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Chapter 6
“We’ve arrived.”
I heard the coachman’s announcement. Rousing myself and looking outside, I saw that we had stopped in front of the boutique run by Baron Xavier.
As I stepped down from the carriage, Rivet paid the coachman. Only after confirming that she had finished the payment did I enter the boutique.
“Welcome. Did you make a reservation?”
A staff member, someone I had seen a few times before, approached. They recognized me after a moment and bowed deeply in greeting.
“I’d like to see Baron Xavier. Is she inside?”
“Yes, I’ll guide you in.”
Knock, knock. The staff member tapped the back door, and a voice from inside gave permission to enter.
“You may come in. Would you like some tea?”
“No, that’s fine. I already had some.”
“Very well.”
After ensuring the staff stepped aside, I entered the workshop. It was filled with luxurious dresses and suits.
“Who…?”
Baron Xavier, who had been cutting fabric, turned to look at me and froze.
“My goodness… Cecilia?”
“Long time no see, Monica.”
I smiled brightly at Baron Xavier, who remained frozen in surprise.
Baron Xavier, a famous designer running this boutique in the capital, had been my friend since childhood.
We embraced briefly. Worry was etched across Baron Xavier’s face.
“Sit here first. It’s really been three months.”
“Sorry I haven’t come by more often.”
“No, I heard about you. You… divorced, right?”
“…Yes.”
“Are you… okay?”
Though it was a common question, I wasn’t naive enough not to understand the concern behind it.
“I’m fine. Better than I thought I’d be.”
“That’s a relief.”
Seeing Baron Xavier sigh in relief, I smiled warmly.
“What brings you here? Don’t tell me it’s just to see me.”
“It’s to see you. And while I’m here, I want a dress fitted.”
“Ha! You wouldn’t have come if you didn’t need a dress.”
“Sorry.”
I couldn’t deny Baron Xavier’s words, so I gave her a regretful smile and apologized.
“It’s fine. So, you’re here for the imperial ball?”
“Yes.”
“Do you really have to go? You probably won’t hear anything good.”
“You can’t avoid it forever. If I show my face a few times, the gossip will settle eventually.”
“…That’s true.”
Muttering with a troubled expression, Baron Xavier shook her head and stood up.
“Then let’s start with your measurements. I’ll make a dress that will stand out more than anyone else at the ball.”
“Thank you.”
Seeing Baron Xavier genuinely care for me, I sincerely thanked her.
After taking basic measurements and choosing the fabric, its color, and a rough design for the accessories, I stepped aside so she could start working.
Being a famous designer in the capital, she likely already had many orders for the imperial ball.
It would take several sleepless nights to meet her schedule, so I couldn’t hold her here any longer.
“I’ll leave you to it, then.”
“Alright. When the dress and accessories are finished, I’ll send them to the Marbes residence.”
“Please do.”
After our final greetings, I left her boutique.
Only a few days remained until the ball.
Since this was my first ball after the divorce, a small wave of unease stirred in me.
By the afternoon of the ball, the dress and accessories had arrived.
Though I had ordered early, I had been worried that the dress might not arrive on time. But when I saw it, all my worries vanished—it was breathtakingly beautiful.
Baron Xavier’s promise to make me stand out at the ball was no lie.
The pale sky-blue dress was off-shoulder, accentuating my neck and collarbones. The skirt flared out from a narrow waist, fluttering lightly with the slightest movement.
With Rivet’s help, I put on the dress and matched it with a sapphire necklace and earrings.
“You look absolutely stunning, Madam!”
Rivet whispered in admiration as she helped me get ready. I knew she was flattering me, but I couldn’t help smiling.
“Thank you for saying that.”
“Now, all that’s left is to go.”
By the time we were ready, it was already past six o’clock.
The ball began at 6 p.m., and the Emperor usually arrived around 8.
Since I couldn’t arrive late at the birthday commemorative ball hosted by His Majesty, we needed to leave immediately. The carriage ride from the mansion to the imperial palace took about thirty minutes, so leaving now meant we’d arrive on time.
“The carriage?”
“Waiting in front of the mansion.”
“Good. Let’s go.”
I placed my hand on Rivet’s shoulder as a gesture of thanks and stepped out of the mansion. Once inside the prepared carriage, Rivet and the coachman took their place at the driver’s seat.
“Let’s go.”
“Yes, Madam.”
The carriage began moving.
I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the fatigue that awaited me, taking a brief moment to rest.
Once at the ball, I would undoubtedly draw attention…
Though I told myself these people couldn’t affect me, I knew ignoring them wouldn’t be as simple as I hoped.
So this time, I would show my face for only a couple of hours and then leave.
I tried to calm my mind, wishing no one would speak to me.
Finally, the carriage stopped in front of the ball hall, past the imperial palace.
With Rivet’s help, I stepped down and looked at the grand entrance of the ball.
Before my divorce from Eins—when I was still the Duchess of Graham—this hall hadn’t seemed so daunting.
Back then, everyone treated me kindly, aware of my background as part of the Graham family. No one ever said a word to upset me; only sweet words were whispered.
But now, everything was different.
I was no longer the Duchess of Graham. Having returned to my rightful position as Marchioness Marbes, I was entering the ball on my own.
This hall would no longer feel as warm and welcoming.
I mustn’t expect anything or rely on anyone.
After all, those who never truly cared for me wouldn’t deserve blame if I turned away.
Taking a deep breath and slowly exhaling, I stepped forward.
Entering through the main gate and following the familiar corridor, I reached the entrance to the ball hall. A steward was checking the guest list. I approached him.
Rivet presented the imperial ball invitation along with proof of my status as Marchioness Marbes. The steward checked and nodded.
“Confirmed. You may enter.”
After hearing the polite voice, I turned to Rivet. She couldn’t come any further.
“I’ll wait outside.”
“Okay. It won’t take long.”
“Yes, Madam.”
I smiled faintly at Rivet before turning back.
As I stood at the door, the steward opened it.
“Marchioness Cecilia Marbes!”
The steward’s voice boomed, and the previously noisy hall fell silent as if doused with cold water.
Peeking inside, I saw all eyes turn toward me.
I hadn’t expected to draw so much attention merely by appearing. It seemed that my divorce from Eins had become quite the topic of discussion.
Feeling the piercing gazes, I kept my posture straight and walked into the hall without flinching.
Eyes followed my every step.
Among the orchestra’s music, only my footsteps stood out.
Feigning nonchalance, I moved to one side of the hall and held a glass of wine. If I didn’t act busy, people would continue to watch me.
As I sipped my wine in the corner, the stares gradually dissipated.
Soon, the hall, once silent except for the music, was filled again with conversation.
Still, the lack of eyes on me didn’t mean the curiosity had vanished. From my quiet spot, I could hear snippets of people’s chatter:
“Duchess of Graham… divorce… fault… alimony… how dare… overstepping… naturally…”
Even without listening closely, I could guess the topic.
I sipped my wine calmly, pretending not to hear.
Normally, people would have approached to greet me, but no one came.
It felt a bit hollow, but at least no one had come to mock me directly.
As I waited quietly in the corner, the entrance opened again, and the steward’s voice rang out:
“Duke Eins Graham!”
