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CHAPTER 24
“Your Grace, it’s been such a long time.”
“Indeed it has, Marquis Den. Have you been well?”
“Thanks to your concern, yes. Ah, did you hear about that news…?”
The Duke quickly became the center of the men’s circle, leading the conversation. In truth, all he offered were agreement and occasional questions, yet those small responses were enough to steer the flow of the discussion.
Meanwhile, the women naturally gathered and began talking among themselves.
“Lady Skanan, your dress is as beautiful as ever today.”
“That’s right. Your hairstyle makes you look even younger.”
“Lady Sylvia is as adorable as a blooming rose!”
“Why hasn’t she debuted in society yet? She’s such an elegant young lady!”
People eager for favor continued flocking around Shan like crumbs hoping to fall their way. Shan elegantly fanned herself.
“You flatter us too much. My husband and I have spoiled her a little too much—she still has much to learn.”
“No way! Her etiquette is perfect. Her walk is more graceful than mine. Maybe it’s the noble blood… I’m truly jealous.”
A woman who had likely never even studied etiquette praised Sylvia while subtly putting herself down. Sensitive to anything involving lineage, Shan coughed awkwardly, showing discomfort. She glared at the woman, who was quickly pulled back into the group, humiliated.
Then another woman stepped forward brightly.
“And I had no idea Lady Radian was this beautiful.”
“Yes, truly stunning.”
“Why hasn’t she appeared in society until now? I understand why Lord Iriett married so quickly.”
The center of attention, Radian smiled politely instead of blushing.
“Thank you.”
“We all thought your dress was especially beautiful!”
“It’s such a unique design. Where did you have it made?”
“At Mensklisha’s atelier.”
“Mensklisha? Who is that?”
“Oh, I know! Mensklisha—the designer who made Princess Delzian’s debutante dress!”
At that, everyone’s eyes widened.
Even if they didn’t know the name, they remembered the Second Princess’s debut gown—a bold, revolutionary design wrapped in vivid fabric. It covered the chest but revealed an open back, a daring contrast that shocked high society. Though some criticized it as improper, its beauty made the debut a massive success.
Rumor had it the atelier had been booked for a year the very next day.
And now, that supposedly vanished designer had reappeared.
“She declared she would never use corsets… and now she’s really making dresses like this.”
“Yes. This outfit doesn’t use a single corset. I’m very happy—I can enjoy the imperial kitchen’s food freely.”
Radian’s joke made everyone laugh, though secretly many envied her. On occasions like this, corsets were tightened so much that breathing—or even drinking water—became difficult. Watching men enjoy the imperial chef’s food only deepened that envy.
“If this becomes a trend, we won’t need corsets anymore.”
“That would be wonderful. We should definitely make it popular. Where was that atelier again?”
The mood turned lively again.
“I’ll tell you later. The designer is truly talented. She graduated top of her class from the Lavre Fashion Academy.”
“Top graduate? That’s amazing! I might actually commission something.”
“Shall we go together? Or better—please invite us to Lady Radian’s estate next time. We could all get dresses made there.”
“Oh, that sounds wonderful!”
The invitation was spoken so casually it bordered on shameless. Though everyone knew it would likely never happen, Radian still nodded politely.
“Yes, I’ll prepare tea and sweets. Our ducal kitchen is just as good as the imperial one.”
“Maybe we should wear those dresses next time so we can eat freely.”
The honest remark made people laugh warmly.
Even after that, Radian remained the center of the conversation. Some even touched her dress boldly, admiring the chiffon layered with powdered gemstones. The Countess of Arzen gasped in admiration.
Shan ground her teeth nearby.
She tried repeatedly to redirect attention, but Radian smoothly maintained control of the conversation. Sylvia, meanwhile, was equally sidelined.
Because of Duke Aight’s earlier warning, Shan couldn’t openly attack Radian. She only grew more frustrated, drinking cocktail after cocktail. The sweetness masked the strong alcohol, and her face grew redder.
“Though this is our first conversation, Lady Radian seems like such a wonderful person.”
“She’s also very fun. Please join our tea party next time.”
“Yes, I will.”
Radian didn’t even know how many lies she had told today, but she smiled brightly regardless. The young ladies blushed at her expression.
“When Lady Radian entered earlier, I truly thought I would stop breathing—she was that beautiful.”
The brown-haired lady had already become a devoted fan. No one could disagree.
“Yes, my husband’s eyes widened so much I thought they’d stick to her dress.”
“Couples share the same heart, after all.”
Laughter spread.
Noticing Shan’s isolation, Countess Cain approached her carefully.
“You must be very happy, Lord Iriett has such a beautiful wife. Isn’t that right, Lady Skanan?”
But Shan’s response was unexpectedly heavy.
“Happiness? That girl brings nothing but misfortune.”
The atmosphere froze instantly.
“…I-I’m sorry… that’s not what I meant… I apologize.”
Countess Cain repeatedly apologized to smooth things over. Radian gently took her hand.
“It’s alright. She seems a bit drunk.”
The Countess looked relieved, touched by Radian’s kindness.
“Mother, you’re quite drunk. You shouldn’t drink so much.”
Radian stepped in calmly and linked her arm with Shan’s.
But Shan shook her off violently.
“Don’t touch me!”
She staggered backward, knocking into a table full of empty glasses.
Crash!
The cocktail glasses shattered across the marble floor, echoing through the hall. The music stopped.
All eyes turned toward them.
Shan stood unsteadily—but boldly. She pointed at Radian.
“Everyone is deceived by appearances. My son was the same.”
Whispers spread.
“…My son’s relationship with that woman was a scandal. A noble duke’s son marrying a mere baron’s daughter.”
“She seduced him with her body. You all know how hard it is for men to resist a woman’s temptation. My innocent son was tricked into marriage!”
Her voice rose sharply, echoing through the hall.
“And do you know what she said on their wedding night? That she cannot bear children! She declared it proudly!”
Gasps spread across the hall.
“…What?”
“A fraudulent marriage?”
“My goodness…”
Even the women who had been speaking with Radian earlier now stepped back, looking at her with unfamiliar eyes.
“Our son still treated that woman kindly! He even tolerated a second wife! Yet she hides quietly while dressing extravagantly and deceiving all of you—how am I supposed to bear this?”
