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~CHAPTER 96~
I didn’t bother to interrogate him about whether he had said he would stay earlier.
“Go on, hurry. They’re waiting for you.”
I gently pushed him by the elbow, and he glanced at the spot my hand touched before handing me the book he had taken out.
At first glance, it was titled The Elegance Secrets of Lady Leticia. Judging by the dress illustration on the cover, it seemed to be a book about fashion.
“I’ll enjoy reading it.”
Vincent nodded and went around the desk toward Oscar Corban, who looked anxious, staring at him with a sulky expression.
“Ah, it seems someone will become your fan.”
“Huh? A fan? What are you suddenly talking about?”
“Go.”
Ignoring Oscar’s question, Vincent passed by him briskly.
I immediately understood what he meant.
‘Ah, Lady Leticia must be Oscar Corban’s lady!’
I shook the book at Oscar, whose eyes widened in shock as he quickly followed Vincent.
“Your Highness, how can you say that!”
“Pfft.”
After they left the study, I also returned to the bedroom with the two books from Lady Leticia’s series.
***
“It’s beautiful.”
I couldn’t help but admire my reflection in the mirror. Vivian, who was adjusting my outfit from behind, seemed to agree, her eyes sparkling as she looked into the mirror.
Underneath a velvet coat with a subtle chestnut sheen, I wore a beige dress with a clean, simple line.
The lace peeking slightly beneath the long coat was the highlight. On my hands, I wore soft beige gloves, and on my head, a wide-brimmed brown hat adorned with a thin ribbon.
The outfit maintained formality and elegance, but since I wasn’t the protagonist and it wasn’t a ball, it was modestly styled.
This graduation outfit was ordered from Julia’s Boutique.
The cost of the outfit was charged directly to the Wentworth Ducal family since the Duke himself insisted I attend the graduation.
“All set, Princess.”
“Thank you. Good work, Vivian.”
I lightly patted Vivian’s shoulders, who looked a little shy.
Since the day Vincent had handled the palace maids, all the maids in the Crown Prince’s residence except Vivian and Lauren had changed.
Though there must have been challenges because of this, Vivian never showed any signs of difficulty and diligently performed her duties with a bright expression. It was admirable and endearing.
“Hehe, go ahead. Sir Derek is waiting outside.”
“Alright. I left some snacks on the table, so you can have them later.”
“Oh, really? Wow, I’m excited!”
I felt frustrated that I couldn’t offer Vivian much practical help.
“Ah, Princess.”
Just as I was about to open the door, Vivian handed me the clutch I had forgotten.
“Ah, right. I almost forgot. Thank you.”
I opened the clutch to check its contents. Inside was a gift I had prepared earlier for Eric.
As I stepped outside, just as Vivian said, Derek was waiting.
“Sir Derek.”
When our eyes met, his usually stiff expression softened slightly.
“I have the carriage ready. Let’s go down, Princess.”
With his escort, I went down to find a much larger and more extravagant white carriage waiting in front of the main gate than I expected.
I hadn’t ridden this carriage before.
“Sir Derek, is this the right carriage?”
“Yes, it is the Crown Prince’s personal carriage. He said you should ride this one today.”
“It will definitely attract attention.”
“Still, it is protected by multiple layers of magic, so it should be very safe.”
Oh, so it wasn’t just about the fancy appearance.
Using Derek’s hand for support, I climbed into the carriage. The moment I sat down, I was amazed.
“Wow, the cushions…”
The carriage provided by the royal family before was nice, but this one felt completely different.
Usually, Vincent didn’t ride this carriage, probably because it drew too much attention.
Clack, clack—
Since the academy required a large campus, it was located on the outskirts, not in the expensive central area of the capital.
It must be a really good carriage. Or maybe the morning medicine I had taken had a bit of a drowsy effect.
Sitting in the carriage and staring blankly at the scenery, I must have dozed off.
“Hmm, where is this?”
When I woke, the carriage had already stopped, and I could see a large building that appeared to be the academy. A coat, seemingly Derek’s, was draped over me.
Through the window, I could see Derek standing guard at the door.
‘Hmm.’
Could I just leave it like this? It felt awkward to speak first to someone who was only occasionally this kind to me.
Click—
As I opened the door, Derek immediately turned and opened it fully.
“You’re awake.”
“Yes, how long did I sleep?”
“About twenty minutes since arrival.”
“Ah, not that long. That’s a relief.”
I took Derek’s hand, handed back his coat as if I didn’t know him, and stepped down myself.
Derek looked slightly embarrassed but put on his coat.
I stepped a little away from the carriage and finally took in the full view of the academy.
“Wow.”
The stone walls and buildings were intricately constructed and covered with green ivy. Passing through the main gate, I saw a wide lawn, lined with autumn-gilded trees and rustling leaves.
I walked along a path cutting through the lawn.
In the center of the lawn stood the massive main building with gleaming marble pillars and a glass dome.
Walking slowly, I observed the academy’s surroundings. Other visitors strolled through the gardens at their own pace, admiring the scenery.
Suddenly, a voice came from behind.
“Princess, watch your step.”
“Huh? Ah!”
I nearly tripped over a slightly protruding stone, but Derek caught me.
“Ugh.”
He might have grabbed me too tightly, making my arm hurt. I grimaced slightly, and Derek immediately released his grip, startled.
“I’m sorry, are you alright? We can go to the hospital—”
Seeing Derek flustered, despite usually being expressionless, was strangely amusing.
It would be nice if he showed a wider range of expressions.
He was very handsome but seemed awkward in using his face. I felt a little pity for him.
“It’s okay, I’m not that fragile.”
“You seem to get hurt quite often for someone who isn’t fragile.”
“Hmm, that’s because I’ve been overexerting myself recently…”
“Are you really okay with your arm?”
“Yes, yes. You helped me, after all. Thank you.”
I deliberately walked ahead with determination.
Following the steps leading to the main building, a red carpet extended to the entrance of the auditorium.
Near the entrance, groups of people who hadn’t gone in yet were gathered.
‘Looks like the graduation ceremony is there. Is Eric inside the auditorium?’
As I cautiously approached the entrance, all eyes subtly turned toward me.
People glanced at me while whispering openly.
‘Ah.’
As Amelia, it might be my first time coming alone to such a crowded place.
Previously, I had attended the Loisen family dinner party with Vincent, anyway.
‘It doesn’t matter.’
I walked confidently, though the way people’s gazes shifted felt strange. They looked at me, then behind me.
I naturally turned around.
I tried to hide my expression as I saw who was behind me.
The Duke and Duchess of Wentworth and Noah Aiden appeared behind me.
“……”
“What? Why are you here?”
Noah’s uncouth voice greeted me, while the Duke of Wentworth frowned deeply.
