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Chapter 9
Even after the funeral ended, Eleanor’s confinement continued.
With the security tightened so severely, it seemed the Marquess Klein was still afraid that Eleanor might run away in the dead of night.
As a result, Eleanor spent her days locked in her room, learning only court etiquette from the tutors the marquess had sent.
The only time she was allowed outside again was for Empress Julia’s birthday banquet.
No matter the circumstances, the logic was that one must celebrate the birthday of her future mother-in-law—and also her father’s mistress.
Eleanor found it utterly absurd.
Now I understand what kind of mindset the Crown Prince must have had when he attended Mother’s funeral.
Even so, he had treated her kindly. That alone was worthy of praise.
Because she herself could never behave that way toward Empress Julia or Prince Cosimo.
“There’s no black dress.”
Eleanor muttered as she looked over the dresses the maids had brought. One of them replied nervously:
“My lady, the master ordered that all dark-colored dresses be removed since this is Her Majesty’s birthday banquet.”
“That won’t do. I’ve just lost a parent—how could I wear something bright?”
With a crooked smile, Eleanor made her demand.
“Bring me a black dress. Otherwise, I won’t attend the party.”
The maids exchanged uneasy glances. But when Eleanor stood still like a statue, making it clear she meant every word, one of them eventually went to call the butler.
“I won’t go unless it’s a black dress.”
Even then, Eleanor refused to back down, and in the end, the Marquess Klein himself had to come to her room.
Looking at her with irritation, he asked:
“Is this your idea of a protest?”
Eleanor remained silent, as if she didn’t even want to speak to him.
After muttering a curse, the marquess glared at her.
“Butler, do as she says. Bring something that at least looks like a proper party dress.”
“I’ll choose the dress myself, Marquess. I’ll wear what I want.”
At her stubbornness, the marquess looked like he might strike her—but restrained himself.
Seeing that, Eleanor sneered.
“What a pity. If it weren’t for the party, you would’ve hit me.”
The marquess’s face flushed red and blue with anger. As if he might truly cause a scene if he stayed any longer, he stormed out.
Watching his retreating figure with contempt, Eleanor turned to the butler.
“What are you waiting for? Bring me the black dress.”
“Just who on earth are your real parents, for you to turn out like this?”
Inside the carriage, the Marquess Klein spoke with a tone of disgust.
“They must’ve been stubborn and vulgar people. It’s obvious from your behavior.”
Eleanor quietly watched him ramble before speaking.
“Father.”
It was the first time she had called him that since the death of the Marchioness.
The marquess stopped talking and looked at her.
Eleanor tilted her head slightly and smiled strangely.
“Stubborn and vulgar? Why do you keep insulting yourself like that?”
“…What?”
“You’re my real father, aren’t you?”
Pointing at him with her finger, Eleanor spoke calmly.
The marquess let out a hollow laugh.
Eleanor smiled as if matching his reaction and tilted her head.
“Is it really okay to tell others that you’re not?”
On paper, Eleanor was legally the biological child of the marquess and his wife.
It had been his own suggestion—to raise her value for marriage in the future.
The marchioness had agreed, not wanting her daughter to become gossip due to being adopted.
“I’m a bit curious. Does Her Majesty the Empress know?”
“Shut your mouth.”
“Oh my, I didn’t realize you kept secrets even from your lover.”
At her mocking tone, the marquess glared.
Eleanor observed him with interest and continued:
“Does Prince Cosimo know?”
The marquess flinched slightly—and Eleanor got her answer.
She pressed on.
“Then does he also not know about your relationship with the Empress?”
“Eleanor, will you be quiet already?!”
“Oh, so he doesn’t. If you only treat your son-in-law this way, won’t the prince feel left out?”
Eleanor sighed, putting on a look of exaggerated concern.
The marquess’s face turned even redder with rage.
Eleanor curled her lips and let out a small scoff.
“Don’t worry. I have no intention of revealing it either.”
“You’d better not!”
the marquess snapped.
“It would only harm you. If the prince finds out about your lowly origins, do you think he’ll treat you well? A husband always judges his wife based on her family!”
At that, Eleanor’s expression turned cold.
“That’s not always true. My mother was born into a noble family.”
“….”
“Did that make her husband treat her well?”
The marquess was left speechless.
Eleanor looked at him with disgust before continuing:
“I don’t expect Prince Cosimo to treat me well even if he knows my background. My mother was a cherished only daughter, and even she was mistreated—so why would I expect anything different?”
“You insolent—!”
The marquess finally lost his temper, but Eleanor met his gaze fiercely.
Then he remembered they were on their way to the Empress’s banquet and forced himself to endure.
Deciding it would only anger him further, he said nothing more.
Naturally, Eleanor had no intention of speaking to him either.
Thus, in silence, they arrived at the imperial palace.
Inside the banquet hall, it was already bustling with guests and filled with the rich sound of an orchestra.
Before entering, the marquess warned nervously:
“There are many eyes watching. Show proper respect to Her Majesty.”
“……”
“Eleanor!”
When she didn’t respond, he growled lowly.
Only then did Eleanor slowly turn her head and smile.
“I’ll think about it.”
She removed the red fur shawl draped over her shoulders.
The moment her appearance was revealed, the marquess’s eyes widened.
“Y-you… that outfit…!”
While he stood frozen in shock, Eleanor stepped straight into the hall.
Finding Empress Julia wasn’t difficult.
She was, after all, the one surrounded by the most people.
Eleanor walked toward her.
People who noticed Eleanor parted in surprise.
“Your Majesty.”
At last, Eleanor stood right before the Empress.
Julia turned her head casually—but the moment she saw Eleanor’s outfit, her gaze wavered. For a brief instant, anger flickered in her eyes.
“Congratulations on your birthday. May you live eternally.”
“…Lady Klein.”
Julia’s smile stiffened.
The surrounding people also began to watch her carefully.
“What is that attire?”
“Ah.”
Eleanor smiled faintly.
“As you know, I recently lost my mother.”
The dress she wore was black.
In itself, that wasn’t unusual—widows often wore black even at parties.
The problem was the design.
The sheer black dress Eleanor had chosen closely resembled the one Julia had worn fifteen years ago—on the day the Crown Prince’s mother was executed.
“While wishing to honor my grief for my mother, I also wanted to celebrate Your Majesty’s birthday… so I chose a black dress suitable for the occasion.”
I hope you will understand.
Eleanor smiled innocently, as if she knew nothing at all.
