. She also didn’t want to trouble the Felix household unnecessarily.
“…Sally.”
Just as Grace cautiously considered whether to spend her modest fortune on a dress, a knock came at the bedroom door.
Knock knock.
“Are you in there?”
Sally tilted her head and walked to the door.
“Yes, Madam is inside.”
“Oh, Sally, perfect timing. If it’s alright, could you open the door?”
“Oh, yes. Of course.”
Sally opened the door, and several servants and maids entered, carrying large velvet boxes in both arms. They began stacking the boxes in front of Grace, who was seated, and she looked at them in surprise.
“Uh, what is all this?”
The servants smiled lightly in response. Then, arranging the boxes so that all of them were visible to Grace, they began opening them one by one.
“Oh my!”
“…Good heavens.”
Inside were dozens of dress fabrics, leather for shoes, and various pieces of jewelry—each item more exquisite than the last.
From spring-green silk to mysterious purple, soft rose pink, various dyed leather for shoes, diamonds, rubies, sapphires, to amethyst necklaces and earrings—everything was precious and beautiful. Grace stared at them with a dumbfounded expression.
“All of this…?”
“These are all gifts sent to you by the Duke.”
“All of this?”
“Yes. If there’s nothing here you like, let us know, and we’ll summon the artisans again.”
“No, this is more than enough. There’s no need to call them again.”
“Then select what you like. We will have dresses and shoes made to your measurements.”
A maid standing beside her smiled as she spoke, and Grace looked down at the spread before her. Everything was so beautiful and delicate that she felt overwhelmed, unable to choose immediately.
Sally, excited, gently tapped Grace’s hand and said:
“From what I see, the rose-pink satin with white calf leather, along with the teardrop diamond necklace and earrings, would suit you best. What do you think, Madam?”
“…R-Really?”
“You don’t like it? Then how about the sky-blue Mikado silk with blue leather shoes and a sapphire necklace? It would perfectly match your fair skin. Which of the two do you prefer?”
“…Ah. I think either would be fine.”
Having never properly chosen a dress or jewelry before, Grace simply agreed to Sally’s suggestions.
Sally paused briefly as if considering, then smiled broadly and announced to the waiting servants:
“Then we’ll make all of these into dresses and shoes!”
“…What?”
“Please put the jewelry in the safe over there. Ah! Make the rose-pink satin dress first! I’ll measure it now and send the dimensions right away.”
“Understood, Sally.”
Sally’s excited voice prompted the servants to eagerly begin organizing the boxes.
