Chapter 196

“Your Highness, what dress would you like to wear?” Adrian asked, frowning.

She was looking at Apollonia’s wardrobe for the tenth time that day.

“You pick.”

Adrian closed the closet door and spoke. “I don’t like them all.”

She was considerate in her duties but she could also be very honest sometimes especially when it came to Apollonia’s makeup and clothing.

“Why didn’t you just buy one?”

“I can’t afford it after my father had cut back allowance for the Star Palace,” Apollonia answered casually.

Adrian snorted.

“Put away that red diamond bracelet you are holding first before saying something like that. With that one, you can buy all the boutiques’ dresses in the capital.”

When Adrian pointed it out, Apollonia returned the bracelet to her hand inside the drawer.

It was a present to be given in the name of the richest businesswoman in the Empire, Lady Eileen Idena, to Seta, who had firmly guarded the seat beside the Emperor.

“I don’t understand why you aren’t buying any clothes. Aside from hiding your identity to become the future lord of the throne, you’re still the princess, Your Highness. Even a low-class aristocrat like me will wear a new gown to the ball so why should you wear your old gowns?”

Adrian’s eyes, which usually gave her the impression of being cute and gentle, were large.

At that moment, she reminded her of a cat.

“You and I, who have received loads of presents from the ex-fiances, should have new ballgowns. However, the money my father gave me isn’t enough so it’s only natural that I don’t buy them.”

“But, at the Coming-Of-Age ceremony in the past——”

“It’s the Coming-Of-Age ceremony. And since I’m the main character at that time, I had no choice but to put on a face that represents my father.”

“Your Highness!”

Adrian screamed out of patience.

“You told me yourself that you will return with Uriel by your side, Your Highness. It’s time to show your presence little by little in the Upper Society and make yourself known to the aristocrats that will support your cause. That kind of outfit doesn’t suit you at all.”

Apollonia’s expression was somewhat sour.

“Spending money from suspicious sources is another matter. It’s not yet time to reveal my identity as a top shareholder. At least for everyone.”

Apollonia thought she had explained it neatly, but Adrian did not look persuaded at all.

“But, Your Highness. Young noblewomen and wives who like to gossip about others will also attend the celebration. If you look too shabby———”

“Just having Uriel with me can’t make me look shabby. He’s fancy from head to toe so don’t worry too much.”

Adrian, who protested enthusiastically, was almost brought to tears.

Apollonia wasn’t ignorant of the influence of appearance and clothing on a person’s image.

In fact, flamboyance might be the most effective way to get rid of a ‘weak’ picture in front of some aristocrats.

Annoyed by the succeeding broken engagements, the emperor drastically reduced Apollonia’s allowance and her spending was bound to limit.

But only on the outside.

That’s why Uriel was important.

He was the most splendid adornment Apollonia could wear.

Apollonia shrugged her shoulders as if she had no choice and stood up. “Madame Jensen will be here soon. With her help, I’ll be able to dress up properly. If I have time, I’ll ask the captain to help.”

Adrian sighed deeply.

Her beloved Royal Highness was too casual in some ways.

While the two were arguing for a while, a knock was heard in Apollonia’s bedroom.

“You’re here.”

It was Madame Jensen who entered with the guidance of the maid.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Short but well-built, she came into the room looking around with her hair tied up in a high ponytail and wearing tight-looking glasses.

Two of her assistants followed her there.

“It’s nice to see you, Your Highness.”

“Thank you for coming here. Will you pick out my clothes with the maid? I don’t like to spend much time on it on our own, so if you don’t mind, I’d like you to help her. Most of all, please pay attention to Count Buiche.”

“What? But——”

Madame Jensen looked at Apollonia quizzically, finding it strange to see a princess who couldn’t care less about her gown.

“I have a lot of decent ball gowns here, so there’s nothing to worry about.”

“That’s not it, Your Highness.” Madame Jensen said with a puzzled look. “I brought your dress.”

Apollonia’s eyes widened in surprise as she stared at Madame Jensen.

Madame Jensen faced Apollonia with the same expression.

“What does that mean?”

“Last time, Count Buiche ordered Her Majesty’s clothes as well. Didn’t you know? He paid all the bills and left.”

The staff standing behind Madame Jensen were holding a dress covered with a cloth.