🔊 TTS Settings
Chapter : 19
Ed’s family had been a line of loyal retainers who had served the Grand Ducal House for generations.
Because of that, Ed took immense pride in serving the greatest grand ducal family in the Empire.
And to Ed, Luciano was the greatest master and the greatest Grand Duke.
Despite being the Empire’s Swordmaster, he never neglected his sword training; his handling of affairs was swift and flawless, and his manners befitted a noble of the highest rank.
Luciano was perfect.
Everyone acknowledged that fact, and Ed acknowledged Luciano as his master as well.
However, Estellin was a slightly different kind of master to Ed.
Though she was the daughter of the powerful Celedina Ducal House and the younger sister of the Empress, she was nothing like Luciano.
Her etiquette was impeccable, but she was cruel and extravagant, and she showed no interest whatsoever in the duties entrusted to her.
That was the Estellin in Ed’s memories.
Yet one day, Estellin began to change.
She stopped mistreating the servants as she always had, and she no longer indulged in luxuries that far exceeded the grand ducal budget.
She even reduced her personal allowance to establish an orphanage for the children of the slums, and she carried out her duties as the lady of the house with competence.
I hope milady continues like this.
That wish was not only Ed’s, but that of all the servants of the Grand Ducal House.
The current Grand Duchess was far better than the frightening one of the past.
Luciano visited the slums in preparation for establishing the orphanage.
“Your Grace, there is a great deal of filth here. Please be careful.”
“I see. I understand.”
It was his first time venturing so deep into the slums, and he had never imagined a place could be this run-down.
He could not even begin to imagine how shocked Estellin—who had always lived in a safe, perfect hothouse—must have been when she came here.
“We must establish the orphanage as soon as possible. I can’t believe such a place exists within my territory.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
After surveying the slums, Luciano was about to return to the Grand Duke’s residence when his gaze was caught by a glittering jewelry shop.
Would my wife like something like that…?
Before he realized it, Luciano was already thinking of Estellin as he looked at the shop.
“Your Grace? Aren’t we returning?”
“I should stop by that place for a moment.”
As if enchanted, Luciano stepped into the jewelry store.
“Welcome—ah…! I pay my respects to Your Grace.”
After receiving the shop owner’s greeting, Luciano browsed the jewelry.
“I’m looking to buy a piece of jewelry as a gift for my wife. Do you have anything suitable?”
The shop owner, delighted by this unexpected fortune, led Luciano deeper inside.
“These earrings and necklace are made from pink sapphires I obtained with great difficulty at an auction. They would suit Her Grace the Grand Duchess perfectly.”
Even to Luciano, who knew little about gemstones, the jewelry looked exquisitely crafted and beautiful.
She’ll like it.
“I’ll take this. I’ll pay whatever the price is.”
“Understood, Your Grace.”
Only after purchasing the jewelry did Luciano board his carriage and return to the Grand Ducal residence.
“Welcome back, Your Grace.”
“Where is my wife?”
The moment he returned, he looked for Estellin.
“Were you looking for me, Luciano?”
Just then, Estellin, returning from a walk, spotted him and approached.
“My lady. Where have you been?”
“I was taking a short walk. Did your inspection of the territory go well?”
“Yes, my lady. And I have something for you. May we talk over tea?”
“Of course, Luciano. Please come to my room once you’re ready. I’ll be waiting.”
After changing into more comfortable clothes, Luciano went to Estellin’s room.
“May I come in, my lady?”
“Yes, come in.”
As he entered the room, the aroma of the black tea Estellin had prepared stimulated his senses.
“Please, have a seat, Luciano.”
“Thank you, my lady.”
Luciano sat comfortably and looked around.
The room he had once thought excessively luxurious felt warmer than ever today.
He didn’t know why, but spending time with Estellin no longer felt burdensome or uncomfortable.
It actually feels comfortable now.
“Have you had the dress fitted for the imperial banquet in honor of Princess Ariel?”
“No. I was planning to call Madame Floria soon to have it made.”
“Then let’s go to Madame Floria together tomorrow.”
Estellin looked surprised by his suggestion and asked again,
“Together?”
“Yes, my lady. I also need to have an outfit made for the banquet.”
“All right, Luciano.”
When Estellin smiled brightly, he felt warmth spread through his chest.
“I have a gift for you, my lady.”
“What is it?”
Luciano handed her the jewelry box.
“Please open it. I think you’ll like it.”
Estellin opened the box and smiled even more brightly, thanking him.
“It’s truly beautiful! Luciano.”
“May I put it on you?”
“Of course.”
Luciano went behind her and clasped the necklace around her neck.
“How is it, my lady?”
“Thank you very much, Luciano.”
“It’s a small gift, but I’m glad you like it.”
“Small? It looks like a very precious gem.”
“It should be precious, since you’ll be wearing it.”
“I’ll be sure to wear it at Princess Ariel’s banquet.”
“Understood, my lady.”
The pink sapphire jewelry Luciano gave me wasn’t an exaggeration—it was truly beautiful.
My goodness… such a beautiful gem exists.
The gemstone was large, clear, and radiant.
I had thought Luciano disliked me, yet he gave me such a gift.
I could feel that our relationship had changed, even if only a little.
At first, he had been sharp and cold toward me, and I found him unapproachable, but as time passed and he became gentler, there were moments when my heart even fluttered.
“Your Grace, a great deal of work has piled up.”
While we were enjoying tea together, Luciano’s aide came to inform him.
“I understand. I’ll take my leave.”
“Are you very busy?”
“Yes. I should go take care of it.”
After Luciano said goodbye and left, I took the jewelry box to my vanity.
“The more I look at it, the more beautiful it is.”
Suppressing the smile that kept escaping, I placed the box on the dressing table.
“My lady, you look to be in a very good mood.”
“And your face is flushed.”
The maids who came in to clear the table smiled knowingly when they saw me.
“Me? That can’t be.”
“It’s true, my lady. Please look in the mirror.”
At their words, I looked—and indeed, my face was red.
“Oh… why is my face like this…?”
“Why else? You must be happy after seeing His Grace.”
The maids giggled, thrilled as if hearing a romance.
“Ahem! That’s enough nonsense. Go on now.”
Embarrassed and growing even redder, I sent them away.
The maids laughed as they left, clearly amused by my reaction.
“It’s winter—so why is it so hot…?”
I fanned myself and opened the window.
Cold air flowed into the room, but my flushed face refused to cool down.
When it was time for dinner with Luciano, I kept worrying about my face as I went down to the dining room.
“Welcome, my lady.”
The table was set only with dishes that Luciano and I liked.
At first, it was all food Luciano liked… but that’s changed a lot too.
Pleased by the small change, I smiled and took my seat.
“The date and invitation for the banquet have arrived, my lady.”
“When is it?”
“One week from now, Wednesday at six. A banquet will be held at the imperial palace in honor of Princess Ariel.”
“We should prepare carefully. Thank you for telling me.”
“You haven’t forgotten that we’re going to have clothes made together tomorrow, have you, my lady?”
Luciano spoke with a playful smile.
I responded in kind, and we continued our meal.
Unlike before, it was a warm and cozy dinner.
After the pleasant meal ended, I parted ways with Luciano and returned to my room.
As I reflected on the many things that had happened today, I fell asleep without realizing it.
“My lady, are you awake?”
“Yes, I’m awake. Come in.”
The Empire’s weather was always fickle; though it was winter, today was unusually warm.
“You’re going out to the capital streets with His Grace today, aren’t you? You should hurry and get ready.”
“…Yes… could you help me up?”
Still half-asleep, I could barely hold myself upright and entered the bath with the maids’ help.
“We’ll make you the most beautiful you’ve ever been today, my lady—so His Grace will be amazed!”
“That enthusiasm is unnecessary…”
The maids burned with hopeless passion, determined to impress Luciano.
“My lady! What color dress shall we choose? Crimson? Silver?”
“Let’s go with silver today.”
“Yes, my lady!!”
They dressed me in a silver gown, styled my hair half-up, and adorned it with jewels.
“You look like the moon goddess from a myth!”
“You’re absolutely beautiful, my lady!”
The maids and attendants showered me with praise.
“That’s enough. Luciano will be waiting. Let’s go.”
“Yes, my lady.”
Just then, Luciano knocked on the door.
“My lady, are you ready?”
“Yes, you may come in.”
He entered wearing golden attire, making it seem as though we had coordinated our outfits.
“L-let us go, my lady.”
After staring at me for a moment, he turned away and offered his arm.
“Yes, Luciano.”
I took his hand and boarded the carriage.
“Have you decided what color dress you’ll wear for the banquet?”
“Since the guest of honor is Princess Ariel herself, I think dressing too extravagantly might reflect poorly on us. I plan to wear a darker dress and keep the jewelry minimal.”
“A wise decision. Princess Ariel would surely appreciate that as well.”
Luciano nodded, clearly pleased with my answer.
“Your Grace, Your Grace the Grand Duchess—we have arrived.”
When the coachman announced our arrival, Luciano extended his hand to escort me.
“Please, my lady.”
Holding his hand, I stepped down from the carriage.
Still holding it, I entered Madame Floria’s shop with him.
Once again, my heart began to tickle strangely.
