🔊 TTS Settings
[CHAPTER 103]
“But Lady Sylvia, is your dress ready?”
The Harvest Festival ball was a very large and glamorous event.
Everyone would show up fully dressed up and decorated.
And as mentioned before, even an average dress was far from cheap.
“I prepared…”
“I’ll lend you one of mine. Come and choose.”
I quickly cut in and said it before Vincent could prepare one for her.
“Are you sure, Amelia?”
Of course.
It was better than having Vincent prepare it.
And many of the dresses Duke Wentworth sent weren’t even my taste.
“Of course, Vivian.”
Vivian, who had been standing quietly outside, hurried in.
“Yes, Milady.”
“Please escort Lady Sylvia to the dressing room. I’ll follow soon.”
“This way.”
Sylvia bowed lightly to me and followed Vivian.
After they left, only Vincent and I remained in the room.
I looked up at Vincent, feeling a little dull inside.
“Your Highness, is something worrying you?”
“…Nothing.”
He hesitated, then shook his head.
“It must have been a difficult favor, so thank you.”
“You even came with me, Your Highness. I have to do it.”
I turned slightly away from his gaze and walked toward the window, pretending to look outside.
“If I hadn’t come, would you not have helped?”
“That… I can’t promise.”
I wasn’t in the position to guarantee Sylvia, and knowing there was a high chance the plan could fail, I probably would have refused.
But when I glanced at the mirror, Vincent’s expression looked slightly dark.
When I quickly turned my head, it had already changed back to a calm expression.
Was I mistaken?
Even Vincent wouldn’t expect me to help Sylvia unconditionally.
They weren’t even that close yet, and he wasn’t someone who would ignore my situation either.
Then was it something other than Sylvia that troubled him?
“Amelia. This might sound sudden at this point, but…”
At Vincent’s serious tone, I turned my body back toward him.
“Please speak.”
“I plan to strengthen imperial power and eliminate everything that stands in the way, one by one.”
I nodded to show he could continue and kept my eyes on him.
“As Sylvia said, the Master of the Mage Tower, Count Ascard, openly wishes for the downfall of imperial power. Eventually… he will become a greater enemy than your father, Duke Wentworth.”
Vincent was now looking at reality clearly.
Something he had only vaguely understood before his regression was now certain to him.
“If you are someone who will remain by my side, I hope you keep this in mind.”
He had shown hints through actions and words many times, but hearing it this clearly felt unexpected.
Why was he saying this to me?
His eyes looked at me like he was waiting for an answer.
I slowly lowered my gaze and bowed my head.
“Of course, Your Highness.”
I still didn’t know if I would truly remain by his side, but it was true that I wanted to stand with him.
But only if it became absolutely certain that Vincent did not intend to kill me.
I couldn’t help feeling uneasy.
Would Vincent feel the same?
Would he think I might harm him someday?
Even if feelings were growing, distrust did not disappear easily.
When I lifted my eyes slightly, I saw his hand reaching toward me, but he quickly pulled it back.
I gave an awkward smile, and he gave a faint, bitter one in return.
“I should go check on Lady Sylvia.”
“Yes, please.”
I left him behind and headed to the dressing room next door.
Vivian, who was usually chatty with me, stood quietly in one corner, while Sylvia awkwardly examined the dresses.
With a bright tone, I approached her.
“Choose whatever you want.”
“Oh, Milady.”
I walked over and touched the ends of the dresses hanging on the rack.
I didn’t have a large dress collection for a duke’s daughter and the future crown princess, but it was enough for my needs.
I normally wore simple indoor clothes, and only dressed in elaborate gowns for tea parties or balls.
“Is there any color or design you want?”
Sylvia shook her head while looking at the dresses.
“I’m not familiar with this, so if you pick one for me, I’ll wear it as is.”
I examined Sylvia slowly.
Despite her shy expression, she had a cute and lovely face.
Her blue eyes were as clear as the dawn sky, shining like jewels.
And her silver hair softly flowed down her shoulders.
She really looks like the female lead.
I knew she was pretty, but seeing her up close made me realize just how stunning she was.
If a goddess existed, she might look just like her.
And it wasn’t only admiration I felt.
My heart stung faintly with something like a quiet jealousy.
Looks weren’t everything, but if someone like her appeared often, the small part of Vincent’s heart that belonged to me might disappear quickly.
Besides, I had many disadvantages, including my family and everything I had done in my past life.
“Milady?”
I had stared at her silently for too long, so Sylvia called me with a puzzled look.
I smiled as if nothing was wrong and pulled out a deep pastel blue dress.
Vivian, standing behind, flinched in surprise.
“Milady, that’s a brand new gown that just arrived…!”
I waved my hand to signal it was fine and held it against Sylvia.
The thin blue silk and ornate beads covering the bodice sparkled beautifully.
The neckline and shoulder design would highlight her long neck and delicate collarbone.
“What do you think? The color is beautiful, and it matches your eyes.”
Sylvia carefully held the dress and lifted it to her shoulder, looking in the mirror.
“It’s so beautiful. I’m not sure I deserve such a precious dress.”
“It’s fine. The one who suits it most should wear it.”
Vivian jumped in defensively.
“It will look great on Milady too!”
I could tell exactly what was going through Vivian’s head, but I just smiled lightly and waved again.
“Alright, alright. Help her get dressed.”
“…Tch.”
Vivian grumbled but moved next to her.
I left the two behind and waited outside behind the curtain.
After a moment of rustling inside, the curtain opened and Sylvia stepped out.
“…Wow.”
I was at a loss for words for a moment.
My guess was wrong.
It looked far more beautiful and fitting than expected.
The cool pastel blue blended perfectly with Sylvia’s silver hair.
The shimmering beads matched her blue eyes like starlight settling on her.
The thin silk glided gently every time she moved.
I let out a quiet breath of admiration.
Anyone who saw her radiant beauty would fall for her.
Vincent would be no exception.
It felt like a painful confirmation of my earlier thought.
“How is it, Milady? Isn’t it a bit too much? I’m attending as your maid…”
Shyly, Sylvia asked.
I raised my hands and clapped lightly.
It was applause for her beauty and my fashion sense.
“No, it’s perfect.”
Sylvia smiled shyly but happily.
