GAVAF 22

Chapter 22

“Then may I ask what kind of gemstone you would like? If you tell me, I can bring several varieties to show you.”

“What do you two want to see?”

When Haeton finished speaking, I turned to look at Vera and Nana, who were sitting beside me. They caught the hidden meaning in my words—that they should choose what they thought would suit me best—and their faces suddenly grew determined.

“Would you happen to have any Verseton diamonds? I’d prefer a piece about this size. I plan to make a matching earring and necklace set.”

Verseton diamond?

At the unfamiliar name, I tilted my head. Nana leaned close to my ear and whispered quietly.

“Vera actually borrowed books from the library to study gemstones so she could find one that would suit you, my lady.”

I’d given her time off so she could rest without worry, and yet she’d spent that time studying for my sake. Seeing Vera like that felt like gentle rain falling on my once-dry heart.

I looked at Vera’s serious profile, moved. I’d always liked people with a strong sense of professionalism, and my fondness for her deepened as I straightened my posture.

“Didn’t you hear? She said bring the Verseton diamonds. Quickly.”

“I’ll bring pieces of the size you mentioned right away. Please wait a moment.”

Haeton, who had hesitated after hearing Vera’s words, hurried out at my impatient order. As soon as he left, I dropped my haughty expression and spoke to Vera and Nana.

“Pick what suits me best. I trust you two.”

“Thank you for entrusting us!”

“We’ll make sure we live up to that trust!”

Before I could even finish speaking, they both shot up, bowed at a perfect ninety degrees, and spoke with passionate energy. I scratched my head.

Why do they look like gang underlings greeting their boss?

Smiling at my adorable maids, I nodded.

When we’d gone in, my hands had been light; when we came out, they were heavy.

After buying jewelry, shoes, and the latest cosmetics, I was exhausted—even though all I’d done was follow along.

Climbing into the carriage with my tired body, I sat down and closed my eyes out of habit. Soon, as they assumed I was asleep, I heard Vera and Nana talking.

“I’ll handle the makeup.”

“Then I’ll choose the accessories that match her dress.”

“Okay. As for hair, Darin from the kitchen is really good. Even when she ties it up casually, she knows how to bring out someone’s best features.”

“Good. Hair by Darin, then…”

A small smile appeared on my lips. For the first time in a while, I felt like Yoon Seung-ah again.

The coordinator, the hair and makeup artists, and my manager, Dong-soo… They’d all been like family, people who worked solely for me.

Since becoming Harna, I sometimes thought of them when I was alone, though the longing had faded over time.

Even as Harna, I still have people who care about me.

I shouldn’t act as though my life had ended just because I’d been betrayed by Sehara, Harna’s old friend. This life was both a blessing and a gift. I didn’t want to waste that chance on apathy.

Pull yourself together.

I decided not to attend the imperial ball half-heartedly. Since others were putting in so much effort for me, I would become the true star of the ball they dreamed of.

Having finished dressing, Arsen checked his priest’s robes one last time and stood.

He had arrived in the capital a day before the imperial ball. Sent to investigate the source of a corrupt energy, he decided to use the gathering—where all the nobles of the empire would be present—to his advantage.

Dark magic was strictly forbidden, but someone in the capital had clearly broken that taboo. Convinced the culprit was a noble, not a commoner, Arsen had informed the emperor of his intention to attend the ball.

If I see them in person, I’ll know who it is.

The emperor, unaware of Arsen’s true motives, was simply delighted that a high priest would grace his birthday celebration—believing it a sign of divine blessing.

And so, the night of the ball arrived. Arsen’s eyes gleamed like sharpened blades.

Soon, he would uncover the culprit by the command of the Pope.

“In the name of the God of Light, Leberta.”

At the same time, in the Duke of Retorno’s mansion—

Trin inspected Carden’s formal attire again and again, making sure nothing was out of place before sighing with relief. Finally, he checked Carden’s face—though that was hardly necessary, since it was already perfect.

“All done?”

Carden asked wearily after enduring Trin’s scrutiny. The butler, catching his master’s look, raised both thumbs dramatically.

“You look magnificent, my lord!”

“Do I now?”

Carden glanced at the mirror. The formal outfit accentuated his strengths, and his hair, swept back to reveal his forehead, completed the refined image.

Harna…

Though he was attending the ball reluctantly, the thought that he might see her again stirred something different in him.

He kept recalling their time together at the orphanage—her smile toward the children, her willingness to work hard even when her clothes were dirty.

He knew he should avoid her; whenever he saw Harna, he felt himself turning into someone else. But despite that, the desire to see her grew stronger.

Have I finally gone mad?

With a self-mocking smile, Carden brushed aside his thoughts and descended the stairs ahead of Trin, whose shorter legs struggled to keep up. The butler grumbled about his master’s lack of consideration, but Carden ignored him.

Settling into the carriage, he leaned his chin against his hand and gazed out the window.

After removing my dress, I checked my body in just my undergarments.

My abs were neatly defined, my arms and legs slim, my jawline sharp. I couldn’t help but smile.

“Not bad for a week’s work.”

I’d successfully whipped myself into shape through strict diet and intense workouts—techniques I’d learned back when I was Yoon Seung-ah.

“My lady, it’s time to get ready.”

“I’ll be right out.”

At Vera’s voice outside the door, I slipped into my dress and opened it.

Tonight was the Emperor’s birthday celebration—the grand imperial ball everyone in the Marquisate of Juren had been eagerly waiting for.

Walking confidently toward Vera and Nana, I smiled.

“Shall we begin?”

“Yes, my lady!”

The two nodded eagerly, and I couldn’t help but grin at how adorable they looked.

Everything will go just as you hope.

The story of the original characters might begin tonight—but so would the new tale of Harna reborn.

Soon, I was dressed in a mermaid-style gown. Thanks to Harna’s perfect figure and my own efforts, the fit was flawless.

The silvery fabric shimmered softly under the light. The original design had a daring open back, but not wanting to scandalize people in this era, I’d chosen a simpler version—still beautiful nonetheless.

Around my neck and ears were diamond accessories chosen by Vera. The Verseton diamonds were mesmerizing—transparent with a faint red glow swirling within. They were once a specialty of the Verseton Kingdom, now long destroyed, and the gems themselves had become nearly legendary.

Knowing that, I understood why the jeweler had looked so startled when I requested such a rare stone. Thanks to Vera’s research, the set matched my gown perfectly.

I slipped on soft silk gloves embroidered with delicate silver patterns—Vera’s handiwork. They looked as though they’d been made together with the gown itself.

The matching shoes and elegant fan—a must-have for nobles—completed the look, all thanks to Vera, who stood behind me beaming with pride.

Nana had done my makeup. I never expected to see contouring and blush techniques in this world, yet she had even made the cosmetics herself.

Thanks to her skill, the pretty Harna had transformed into a breathtaking beauty that no one could look away from.

My hair was styled by Darin, the kitchen maid known for her “hands blessed by the gods.” With her usual calm expression, she studied my face, nodded, and began.

She let a few strands fall naturally, pinned the rest up with jeweled pins Vera had prepared, and adjusted the bangs delicately.

“Are you pleased with it, my lady?”

“Thank you. You’re very skilled.”

“You flatter me.”

Smiling, I thought that with Vera the stylist, Nana the makeup artist, and Darin the hairstylist, I’d be perfect anywhere.

Just then, my father entered the room, fully prepared.

He was my partner for tonight’s ball. Though Haren had offered to accompany me despite his busy schedule, I’d asked Father instead.

It had been a long time since he’d attended a social event, and with his distinguished, mature charm, he smiled warmly at me.

“You look truly beautiful.”

“Thank you for the compliment.”

I could tell he meant it. I looked at the elegant woman reflected in the mirror—a face that almost felt unfamiliar—then turned around.

“Shall we go?”

“Of course, my beautiful lady.”

“Hehe.”

Laughing at his playful tone, I took his hand.

Chatting with him affectionately during the carriage ride, we soon arrived at the imperial palace.

Before stepping out, my maids did one last check of my dress, hair, and makeup. Satisfied, they nodded proudly. I smiled back at them in gratitude.

When everything was ready, I took my father’s arm and walked toward the ballroom.

“Marquis Derek Juren and Lady Harna Juren are entering!”

The herald at the entrance checked our invitations and shouted loudly enough for the sound to fill the hall.

The chandelier sparkled, musicians played, and the walls glittered with jewels and paintings. The ballroom was dazzling.

As I admired the grandeur, I straightened my posture. The moment we entered, countless noble gazes turned toward us.

As if someone had muted the world, all voices faded, leaving only the music. I couldn’t help but smile.

When I did, I heard quiet gasps all around.

It was no wonder. Tonight, I was not only radiant like the usual Harna—but breathtakingly, impossibly beautiful.

Feeling my father’s concern beside me, I squeezed his hand reassuringly.