Chapter 09
I really can’t stop sighing.
The Duke had said all he needed to say and left without even looking back.
A quiet stillness hung over the greenhouse.
I had no idea what the twins were thinking, but my head was already throbbing.
Anyway, I was being forced to participate.
The Duke’s household had been bustling since morning.
From the moment I woke up, there was a bath with floating flowers, a full-body pack, massages… countless hands attended to me.
I had never experienced such luxury before.
At first, it felt pleasant, but by the time I was exhausted from the endless pampering, the dress arrived.
The maids carefully helped me put it on. Contrary to what I expected about my waist, the size fit perfectly.
“Wow! It’s beautiful.”
“It suits you very well.”
It was an ivory crinoline dress with a large ribbon at the waist as its focal point.
The silk gave off a subtle sheen, and the skirt was wrapped in semi-transparent lace, adding a touch of cuteness.
The warm ivory color complemented my purplish hair beautifully.
‘If I had tried this color at a salon, I’d have had to bleach my hair at least three times, and it would’ve faded in a week.’
It wasn’t as striking as the twins’ hair, but it was a shade I could never have attempted in my previous life, so I was satisfied.
‘It’s a little like a wedding dress.’
I had light dresses for tea parties, but this was my first proper party dress.
Ivory with lace really gave it a bridal vibe. The neckline reached up high, so exposure was practically zero.
As I admired the dress with a happy heart, the maid Chelsea dropped a bombshell.
“This dress was prepared by the Duke.”
“This dress… by the Duke?”
I raised my eyebrows in question.
Of course, I didn’t have anything suitable for a palace party, so I had been planning to borrow one of Ariel’s dresses.
“Yes. I believe Ariel conveyed to the Duke that Miss Cernia needed a dress.”
“I see. I should thank Ariel then.”
Chelsea, ever perceptive, had caught exactly what I was curious about and answered my question.
Of course. I nodded and was about to go thank Ariel when I heard Chelsea’s follow-up.
“However, since the Duke personally chose the dress, perhaps you should thank him as well.”
“The Duke personally?”
That was the funniest thing I’d heard all year. Haha… really?
I doubted my ears and looked at Chelsea, who merely nodded silently.
Of course, Chelsea wouldn’t lie—she was too competent for that.
How was I supposed to react? The Duke personally went to the salon to pick a dress! Just imagining it made me laugh.
Knock, knock, knock.
I was wondering how to thank the Duke when there was a knock at the door.
It was so obvious who it was that I didn’t even ask—just told them to come in.
“Sis! Are you ready?”
“Have you eaten yet, sister?”
It was the twins.
The calm atmosphere vanished as soon as they entered, instantly replaced by chatter.
“Wow! You look so pretty, sis!”
“You’ve always been beautiful, sister.”
“That’s true, but it’s the first time I’ve seen you all dressed up like this!”
“Sure, you’re usually pretty, but today you’re absolutely stunning.”
“Yeah! You’re definitely the most beautiful person at the party!”
These kids… I really raised them well.
Of course, I knew that the most beautiful person at the party wasn’t actually me.
After all, in the novel, the empire’s “flower” was none other than Ariel!
With her striking beauty and enchanting aura, she was famous even in other countries.
But I also knew the twins meant what they said sincerely.
It’s natural to see your friends as prettier and more handsome than strangers passing by.
The twins were completely smitten and were showering me with praise because of it.
“Thanks. Ariel and Ariel are dazzling today too!”
“Really? Good! I was worried whether you’d find them pretty enough.”
“Ariel is always my number one in my heart.”
“And me, sister?”
“Of course, joint number one.”
And honestly, both of them were incredible.
Ariel wore a deep green dress that made her look like a fully bloomed rose, while Ariel wore a neat black tuxedo with red cufflinks as a striking accent.
“The carriage is ready.”
While the twins bickered over who was number one, the butler had already prepared the carriage and called for us.
The Duke’s household was competent—no need for instructions, they just got things done!
I thanked them and got into the carriage.
“I’m a little excited. It’s my first time going to the palace.”
Having lived as a reincarnated character who constantly tried to avoid death flags, I had always been nervous.
The time I spent with the twins was enjoyable.
I cared for them sincerely, wishing that they wouldn’t live out the novel’s tragic fate.
They loved me in return, as much as I loved them.
Still, there was an occasional sense of unease.
What if the story I read dictated their fate, and no matter what I did, I couldn’t change it?
Would my presence as an anomaly disrupt their future?
That doubt kept me from stepping outside the Duke’s estate until now.
Tea parties had been small, private affairs within the estate, and I had never appeared at society events or official gatherings.
Today was the first time I would step out into the world.
‘I thought I’d only ever watch from the sidelines when the original story began, but I get to see the male lead even before the original story starts!’
I felt both fear and excitement.
It had already been 17 years since my reincarnation. Honestly, I had survived so long in the Duke’s estate with little to do. Now, with the Crown Prince’s birthday celebration, I could finally explore freely.
I zoned out to the twins’ chattering, and soon, the carriage arrived at the palace. The servants opened the carriage door, and the Duke escorted me.
‘I never imagined a day would come when the Duke himself would escort me.’
When it was decided that I would attend the party, the twins had argued fiercely over who would escort me. The commotion shook the entire Duke’s household, and the Duke had quietly sorted it out.
‘I’ll do it.’
The twins’ stunned expressions at the Duke’s declaration were unforgettable.
That night, perhaps still sulking over losing the escort to the Duke, I overheard the twins secretly plotting.
Next time, they decided, they’d take turns escorting me instead.
“Duke Ardentaine and Miss Cernia will enter!”
The twins’ names were called right after, and we entered the party hall, receiving the full attention of everyone present.
‘So many eyes on me…’
It was my first time being the center of attention, and it felt overwhelming.
I finally understood how celebrities feel on the red carpet. At least there were no camera flashes, though. I was so nervous I walked carefully to avoid stepping on my dress.
“Straighten your waist. There is no one here to fear.”
Did my trembling transmit through my hands?
The Duke spoke in his usual calm, dry tone, but hearing him say that eased my tension as if by magic.
The hand holding mine was firm, giving me confidence.
“Yes. Being with you, Duke, makes me feel secure.”
I said honestly with a smile.
“But how long will you—”
“His Majesty the Emperor and the Crown Prince will enter.”
Unlike the other nobles, a majestic trumpet sounded, and as the servant finished announcing, everyone in the hall knelt.
“Behold the glory of the Empire, His Majesty the Emperor, descendant of the Sun.”
“Rise, all of you!”
Although it was my first official event, I had been briefed on how it would proceed. Like a school assembly, it seemed.
“First, I extend my gratitude to all of you gathered to celebrate the Crown Prince’s birthday.”
How many times would the Emperor say “for the last time”?
I couldn’t help but smile slightly at the sight of the Emperor, who even had a protruding belly like a school principal.
No, Cernia. Don’t laugh here. That’s punishable. Hold it in.
I deliberately looked away, but the more I tried, the more I wanted to laugh at the friendly Emperor who looked like a principal.
‘Come to think of it… the Crown Prince…’
Why hadn’t I noticed his face before?
Even if I tried to ignore him, I couldn’t.
I finally got a good look at the Crown Prince standing calmly beside the Emperor.
‘A truly classic handsome man. That aura is unreal.’
The author had spent over a page meticulously describing the Crown Prince’s appearance.
Honestly, whether describing a unique face or a classic handsome man, it all felt the same.
High-bridged nose this, sharp jawline that.
I snorted internally, thinking, “Even here, they praise the male lead’s looks the same way.”
‘Thank you, author. Thank you for detailing it so carefully.’
The world was so well-realized that he looked exactly like the description in the book.
Diamond-bright silver-blonde hair. Golden eyes that shone brighter than the stars. Stunning, yet fitting.
‘Look at that pale skin. If it were me, my face would be floating by now.’
Honestly, compared to Ariel, the Crown Prince was slightly more handsome.
“Finally, enjoy the party, everyone.”
With the hearty laugh of the Emperor, he took his seat while the Crown Prince remained standing.
What was he doing standing awkwardly by himself?
“Sis, hide behind Father.”
“Huh? Why?”
Ariel, standing behind me, tugged lightly at my arm and whispered.
“The Crown Prince doesn’t have a fiancée yet, so he’s looking for a dance partner. If he sees you, he’ll definitely ask you to dance. Hide behind Father quickly.”
“There’s no need to worry… wait, you too, come here.”
There were so many beauties in this hall; there’s no way the Crown Prince would ask me to dance! But Ariel was different. From the moment she entered, she captured everyone’s attention—he might ask her to dance.
‘Even if the original story didn’t mention it, I can’t risk him falling for me while dancing.’
I whispered behind the Duke when Ariel approached.
“Sis, would you like to dance one song with me?”
“No!”
Before I could even speak, Ariel quickly blocked me.
She still wore a smile, but her eyes weren’t laughing.
