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chapter 25
The next evening, before stepping into the party hall, Urielra and Duke Baraota linked arms to present a loving image.
“Don’t be nervous, we won’t stay long.”
“Yes.”
“We’ll just show enough affection to look convincing, then return. Let’s go in.”
With happy smiles, Urielra and Duke Baraota entered the party hall.
“Duke Baraota, you’ve come together with the Duchess. Thank you so much.”
Today’s host quickly approached upon spotting them.
“I hope you’ll relax and enjoy yourselves tonight.”
At those words, Urielra and the Duke exchanged smiles. All eyes in the hall turned toward them.
Duke Baraota had never been one to actively participate in social gatherings. Because of this, many wished to build connections with him but rarely had an opportunity. Tonight, that opportunity might finally arrive—that anticipation was written on everyone’s faces.
“Duchess Baraota, it has been a long time.”
It was a noblewoman she had briefly met at a previous gathering.
“Indeed. Have you been well?”
“Of course, I have. But if I recall, you haven’t attended any gatherings since that day. Was there a reason?”
The noblewoman already knew of what had happened with the Longo sisters, yet feigned ignorance as she asked.
“I’m still unfamiliar with high society. Besides, I’ve been preoccupied spending time with Ray. That’s all.”
“Well, as newlyweds, I suppose simply being together brings you happiness.”
The noblewoman hid her lips behind her fan while quickly scanning the Duke and Duchess.
“There are some people I’d like to introduce you to, Duchess. Would you accompany me for a moment?”
The Duke looked at Urielra, as if to ask for her opinion.
“Then I’ll just step away for a little while.”
“All right.”
Urielra gently slipped her arm free from his and followed the noblewoman.
“Ladies, today we have the honor of Duchess Baraota joining our gathering.”
Among the noblewomen, Urielra spotted a familiar figure.
“Oh my, isn’t this Duchess Baraota?”
It was Erica Medina.
“Lady Medina, it’s been a while.”
“My, so you two are already acquainted?”
“Of course.”
Erica’s eyes curved into a soft smile.
“We greeted each other at the imperial palace last time.”
“That’s right.”
“And it seems we have more in common than I realized.”
Erica’s gaze slowly swept over Urielra from head to toe.
The others were shocked that Erica herself would bring this up and hurriedly raised their fans to hide their startled expressions. Urielra, however, remained calm.
“Is that so? Other than our silver hair, I don’t see much in common. What makes you say that?”
“Well, I don’t need to say it aloud—everyone here already feels it. It seems you’re the only one who doesn’t.”
The noblewomen quickly avoided eye contact. Even though Erica was the Crown Prince’s fiancée, none of them dared openly side against Duchess Baraota.
“Ahem, the weather suddenly looks cloudy, doesn’t it?”
“Yes, it does.”
Watching them clumsily change the subject, Erica smirked. She realized they were weighing which side to align themselves with—hers or the Duchess’s.
“Lady Medina, are you in the habit of concerning yourself with what others think?”
“Do I seem that way to you?” Erica replied in a tone implying she had no need to stoop so low as the Crown Prince’s betrothed.
“Are you not?”
“Of course not.”
“Yet, just now, you implied that because others think the same as you, I must accept it as well.”
“That wasn’t my meaning. Duchess, you’re exaggerating.”
Erica wanted to fluster Urielra—to show her that society was not so forgiving. But Urielra betrayed no such reaction. Instead, she calmly pressed back.
“Is that so?”
Urielra already knew Erica’s intent. In her previous life, she had seen firsthand how Erica delighted in cornering those unaccustomed to society, forcing them into tears or retreat. Urielra herself, once the Blue Hydrangea, had been one of her victims.
Does she really think this petty attempt would upset me?
To noble ladies raised in comfort, Erica’s jabs might feel insulting. But to Urielra, who had lived little different from a commoner, it was nothing more than childish mischief.
“If it isn’t too much trouble, Lady Medina, could you tell me exactly what it is we supposedly have in common?”
Urielra’s question silenced Erica. The reason was simple: aside from both having silver hair and ties to Duke Baraota, there were no true similarities between them.
Even their auras were different. Urielra carried elegance with a touch of strength, whereas Erica had a softer, more charming look. Their dresses highlighted this difference—Urielra wore a blue gown that accentuated her figure, while Erica’s was lilac with a full, flowing skirt.
“Riel.”
The Duke’s voice rang out unusually clear in the hushed hall.
“Ah, Ray.”
Though Urielra had already noticed him approaching, she feigned surprise.
“Would you like to step out for a little rest?”
“Shall we take some air outside?”
“That sounds best.”
At the sight of the Duke’s gentle concern, Erica dug her nail into her fingertip in frustration.
“You two seem so very close.”
“Indeed, such a beautiful couple.”
“Watching you makes me nostalgic for my own newlywed days.”
Urielra gave them a soft smile.
“I’ll be borrowing Riel for a while,” the Duke said, turning with her toward the terrace.
At that moment—
“Did you receive the wedding gift I sent, Rayts?” Erica asked sweetly.
The noblewomen immediately exchanged curious glances.
…Erica sent him a gift?
Urielra was surprised but concealed it with composure.
“Ah, I shouldn’t call you that anymore, should I? What a slip. My apologies.”
Her words sounded apologetic, but her expression betrayed nothing of the sort.
“I suppose it’s a habit. We grew up so close, without formality, and I still haven’t broken it.”
“Lady Med—”
“Lady Medina,” Urielra cut in, interrupting the Duke. He only watched her in silence.
At her low, steady tone, Erica tilted her head innocently, as if nothing were wrong.
“Isn’t it better to break bad habits quickly? I wouldn’t misunderstand, but others might. They could believe you haven’t forgotten Duke Baraota. Surely the future Empress shouldn’t bear such rumors. Now then, if you’ll excuse us.”
After offering her farewells to Erica and the ladies, Urielra left with the Duke for the terrace.
The noblewomen, who had avoided speaking while the couple was present, quickly began appeasing Erica once they were gone.
“Such nonsense. You have the Crown Prince, Lady Medina—how could such rumors ever spread?”
“Exactly. You and His Highness are clearly devoted to each other.”
“Of course.”
“…Anyway, I must step away to fix my dress.”
“Oh, please, go ahead.”
As soon as Erica left, however, their expressions shifted.
“Do you truly think His Highness intends to make her Empress?”
“Surely not. Honestly, she doesn’t suit the role.”
“Exactly. And perhaps the Duchess was right—maybe there’s truth to it.”
Several women nodded in agreement.
“It’s rare for us to all agree like this.”
“Ah, by the way, did you see it?”
“Of course. How could anyone miss such a scandal?”
They were speaking of none other than last night’s gossip paper, which had spread throughout the empire.
On its front page was the headline: ‘Baraota still unable to forget the Crown Prince’s fiancée—what is the truth?’
Almost no noble had ignored it. Yet the article claimed the opposite—that it was Erica Medina who could not forget Duke Baraota, and had spread rumors to that effect herself.
Usually, gossip sheets were full of baseless speculation, disappearing quickly after a few whispers. But this time was different. The smaller articles that followed in the same issue had all been proven true. Thus, people began to believe the front-page story as well.
“By the way, I heard that gossip sheet will be subscription-only starting next month?”
“Subscription-only?”
“Yes. Didn’t you see? At the last page it said they’ll deliver issues only to paying members. Supposedly it will contain even more shocking content—exclusive information one couldn’t easily obtain.”
“Oh my, I can’t wait to see.”
“Indeed. I signed up out of curiosity. If it disappoints, I’ll simply cancel.”
And so, until Erica returned, the noblewomen busied themselves chattering about the gossip sheet.
