Chapter 175

Very naturally, Lania folded the handkerchief she was holding. A voice, gently and elegantly, echoed to guide everyone on how to act from now on.

“However, please don’t sympathize too much.”

My mother is a strong-willed person, so there’s no need to forcibly hide your sentiments. Just express it appropriately as it appears.  Besides, sometimes forcing yourself to be affectionate can make people even more miserable.”

“Ahaha. Yes, my lady.”

“These days I’ve been assisting His Majesty more than ever, and he seems unusually excited. I suppose being alone all this time and then having the opportunity to be close to His Majesty can make one feel that way, and I can understand those sentiments. However, I do worry that in the process, there might be actions that go against propriety or distort His Majesty’s sympathy, so it’s important to sometimes realize the reality as it is..”

“Lady Evendell is here!”

“…”

As the announcement echoed through the hall’s entrance, the ladies turned their heads simultaneously. Those who had been trying to impress Lania were prepared to ridicule her from the beginning.

Isn’t she a witch who made the North move up and down from the beginning? It was clear that the princess, who had been covering for her stepmother so far, expressed her concern so openly.  Even the Lady, who had been like the final shield, would turn away, there would be no more reason to hesitate. Even if she were a noble princess instead of a witch, she should prepare herself to be ridiculed———

“Ah…”

The lady, who stood at the forefront and had truly prepared to ridicule as it was, opened her mouth. Silence followed as Catherine appeared step by step on the marble stairs.

“…”

First, her black hair fluttered. Instead of a dark veil, jewels embedded in a silver diadem atop her head sparkled like a crown. But what was truly astonishing was the dress that enveloped her body.

“Um, that, that is… It was in Velocar’s wardrobe.”

“Hush.”

As if someone was disturbed by the remark, people brought their fingers to their lips. For the ladies present here, it was the dress that everyone had cast envious glances at least once. The crimson-purple dress that had caused them anguish by not being able to gather any information other than the fact that its owner had appeared, had finally found its perfect match.

“…”

Her shoulders, which had always been covered in everyday attire, were now exposed in a pale shade. If you look closely, the design itself was simple, but combined with her unique beauty, it was radiant like a newly bloomed flower. With a suppressed sigh of admiration, the satin dress draped over her slender body unfurled like waves below her slender waist.

“Oh, my goodness…”

An exclamation that had been held back with great effort finally burst out from someone’s lips.

Considering that Lania requested it to be expressed as it was, it was rare to see it captured so accurately. Moreover, Catherine’s sudden appearance was so shocking that it even managed to dispel the tension of being in the presence of Lady Lania.

“She is absolutely beautiful.”

“No, that’s not the problem right now.”

As someone shook their head in amazement, another person grabbed their arm. They could be certain of one thing, regardless of everything else about the Duchess. With that much, even if she were a crazy witch, it wouldn’t be that big of a problem.

“Sister! Why is she——”

“Hush.” Rebecca, who had been standing in a daze, finally snapped out of it. Her concentrated attention shifted slightly. However, Lania’s gaze, warning her younger sister not to act rashly, wasn’t very calm either. Finally, the Duchess, who noticed the tense atmosphere belatedly, let out a wry laugh.

“Oh, I’m really flustered. To think I’ve already discarded my everyday attire.”

“That’s right! No matter how beautiful your external appearance may be, it’s just an illusion. How could the lady representing the North, the Duchess, already thought of discarding her everyday attire?”

“…”

Some of them came up with more plausible excuses one by one. Of course, it wasn’t a matter of law, and there weren’t just one or two of them who had suffered losses due to the recent war. However, Catherine was the exception, causing irritation.

“It seems like the lady is indeed getting carried away. Look at her self-assured expression.”

“How could she be like that without thinking of the late——the previous Duke? Even His Majesty is still wearing his black mourning attire.”

“That’s true. Even His Majesty strictly observes the mourning period. How can the Duchess be so———- Oh my!”

“…”

As Catherine calmly entered the center, the Viscountess, who was speaking, swallowed her words in surprise when their eyes met. Clad in a dress that perfectly matched the color of her eyes, Catherine herself seemed to lull them to sleep like in a single glance.

What are you looking at?

A mischievous smile flickered across her vibrant purple eyes as she passed by Lania in the midst of the crowd. Anger towards each other flashed momentarily in their eyes, but Catherine, who had finished her greeting, continued forward.

Someone attempted to add a remark once again at her dazzling departure, but they couldn’t bring themselves to do so this time.

“Everyone, please pay attention. His Imperial Majesty, the radiant sun of Rohan and the recipient of the blessings of Lady Therese, is here!”