Chapter 51
“Aicelle.”
The long-awaited day of Soyer’s birthday party had arrived.
Diana visited Aicelle’s room early in the morning.
“Mother?”
Aicelle rubbed her eyes and sat up groggily, still half asleep, staring at Diana.
“You need to wake up early today. It’s an important day.”
Diana smiled and helped Aicelle out of bed, then headed towards the bath.
As soon as they entered the bath, the air was filled with a sweet, fragrant steam. Diana had instructed the maids to prepare a special bath for Aicelle with a fragrant oil she had personally chosen.
“Such a sweet fragrance…”
“It’s peach. It’s the scent that the Duchess of Aiberg loves. Go ahead and get in.”
Aicelle sank into the warm water, its pink hue shimmering. The rich peach scent made her feel lightheaded.
“It smells so nice.”
“You feel like you’re soaking in peaches, don’t you?”
Aicelle’s playful comment made Diana chuckle softly, and she responded gently.
“This strong fragrance is exactly what you need. It will leave the scent on your body.”
“But, why use the scent the Duchess of Aiberg likes? Shouldn’t it be more about Soyer, not the Duchess?”
Aicelle, still splashing water on herself, asked in confusion.
Of course, it was important to make a good impression on the Duchess, but the most important thing was Soyer. After all, Catherine liked him.
“In noble society, some parents are incredibly strict when it comes to marriage. They will never bend their opinions.”
Diana’s face took on a bitter expression.
“Of course, your grandfather didn’t do that, and I don’t intend to either.”
“Ah, so we need to make a good impression on the Duchess first, not the Prince?”
“Exactly. The Duchess is our priority. But Aicelle…”
“Yes?”
Aicelle turned to Diana, lifting her body from the bath. Diana handed her a soft towel and began to speak.
“There’s no real need for you to marry Prince Soyer.”
Aicelle paused, her hand stopping midair as she dried her hair. Their matching emerald eyes locked as they stared at each other.
“It’s because you want to beat Catherine.”
Diana’s eyelashes fluttered as she lowered her gaze. It was only now that Aicelle understood why Diana had seemed bitter when talking about marriage.
The idea of a marriage, which should be blessed by all, being decided by revenge instead of love, was something Diana feared.
Diana didn’t want Aicelle to make the same mistake she did. Diana had failed in her own marriage, but she wanted her daughter to marry someone who truly loved her.
Or, even better, not to marry at all. After all, if Diana’s plan succeeded, Aicelle would inherit the title of the Duchess of Pereschette and the Duke of Erenst.
Diana was certain that during this birthday party, Prince Soyer would feel a strong affection for Aicelle. They shared common ground, after all.
How Aicelle used that affection would be entirely up to her.
“Don’t worry, Mother. I won’t do something foolish like making a decision about marriage because of revenge.”
“…Good. Now, let’s pick your dress and jewels.”
Diana opened a wardrobe full of dresses she had received from the Marquis.
Each of the dresses was a perfect design from a boutique, with not a single one lacking. They were all impeccable.
“I suppose there’s nothing I need to help you with. They’re all perfectly designed.”
“You’ve been so thoughtful. I still lack the eye to see such things.”
“Everyone has the same eye for beauty. So, what color do you like the most, Aicelle?”
“I think this one is nice.”
Aicelle pointed to a sky-blue chiffon dress. It had a delicate butterfly-shaped embellishment with jewels, giving it a sweet and elegant appearance.
“Very good. Now, shall we choose the jewels?”
“Hmm…”
Diana and Aicelle moved towards the jewelry box. Aicelle gently stroked her chin before choosing a sapphire set.
The large emerald-cut sapphire, set with small pearls, was elegant yet bold enough to make a statement.
Diana blinked rapidly in surprise. Whether she was just seeing things because of her affection or if Aicelle was truly amazing, she realized her daughter had an excellent eye for both dresses and jewelry.
“Does this look strange?”
When Diana didn’t respond immediately, Aicelle glanced at her. Diana smiled warmly and shook her head.
“No, it’s the opposite. It’s a perfect match. With this dress and jewels, all you need is to fix your hair and add this ribbon.”
She pulled out a sky-blue ribbon with small sapphires embedded in it.
“I love it, Mother!”
Aicelle’s cheeks flushed a rosy pink at the compliment.
“Then, get ready and come out.”
“Yes, Mother. Thank you so much for your help!”
Diana called over the waiting maids in the hallway and instructed them to assist Aicelle.
Now, all that was left was for Aicelle to get ready and come out beautifully dressed.
“Well then, I’ll go visit the other daughter.”
There was a reason Diana had started preparing so early. She needed to move quickly if she was going to take care of both of her daughters.
Of course, those two daughters would show completely different sides today.
Diana smirked as she made her way towards Catherine’s room, but then her steps changed direction, heading instead to Alicia’s room.
Alicia was likely already preparing for the party, considering it was about time.
Diana stood in front of Alicia’s door with a bottle of cheap fragrant oil and perfume she had prepared in advance.
Soon, Milan approached her, having already been briefed on what to do. He began playing his part.
“Oh, Your Highness. What’s this?”
“Ah, it’s the fragrance that the Duchess of Aiberg loves. The one with a herb scent. This is a perfume that can be used to scent the jewels.”
“For the princesses?”
“Hmm, I’m not sure. I can’t give it to just one of them, so maybe it’s better to leave it in the storage.”
Diana slowly walked to the storage room with the fragrance and perfume. The sound of the door opening slowly behind her made Diana’s smile widen. She carefully placed the items in a visible spot and returned to her room.
Just as expected, Milan soon entered her room.
“Your Highness, Alicia took the fragrance and perfume.”
“Thank you, Milan.”
Things were progressing just as planned. Diana crossed her legs and grinned.
“I felt like I had struck gold,” thought Diana as she carried the precious perfumes that the Duchess of Aiberg loved.
Alicia, now clutching the treasure, headed straight for Catherine’s room.
“Catherine, are you awake?”
“…Yes.”
Catherine responded with an unpleased tone, her excitement keeping her awake through the night.
“I’ve prepared the perfume.”
“Mother?”
“Today is an important day, you know.”
Alicia said as she led Catherine to the bath. As soon as they entered, Alicia dissolved the perfume in the hot water. Soon, the rich scent of mint began to fill the air.
“Mint scent?”
“It’s a herbal-scented perfume. I heard that the Duchess of Aiberg likes this one.”
“The Duchess?”
Catherine shot Alicia a doubtful look. Considering her mother’s repeated failures in the past, she couldn’t help but be skeptical about whether this time she had actually gotten it right.
“Come on, get in. We don’t have all day.”
However, Alicia was already checking the time and gently pushed her daughter toward the bath. They had plenty of time but couldn’t afford to waste any.
“Alright, I understand.”
Catherine entered the bath, and Alicia went back to her room. On the bed were the dress and jewels Catherine would wear, neatly laid out.
It was a light green dress with a ribbon adorned with lace and peridot, and matching emerald jewelry.
Having been with Diana since her childhood, Catherine had developed a good sense of taste.
“Hmm.”
Alicia took the perfume she had retrieved from the storage room earlier. Inside the bottle was a light green liquid that looked like the juice of crushed plants.
She sprayed it onto Catherine’s necklace.
“What are you doing?”
By the time Catherine finished her bath, she had come to stand next to Alicia, watching her.
Alicia smiled confidently.
“I’ve sprayed the perfume on the necklace.”
“Perfume?”
“Yes. The same fragrance that the Duchess likes. With the perfume and the oil, your body will be infused with the scent she loves.”
“…I see.”
Catherine raised her emerald necklace, now sparkling more brightly than before. She held it close to her nose and inhaled the minty fragrance. It was as though it had transformed into something so simple, it would easily win over Soyer and the Duchess.
She was certain that today, she would be the one to speak first to Soyer.
Catherine clenched her fists.
“Alright, now get ready and come out.”
“Yes.”
Alicia smiled softly and left the room. She had already made her preparations, and all that was left was to go to the party with Catherine.
After all, with the help she had given, Catherine wouldn’t mind her accompanying them to the party. Alicia returned to her room with a determined look on her face.
After finishing her preparations, Diana descended to the lobby, where Calypso was already waiting for them.
“I see you’ve finished early.”
“I was helping Aicelle a bit.”
“I need to have a word with the Duke about Catherine and Soyer’s marriage.”
“Good idea, darling.”
Diana smiled only with her lips at his words. Despite the coldness in her gaze, Calypso seemed oblivious, merely checking the time.
That marriage will never happen, Calypso.
Diana gave him a sharp glance while he looked toward the stairs. His expression shifted as though he had seen something shocking.
“…Aicelle.”
“Oh, Aicelle! You look absolutely beautiful!”
Diana too couldn’t help but exclaim when she saw Aicelle walking down the stairs gracefully, like a fairy from a fairy tale.
Aicelle was always pretty, but Diana hadn’t expected her to look this stunning. Indeed, how a girl dressed could change everything.
“Say something, darling.”
Diana nudged Calypso with her elbow. He blinked and, still lost in admiration, muttered.
“She’s really beautiful.”
His voice was low and flat, but for someone who rarely gave compliments, this was the highest praise.
“Thank you, Mother. Father.”
Aicelle gently lifted the hem of her dress with both hands and curtsied slightly. Diana, feeling immense love, immediately pulled Aicelle into a tight embrace.
“How can you be so adorable? Right, darling?”
“…Yes, indeed.”
Calypso smiled faintly and lovingly stroked Aicelle’s hair.
Just then, Catherine, now ready, descended the stairs. But unlike Aicelle, her appearance did not draw as much admiration.
“You’ve arrived, Catherine.”
“…Yes.”
Catherine, having heard all the praise aimed at Aicelle, was filled with unease. She had been thrilled before, but now her mood soured.
Despite her attempts to cause a scene, she knew it would be pointless with Eclipte holding her back.
She passed by Aicelle, her gaze icy, and opened the door. Outside, the waiting carriage was visible.
“Let’s go. It’s polite to arrive early.”
“Wait, a moment.”
Diana grabbed Catherine by the shoulder before she could leave.
“Did you forget something?”
“No, it’s just that not everyone has come out yet.”
“Who?”
Calypso narrowed his eyes and asked.
At that moment, Diana heard footsteps approaching from the end of the hallway.
“Alicia!”
Alicia appeared in an outdated mustard yellow bell-shaped dress, paired with an ill-matching purple shawl and amethyst jewelry.
The ridiculous sight made Calypso and Catherine’s faces turn pale in shock.
Diana and Aicelle, however, could only quietly smirk at their reactions.
