Chapter 80

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 80

Chapter Title: The Duke's Lavish Gifts

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"Mm."

Kaian frowned and let out a low groan.

His clearly displeased expression made the aides, who had been reporting on budget expenditures, start watching their steps nervously.

'What doesn't please him?'

'Is there a mistake somewhere?'

'Did we miss something...?'

The aides rolled their eyes in worry, but Kaian didn't notice a thing.

He wouldn't have shown his mood in the first place if he'd been his usual self, considerate of others—but today, he couldn't control it.

'House of Marquis Stephan.'

A nemesis.

Kaian had few people he could truly call his enemies.

And the Marquis and Marchioness of Stephan were among the handful he could count on one hand.

That's why they grated on him. They were the type who wouldn't hesitate to crush anyone for their own gain.

"Your Grace."

Liam calmly cut through Kaian's deepening thoughts.

"There are no other reports aside from those concerning Lady April. Shall I dismiss the aides?"

"Ah."

Only then did he realize he'd kept his retainers standing too long and nodded.

"I know you've all worked hard investigating the budget expenditures, amounts, and progress. Go home for the day."

"Y-yes, Your Grace. Thank you."

Early dismissal was always welcome.

The aides, who had been on tenterhooks, swiftly emptied the office, grateful for the Duke's generosity.

As the room quieted, Kaian gave his order.

"What are the reports on the princess?"

"Lady April plans to attend a tea party in the Imperial Capital soon, hosted by Marchioness Embrose."

He already knew that. And... that's exactly why it bothered him more.

The Empire's nobility was far more complex than it appeared.

April, who didn't know that world well, might end up humiliated by House of Marquis Stephan—and that worried him.

If they truly were behind it, she would be nothing more than easy prey to them.

"...And so, her attendant maid has requested permission to withdraw gold from Lady April's account to purchase a new dress and jewelry."

Liam's report was just a formality before approval.

Normally, Kaian would have told Liam to handle it himself.

But not this time.

"I'll prepare it."

His decision was out of character.

"Pardon?"

"...In any case, this isn't entirely unrelated to the Duchy. The princess is stepping up for an issue that affects countless of our people."

"......"

"Besides, she's publicly known as my distant relative now. She needs proper support, doesn't she?"

Liam listened silently without a word.

But Kaian rattled off excuses like a man trying to justify himself to his conscience.

He seemed oblivious to it himself.

'I had my suspicions before, but...'

Liam's sharp eyes gleamed.

He had devoted all his passion to serving the Duke, sacrificing his own life for it.

A lifelong bachelor with no experience in romance...

'This is a sign.'

He could spot the difference in Kaian's behavior easily enough.

Especially regarding April—he'd been acting strangely more often than not.

The most baffling was how he was still serving as her knight escort!

I thought he'd quit after making excuses about keeping it casual, but when she fell ill, he skipped sleep, worked right outside her door, and played the part.

Even her maid seemed to have figured out that the knight and the Duke were the same person.

I thought it was odd back then. How did I only realize now?

Liam felt like a fool.

"Quite right. Nobles who fall behind the fashions in the capital become laughingstocks, so it's only proper that we take care of Lady April."

"...You think so too?"

Kaian, who had seemed awkward even suggesting it himself, relaxed as Liam backed him up.

"Of course. We'll spare no expense on an exquisite dress and jewelry to rival those of the capital's wealthy noble ladies."

"Good. No budget limits."

Just as I suspected.

Liam confirmed his hunch watching Kaian decide so decisively.

His boss, who had been all work and no play, had apparently fallen for the lazy yet lucky hostage(?).

A few days later.

I hurried to prepare for going out after arriving at the Duke's private villa in the Imperial Capital.

...More like half-forced than by choice.

"You have no idea how long I've waited for a day like this!"

Bonita, looking almost manic with excitement, clenched her fist beside me and shouted.

"I-It's just a tea party. What's the big deal?"

"No, it's hosted by Marchioness Embrose herself, even if it's small-scale. You have to dress the part, Miss!"

"Mm."

Still, wasn't this a bit much?

Besides, publicly, I was just one of the Duke of Brail's distant relatives.

"Come on, or we'll be late."

I glanced warily at the overwhelming dress in front of me but eventually let Bonita help me into it, pretending to give in to her urging.

Some might say wearing a beautiful dress is every girl's dream.

But I wasn't particularly dreamy, and this dress... well, it was so stunning it could star in a year-end social ball without turning a head. Incredibly lavish and gorgeous.

"Wow... Miss, the blue really suits you now that I see it."

"Mm, you think so?"

"The Duke has a good eye."

I peered closer into the mirror at the stream of admirations.

The dress flared elegantly toward the hem, exuding grace even while standing still.

A muted shade of blue enhanced that aura perfectly.

The fabric and texture screamed luxury, so it didn't look bare even without accessories.

But the Duke had sent plenty of those too—my ears, neck, and arms dripped with priceless gems wherever they could hang.

'The Duke really sent all this?'

I could hardly believe it, just like when the gifts first arrived.

(I'd even double-checked with Liam several times, wondering if it was actually covered under room and board.)

"I-It's a bit embarrassing."

"Embarrassing? You have to wear this to make the Duke proud!"

"Why would the Duke be proud of what I wear?"

"Uh... well..."

Silence fell for a moment.

Bonita flapped her mouth wordlessly until I tilted my head, then unleashed a torrent of words.

"...Because once you're out there, you'll be the face of House Brail! The prettier and more dazzling you look, the more prestige it brings the Duke!"

"R-Really...?"

"Of course! Hahaha! Hahahaha! Hahahahaha! Obviously!"

Bonita nodded vigorously with booming laughter.

But no matter how I thought about it, my outfit wouldn't make or break House Brail. Maybe others saw it differently?

Dubious, but I figured from other nobles' views, it might.

House Brail still lacked a prominent female noble—a lady of the house.

"All ready."

"Thanks, Bonita."

I gave myself one last mirror check and descended to the first floor carefully, mindful not to step on the expensive dress.

"Have a safe trip, Miss."

A passing servant bowed politely nearby.

"Oh, thank you..."

"Not at all. Watch your step."

At the kind servant's words, I stepped even more cautiously on the polished floor.

But curiosity stirred too.

'I heard this villa was rarely used, with only one butler and one maid to maintain it.'

The head maid had explained, so I'd come planning to fend for myself.

Yet the villa felt lived-in, contrary to what I'd heard.

Well-dressed staff everywhere, sweet scents wafting from the kitchen like snacks being prepared.

And the meals and treats served were all my favorites, piled high.

I didn't know how, but the whole mansion seemed prepped just for me.

'Why does it feel like they're going all out for me?'

Was it my imagination?

Perplexed, I boarded the prepared carriage.