He would savor the time to drive Count Brumayer insane up to the brink.

He would make them hope for mercy and beg for their sins.

By the time all the entertainment would be over, hed finally push them beyond the cliff and erase all their glory from history.

Rose had escalated the timing since she started spreading the false rumors in favor of the County.

I will avenge your persecution by the County.

.

Dont say that youll forgive them. And neither are you going to convince me not to do so.

Before she knew it, the employee had finished the payment.

While the assistant was carrying an expensive dress to the carriage, Ian pointed to it.

This is just the beginning, Laritte.

Larittes heart gave a strange quiver.

Is it because she could get even with the count, whom she had served all her life?

Or maybe its because he told her that a dress like that had become her own.

Laritte shook her head.

That could not be the reason.

I will introduce the duchess of my duchy to the world with the most colorful things that would suit her. So that no one else can ever spread any false words.

Ians smile deepened at Laritte as he recalled Rose.

Meanwhile, it caused her heartbeat to intensify.

Badump. Badump.

Was it an illusion of hers that it was beating faster than before?

Of course, her mind was filled with worries about such breathtakingly expensive clothes.

She didnt care about the change in her wardrobe.

Crossroads of Laritte and Rose

Not very long after, came Larittes first day to attend a gathering as the Duchess.

The twin maids served an awkward Laritte in the bathroom attached to her room, while the employees were busy running to manage everything else.

Oh my, madam. How does your skin glow so much?

Alice and Irene praised Laritte in chorus.

Could you get rid of these flowery scents in the tub?

Todays most attractive lady will definitely be our madam!

But they ignored Laritte as their minds were only focused on preparing their lady with their skilled hands.

Once she reappeared in her room, her soft and smooth skin left behind a pleasing scent.

I have your dress prepared, madam.

In there, Designer Nicholas was waiting.

The attire was finished just in time for the date.

Originally, his assistant would have been present to help in every first trial of his design. But Nicholas wanted to perceive his masterpiece with his own eyes.

The eyes of the maids shone brightly as the dress adorned her beautiful figure.

W-Wowww

Their agape mouths wouldnt shut.

My goodness, m-m-madam youre the most beautiful person Ive ever seen in the world.

I knew you would stand out the most.

After smoothening his hair to admire his work, Sir Nicholas addressed the maids.

Please prepare her makeup. Ill take care of the shades youve been asking for.

Designer Nicholas also had a divine hand in makeup.

He, who is wanted by all the imperial ladies to dress them up, was the most extraordinary talented person that the Empire could ever offer.

Do you have scarlet shade based on black? No, I think itd be better if you added chestnut instead of that color. You can carve the cosmetics and combine them on top of the fabric.

Y-Yes!

Bring me the pearl product. Do you not have any products from Whitney?

We dont have one

You have Britnittes, dont you? Id like that, please. Ill mix the makeup cream instead.

He was engrossed in his work, eager to see Larittes final appearance in person.

Finally, after all the preparations were over, silence occupied the air in the room.

Feeling awkward, Laritte opened her mouth.

.Do I look weird? Why is no one talking?

Madam. I think Ive fallen in love with you even when our statuses differ like the sky and the ground.

The other maid refuted immediately after.

I dont think itd be just about your identity.

Meanwhile, Ian, already in his suit, was waiting outside Larittes room.

When would she be out?

Duke, it seems like youre going insane.

Even when his nanny Ava poked him, he kept trudging back and forth along the hallway.

He even smoothed his hair and checked his attire.

Am I all right, nanny?

My, my. Ive never heard of such a question since you were seven. You look very charming, okay?

I think I shouldnt have slicked my hair back. What if Laritte laughs at me?

It was Ava who brushed his hair.

There was a subtle hint of blaming her in his tone.

Then, Ill be off. Hoho.

Come on.

After what felt like an eternity, Laritte stepped out of the room.

Ian was stunned. His trembling voice proved it.

.Laritte?

Her silver hair was tied up high. The small locks left naturally came down to her neck, adorning her thin jawline.

The parts with wounds and bruises were not covered with makeup, thus leaving them clean and untouched.

The hem of her skirt flowed down like a soft waterfall around her, and it looked entirely new like a wedding dress.

Thanks to her snowy skin, the tint of the color was beautifully spread on her face.

Nicholas raised his head.

This was a natural result of his work.

Whatever others felt for Laritte, it was all due to his intention.

The dress has now been finally completed by the Duchess.

If one looked at the colors in accordance to the shape of the colorful and elegant dress, they would only see Larittes dazzling face.

Just like a graceful beauty illuminated in a well-organized composition such as a play.

Its not my first time wearing a dress, but I dont know why it feels so awkward.

All Laritte had ever worn was old used dresses.

The new product made with the finest fabric wouldnt be the same, even if it was made by a bunch of people.

Laritte shook her head.

Isnt this ridiculous? You can be honest with me, Ian.

Great, ahem! It looks fine.

Really? Itll be fine to turn it over in advance.

Ians eyes turned to Ava, whom he had recently blamed.

I dont have much knowledge about dresses as the nanny takes care of it.

Only the nanny could tell the truth.

Meanwhile, Avas eyes were filled with admiration.

***

The banquet they were supposed to attend had begun.

Under the moonless night sky, several aristocratic carriages were stationed in one yard of the colorful banquet hall.

Whew, its cold. The spring has just begun, but its still a little chilly.

The horsemen had lit a bonfire in the corner of the yard and were now warming their frozen hands.

Some of them smoked leaves to pass the time.

Look over there. Someone is arriving.

Havent all the nobles arrived already? Who is it? Its too dark to see.

The Dukes carriage entered the yard.

We have arrived, My Lord, My Lady.

Thank you for your service.

Ian helped Laritte descend down the carriage after stepping down on the ground.

Meanwhile, the scenery caused the horsemen to widen their eyes in astonishment.

.No way, is that the person Im looking at right now?

The servant, who was smoking leaves, forgot about his cigar burning and lost his attention to the Duchess.

It felt like the Gods themselves came down to visit the human world.

The couple was shining, not the decorated carriage behind them.

Ian and Laritte walked toward the mansion with the enchanted eyes of the horsemen following them.

Laritte paused suddenly, and so did Ian, who was beside her.

Whats wrong?

Its nothing.

In fact, Laritte was still feeling awkward in her new dress.

Neither the hairstyle that Nicholas did splendidly nor the fancy shoes she wore for the first time were of low quality.

But she didnt want to make Ian worry.

So after shaking her head, she started walking again, but Ian had already noticed her nervousness.

You must be worried.

On the anniversary of the foundation of the country, Laritte had to enter the hall and sneak out all by herself.

Tonight will be the first time the two of them attend a banquet together as the Duke and the Duchess.

Furthermore, the nobles inside might still believe in the rumors that Rose spread.

Ian, who thought so, also felt nervous for no reason.

Its all right.

He clasped her hand in a warm grasp.

Ill be there for you.

He could feel Larittes gaze on him, but he stepped towards the hall silently, his eyes focused on it.

Neither of them was aware of the little flush of red creeping up to her ears.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep