VDBO 13

Chapter 13

“Please tell me.”

“There’s no jewelry.”

Ian rose from his seat, came over to my right, and opened a drawer. A dazzling array of gemstone jewelry was neatly displayed, almost ostentatiously.

I sighed, impressed by how rigidly literal he could be.

“…I mean there isn’t any jewelry I like.”

After several seconds of silence, Ian bowed his head.

“I will inform the Marquess at once and have people prepared.”

“No.”

Ian hesitated.

By “the Marquess,” he meant Mr. Schvalt. I turned my body slightly and spoke firmly. I caught a flicker of confusion pass over Ian’s face.

“I want the Red Tears of Rivendel.”

“The Red Tears of Rivendel, you say?”

“I heard it’s the talk of the capital.”

Ian looked as though he was hearing of it for the first time, but I stood my ground. For some reason, my mouth felt dry.

“I will prepare it for you.”

“Thank you. I’d like it hanging around my neck before I get into the carriage.”

“Yes, understood.”

“Then you may go.”

As soon as Ian closed the door behind him, I slowly let out the breath I’d been holding.

Mother wants me to awaken my ability as soon as possible. And she wants that power to be used on one of the two imperial princes.

In the original story, it was ultimately used on Valeri—the second prince, who became the crown prince—but if things continue that way, the ending will be utterly horrific.

I don’t know the exact timing of the manifestation, but now that I’m an adult, it will likely be soon. That’s why I need a safety measure. Even if that, too, turns into something dangerous for me.

Choosing between getting hurt or dying wasn’t a difficult decision for me.

“Ian needs to obtain the Red Tears of Rivendel properly.”

At the very least, it would be enough to scatter information that he was trying to acquire it. I closed my eyes, trying not to show the anxiety steadily boiling up inside me.

Contrary to my worries, Ian brought the “Red Tears of Rivendel” back in less than a full day. I didn’t ask how.

‘Better than I expected…’

I gazed down at the necklace resting in my hand. The three-tiered necklace, clearly made as a custom order for someone, was extravagantly designed—so much so that one could immediately guess the wearer’s taste. Dozens of teardrop-shaped rubies were embedded throughout.

“Did Mr. Schvalt say anything?”

Ian lifted his eyebrows slightly.

“No, he didn’t.”

“Nothing at all?”

“Yes.”

“…I see. Well, it’s fortunate you were quick. Thank you.”

“It’s nothing. Please call for me if you need anything.”

“Mm. Go rest now. You worked hard.”

After Ian left, I casually placed the jewelry into the drawer. Then I began memorizing the towering pile of intelligence documents as though chewing them up.

The dress I had commissioned from the boutique arrived on the evening before the banquet. I’d expected a deliveryman, but the madam came in person.

She recommended that I try it on and even checked whether the fitting size was perfect before leaving.

I wasn’t sure whether it was due to her meticulous personality or because I’d paid ten times the usual fee.

Either way, everything fit perfectly, and the accessories she left as a gift matched the dress beautifully.

Since arriving here, I hadn’t seen Mother even once. I’d sent messages through Mr. Schvalt several times, but there was no reply—which meant I’d likely chosen the right course.

If she had ordered me to return, I would’ve been so anxious that I wouldn’t have been able to do anything at all.

Mother’s way of praise was always the same: doing well was expected, and failure was never tolerated. Even so, she was relatively lenient with me.

When I was younger, I couldn’t understand it and felt hurt. But once I realized it was a way to survive, I felt nothing anymore.

“Ian, which one should I wear?”

There was no one else to help check the dresses. I showed Ian the many gowns hanging neatly on the rack.

For a moment, Ian stood as if time had stopped. Then he selected two.

“The dress on the far right seems to reflect the latest trends most accurately.”

His gaze shifted slightly.

“And the second dress from the left seems to suit you best, Miss.”

The first dress he chose was a rich pink gown that gave the impression of small flowers in full bloom.

Though it had no frills, layers of handmade flower petals were attached, making it look even fuller than a frilled design.

The second dress, by comparison, had a simpler hem, but pleats accentuated the waist beautifully.

The top was rather low-cut, but the arms and neck were entirely covered in semi-transparent lace. It was a silver dress.

“Really? Then I’ll wear the second one from the left.”

That dress was my favorite as well, so the choice was easy.

The selected dress, paired with accessories the next day, made me shine. The lace was more uncomfortable than expected, but it wasn’t scratchy.

“It seems you’ll need to depart soon.”

“I’ll be out shortly.”

The carriage preparations appeared to be complete.

After checking the dress one last time, I stepped out of the estate.

Ian, who usually wore black, had chosen a tuxedo in colors that matched my outfit.

In place of Blake Ariandel’s father—who was busy abroad—I would be appearing in high society, with Ian serving as my longtime aide.

As Mother instructed, I planned to form a connection with one member of the imperial family at this banquet, and do no more than exchange greetings with other nobles.

Yes. This much, at least. That would be enough to deceive Mother.

The Imperial Palace stood at the highest point in the capital.

The road leading there was so wide and long that the elevation wasn’t noticeable when riding a carriage, but the palace’s peak could be seen even from outside the city.

The closer we got, the more frequently noble carriages appeared.

Today, I was riding not in Mr. Schvalt’s carriage, but one bearing the crest of the Ariandel family.

As we reached the entrance, the carriage slowed considerably. I prepared to adjust my dress as we waited our turn.

When it was time, I took Ian’s hand and stepped down from the carriage. Before climbing the stairs, I glanced around. Even though we’d only arrived at the banquet entrance, the area looked wider than the capital’s main plaza.

Some nobles peeked at me from behind their fans. Others chatted amongst themselves and walked past without a glance.

“You brought the invitation, right?”

“Yes.”

“Let’s go.”

Escorted by Ian, I entered the banquet hall and immediately moved to a quiet area.

I hadn’t come here to draw attention today. I just needed to wait until the imperial family appeared.

After some time, it seemed most of the invited guests had arrived, as the main entrance doors were closing.

As the doors shut, the music inside grew fuller. And not long after—

“His Majesty the Emperor and Her Majesty the Empress enter!”

They had arrived.

Following the announcement of the imperial couple, the names of the first and second princes were called in turn.

Standing at a distance, I watched their entrance closely.

I saw the Empress walking slowly, arm-in-arm with the Emperor. She was Mother’s old friend—and also someone Mother intended to harm, making her someone I needed to protect. Behind them came the princes.

Valeri Ahibara Kasinéph and his older brother, Delkian Elova Kasinéph—the first prince.

The first prince strongly resembled the Emperor with his black hair, standing in clear contrast to the light-haired second prince. Valeri’s notably larger build made the difference even more striking.

In the original story, tragically, the first prince—despite resembling the Emperor—failed to claim the position of crown prince. In every respect, he was weaker and less capable than Valeri.

At least, fortunately, he lacked ambition and stepped aside of his own accord. Because he was such a good person, I sincerely hoped to avoid becoming entangled with him.

The nobles flocked toward the upper central area of the hall where the imperial family stood.

After finishing his greeting, the Emperor excused himself to speak privately with high-ranking nobles, encouraging everyone else to enjoy the banquet.

I leaned against the wall, holding a glass of low-alcohol champagne Ian handed me.

Across from me, young noble ladies gathered in a cluster, stealing glances in my direction—as if talking about me.

I was used to being alone. I was also used to such looks. So I ignored them and drank my champagne.

“Please drink more slowly.”

I had unknowingly finished it in one go, prompting Ian’s concern.

“I can handle my alcohol.”

Ironically, I learned that fact five years ago.

I was very young then. Mistaking a beautifully bottled drink for water, I gulped it down without checking.

It turned out to be a strong liquor. Thirsty as I was, I drank nearly a full glass in one go.

By the time Mr. Schvalt realized and tried to stop me, the alcohol had already gone down my throat—far too late to undo anything.

The ground swayed briefly.

And that was it.

Less than an hour later, I was completely sober.

I had to endure hours of Mr. Schvalt’s barrage of scolding, followed by Mother’s incredulous laugh when she returned from her outing.

Perhaps my resistance to alcohol was due to the medicine Mother had made me take for years. She always said it was good for my body.