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[CHAPTER 107]
“You look truly beautiful, My Lady.”
Hearing praise from someone just as beautiful made me shy, but I kept a calm smile.
“Thank you.”
“I’ll help as well. At least for today, I’m your maid.”
“…It’s alright.”
“Here.”
I thought Vivian would complain, but she surprisingly handed her the gloves without fuss.
Sylvia took the ivory lace gloves and slipped them onto my hands.
“Just a moment. I’ll bring the accessories from the next room.”
While Vivian stepped out, I spoke quietly to Sylvia.
“Once we enter the ballroom, what exactly are you planning to do?”
“I intend to search the waiting room where the Tower Master will be. He must have brought the medicine with him.”
“If the medicine is in a small bottle, isn’t it possible he’s carrying it on him?”
Sylvia explained carefully.
“It’s not just one. It’s a mixture of several. I want to steal them because I don’t know the exact components. I doubt he can carry all of them inside his tailcoat.”
“I see.”
After understanding, I finally asked what I really wanted to know.
“Is there anything I can do to help?”
“Mm…”
Sylvia lowered her gaze, hesitating.
“Please, tell me.”
“His Highness the Crown Prince told me not to say anything…”
“He did?”
Why does he keep telling everyone not to tell me anything? I was starting to feel hurt when Sylvia continued.
“Yes. He told me not to let you step into anything dangerous. Allowing me to accompany you as a maid was the only thing he agreed to.”
Hearing that swept away the hurt. Really, my emotions are all over the place. I need to get a grip.
“Even so, tell me.”
Anything that increases our chances is worth doing.
Sylvia attending the ball was already dangerous. In fact, living as Amelia itself wasn’t safe.
“Then… if possible, could you distract the Tower Master? While I search the waiting room…”
“Ah.”
“If it’s troubling, you don’t have to! Facing the Tower Master is dangerous in the first place. Please don’t push yourself.”
The moment I heard her words, I had a feeling.
The Tower Master was already interested in me without me doing anything. If we simply crossed paths, Sylvia might get exactly what she wanted.
“I’ll do what I can, depending on the situation.”
When I answered calmly, Sylvia spoke with a careful look.
“I’m sorry… and thank you, My Lady.”
“It’s alright. I hope the result is good.”
I smiled softly at her.
In the original story, the Tower Master was defeated by Sylvia and Vincent. But Amelia had no part in that ending.
I wondered how this reality would unfold.
Just then the door opened and Vivian returned with a jewelry box.
“My Lady, you must wear this set tonight. I found something that matches your dress perfectly.”
She took out a gold necklace and matching earrings, centered with a large golden ruby.
I nodded.
“Alright.”
I sat again at the vanity and Vivian fastened the necklace and earrings.
“Now you’re truly ready.”
Vivian clasped her hands with satisfaction, and Sylvia nodded as well.
I stood before the full-length mirror.
The golden dress wrapped my body and glowed softly. The necklace and earrings matched it perfectly.
‘Is it too flashy?’
Maybe so, but I’d heard the Harvest Festival Ball was the height of extravagance. This might even be modest.
“Shall we go?”
Sylvia nodded and I turned to open the door, but a knock sounded from outside.
I opened it to find Vincent standing there in an elegant outfit.
His white suit was embroidered with delicate gold on the shoulders and cuffs. A white cape draped over his shoulder added a regal air.
Even the inside of his collar was lined with fine gold thread, matching smoothly with his neatly brushed blond hair.
With all that gold on his handsome face, he was almost blinding.
My heart can’t handle this.
“Looks like you’re ready.”
His clear emerald eyes turned kindly to me. Our eyes met, and instead of racing, my heart calmed in an odd way.
“Sorry it took a bit.”
Vincent glanced at Sylvia behind me, then back.
“It seems like it was time well spent.”
Feeling shy at his subtle gaze, I lowered my eyes.
“Let’s go quickly.”
Vincent raised his arm.
I carefully linked mine with his. Sylvia followed behind silently.
A large white carriage bearing the crest of the Crown Prince waited before the palace.
Oscar stood beside it, clearly wanting to say something. Vincent said,
“Wait a moment. Go ahead and get in first.”
While Vincent spoke with Oscar, Derek escorted Sylvia and me into the carriage.
We sat across from each other, and soon Vincent climbed in.
Feeling strangely tense, I stiffened as he sat naturally beside me.
The door closed, and the carriage began to move.
Of course he would sit beside me. I’m his fiancée. Why am I nervous?
When I felt his gaze, I turned. Vincent was looking at me.
“Your Highness, did you want to say something?”
“No… I was just looking.”
Why just look? I stared back, puzzled, and he quickly turned to the window.
His ear looked a little red. Sylvia noticed and laughed.
“My Lady is too beautiful. His Highness doesn’t know where to put himself.”
Oh no.
Hearing something that embarrassing from Sylvia of all people made me want to hide.
But Vincent’s ears got even redder… so maybe she was right?
When I looked at him again, he turned his head toward me. He stiffened, but this time didn’t look away.
“Amelia, I plan to stay with you as much as possible. But if I can’t, stay near Her Majesty the Empress. She’ll look after you.”
His words reminded me of the dinner with the Roisens. We entered together but spent the whole time apart.
I got into trouble, and ended up facing danger in the maze garden.
Hearing something so different from last time warmed my heart.
“I will. Don’t worry about me.”
But if Vincent stayed too close, Sylvia wouldn’t be able to do anything she planned.
How could I talk to the Tower Master with Vincent right there?
The carriage slowed and stopped. Through the window, Lumière Hall shone brilliantly.
Famous for its grand and intricate design, it was where tonight’s Harvest Festival Ball would be held.
Nobles, attendants, ladies, and maids filled the marble steps. Music and laughter flowed out into the night.
The door opened and Vincent stepped out first. He extended his hand.
I placed my hand on his, and his white glove embroidered with gold held mine gently.
