CH 44

Though the words were incomprehensible, Rosalie nodded her head at the smiling Derivis. She was going to wear accessories to the salon anyway, and it didn’t matter if she used what he’d given her.

“Can’t I go again? The place where the pink-haired girl is?”

“She’s at the mansion.”

When Nathan whined, Rosalie spoke firmly, causing him to pout his lips in disappointment. Seeing his aura of dejection, Rosalie sighed and spoke again.

“Eat all the chocolates and candies while I’m gone.”

“That, and the macarons that are trending in the capital these days.”

Nathan added and Rosalie glared at him, but she eventually gave permission. When she said that she would talk to Martin, Nathan’s lips, which had been sticking out, finally returned to their original position. Eventually, Rosalie didn’t get any work done because of their visits to her office and ended up going to her room only when it was already nighttime.

“Emma, I’m going to Bianca’s salon in four days. I need you to choose a dress for me.”

Emma, who was tidying up the bed, turned around in surprise at Rosalie’s words.

“What? The Duchess is going to a salon? Why are you only telling me now? I need to pick out a dress, too!”

“…But it’s in four days?”

“That’s not enough time! Goodness.”

As Emma grumbled, Rosalie slipped into bed, pretending not to notice.

“Emma, let’s use the jewelry I received as a gift.”

“Which one should we use? You received so many gifts.”

Emma’s question left Rosalie deep in thought. Then, she remembered a box with a paper card on it.

“Let’s go with the diamonds that were in the most splendid box.”

“Okay! I should hurry and find a dress that goes well with it.”

Emma was so excited that she even hummed a tune. Seeing her like that, Rosalie couldn’t help but smile and closed her eyes.

‘I’ll sleep for now.’

Sleep was more important to her than finding a dress.

⊱⊱⊱────── {.⋅ ✧✧✧ ⋅.} ──────⊰⊰⊰

It was the day of the salon. Rosalie woke up early to Emma’s voice and couldn’t even train because she had to take a bath and meticulously style her hair, even spraying perfume.

Emma chose a deep blue dress. It was a dress without any special decorations, but it boldly showed off her shoulders and neckline and looked great with the gorgeous diamond necklace on top.

“Emma has excellent taste in choosing dresses.”

“It feels nice, dressing the Duchess up like this.”

Emma carefully styled Rosalie’s hair, ensuring that the necklace, earrings, shoulder line, and neckline were prominently displayed.

After finishing her makeup and putting on white shoes, Rosalie looked more splendid and beautiful than anyone else.

“Isn’t it a bit too much?”

“No, not at all. You look incredibly beautiful today.”

Rosalie smiled and turned away from Emma, who couldn’t stop complimenting her. It was time to head out. 

As she opened the door and went outside, she came face-to-face with Nathan, who was waiting for her.

“Rosalie~ You’re so beautiful today.”

“Thank you. Wait for me while eating the macarons.”

Nathan looked Rosalie up and down playfully, then sniffed with his nose. Rosalie gave him a short shrug of her shoulders as if she understood.

“Is your nose hurting because of the perfume smell?”

“A little bit? But it’s Rosalie’s perfume, so it’s not unpleasant.”

“Such a smooth talker.”

Rosalie smiled lightly and headed down. Upon seeing her, Martin showered her with praise, saying that she was incredibly beautiful.

Rosalie headed straight for Bianca’s salon. After stepping out of the carriage and entering the mansion, Rosalie was escorted by a butler to the salon. Rosalie had arrived late on purpose, so all the other guests in the salon had already arrived.

“This way, please.”

The butler politely opened the door. When Rosalie walked in with confidence, the noble ladies and young aristocrats who saw her started to whisper.

“Sister!”

Bianca gestured to Rosalie. Occupying the most prominent seat next to Bianca, Rosalie remained composed and confident, undeterred by the whispers surrounding her.

Then, her eyes met with Sonia’s, whose expression seemed to harden slightly.  Rosalie, who had not expected to see her in the salon, stared at her intently, but Sonia averted her eyes.

“So it was true when you said that the Duchess was coming.”

“I heard that many ladies and noblemen visit Bianca’s salon, so I stopped by. I hope I’m not disturbing anyone.”

“Oh no, of course not! Isn’t that right, everyone?” 

Bianca purposely raised her voice and looked around, causing the women to laugh and agree. One of the noblewomen looked at the necklace and earrings Rosalie was wearing and asked in amazement.

“Oh my, aren’t those La Rocouche’s diamonds?”

All eyes turned to Rosalie’s jewelry in response to the young woman’s exclamation. Bianca’s eyes sparkled with excitement while Rosalie, unaware of the value of her jewelry, simply tilted her head. The sound of swallowing saliva could be heard throughout the room.

“I heard that the owner would never sell it even if you offered a fortune. Where did you get it from?”

Rosalie felt embarrassed about saying that she had received it from Derivis. She had no idea it was worth so much. However, Bianca, who was standing next to her, noticed Rosalie’s embarrassment.

“If it were my sister, she could get it from anywhere. After all, she’s the Duchess of Judeheart!”

Bianca proudly exclaimed, but laughter could be heard from one corner. Bianca frowned and turned her head to see a lady who had a friendly relationship with Marquis Windell.

“Come to think of it, there are rumors about the Duchess… she shouldn’t be so proud of herself.”

“What do you mean?”

“Oh my, I misspoke. It’s just the ramblings of an old woman.”

The others looked at Rosalie again and murmured, but both Rosalie and Bianca remained composed. Bianca even smiled sharply and responded.

“You told us a good story, Lady Median. I wondered who would believe such baseless rumors, and now I know.”

Bianca replied with a mocking tone, causing Median to blush and stand up, even raising her voice.

“It’s not an unfounded rumor! By what ability could a declining Duchess overcome the rising star, the Marquis of Windell?”

“Are you so upset that your close friend’s family lost?”

Rosalie asked in a low voice. Median bit her lower lip tightly at the heaviness in her voice.

“And did you mention ability? Would you be convinced if I told you I was an Auror user?” 

Rosalie’s remarks immediately caused a commotion, and Sonia’s face froze in disbelief. She shook her head as if she couldn’t believe it.

“Don’t lie!”

At Median’s shout, Rosalie let out a sarcastic smile on purpose. Soon, khaki-colored auror began to ripple and flow from her body.

“Auror, what in the world…!”

Everyone in the salon was struck with astonishment by her vivid auror. It was the same for Sonia, who was watching this.

“I don’t know why such unnecessary rumors have been circulating, but from now on, the duchy will not overlook them. It would be best for everyone not to mock indiscriminately.”

Rosalie spoke sharply without removing her auror. The combination of her auror and her threat sent shivers down the spines of those who easily spread baseless rumors.

“Because if that’s the case, the Knights of Judeheart, who defeated the Marquis of Windell, and I might be tempted to crush your light tongues.”

As Rosalie finished speaking, her eyes swept over everyone in the salon. Finally, her eyes met Sonia’s, and Sonia couldn’t hide her anxious gaze as she quickly turned her head.

At that moment, someone knocked on the door, breaking the heavy atmosphere. Upon Bianca’s invitation, Venick entered and briefly bowed.

“I apologize for the intrusion. I heard that everyone was gathered here, so I decided to stop by.”

Although everyone was surprised by the sudden appearance, Bianca and Rosalie remained calm.

“As the leader of the Imperial Knights, I have something to say regarding the territorial war that occurred between the Judeheart duchy and Marquis Windell that took place last week. That’s why I came to visit despite the rudeness.”

As everyone’s eyes filled with curiosity upon his words, Venick took a deep breath and raised his voice.

“I’m here to tell you because a ridiculous rumor is bringing dishonor to not only Duchess Judeheart but to the Imperial Knights as well.”

“Please give us a proper explanation.”

One lady covered her mouth with a fan and demanded further explanation. Venick nodded in understanding and began to explain.

“When we intervened in the territorial war and stopped the invading foreign army, Duchess Judeheart had already annihilated Marquis Windell’s army, as everyone knows. This is an indisputable fact. Please don’t turn the Imperial Knights into a pathetic order of knights that snatches the honor of the Judeheart dukedom with uncertain and baseless rumors.”

Venick’s low, rumbling voice contained a warning. When Venick’s planned speech was over, Bianca tried to draw attention to herself.

“Moreover, the foreign army that Marquis Windell brought in had already crossed the border. If Duchess Judeheart hadn’t stopped him, it would have led to a war between our nations and caused significant damage to the Misha Empire.”

However, Venick continued to explain, causing Bianca to cover her bewildered face with her fan. Some nobles who sympathized with the rumors lowered their heads in embarrassment. 

Unswayed by Venick’s unexpected actions, Rosalie quickly grasped the situation.

“Furthermore, His Highness the Crown Prince praised Duchess Judeheart’s achievements and personally bestowed the jewels as a token of his appreciation. You came just in time, Duchess.”

Venick’s seemingly endless and lengthy speech finally came to an end. Rosalie paused for a moment as her eyes met with Venick’s.

‘Derivis… This was why he told me to wear his gifted jewelry.’

“I am grateful for the overflowing reward.”

“Well then, now that I have finished speaking, I will leave. I apologize for disturbing the ladies’ time. Please continue to enjoy yourselves and return safely.”

After Venick politely bowed his head and left the room, the nobles who were silently observing the situation started buzzing with gossip.

“Amazing! As expected, we should trust the knights more than rumors.”

“Receiving a personal favor from His Highness! How honorable!”