Chapter 31

Translator: Skye  Editor: herkawaiidramas

* * *

When people first saw Juvellian’s gift, they had their doubts.

‘What is that?’

A round, flat object decorated with roses.

Its pretty design resembled a trinket box that served as storage for accessories, but it was hard to guess what it really was.

As soon as Rose opened the case, everyone stared at it in awe.

‘Powder puff? Is that powder then?’

It felt like they had been hit on the head.

Usually, a maid would carry the powder around to help fix their lady’s makeup when going out, but in cases where servants were not able to accompany their master, that was impossible.

As a result, oily faces were an inconvenience many noble ladies had to put up with.

However, the gift Juvellian presented broke down something that everyone had naturally accepted.

“Oh, a powder container small and thin enough to carry around!”

“I’ve never seen nor heard of anything like that.”

“To think she designed and commissioned such a thing herself…Truly amazing.”

It was only natural that many people’s eyes glistened with greed, coveting the item that was both practical and pretty.

“Isn’t that enough to make Lady Floyen this year’s ‘Star’?”

The one who was deemed as the ‘Star’ was given a brooch to symbolize their contribution in leading the latest trend in high society. As this was something that was only awarded once a year, it was viewed as a great honor amongst the nobles who were obsessed with fashion and trends.

“Right? Seeing how there are already all these people looking at it with shining eyes is a sign that it’ll become a popular trend.”

“But, of course, I don’t think Lady Floyen will ever reveal the name of the workshop that made it.”

Although everyone was extremely curious about the workshop, the sharing of workshops was a very sensitive topic for the fashion-conscious nobles. Moreover, as the person in question was none other than Lady Floyen, who was known for her wickedness, everyone could not help but be wary.

Then, someone addressed Lady Floyen.

It was none other than Rose, the main character of today’s party.

“Lady Floyen, if you don’t mind, could you share with me the name of the workshop you’ve commissioned to make this powder container? I’d like to order one for my mother.”

Even those who disapproved of Juvellian had no choice but to become nervous, at least at this moment. If it was the Lady Floyen they were all familiar with, she was bound to cause some kind of scene and more.

But what came out through Juvellian’s red lips was a soft voice.

“Ah, it’s Fyodor’s workshop. He’s young but he’s a talented craftsman nonetheless, so you can trust him.”

As the nobles weren’t expecting Juvellian to give an answer so easily, they became surprised at her remark.

“Giving me such valuable information, thank you so much.”

Juvellian waved a hand at Rose’s expression of gratitude.

“It’s not even a big deal, so I’m embarrassed to have you thank me so much. I’m the one who should be thankful since you like my gift.”

As if giving just the name of the workshop wasn’t enough, to think Lady Floyen would also give a humble response. By this point, it was enough for the nobles to cast doubt on whether this was the real Juvellian and not some imposter.

As everyone was swept into a state of confusion, the Lady of the House, Countess Arlo, stepped up to calm the chaotic atmosphere.

“It makes me so happy to see my daughter receive such a special gift she’ll never forget, thank you very much.”

Juvellian responded with a graceful bow, “Madam, I am the one who should be thankful and honored to be invited to such a high-class party.”

The countess unconsciously became impressed.

‘This young lady is pretty good.’

She made sure to praise the other party but also praised the guests, including herself, so that she wouldn’t come off as subservient.

It was simply an aristocratic way of speaking to flatter others.

The countess’s face, which had hardened like ice in midwinter, warmed up like the spring breeze.

“I hope you have an enjoyable time.”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

When Juvellian gave her greeting, the count and his wife then bowed to the Duke of Floyen who was standing next to her.

After exchanging a light bow, Duke Floyen extended his hand to his daughter.

“Let’s go.”

He headed for a corner of the ballroom. It used to be a spot that would normally go unnoticed, but now many people’s attention was focused on where Juvellian was.

“How could she have changed so much?”

“Don’t you think she’s really pretty when she smiles?”

Countess Arlo, who had been gossiping about Lady Floyen just yesterday after a series of compliments from the other noblewomen, opened her fan and spoke.

“It seems my daughter has an eye for people. The lady I met today was a lady worthy of the Duke of Floyen’s prestige.”

Though they wondered for a moment if they were being deceived by the sudden change in attitude, everyone nodded in agreement with the countess’s remark.

* * *

As the ballroom became noisy, I let out a small sigh.

‘I thought it would be okay…but I guess it wasn’t.’

I really thought that my gift would be a safe one, so I became flustered by all the unexpected interest.

‘This isn’t what I wanted.’

Though I was forcibly smiling, perhaps it was because I had unexpectedly attracted a lot of attention, I felt quite exhausted.

‘I want to go home and rest.’

Then, my father extended his hand.

“Let’s go.”

Although I wished we rather go home, we ended up moving to the chairs by the window and sat down.

‘It feels a little awkward to sit side by side with my father.’

Staring at my father while thinking so, I could see him glaring coldly at something in the distance.

‘He must be in a foul mood because he had to come here.’

Even though I didn’t force him to follow me, I still felt somewhat uncomfortable.

‘No, let’s not be like that because of my father.’

I looked away from my father and surveyed the ballroom. Several men and women were dancing in pairs at the center.

‘How pretty.’

It was a pleasant sight, watching the well-dressed men and women dancing together. In addition, thanks to their excellent dancing skills, it felt like I was watching a fancy display of professional dancers.

‘It’s more fun watching other people dance than dancing myself.’

As I was enjoying the sight of people dancing, I noticed a man with a woman wrapped around him, and the figure of his back seemed strangely familiar.

‘Huh? Doesn’t that look like Mikhail?’

If it really was Mikhail, then there was a promise I had made with him not too long ago.

<All right, I’ll trust you this one time. However, do not appear in front of me from now on.>

‘No matter how small the world is, there’s no way he’s actually here, right?’

I didn’t think he would come here because he wasn’t one who enjoyed parties. But, if by chance, that was really him, it would be best not to get involved with him.

The reason was that in the eyes of others, he was seen as the pitiful handsome young man who suffered for the past two years because of me, the villainess.

“Father, I’m going to go to the terrace for a moment.”

“Alright,” he said after a sigh.

I was worried that I might need to take responsibility as a partner, but I was glad he allowed me to do as I pleased.

In a good mood, I was in the middle of rising from my seat when I heard him continue.

“Don’t forget that I’m here.”

I felt a great amount of pressure from those words.

‘It seems I can’t even relax freely.’

But if I stayed in the ballroom any longer, my mind was bound to become exhausted.

I headed for the terrace with heavy steps.

* * *

As soon as Juvellian went out to the terrace, many stared at her back with regretful eyes.

‘Ahh, in the end, I wasn’t able to ask for a dance.’

They either lacked the courage to even attempt to approach or failed because of the Duke’s piercing gaze.

Mikhail, who was in the same boat as the others and had been conscious of Juvellian the entire time, frowned.

‘Going to the terrace…isn’t this you asking me to follow you?’

When Mikhail was about to head in the direction of the terrace where Juvellian was, the Duke of Floyen–who had been sitting all this time–rose from his seat and leaned against the wall near the doors to the terrace.

‘Damn it!’

Mikhail couldn’t even move a step. It was because the duke who used to look upon him with favor, now openly showed his hostility.

Unlike Mikhail, who was feeling quite uncomfortable with the encounter, Regis had one corner of his mouth raised into a smirk.

‘To think he (Mikhail) would turn out to be this pathetic.’

Not too long ago before, the only reason Regis looked upon him kindly was solely because Juvellian liked him. But now that Mikhail was no longer together with his daughter, Regis no longer had a reason to be generous to a mere insect.

Soon after Mikhail turned around and went back, Regis softened his gaze.

‘But I can’t ruin the party my daughter is enjoying just to catch a bug like him.’

* * *

When I left the stuffy ballroom and came out to the terrace, I finally felt like I could breathe. And because the ballroom was on the first floor, I had the perfect view of Count Arlo’s flower garden.

‘It’s nice that it’s quiet.’

I was staring blankly at the Arlo’s proud rose garden and took in a deep breath. The fresh, fragrant scent of roses was carried by the breeze.

The vibrant roses trimmed by human hands, but still beautiful works of nature, were comforting to see.

‘That’s right, if I end up moving out, it would be nice to move to the countryside. I can plant some flowers in the garden and also do some farming.’

As I thought more about my future, my eyelids started feeling heavier and heavier.

‘I’m getting sleepy.’

My eyes started to feel stiff and dry, so I raised my hand to rub them but caught myself at the last minute.

‘That was close, I almost messed up my eye makeup.’

Then, feeling a yawn about to come up, I lowered my head and covered my mouth before letting it out.

‘Ah, tears came out again. I hope it won’t smudge my makeup.’

These damn tears always seemed to come out whenever I yawned, but I couldn’t help it as it was a natural occurrence.

‘I left my own compact powder at home…’

I was about to wipe away my tears, hoping that there would be no mishap in which I had to fix my makeup.

“What is this?”

Startled by a familiar voice, I quickly turned around and came face to face with an overly handsome visage. He was someone who wasn’t supposed to be here.

‘Huh, why is my father’s apprentice here?’

“Um, how are you here–?”

I was in the middle of asking him for an explanation when a long, rough, and manly finger swept my lower eyelids gently.

“Don’t tell me, did someone torment you?” he growled, his harsh voice resembling that of a savage beast.

Unlike the warm and gentle touch of his finger that had wiped away my tears, his crimson eyes were hard and fierce.

T/N: Surprise update!! Finally getting some more JuvelxMax interactions!! We’re still stuck in Misunderstanding Central but it’s about to get more…fun now. *evil smirk*

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