Chapter 27: Chapter 27

Mother’s gaze turned cold, as though she were looking at the most foolish person in the world.

“Doris, did you even hear what I just said? What did I say this party is for?”

“...”

“Don’t concern yourself with His Highness. As the daughter of the host, greeting guests warmly won’t be something anyone criticizes you for.”

“But you’re not just expecting me to host, are you?”

“Of course not.”

Mother gripped my shoulders tightly, her voice sharp.

“This is your last chance to change your life! Even if you end up in a scandal, no one will blame you. Don’t forget what His Highness has done all these years.”

That’s when Natalie chimed in.

“That’s an awfully optimistic take.”

“Natalie!”

“But it’s the truth. If Doris manages to secure the young duke, the respectable types will scorn her for betraying her fiancé, and those who covet the young duke will take that as their cue to escalate.”

“...”

“Of course, if you decide to ignore all that and run off to Frost Hill, I guess it won’t really matter.”

My sister’s tone was dripping with sarcasm, but Mother seemed to take her words literally. Her expression brightened instantly.

“Yes, exactly! At Frost Hill, you wouldn’t have to deal with the social circles you dislike! Or you could even live in the Blue Atrium! Oh, which would you prefer?”

The countess’s eyes sparkled. Clearly, she was already picturing her daughter and son-in-law traveling between two grand estates.

Meanwhile, my head was swimming with worries.

Arthur wouldn’t waver—his heart belonged solely to Maria—but what about the salon bet?

And…

The dress…

A dress is just a dress.

So why did the idea of wearing Tristan’s gift for the first time somewhere he wouldn’t even be feel so unsettling?

***

Preparations for the banquet proceeded as quickly as lightning striking dry beans. About half of the guests invited by the count and countess declined, citing the short notice.

Please let Arthur decline too!

...But alas.

“The young duke has accepted! Oh, what joy. He must have feelings for you!”

Why are you coming? Maria isn’t even here!

Was he coming for more relationship advice?

Mother, brimming with excitement, suddenly adopted a more serious tone.

“Many other distinguished guests will also attend, so make sure not to embarrass yourself in front of them.”

“Yes... Still, more people showed up than I expected.”

“They’re all trying to find the best partners before the hunting competition. I’ve invited many ladies as well, so make sure you’re dressed well enough not to be overshadowed by them.”

Fair enough. They couldn’t invite only men.

So, essentially, the count’s estate was hosting a rapid-fire matchmaking reality show.

Like some "Find Love in a Day" or "Battle Royale Romance" program. I’ve never even watched those.

I’d rather spectate than participate.

While Mother focused on perfecting the banquet arrangements, my attention was elsewhere.

The participants for the hunting competition had been decided.

As Father busied himself training the basset hounds, I pored over the participant list left on his study table, searching for information to pass along to Rick Ray.

Specifically, about the jerk who’d bother Maria during the competition.

Found him. A pompous noble.

Alex, the second son of a marquess family.

In the original story, this guy sneaks a wounded rabbit into the Meyer family’s tent. The panicked rabbit wreaks havoc, Maria is startled, and Alex uses the excuse of “helping her” to enter the tent himself. His real goal? Making a move on Maria out of sight.

Of course, Rick ends up grabbing him by the collar and tossing him down a hill.

Even if Rick could handle it on his own, it feels a bit awkward that I’m the one giving him a heads-up.

Still, credit where credit is due.

As Saturday approached, a lingering question refused to leave my mind.

Tristan. Why did you send the dress?

My parents speculated that he was worried about losing his fiancée now that the Blue Atrium might slip from his grasp.

Ridiculous.

Blinded by their dream of marrying their youngest daughter off to the young duke, they’d lost all objectivity. I knew very well that I wasn’t the kind of lady anyone would lament losing on the marriage market.

The only thing I had going for me was the reliability of waiting five years for my fiancé.

Ruining my reputation by making advances on Arthur and ending up as a laughingstock chasing after a man would be far worse than sticking with Tristan.

...That was the real reason I didn’t want to wear Tristan’s dress to this banquet.

Finally, Saturday arrived.

Mother was buzzing with energy as she oversaw the final touches to the banquet hall.

I sat at my vanity, where the maids were diligently working on me. What they were doing couldn’t simply be called makeup—it was like I was being sculpted anew.

“Your makeup is finished! Miss Doris, shall we go with pearl hairpins or green quartz?”

“Anything is fine.”

“Anything won’t do. Madam said to make you look your best.”

“Then the green ones.”@@novelbin@@

Under the maids’ meticulous hands, my reflection in the mirror gradually transformed into something out of a romance fantasy novel cover.

I look… pretty.

The stiffness in my face relaxed without me even realizing it. One of the maids beamed as she brought over the dress.

“Time to put on your dress!”

The maids unfolded the dress Tristan had sent. It was elegant, capturing the essence of a rainy lake—beautiful and refined.

...But wait, this design left my shoulders bare.

Tristaaaan! You know I don’t wear stuff like this!

“Isn’t this a bit too revealing? Not as much as Natalie’s dresses, but still...”

“Our grandmother wears dresses like this to parties,” one maid replied firmly, while another nodded in agreement.

“Don’t worry, it will look perfect on you! Now, let’s take off your robe.”

“You’ll get used to it once it’s on. Stretch your arms... Oh, this is exciting! I bet at least six men will fall for you tonight!”

“If only this were a larger banquet, we could show off how stunning our lady is to even more people!”

Even though I tried to think of their compliments as exaggerations, their excited expressions were infectious.

I hope I look good to others too.

Still... why wasn’t my fiancé here tonight?

I kind of wanted to see him flustered for once, especially in reaction to my appearance.

And since he sent the dress, he really should’ve been the first to see it on me—

Ack!

Suddenly, I couldn’t breathe.

Startled, the maids looked at me.

“Oh no! Miss Doris, should we tighten the corset just a bit more?”

“If you do, I won’t be able to eat!”

One maid tugged at the dress and grimaced.

“I don’t think tightening the corset will help. Miss Doris, where did His Highness say this dress was made?”

“Designer Aston? That was the name, I think... Mother said they handled my debutante dress.”

“They must’ve used your debutante measurements. I hate to say this, but… it seems you’ve gained a little weight since then.”

“...”

Everyone in the room knew the main culprit behind my weight gain.

My carb-and-fat-heavy diet had certainly accelerated things.

Oh well♪

“What a shame! Such a beautiful dress, and I can’t wear it!”

“Are you really upset about this, Miss Doris?”

“Of course! What else can I do? I guess I’ll wear one of my usual dresses.”

Cheerfully, I began to remove the blue dress, but the maids weren’t giving up so easily.

“Please reconsider, Miss Doris. You look stunning today—do you really want to hide it under one of your usual dresses?”

“I agree! How about one of the dresses Miss Natalie gave you?”

The maids knew about Natalie’s dresses.

“They’re too revealing...”

“We can cover up the exposed areas with accessories! Let’s put aside those dreary, nun-like dresses your grandmother would hate to see!”

“Your comments are getting harsher, don’t you think?”

“Apologies! But I just had to say it before getting fired!”

“I’m not firing you for that!”

Perhaps it was the dopamine rush from the banquet preparations, but I laughed and bantered with the maids as if chatting with old school friends. In the end, I picked one of Natalie’s dresses that I hadn’t worn to the Sacred Salon.

“It’s done. Miss Doris, you look breathtaking!”

It wasn’t just flattery. Even I had to agree as I looked in the mirror.

I could totally pass as a romance novel heroine right now.

Just as I indulged in that thought, the door opened.

“Are you ready?”

Natalie walked in, looking as stunning as ever. For a moment, I was at a loss for words.

“You look... absolutely gorgeous, Natalie.”

She didn’t even bother to reply, as if it were only natural, and gestured for the maids to leave.

“The guests are starting to arrive. The main dish, the young duke, will predictably show up right at seven o’clock, so be prepared.”

“...”

“You don’t look thrilled.”

“Natalie...”

“And you didn’t even wear the dress His Highness sent. Could it be that you wanted to save it for him to see first?”

The mischievous look I remembered from our first meeting returned to her face.

“The dress didn’t fit,” I admitted.

Natalie’s teasing expression vanished, replaced by one of surprise. Then she burst out laughing.

“Ahahaha! And here I thought you were getting all sentimental! Well, the dress I picked looks great on you anyway.”

“Thanks. You seem to be in a good mood, Natalie.”

“Mother went all out for this banquet—it’s bound to be entertaining. Two bands and two circus troupes are performing. I’m curious to see how many dance offers I’ll get this time!”

Natalie loved parties—the lively music, the dazzling decorations, and the attention she attracted with her beauty.

“As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters...”

“You look exhausted already. Doris, do you dislike the young duke that much?”

“It’s not him as a person I dislike. It’s the noise, the dancing, and, most of all, my love life becoming public gossip.”

“...No wonder you cling to the banquet snacks. That’s all you have to enjoy.”

“Exactly...”

“Sigh... You’re already so deflated.”

Natalie looked me over, then smirked.

“You’re so pretty tonight—it’s a waste. If you had to choose, would you attend the banquet or spend some time on your own?”

“The latter, obviously!”

“Want me to help?”

“Huh?”

“If you don’t want to stand out at tonight’s banquet, just say the word. I’ll make sure no one notices when you slip away.”

Natalie smiled with her usual confidence.