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Chapter 7
Diana hesitated. Could she really talk about this with someone she had only met yesterday? Especially with someone who casually called herself like a real sister to Erno?
Even if she just wanted to talk, wouldn’t it sound like badmouthing him behind his back?
“You don’t have to worry. If it’s about Erno, I know him best,” Veronica said again, encouraging her.
Finally, Diana began hesitantly, “Actually… I think His Grace misunderstood me. But I’m okay.”
But the truth was—she wasn’t okay. She had explained herself again and again, but Erno didn’t believe her. Instead, he accused her of lying.
If he really thought that, then why even call her the duchess? That title had meant everything to her.
To someone who had lived neither as a servant nor as a proper daughter of Baron Lapin, being called “duchess” was like finally having a solid place to belong.
Now that she had that place, she could never be the one to give it up—even if Erno misunderstood her, looked down on her, or hated her. Even if he didn’t treat her as the duchess, she still had to hold on to that name.
At least someone was listening. Maybe all she needed was someone—anyone—to listen.
After finishing her tea, Veronica finally spoke.
“In that case, Your Grace, you were in the wrong.”
“…What?”
Diana hadn’t expected comfort, but she didn’t think she would be blamed so directly. Her face showed clear surprise.
“Do you know how many people put their hopes on my brother’s shoulders? Even a light comment, if repeated and built up, becomes heavy like lead. He’s already carrying a lot—your words might have added more weight than you meant. Maybe that’s why he reacted like that.”
Veronica shrugged, defending Erno.
“He wouldn’t be mean on purpose, you know. He’s not that kind of person.”
“But I really just wanted him to be safe…”
“He’s human too. People get sensitive sometimes.”
Veronica’s confident tone made Diana think again about what she had said. She hadn’t meant to pressure him, but maybe it came off that way. Biting her lip, she said nothing.
“…I was careless. I’ll apologize when he returns.”
Veronica didn’t say yes or no—she just smiled mysteriously.
“Oh, your dress really is beautiful. As expected of a bride’s gown.”
She quickly changed the subject. Diana touched the northern traditional wedding dress she was wearing for the first time and gave a small nod.
“Actually, this gives me an idea! If you don’t mind, could I ask something?”
“Yes?”
With her usual charming smile, Veronica rested her chin on both hands.
“You know how in the South, when one sister gets married, the other wears something made of the same fabric or similar jewelry? So I was wondering…”
She paused for a while, watching Diana’s reaction carefully before continuing.
“If it’s okay with you, could I wear something similar to your outfit on that day? My brother’s the only person I can call family. I’ve always wanted a sister.”
“…Ah.”
At the word sister, Diana immediately thought of Helyana. Her face froze.
Seeing that, Veronica quickly waved her hands, flustered.
“O-of course, only if you’re okay with it! I don’t want to force you. It’s just if you agree.”
Veronica now spoke Diana’s name naturally—like they really were sisters.
After a short moment of thought, Diana gave her a shy smile.
“I think it’s okay. If you’re Erno’s sister, you’re like my sister too. And you were the first one who reached out to me.”
Maybe they really could be good friends. Maybe if Erno saw this, it would help clear up some of the misunderstanding. More than anything, Diana had always wanted to know what it felt like to have a real sister—not like Helyana, who never treated her kindly—but someone who cared, supported her, and shared worries like real sisters should.
“If you’d like, I can help look at your dress too.”
Veronica was overjoyed.
“Thank you so much! I’m really glad someone like you became my brother’s bride. Let’s get along well, Diana.”
“Yes, let’s.”
Diana smiled back, genuinely happy.
Even though he said he’d be back soon, Erno didn’t return by the day of the wedding banquet.
Thankfully, there was still one more day before the ceremony. Today’s event was for greeting the guests and getting familiar with everyone.
Trying not to focus on the empty seat beside her, Diana welcomed the guests with a graceful smile, doing her best as the duchess.
Some people looked at the new duchess from afar with curiosity, others with suspicion. They whispered in small groups, glancing at her with cold eyes. It was clear—many of them didn’t welcome her.
Diana’s head hurt from trying to remember everyone’s names and faces, and her cheeks were starting to cramp from smiling so much.
Even though the groom wasn’t there, the banquet was lively. But suddenly, the noise disappeared. The once cheerful atmosphere turned cold and quiet.
What’s going on…?
Was it Erno? Diana looked toward the entrance with hope in her eyes.
But instead of tall and strong Erno, there was an old man with a cane—and beside him stood Veronica.
Vero…nica…?
Diana started to greet her happily, but then froze. Her lips parted slightly, and she couldn’t move.
What… what am I looking at?
She couldn’t believe her eyes.
Diana’s dress was white with gold, silver, and red embroidery. But Veronica’s dress was black. That was the only difference.
If you looked closely, the types of jewels and embroidery patterns were different—but side by side, anyone could mistake Veronica for the bride.
And even now, Veronica was wearing a veil over her face—just like a real bride would.
“I greet the new Duchess. I am Ragna Nidhoog, head of the Nidhoog family and current leader of the Senate.”
“Congratulations on your marriage, Diana.”
“W-what… how…”
Still shocked, Diana could barely get her words out. Only when Ragna cleared his throat did she snap out of it and return the greeting quickly.
“I-I’m Diana Lapin… no, Diana Fenril. Thank you so much for coming.”
People began to notice how similar their outfits were. A playful curiosity started to grow in their glances.
When she opened her eyes, Veronica was standing there dressed like a bride.
When she closed them, she could clearly hear the whispers and giggles around the room.
Diana could neither close her eyes nor keep them open. She could barely breathe.
What was this? Was it planned from the start? Or a mistake by the dressmaker?
Her thoughts were so confused that she couldn’t think straight.
“Tsk. I wondered what kind of amazing person she must be to ignore all the warnings…”
A cold, pitiful voice hit her like a knife in the ear, pulling her deeper into her shock.
“It’s nothing. I was just worried about this poor girl, that’s all.”
“Don’t judge her so harshly, Elder. Even if she seems clueless, she’s clearly thinking about who to keep close by. I’m sure she’ll rule well.”
It sounded like praise—but it also implied she would surround herself only with people she liked.
Diana slowly, awkwardly turned her head to look at Veronica.
Through the black veil, Veronica’s eyes were burning—glaring at her like she wanted to kill her.
