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Chapter 92
Am I Your Favorite?
The social circle had grown incredibly lively as the summer festival began.
“I thought it wouldn’t happen this year since it was delayed, but I’m so glad it’s finally taking place.”
“By the way, Lady Luiji, I heard you received an invitation from the royal family again this year. Please, show us!”
The summer festival was a party held in the name of the royal family. Nobles were invited as “guests” and were allowed to stay in the royal premises.
Since invitations were selective, being chosen as a guest was considered a great honor.
Luiji Calstein elegantly took out her invitation from the royal family. The young noblewomen around her gasped in admiration at the royal seal.
“Of course, the Calstein family never misses it. Truly impressive.”
“Oh, you flatter me. The truly remarkable one is the Saint herself.”
“The Saint?”
Luiji’s remark surprised the young noblewomen, as she was normally known for her arrogance. But Luiji paid no mind to their reaction.
“This year’s summer festival will be dedicated to the Saint.”
“The Saint will attend the summer festival?”
“This summer festival was arranged entirely for the Saint. Never before has a festival been prepared for a single person.”
It was already known that Luiji had been cultivating a special friendship with the Saint.
‘But I didn’t expect it to be to this extent.’
‘And is it really true that the royal family arranged the festival for the Saint?’
One of the young noblewomen nearby spoke in awe.
“No wonder they suddenly decided to hold it in the cursed Pescarlos Forest. So, is it true that the Saint will conduct a purification ritual in the forest?”
“Yes. The Saint promised to purify the Pescarlos Forest for the empire, and moved by her noble heart, His Majesty the Emperor decided to hold the summer festival, which was almost canceled, just for her.”
“Heavens. I’ve heard that all previous Saints refused to purify the Pescarlos Forest…”
“That’s why Saint Stella is truly remarkable,” Luiji answered boastfully.
“Saint Stella is busy treating sick nobles and even establishing a foundation to support orphans. Yet she is going out of her way to perform the purification ritual as well.”
“Wow, she really is extraordinary.”
Then one noblewoman asked quietly:
“But why would someone so remarkable be deceived by Lady Miryu Jouti’s lies?”
“Exactly. I was at the Royaum Kingdom’s presentation, so I don’t understand. The circumstances were different from when the Saint said Lady Jouti was pregnant…”
“Are you insulting the Saint in front of me?”
Luiji reacted sharply.
“Say that again. What did you say about the Saint?”
The young noblewoman quickly corrected herself, sensing Luiji’s piercing gaze.
“Lady Luiji, please calm down. I only had a slight doubt to better understand the Saint’s actions…”
“That’s just another way of saying the same thing. If no one else doubts her, you end up doubting Saint Stella.”
The other young noblewomen fell silent at Luiji’s unexpectedly strong stance. Luiji sighed lightly in the now quiet room.
“The Saint blames herself a lot for that incident. Perhaps that’s why I’m more sensitive about it.”
“Was there something wrong back then?”
“I can’t say everything, but it seems someone tried to trap and slander the Saint. That kind-hearted person…”
At first, the noblewomen assumed Miryu was behind it. But the more they thought about it, the less likely it seemed.
‘Miryu wouldn’t try to slander the Saint, would she?’
‘Could it be Duchess Blanchet?’
Luiji put down her teacup and said firmly:
“Anyway, I hope no one misunderstands the Saint unnecessarily.”
“If Lady Luiji says so, we will believe it.”
“Well, even if I hadn’t said anything, just meeting the Saint would convince everyone of her kindness. She is the one chosen by Atheas.”
The noblewomen wanted to ask more about the Saint, but Luiji shifted the conversation entirely.
“By the way, which designer’s dress will you wear for the summer festival? I’m wearing one by the famous Countess Katrin Olvite from the capital…”
“…Can you introduce them from the start?”
Since morning, a crowd had gathered at the Blanchet residence.
“Hello, Duchess Blanchet. I am Countess Katrin Olvite, commissioned for your dress.”
“I am Countess Reina Fromberg from Fromberg Fashion House.”
“I am designer Behrman, here to oversee the Duchess’s summer festival attire. It is an honor to meet you.”
They were all highly renowned figures. Katrin Olvite, especially, was known to make dresses only for selected clients.
‘These aren’t people you can just call up anytime.’
I tilted my head and slowly spoke.
“Who exactly called all of you—”
“Perfect timing,”
Johann appeared at the door. The designers quickly bowed in greeting.
‘He’s got excellent discipline.’
What on earth had he done?
‘He must have pulled off something incredible I don’t even know about.’
Johann ignored the designers and approached me.
“Do you like my gift?”
“So it was you who sent them.”
“I figured one fashion house wouldn’t be enough.”
“No way, that’s unnecessary.”
Even for the most elite lady, usually only one or two dedicated designers were kept. More than that would be considered excessive.
In truth, I hadn’t even worn all the dresses I already owned because I rarely attended parties.
“I know roughly how many dresses I need.”
“This won’t be easy, huh?”
Johann smiled and gently brushed my hair aside.
“Yes. I just wanted to give them to you.”
“I’ve already received so many gifts…”
“But I keep wanting to give more.”
Johann glanced at the designers.
“This isn’t too much, right?”
The designers nodded enthusiastically.
“Exactly! To capture the Duchess’s elegance, these designers are necessary.”
“Honestly, we wondered if we could create dresses worthy of such a beautiful lady.”
Johann nodded toward me.
“That’s what they say.”
“Sure, that’s easy for someone spending money to say.”
“Is it?”
Though the conversation was light, the designers turned pale.
“N-No, not at all! It’s more astonishing that the Duchess’s beauty wasn’t widely known before!”
“Perhaps before seeing you in person. Now, we absolutely want to create your dresses.”
“Please give us the opportunity to make the Duchess’s dresses! It’s my wish!”
Honestly, I couldn’t believe it.
“Alright, I’ll trust you.”
“Thank you, ma’am!”
Johann must have orchestrated this somehow.
‘If it’s a gift, I’ll accept it.’
The designers quickly had their assistants bring their dresses.
“Then we will show you our designs. This summer collection is inspired by flowers, embodying the feel of a lovely summer—”
All the dresses were beautiful, as expected from renowned designers.
‘They don’t fall short of the place I reserved.’
With Betty assisting me, Johann and I went through the dresses, selecting and suggesting adjustments.
As the designer organized requests, I plopped down beside Johann. He draped his arm around my shoulders.
“Do you like the dresses?”
“Yes. Johann prepared them.”
“It’s nice to see such a reaction.”
Johann smiled, and I placed my hand over his.
“Now, be honest.”
“About what?”
“There must be a reason you brought these designers.”
Johann shrugged.
“No particular reason.”
“Really, all just to gift me?”
I knew about booking designers myself.
“These designers are all booked. And Countess Olvite wouldn’t come just because someone asked.”
“Hm. Well, there was a purpose.”
“I knew it!”
Pouting, Johann pressed my head affectionately.
“But it wasn’t much. Just a minor ‘punishment,’ so to speak.”
“Punishment?”
“There were a few I wanted to annoy.”
A sharp light flashed in Johann’s red eyes.
‘What crime warranted bringing designers as punishment?’
“But I wanted to gift you. At the festival, I want you to be the most beautiful and the center of attention.”
“Why?”
“Well… why, indeed.”
Johann’s eyes curved into a crescent smile.
“I want you to be happy.”
“….”
“When we return from the palace, another gift will be waiting. Expect many more. Gifts will keep coming until you’re tired of them.”
I felt a blush rising from my toes.
‘My face must be bright red.’
I could feel it, but Johann didn’t comment, making it feel even stranger.
‘I don’t even know anymore.’
I rested my head on his chest.
“Fine, I’ll just consider these gifts from you, Johann.”
“You weren’t curious?”
“Yes, but I want to remember them as your gifts.”
Because of my past abuse in Libertan, I didn’t feel good about gifts. They had been used as a pretext to exploit me.
‘But Johann is different.’
Everything he gave me was wonderful. The memories of forced gifts from the Libertan couple had already faded. Johann’s large hands tenderly held my shoulders.
“By the way, Johann, what is this other gift you prepared?”
“Can you guess?”
“Don’t tease me. Just tell me. I’ll pretend I didn’t hear.”
Johann playfully poked my cheek with his finger.
His scent and warm, gentle touch enveloped me.
“I guess… what I want to give you?”
“That’s too abstract.”
“The rest is a secret. Think and look forward to the gifts to come.”
“Why are you keeping so many secrets?”
I grumbled, and Johann kissed my ear, whispering lazily:
“But you’re my favorite, aren’t you?”
I was too embarrassed to answer.
The designers watched the Blanchet couple sitting comfortably on the sofa.
“What a lovely couple.”
“Indeed. I never thought the fearsome Duke could have this side…”
As expected, the designers had been intimidated by Johann and knew just how formidable he could be.
“The trend will definitely follow the Duchess Blanchet.”
“Of course. The Duchess isn’t just a rumor. She’s beautiful, charismatic, and inspiring…”
The designers glanced at Countess Olvite silently.
“How about you, Countess Olvite?”
“I can’t help myself; my hands are itching to start.”
Her eyes sparkled excessively at me, making the other designers gulp.
‘What… is this intensity?’
“I’ve found the muse I’ve been searching for! A dream opportunity.”
The Countess dashed to the fashion room, and the other designers nodded.
“I also feel inspired to create when I see the Duchess.”
“Exactly. Though I’ve seen many beautiful ladies, her aura is unique. Now I understand why the Duke treasures her.”
“Yes, her aura is exceptional.”
Betty, naturally joining in, nodded happily.
‘No one here would obstruct my lady’s path.’
A few days later.
Johann and I arrived at a small forest near the palace. It seemed to be a gathering of distinguished guests.
‘What is the Emperor like?’
Considering how he wiped out innocent families for treason, he didn’t seem very kind.
“Welcome to the palace forest. We will guide you to the pavilion where His Majesty awaits.”
The Emperor was waiting inside. He was a middle-aged man with blond hair and golden eyes, regal like a crown prince, yet exuding authority distinct from Johann’s.
Upon seeing us, he looked pleased.
“Finally, the Blanchet couple has arrived.”
“Greetings, Your Majesty. It’s an honor to witness the glory of the empire.”
I followed Johann, lifting my skirts elegantly.
Thanks to the strict etiquette I learned in Libertan, my posture remained flawless.
“Lift your head. This is a gathering for comfort, so no need to feel burdened.”
The Emperor studied my face and smiled gently.
“This is the first time I’m seeing Duchess Blanchet.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I apologize for not greeting you sooner due to my health.”
“I know. I’ve heard that your body is so delicate that you require assistance at the temple.”
…The Emperor knew?
‘Maybe everyone in the world knows about my health.’
I blinked and lightly smiled, unsure what to say. The Emperor then turned to Johann.
“There is a custom that the Saint performing the purification ritual has a guardian noble. Are you aware, Duke Blanchet?”
“It’s a tradition that has faded, I think.”
“But it’s still a stated custom. According to it, the Saint requested to have Duchess Blanchet as her lady.”
Johann’s expression stiffened slightly, his smile turning cold.
“And Your Majesty’s opinion?”
“But I refused within my authority.”
The Emperor smiled subtly and replied.
