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Chapter 34
“Oh, please, you don’t have to feel so bad for not being around.”
Seeing how upset he seemed, Eloise tilted her head slightly, wondering how she could ease his mind, then spoke playfully.
“I was really busy today too. Even if Your Grace had come by, I probably wouldn’t have had time to see you!”
Alec smiled softly and patted Eloise’s head.
“You must be tired.”
“Of course!”
“You’ll be even busier tomorrow, since the Swinton family will be arriving. You should get some rest soon. I’ll stay by your side until you fall asleep, so you won’t feel lonely.”
Eloise, who had been burrowing under the blankets, suddenly lifted her head.
“Oh, I know them! I heard Rian Swinton and his younger sister are coming. I can’t wait! Kylian said his sister is kind and funny.”
“Did he? That’s odd. Kylian has never met Brisny before…”
Alec trailed off, looking puzzled.
“Really?”
“He must’ve heard it from someone else. The girl’s name is Brisny, and I heard she’s about your age.”
At the mention of “the same age,” Eloise’s cheeks flushed pink.
“I hope we can be good friends.”
“I’m sure you will be. I’ve never met her myself, but everyone says she’s a sweet child.”
Alec shook his head slightly, remembering how his friend had gone on and on, proudly talking about his daughter—her likes, what she ate, everything about her.
“Have sweet dreams and rest well, my dear. I’ll pray that tomorrow brings you happiness too.”
As Alec gently held her hand, warmth spread through Eloise’s chest, painting her face with contentment.
“Today was a happy day. And tomorrow will definitely be happy too. I’ll pray you have good dreams and happiness as well, Your Grace!”
Rian and Brisny, right? I hope I can meet them soon…
A calm and happy day was drawing to a close. And surely, tomorrow would be just like today.
“…Or so I thought.”
Eloise muttered in an utterly exhausted voice.
“You little— I’m not going to let you off!”
Kylian’s furious shout rang out.
“Are you all right, my dear?”
Alec’s face went pale as he checked on Eloise.
“Brisny! Get over here this instant!”
The Countess of Swinton’s sharp voice cut through the air.
“H-how could Brisny say such awful things…”
The Count of Swinton looked completely stunned, sinking to the floor with his head lowered.
A peaceful day, huh… what a delusion.
When she thought about it, there hadn’t been many peaceful days at all. There were days when she’d been shocked by jewels and dresses, and others when Riena had brought home giant monsters.
What felt more familiar than those rare calm days was the warmth of Kylian and Alec.
Kylian, smiling brightly as he held out his hand to her.
Alec, looking at her as if she were the most precious being in the world.
Eloise just stared blankly at them, unable to say anything.
She wasn’t used to seeing Kylian angry like that—he’d always smiled at her.
And Alec, who hadn’t shown a hint of darkness since the orphanage incident, was now radiating fury.
It all felt strange and unfamiliar, and yet, that very unfamiliarity made her heart flutter. Because she could feel that they both cared deeply for her—and wanted to show only their best selves in front of her.
“How dare you talk to Eloise like that!”
“You hurt my dear one—your family will pay the price! A child’s sin is repaid by the parent!”
Their furious voices echoed again.
“Haa…”
Eloise sighed deeply. As nice as it was to know they cared, the scene unfolding before her made her head throb.
Footsteps echoed briskly down the hallway. The rhythm was similar to one of the piano pieces Kylian had played before.
“Which number was that again?”
As she prepared to greet the Swinton family, Eloise murmured absently. Trying on dresses was fun for a little while, but this was taking longer than one of Hanson’s medical checkups.
At least thanks to Hanson, she’d learned how to kill time during long waits.
“Pardon, my lady?”
Bella, who had been choosing dresses, blinked in confusion at Eloise’s random question about music.
“It’s nothing, don’t mind me.”
Eloise shook her head quickly, and Bella turned back, frowning in intense concentration—as if facing the greatest challenge of her life.
“Aren’t they both the same blue? You could wear either one.”
“The same blue? Absolutely not!”
Bella’s voice was unusually sharp, making Eloise flinch. She could already tell what was coming next.
She tried to cut in with “You’re right,” to diffuse it, but Bella spoke faster.
“Just look at this brilliant hue! This is the latest creation from the famous Bellota Salon! They’re fully booked for the next three years, you know! It’s the only salon in the empire that chooses its clients!”
I shouldn’t have said anything. I should’ve just let her be…
Eloise stared blankly into the air, tuning out Bella’s enthusiastic speech.
“And this one here, with its soft pastel tone, is the signature style of the Argentine Salon! It’s only been around for two years, yet it’s already made a name for itself as Bellota’s main rival—”
Eloise quickly cut her off before Bella could launch into a full-on “history of dress salons.”
“All right, all right. Let’s go with that one.”
“Which one, my lady?”
“Well… uh…”
Eloise stalled for time, pretending to think. She hadn’t been listening closely enough to remember which was which.
“I know it’s a tough decision, my lady. I feel sad having to choose just one of these beautiful gowns myself,” Bella said, her eyes sparkling like a fan talking about her favorite idol.
What was it again… Ajeti? If I get this wrong, she’s going to start reciting that dress history all over again.
Just then, a voice came from the hall to save her.
“Bella! You’re still not done dressing the lady?”
“Oh no, is it that late already?!”
“When you’re done, bring her out right away—don’t forget, it’s important!”
The maid hurried off after double-checking, clearly anticipating this very delay.
Apparently, Bella’s love for dresses was well-known among the staff.
“Which one will you choose?”
She said to hurry… Eloise thought, but didn’t bother saying it aloud.
Ajeti, was it?
No way she was going to risk hearing another lecture about “the rival of the salon that’s booked for three years.”
“Ah—Argentine! The Argentine Salon’s dress, but—!”
Bella still looked longingly at the other gown, even as she agreed. Eloise quickly cut her off.
“Then we’ll go with that one.”
If she didn’t, they’d be stuck here for who knows how long. After all, she’d learned patience the hard way during her medical appointments—it was excruciatingly boring.
“Yes, my lady…”
Even while dressing her, Bella’s eyes kept wandering to the other gown.
She really must love dresses, Eloise thought in mild amusement.
“I never realized before—you really love dresses, don’t you?”
“Wha—?! N-no! Not at all!”
Bella’s face turned bright red as she denied it hastily, trying—and failing—to sound composed. Why hide it? Eloise wondered.
“…Right.”
Eloise didn’t press further. The process had already taken long enough; she had no desire to make it worse. Still, she couldn’t help but wonder why it was dragging on so much today.
“Does it usually take this long to choose?” she asked casually as Bella adjusted the dress.
“Normally, I’d enjoy picking something that perfectly suits you, my lady—ah! I mean—”
Catching herself mid-daydream, Bella cleared her throat awkwardly.
“Ahem, well, today is a special day, so it’s taking longer than usual.”
“A special day? Oh, right—the Swintons hold an important position in the North.”
“The former Duke of Reston, you mean? Count Swinton? Oh no, I didn’t mean that—there’s a duel today.”
“A duel? You mean His Grace and Count Swinton are fighting?”
Weren’t they supposed to be meeting over personal matters? She’d thought they were friends…
