Chapter 34

Dianne Ortenza was beautiful, and she wasn’t so oblivious that she failed to realize it.

She had graduated from Cyrene Girls’ Academy, which was right next to an all boys’ school. After classes ended, boys would hang over the fence, tossing flowers, candies, and letters.

Being the center of attention wherever she went, and receiving unsolicited kindness from men, it was all familiar to her.

But this? This was entirely new.

“What province are you from? I don’t believe we’ve met in the capital before.”

“So you’re Her Highness’s tutor? You must be quite the accomplished lady. How long have you been at the palace?”

“Do you enjoy riding? Or music, perhaps?”

Strangers—young men—approached one after another, relentless. As soon as one stepped back, another filled the gap, like vultures circling. Dianne felt like their prey, completely surrounded.

‘Sir Reussen, where are you? Hurry back!’

Sir Reussen had left to fetch drinks, and at that moment, she cursed his thoughtfulness. Her smile, forced for far too long, was threatening to twitch right off her face.

She was seriously considering feigning a dizzy spell, anything to escape, when suddenly, the air shifted. The boisterous buzz quieted, and a calm voice cut through the group.

“Good evening, Miss Ortenza.”

The circle around Dianne parted effortlessly. Through it stepped a young noblewoman with hair so pale it was nearly white, and her delicate frame gave her an overall feeble impression. And yet, despite her fragile appearance, there was nothing weak about her. Her posture was regal and refined, not frail.

The woman offered the gentlemen a slight nod of acknowledgment and stopped in front of Dianne, speaking with a friendly familiarity.

“How have you been?”

“Pardon? Oh– yes, I’ve been well…”

Dianne blinked, confused.

She had only seen this noblewoman once before, at Oakhall Palace, back when she was fumbling to fix her disheveled hair after her ribbon snapped. The encounter had been mortifying. They hadn’t even properly exchanged names, so why was she speaking as if they were old acquaintances?

Despite Dianne’s lukewarm response, the noblewoman continued chatting brightly, steering the conversation with practiced ease. And as the exchange grew more natural and lengthy, the surrounding young men grew disheartened and began to drift away, one by one.

Only then did Dianne realize that this young lady had stepped in to help her.

The young noblewoman smiled softly once she was sure the young men had retreated far enough.

“You looked like you were in trouble, so I took the liberty of stepping in. I hope I wasn’t being presumptuous.

Dianne bowed her head sincerely.

“Thank you for helping me.”

“Oh, think nothing of it. That aside, your dress suits you beautifully. I’m glad I chose it.”

“I’m sorry?”

“This is our first proper introduction, isn’t it? My name is Adelasia Vellua.”

She dipped into a graceful curtsy.

Dianne was grateful for the rigid etiquette that guided interactions like these. If she hadn’t been trained in such things, she wouldn’t have been able to hide her surprise upon hearing the name.

“…It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Vellua. I’m Dianne Ortenza, tutor to Her Highness Princess Elphenlira.”

“Please, call me Adelasia. I’ll do the same with you.”

Had they met under different circumstances, Dianne might have been wary. But her curiosity won out.

“Um, you said you chose my dress earlier. What did you mean by that…?”

“Exactly what it sounds like. I chose the gown you’re wearing now, and even the ribbon in your hair. His Majesty said he needed a young lady’s eye for these things, so I lent what little help I could.”

Dianne felt her ears flush with heat.

‘…So His Majesty didn’t choose them himself.’

Logically, it made perfect sense. The Emperor had simply wanted to give her a gift. He hadn’t picked out the ribbon, the gown, the shoes, or the jewels with Dianne in mind. He hadn’t personally chosen them while thinking of what would suit her best.

She felt a wave of shame for having let herself believe otherwise, even briefly. Thankfully, the Emperor could not read minds. If he had any idea what she’d imagined, she might’ve wanted to die on the spot from the mortification.

Adelasia, noticing the flicker of emotion across Dianne’s face, tilted her head with concern.

“You don’t like the dress? I only managed to catch a glimpse of you at the palace, but I did try to choose something that would suit you, Miss Dianne.”

Dianne quickly shook her head.

“No, no, it’s lovely. Truly. I was just– a bit surprised…”

Fortunately, she didn’t have to say more. Just then, Sir Reussen reappeared, drinks in hand. Dianne felt a rush of both relief and exasperation.