Chapter 16
“Haaa…”
Why is this guy tormenting me again?
Just dealing with the emperor’s overwhelming interference and the complications of the divorce is enough to make my head explode, and now another headache has been added.
“An affair? What nonsense…”
Still, if I really have no other way, should I use that?
The thought crossed my mind, but a gloomy expression settled on my face.
If I finalized the divorce using an affair as the excuse, it would certainly help me… but my reputation would fall into ruin, and that disgrace might affect my mother and the trading company.
With that in mind, I couldn’t take the step lightly.
“Duchess.”
A soft voice pulled Maia out of her thoughts.
“The air is chilly. Would you like to wear a shawl?”
“Oh… right, thank you.”
A maid quietly approached and offered her the shawl with a respectful manner. Maia took it with an unwilling smile.
Another change had occurred since the trial.
It was the presence of the maids sent by the emperor, just as he had promised.
The imperial maids personally selected by the emperor were flawless.
They were likely young ladies from more noble families than the duchy’s own maids, but unlike the others, they behaved with utmost politeness and deference.
Honestly? It wasn’t bad.
She couldn’t help but think how nice it would have been if things had been this way from the beginning.
Maia watched the retreating maid with cold, frosty eyes.
Everything was good—except for the fact that they were clearly there to watch her.
Multiple sets of eyes always followed her, no matter where she was.
Even when she was spacing out for no reason, or focused on writing, or drinking tea, or changing clothes, or even in those unavoidable moments when she had to face Duke Western…
Those persistent, ever-present gazes sparked a deep sense of disgust and mistrust within her.
Yes. There was no way the emperor sent these maids without an ulterior motive.
She didn’t know why he needed to keep tabs on her—but her instincts screamed that it wasn’t for any good reason.
Maia ground her teeth, her large violet eyes burning with intensity.
Her world was never at peace.
The warm peace and gentle love she longed for never came.
Not for her.
A banquet was held at the imperial palace—to celebrate the Crown Princess’s pregnancy.
The Crown Prince, son of the emperor and empress and brother of the deceased princess, had married the Countess Lucia’s daughter four years ago.
They had remained childless for a long time, but finally, the Crown Princess was carrying the next heir of the imperial bloodline.
To commemorate this, the emperor held a grand banquet.
Naturally, an invitation was sent to Duke and Duchess Western, being close relatives of the imperial family.
“Damn it.”
Despite being surrounded by many eyes, Maia couldn’t help but curse aloud.
It hadn’t even been a month since the imperial trial—so why did the banquet have to be now?
Was there no way to get out of it?
“We’ll need to prepare a new dress. There hasn’t been any banquet at the palace since you became the duchess, after all.”
“…Yes. Please prepare one.”
There was no escaping it. The emperor had even sent a personal letter—how could she possibly refuse?
Maia decided to attend the banquet, despite her feelings, like swallowing bitter medicine.
Once there, she’d be nothing more than a wallflower.
Whether she dressed extravagantly or plainly, she would still be the subject of criticism, so she might as well just wear something simple.
She’d offer her congratulations to the Crown Prince and Princess, then return to the estate. What happened to Duke Western could be his own problem.
Maia struggled to calm her churning emotions.
But as always, her resolve didn’t last.
“These are items personally bestowed upon Duchess Western by His Majesty the Emperor.”
Dazzling jewels glittered against the black velvet garments.
Imperial attendants stood in a line, holding large and small silk boxes.
“…What is all this?”
Maia barely managed to speak, her temples throbbing.
“It’s been a while, Duchess Western.”
Countess Ellaris, chief lady-in-waiting to the emperor and head of the imperial palace maids, bowed with a warm, wrinkled smile.
“As you know, there is to be a banquet. His Majesty had you in mind and decided to bestow these gifts upon you.”
With a graceful gesture, Countess Ellaris signaled the servants, who opened the boxes all at once.
The largest box was so big it required two burly attendants to carry it.
When the black cover was lifted, a deep blue dress with a butterfly’s fluttering grace and vibrant colors was revealed.
“It’s made from the silk of Karina butterflies, imported from the Kingdom of Akzel.”
Next came sparkling gemstones that caught and reflected the light brilliantly.
“A set of amethysts crafted from minerals imported from the Bharat Empire in the West. Would you like to try them on?”
Countess Ellaris lifted the amethyst necklace with gentle hands and offered it to Maia.
“No, that’s alright.”
Maia refused immediately.
“They’re all very… beautiful.”
She said this outwardly, but inwardly she was spewing every curse she knew.
Yet another incomprehensible move from the emperor.
As if assigning maids to spy on her wasn’t enough, now he was giving her a dress and jewelry for the banquet?
Her plan to quietly attend and leave unnoticed was now completely ruined.
The news that the emperor had gifted Duchess Western with such items had probably already spread throughout the capital.
Maia muttered, as if spitting the words.
“How overwhelming. I don’t know how to express my gratitude.”
Still, there was one small relief.
For all the pomp of the presentation, the items weren’t that extravagant.
Maia let out a silent sigh.
And then she saw it.
A thin veil, neatly folded in a black box, caught her eye.
“…That’s…”
Her pupils widened.
Countess Ellaris turned to where Maia was looking.
Inside was a pale blue veil, soft and delicate like seafoam.
“Oh, the veil. His Majesty is ever so thoughtful—young women who haven’t had children sometimes wear a veil over their hair. I think it would suit you beautifully, Duchess Western, with your orchid-like grace.”
Despite the flattery, Maia’s expression remained stiff.
If she wore that dress and veil into the banquet hall with Duke Western by her side… what would people think?
They’d probably assume they were newlyweds.
To gift such things not long after she had requested a divorce…
No matter how hard she tried to ignore it, the emperor’s intentions were blatantly obvious.
Maia bit down hard on her lip.
She wanted to rip that veil to shreds right then and there.
But her opponent was the emperor.
“…It’s a bit embarrassing, but I’m grateful.”
Maia gave a springlike smile, suppressing her boiling anger.
The lady-in-waiting’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction.
Time passed quickly, and the day of the banquet arrived.
The atmosphere in the duchy was cold and cutting, like a blade of wind.
The rift caused by the recent trial still hadn’t healed.
…Though Maia didn’t think of it as an aftereffect. This had always been the nature of their relationship.
One-sided rage from one end, and a lack of understanding from the other.
Maia lowered her head.
Her ink-black hair swayed softly, hiding her face.
Her violet eyes, like frozen remnants of an ancient legacy, stared coldly at her clasped hands.
The hem of her deep blue dress flowed like seafoam, rustling lightly with each step she took.
Marriage Blue.
If she had to look like a bride, she’d rather appear like one who was utterly crushed by sorrow—an image as pitiful and heart-wrenching as could be.
“…You look beautiful.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
The sudden compliment made Maia catch her breath. She offered a polite reply.
Duke Western flinched slightly but said nothing more.
Without another word, they boarded the carriage, and even during the long journey, not a single sentence was exchanged.
As if they had forgotten the very concept of speech.
Maia leaned her head against the carriage window.
The cold glass soothed the warmth rising to her forehead.
As she stared blankly outside, her mind kept replaying the events of that night.
“This marriage that traps you for one mistake—don’t you want to undo it?”
“I’ll help you. Use me.”
He’d even offered to pretend to be her lover?
Laughter slipped out uncontrollably.
At least she had chosen a good friend.
Who else would be gutsy enough to offer to play the role of the duchess’s lover… against Duke Western?
All for her sake.
But…
The smile vanished from Maia’s face.
If you get hurt trying to help me… I can’t bear to ask that of you.
The warmth that had briefly entered her heart turned cold again.
