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Chapter : 26
Madam Floria paid a visit to the Winfoste ducal estate.
“Madam, Madam Floria just entered His Grace the Duke’s office.”
Ordinarily, I should have gone to commission a dress for the New Rite myself, but since Luciano had told me to leave it in his hands, I hadn’t paid it much attention.
“I suppose he called her to make the dress I’ll wear for the New Rite.”
“To think His Grace the Duke is arranging Madam’s dress himself… I still can’t believe this day has come!”
The maids clasped their hands together dreamily.
Since the ducal couple had never been on good terms, they seemed unable to believe Luciano would do something like this.
“That’s true. I’m looking forward to the dress Luciano will choose for me.”
And I meant it. Luciano’s taste was impeccable—I was certain he would choose something perfect for me.
“But, my lady—”
“What is it?”
“I heard that this year’s New Rite will be held at the Temple of Goddess Gaia, unlike usual.”
“Yes. The High Priest who presides over the Gaia Temple has returned to the Empire.”
The New Rite, along with the Empire’s Founding Festival, was the most important and sacred ceremony in the nation.
Three gods were said to have existed when the world was first created.
A ritual for those gods was held every year in the heart of the capital.
But this year was different.
High Priest Mikhail, who had been traveling other kingdoms on pilgrimage, had returned—so the ceremony was being held at the Goddess Gaia’s temple, which was unusual.
High Priest Mikhail…
In the original story, he had only been mentioned; he had no real presence.
All I knew was that he was chosen as High Priest because of his strong divine power and his ability to hear Gaia’s voice.
(The translation continues seamlessly below—no omissions):
After the noble council ended, Madam Floria came to see Luciano.
“Your Grace, Madam Floria is here.”
“Send her in.”
The moment she entered, Madam Floria bowed politely.
“It is an honor to see you, Your Grace.”
“Please, take a seat, Madam.”
As soon as she sat, she spread her design sketches upon the table.
“I drew it as Your Grace requested. What do you think?”
At first glance, the dress she prepared for Estelline seemed perfectly suited to her.
It featured deep purple and navy hues, and the hem was adorned with diamonds. The design was an off-shoulder silhouette.
“Good. Proceed with this.”
“At once, Your Grace.”
Luciano’s lips curved upward at the thought of Estelline wearing the dress at the New Rite.
She’ll be breathtaking.
No one in the Empire could surpass her beauty.
He found himself thinking of her without meaning to, while Madam Floria watched him smiling to himself.
“Your Grace?”
“Ah—yes. You may leave now. Make the dress according to the design.”
“Of course. I’ll return when it is finished.”
Once she left, Luciano pressed his hands to his flushed cheeks and silently fanned himself.
“Your Grace. The Madam invites you to take tea with her.”
“My wife? Where is she?”
“She is in the rose garden.”
Luciano set aside his work and went straight there.
“My lady!”
When he arrived, Estelline was chatting with Madam Floria.
“You’ve finished already?”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
Floria bowed, and Estelline smiled as she saw her off.
“All right. Take care on your way.”
The moment Floria left the estate, Luciano approached his wife.
“My lady.”
“Oh? You’re here, Luciano.”
Estelline welcomed him with a smile.
The breeze was cool, and the sunlight was warm—pleasantly un-winterlike.
“Come, sit down.”
When Luciano sat across from her, she gestured for the maid to bring warm tea.
“Thank you for arranging my clothes for the New Rite, Luciano.”
“It’s nothing, my lady. It’s simply what I ought to do.”
As he sipped his tea, Luciano stared at her openly.
Her attire—casual and slightly loose since this wasn’t a formal occasion—and her hair, unadorned and naturally flowing, were terribly beautiful.
“You are always beautiful, my lady.”
Estelline’s cheeks flushed at his sweet compliment.
“You embarrass me, speaking like that.”
It was a peaceful moment.
The maids, who once trembled in fear that the ducal couple might argue every time they sat together, now smiled at the harmony between their lord and lady.
When the two finished their tea and went back inside, the maids erupted into whispers.
“Did you see that?!”
“You saw it too?”
“Of course! His Grace showing such affection!”
“At this rate, won’t they have an heir soon?”
“True, they’ve been married a while. They must soon share a chamber, right?”
The maids were already picturing the future heir of House Winfoste.
