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Chapter 28
I couldn’t believe the duke had given me all these gifts.
I stared blankly for a moment, then looked into the box again.
“…It’s a blue diamond.”
“You recognized it immediately! That’s our lady for you!”
The butler smiled proudly, clearly pleased that I knew what it was. I felt a little guilty—my knowledge didn’t come from being wealthy or experienced with expensive gems.
When I was very young, I remembered seeing a newspaper my mother showed me before she died. It featured a blue diamond.
― “Sola, look at this. They found a very special diamond in the gate.”
― “See the color? It’s like a piece of the ocean.”
It was one of the few happy memories I had from childhood. That diamond, only found in the gate, was rare and valuable even in modern times. My mother, who struggled with depression, had wanted it badly—but even my father, who was a general, couldn’t get it.
‘The winning bid was 70 billion… something like that…’
When I became an adult and had some money, I remembered it and looked it up. Seeing the zeros, I could only shake my head in disbelief.
The butler explained excitedly: “This blue diamond set is said to be a treasure of the ancient Karlan royal family. Its winning price equals the cost of four townhouses in the capital!”
I had no idea of the exact currency value in this world, but it sounded extremely expensive.
But I still couldn’t understand why the duke was giving it to me.
‘It’s not like he wants to improve family relations now.’
Even without this gift, Edit’s jewelry box was already overflowing with treasures passed down from my grandmother and mother.
Seeing my confusion, the butler confidently explained:
“Of course… it’s to commemorate your first attendance at a banquet after your recovery, my lady.”
Hmm… sounds like nonsense.
After thinking for a moment, I realized a more likely reason.
‘Ah, that’s it.’
He must have felt guilty for using his power on me a few days ago. Even though I’d lost my memories, my father couldn’t even recognize his own daughter. It could have been dangerous, and I’m sure he felt embarrassed and hurt pride.
“Well, whatever the reason, I’ll accept it gratefully.”
It never hurts to have more expensive gifts in the future.
“Prepare it to take with you today.”
“Yes, ma’am!”
After countless preparations, the banquet outfit was finally ready.
I put on the final dress, and the sun was starting to set.
‘Is this even reasonable?’
Preparing all morning for an evening banquet—definitely not something I’d do twice.
While Nancy was helping me with the necklace, she spoke.
“Since you lost your memories, your taste in dresses has changed a lot, my lady.”
“What was it like before?”
“You preferred more elaborate dresses with lots of lace.”
Looking at the wardrobe full of dresses, it was easy to see. Villainesses are always flashy.
But I picked a simple ivory evening gown. The slit near one leg made movement easy, and this style suited my catlike figure.
“I think accessories are enough. If the dress is too fancy, I’ll look like a clown.”
“Clown?! My lady, you look beautiful no matter what you wear! Even in your maid uniform, you were like an angel!”
“You… should get your eyes checked, Eston…”
As Nancy praised me, a sudden thought struck.
‘There’s no guarantee everything will follow the story.’
So far, nothing had gone according to the novel.
‘What if the heroine doesn’t appear at the palace tonight?’
That would only fuel Male Lead 4’s suspicions.
I turned to Nancy urgently.
“Nancy, do we have some time?”
“Yes. Would you like a snack before we go?”
“No, just fetch Eston.”
Better safe than sorry. While waiting for Eston, I started planning carefully.
By the time I finished talking to Eston, it was almost time to leave.
Escorted by the butler, I hurried to the lobby.
“Edit.”
“…Father?”
For some reason, the duke was waiting for me.
‘He’s not coming with me, right?’
I tried to hide my anxiety.
“You look good in that outfit.”
His eyes were fixed on the necklace.
‘Even as a father, he can say things like that.’
It was a little embarrassing and awkward.
“…Thank you for the gift.”
“You’ve been well-behaved these past few days, so it’s a reward. Don’t disgrace the family by acting recklessly.”
“…”
“Remember my warning from before.”
Of course. He always smashed any expectations immediately. Better than letting me slip up.
I nodded politely and then noticed something unusual—he wasn’t in formal attire.
“…Aren’t you coming?”
“Young people’s parties aren’t for me. Besides, I didn’t even send an invitation.”
Really? I hadn’t known that.
‘Old people aren’t allowed?’
Well, it’s a romance fantasy novel, so that makes sense.
“What about Ethan?”
“He’s probably fetching his partner.”
Male Lead 4 was today’s winner, so Ethan would fail. Good, I was secretly relieved.
Then the duke asked suddenly:
“Don’t you have a partner?”
“Yes.”
Sigh…
I ignored him and took the butler’s hand, heading to the entrance.
“Edit.”
The duke called me again.
I turned, confused.
“Dressing like this… you look just like your mother did when she was young.”
“…”
“Ahem! I mean… you’re beautiful! Ahem!”
He gave a big cough and turned away quickly, leaving no chance to thank him.
“Ah…”
“It seems you wanted to see how the gift looks on you,” the butler said, smiling.
“…I guess.”
By the time I stepped outside, the sun had set and twilight covered the land.
The butler escorted me politely to the waiting carriage.
“Thank you, butler.”
Just as I was about to step up, someone grabbed my hand from the butler’s.
“What…!”
“I’ll take over the escort, butler.”
The voice was familiar, and I froze.
“Why are you so late, Edit? I thought I’d wait my neck off.”
“L-Late Marquis…?!”
The butler was shocked. So was I.
Playful tone, soft blue curls, golden eyes glinting in the faint light.
“Have you been well? You look lovely today.”
Male Lead 2, Vincent Leandro.
