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Chapter : 14
The week I spent at the southern villa was like a dream—sweet and blissful.
During that time, I grew closer to Lisianthus, and dealing with him, which had been difficult after my possession, became much easier.
“Ha… Once we go back, I’ll have to deal with those tedious nobles again, won’t I?”
Lisianthus let out a deep sigh and took a sip of ade inside the carriage returning to the capital.
Because Lisianthus said he wanted to delay his return to the imperial palace a little longer, we headed to the capital by carriage instead of using warp magic.
“We had a good time for a whole week. That’s enough, isn’t it?”
I opened the window and basked in the pleasant sunlight pouring in.
“Winter’s coming soon, and so is the Founding Anniversary Festival.”
Now that I thought about it, many major events in the Empire were concentrated in winter.
The first to arrive was the Founding Anniversary Festival in mid-November.
During the festival, many delegations came from other countries, and even the citizens of the Empire—who were usually burdened by their daily lives—could relax and enjoy the celebrations.
Of course, the nobles attended banquets held at the imperial palace, where they built connections with foreign royalty and high-ranking aristocrats.
After that came the banquet held in mid-December, the coldest time of the year, to give thanks to the primordial gods—Gaia, Luna, and Helios.
That day was considered just as important as the Founding Anniversary Festival, so unless a noble was stationed in a war zone or conflict area, attendance was mandatory.
“You’re right. It’s already the Founding Anniversary Festival season.”
After traveling nonstop, the imperial palace located at the center of the capital finally came into view.
Before heading to the palace, the carriage stopped at the Grand Duke’s residence first, following the Empress’s wishes.
“Your Grace, we have arrived at the Grand Duke’s residence.”
Taking the coachman’s hand as I stepped down, familiar faces greeted me.
“Madam, we’re relieved that you’ve returned safely.”
“It’s been a while, everyone.”
After entrusting my luggage to the maids and heading up to my room, I saw my neatly arranged bed and desk.
“Did you clean while I was away?”
“Yes, Madam. There was quite a bit of dust on your desk because of the documents.”
“Thank you.”
“Then please get some good rest!!”
The maids, who had been wearing proud expressions at Estelin’s praise, discreetly withdrew so she could rest properly.
After changing into an indoor dress, I headed first to Luciano’s reception room to see him.
Knock, knock.
“It’s me, Luciano.”
When I knocked, a cool voice I hadn’t heard in a while came from inside.
“Please come in, Madam.”
When I opened the door, I saw Luciano buried in a mountain of paperwork.
“Did you enjoy your time at the southern villa?”
“Yes. Thank you for being so considerate and allowing me to rest properly, Luciano.”
“That’s a relief. You look much better than before.”
At his words, I briefly wondered if I’d gained weight and glanced down at my stomach, hidden beneath my dress.
Regaining my composure, I thanked Luciano once more.
“Thank you for handling my duties while I was away.”
“Not at all. Thanks to how well you organized everything beforehand, it was actually quite manageable.”
I felt pleased by Luciano’s unexpectedly positive evaluation.
“There’s something I wanted to discuss. Please have a seat.”
We sat facing each other, and he handed me a document.
“What is this?”
“It’s an outline of the orphanage’s size and design. I’d like to hear your thoughts as well.”
Looking over the papers, I could clearly tell how much care Luciano had put into them.
A three-story mansion, a quiet courtyard where children could play freely, and an interior design in warm wood tones—it all appealed to me.
“It looks great. Thank you for putting so much thought into it.”
“Since it will be an orphanage built on the Grand Duke’s land, it’s only natural to make it the best.”
“I don’t think there’s anything more to worry about regarding the design. As for the headmaster and teachers, I’d like them to be trustworthy people who truly love children. I’ll visit regularly, but you never know.”
“Please don’t worry, Madam. I’ll select only the most reliable individuals.”
His confident tone reassured me.
“Then I’ll leave things to you. I’ll be going now.”
“Madam!”
“Yes? Is something wrong, Luciano?”
He seemed like he had something to say, but after hesitating, he remained silent.
“No, it’s nothing. Please go.”
After leaving Luciano’s room, I returned to my own reception room and began preparing in earnest for winter.
“It would be best to summon the merchant guild.”
“A merchant guild, Madam?”
“Winter is coming soon. We should hurry with the preparations.”
Since winter preparations required purchasing many necessities, it seemed best to call in a merchant guild.
“Understood. I’ll contact the Marie Trading Company.”
“Please do.”
Two days after sending word, the Marie Trading Company arrived at the Grand Duke’s residence.
They were a large and reputable guild with close ties to the Grand Ducal household.
“Welcome.”
“It is an honor to meet you, Your Grace.”
Le Marie, the guild’s representative, greeted me and took his seat.
“With winter approaching, I called you to purchase some necessities.”
“Is there anything in particular you need?”
“The most urgent items are thick curtains and blankets.”
“And who will be using them?”
“The servants of the Grand Ducal household. Please bring only good-quality items.”
“Understood, Your Grace. We will deliver them within the week.”
“You may bill the Grand Ducal household under my name.”
“Yes, Your Grace. Then I shall take my leave.”
After Marie departed, Madam Claire—whom I had summoned beforehand—entered the room.
She was a designer who specialized not in noble dresses, but in clothing for household staff.
“It is an honor to meet you, Your Grace. I am Madam Claire.”
“Welcome, Madam Claire.”
“I heard you wish to change the servants’ uniforms.”
“Yes. The weather will soon grow colder, and continuing to work in summer clothes would be bad for their health.”
“You’re absolutely right. I’ll take their measurements and make the garments accordingly.”
Madam Claire and her staff measured the servants and then left to begin production.
After that, several other merchants visited the reception room.
I had been worried about whether I could manage things properly in such an unfamiliar environment, but thankfully, everything proceeded more smoothly than expected.
Once all the merchants had left, exhaustion from the long day of work set in, and I clutched my throbbing head.
“Madam, the winter preparations are almost complete.”
“Have you prepared enough firewood for yourselves?”
“Yes! The storage is already piled high with it.”
“Then it seems we’re nearly finished…”
“Oh! You still need to have your Founding Anniversary Festival dress made by Madam Floria.”
‘I completely forgot.’
Since it was the largest event in the Empire, attending in an ordinary dress could damage a noble’s honor and reputation.
Having a new dress made was only natural.
“Bring Madam Floria tomorrow. Even with a tight schedule, she’ll deliver a perfect result.”
“Understood, Madam.”
The next day, Madam Floria visited the Grand Duke’s residence.
“It is an honor to meet you, Your Grace.”
“It’s been a while, Madam Floria. I called you because I’d like a dress made for the upcoming Founding Anniversary Festival.”
“The Founding Anniversary Festival… Do you have a design in mind?”
“I’d like a blue-gray dress. Not overly extravagant—something that emphasizes elegance.”
“Then I’ll design it and bring it to you as soon as possible. Please give me your feedback when you see it.”
“Very well. Thank you for your efforts, Madam Floria.”
“Yes, Your Grace. I’ll see you again soon.”
Since I had never personally handled such preparations before, everything felt new—and enjoyable.
Thinking of the servants who would spend the winter warmly also filled my heart with warmth.
Once Madam Floria left, my duties for the day were complete.
“Madam!! All your work is finished.”
“Is that so? Then I should enjoy some tea outside for a change.”
“I’ll prepare it right away.”
About twenty minutes later, I stepped into the garden and saw the afternoon tea the maids had arranged.
“How lovely.”
“Please enjoy yourself, Madam.”
The tea they had prepared was Assam black tea, its rich aroma stimulating my senses.
The cool weather just before winter paired perfectly with the warm tea.
In the garden, purple and blue roses—improved with magic stones by the Grand Ducal household—were in full bloom, thriving even in winter.
It was a very peaceful daily life.
Ever since I collapsed from overwork, my daily responsibilities had been reduced, allowing me more time for myself.
“Dahlia, I’d like to know the list of foreign guests attending this year’s Founding Anniversary Festival. Could you look into it?”
I asked the maid Dahlia because I was curious whether the Kingdom of Etoile would attend.
“The list should be available by now. I’ll bring it to you as soon as possible.”
“Please do.”
If the Kingdom of Etoile attended, the head of its delegation would likely be the first princess—and the heroine of this novel—Rebecca von Etoile.
‘If it’s not her, there’s no suitable candidate.’
Although there was a first prince born to the current queen, he was only six years old—far too young to represent the delegation.
‘Then again… you never know. Relations between Etoile and the Empire aren’t exactly good.’
Though Etoile was a small kingdom, it bordered the Empire, and frequent conflicts had strained their relationship.
“Am I worrying over nothing…?”
As I muttered to myself, Sera approached.
“Madam, is there anything you need?”
“Oh—no, it’s nothing.”
“Understood.”
After finishing my tea, I returned to my room.
The sun was already beginning to set.
Time passed quickly.
Between discussing the orphanage with Luciano, finishing winter preparations, and having my Founding Anniversary dress and jewelry made, my busy days continued without pause.
“Madam! The dress is finally finished!!”
The completed dress was stunningly beautiful and elegant.
It truly deserved to be called the finest masterpiece by the greatest designer, Madam Floria.
“What do you think, Madam?”
Her eyes sparkled with anticipation as she awaited my reaction.
“It’s… beautiful.”
That was all I could say.
The dress featured a cool blue-gray as its main color, embroidered with silver thread and accented with blue and white diamonds that shimmered with every movement.
It also paired perfectly with the meticulously crafted diamond jewelry I had commissioned from a master artisan.
“It’s beautiful, Madam.”
Luciano, who had been watching me in the finished dress, offered his own assessment.
“Thank you, Luciano.”
I smiled softly at him.
His blue-gray ceremonial uniform, tailored to match mine, suited him just as perfectly.
