CPIHY~04

Chapter 4

How much time had passed since I left my dressing to Meisha?

When I finally turned to face the mirror after following her instructions, I instantly understood the reason behind her confident smile.

“Wow…”

The soft gasp escaped my lips before I realized it.

My light brown hair, which could have easily looked plain, shimmered beautifully against the blue dress that matched the color of my eyes. The pearl hairpiece brought out the fairness of my skin, and a touch of rosy color in my cheeks made me look… alive.

To exaggerate only a little — it was, without question, the best I had ever looked in my life.

It was such a stark contrast to the looks I’d forced myself into while imitating Helen.
This version of me felt real — so much that I almost pitied all the dresses I’d worn before.
For a moment, I stood there, dazed and awkward, unable to move.

“Goodness… you look stunning, my lady.”

The spell broke with Meisha’s awed whisper.

Even though she was the one who’d dressed me, she still looked surprised, her hands covering her mouth as she spun me gently in front of the mirror again and again.

And truly — she’d done such a flawless job that I couldn’t say anything but praise.

“It’s all thanks to you. I had no idea you had such a gift.”

I’d been with her for years, yet this side of her had remained hidden.

“I didn’t know you were talented in this.”

“Oh, please, my lady,” she said, waving off the compliment, but then admitted — almost pouting — that she had been a little sad every time I chose a plain dress.

I couldn’t help but laugh.

“You should’ve told me sooner. I would’ve let you dress me a few times at least.”

“How could I dare say that to you?”

As she said it, she gently spread the hem of my dress with both hands, letting it fall perfectly around me.

“Well, it looks like you’ll be busier from now on,” I said, smiling. “You might have to prepare more beautiful dresses like this quite often.”

“F-from now on?” she repeated, blinking rapidly, her cheeks tinting pink.

Until today, I had always avoided social gatherings — and for good reason. I had no friends there, and every appearance had ended in mistakes and whispers.

“Yes,” I said softly. “From now on.”

Meisha’s eyes curved into a warm smile, and seeing that expression, I couldn’t help smiling too.

By the time she was done fixing the last details of my outfit—

“My lady, it’s time to leave,” came the voice of my escort from outside the door.

“Alright. Let’s go.”

I lifted my skirt with one hand and took the escort’s gloved hand with the other, stepping into the carriage for the first time in a long while.
The wheels rolled forward with a steady rattle as we made our way toward the Imperial Palace.

***

The palace gleamed with overwhelming splendor.

Banners of gold and crimson hung high across the grand façade, and the jewels and lanterns lining the road shimmered as the noble guests arrived one after another.

Faint music drifted from the distant entrance, where a long line of carriages stretched down the path.

Every noble family had to pass through layers of inspection before entering, and the process took forever. Many, already used to the wait, stepped out of their carriages to chat with one another.

Among the crowd of noblewomen laughing and whispering, one carriage drew every gaze.

A white carriage — elegant, understated, and dignified.

“Whose carriage is that?”

“I’m not sure. I don’t recognize the crest… but it feels familiar somehow.”

Just as murmurs began to spread, one young lady’s voice cut through the air.

“Isn’t that the Clody family’s carriage?”

“The Clody family?”

The women’s eyes lit up in an instant.

Who in the capital didn’t know that name?

Once a respected and powerful noble house, House Clody had lived comfortably and proudly — until a series of scandals dragged them into disgrace.

Now, that once-lofty family had fallen below those who used to bow before them.
For years, they’d hidden themselves from the social scene, too ashamed to appear in public…

And today, after all that time, they had returned — to the Crown Prince’s coming-of-age celebration.

Their status had not yet recovered, so what gave them the confidence to appear here so boldly?

Then again, that question hardly mattered.

What did matter was that their return promised one thing—

“Tonight’s party just got much more interesting.”

Some women smirked, others frowned in unease. Predators and prey — divided neatly in a single glance.

So predictable, I thought.

From my seat inside the carriage, I watched them for a moment, then pulled the curtain shut with a flick.

My fingers pressed against the spot between my brows, trying to smooth the tension there.

“Are you alright, my lady?”

It was Iller, my escort, tapping lightly on the window opposite the gathered nobles.

“Yes. Don’t worry about it.”

Those people had never changed their attitude because of my status. They had always envied my family, and now that the runaway daughter had returned, they were simply excited — hungry for gossip.

By the standards of the nobility, that was mild. At least they hadn’t turned on their old allies like others once had.

No, the real problem was always the people around me.

The same smiling faces, always the same tone.

“Ah, Lady Clody, isn’t it?”
“It’s been so long! How have you been?”
“Oh, you came alone today? How’s the Count doing?”
“By the way, our family’s starting a new business, and—”

Even remembering those hollow exchanges made me sigh.

I used to think I was happy then, I thought bitterly.
Maybe I was just too foolish to see that they wanted my family’s name — not me.

A dry laugh slipped out. I leaned back and let their voices fade like meaningless noise.

They said listening only to pleasant things was good for one’s health — and right now, I couldn’t agree more.

I didn’t know how long I drifted in thought before the noise outside quieted.

Then, clatter — the carriage finally began to move again.
Slowly at first, inch by inch, and then faster once we passed through the palace gates.

We stopped at the West Hall, said to be the most beautiful building in the Imperial Palace.

“Is the Crown Prince fond of this place?”

“He comes here often.”

The memory hit me like a cold wind.

Bad memories.

I shook my head sharply, as if to drive them away.

“My lady?” Iller looked at me in confusion, but I couldn’t bring myself to explain.

“It’s fine, Iller. Go ahead inside first — I’ll take a moment to get some air.”

Personal guards weren’t allowed beyond a certain point, so he had to wait in a separate room.

After a brief hesitation, he bowed and left.

I took a deep breath and stepped alone into the building.

Passing through the sparsely staffed first floor, I climbed the grand staircase to the second.
Since I’d arrived a little later, the hallways were empty — only my heels echoed softly against the marble.

I never thought I’d walk these halls again.

Every familiar corner stirred old memories, none of them good.
My mind buzzed with restless thoughts, but I forced myself to steady.

Just for today.
I only need to endure today.

With that, I stepped into the bright light of the ballroom.

***

The chandeliers sparkled brighter than ever, scattering prisms of light across the marble floor.
An orchestra played softly on one side, while tables of fine food and wine lined the other.

But even all that glitter couldn’t outshine the excitement in the air.

For tonight marked the Crown Prince’s first official public appearance.

The ballroom thrummed with whispers and laughter.

“I heard the Clody family is attending tonight.”

Among the crowd were the same young ladies who’d spotted my carriage earlier.

“The Clody family? That one?”

“Yes, that one.”

The others, catching on, began to chatter eagerly.

“What were they thinking, showing up here?”

“It’s mandatory to attend the Crown Prince’s ceremony, isn’t it? That must be why.”

“I thought we’d never see them again.”

The idle gossip grew into a storm, and more ladies gathered around, fanning themselves as they whispered behind their painted smiles.

“After being gone for so long, she must have forgotten all her manners.”

“Surely not,” one giggled.

Their laughter was still in the air when—

Click.

The heavy doors swung open.

Heels tapped softly against the polished floor.

Every head turned toward the entrance—

—and froze.

A woman stepped in, her chestnut hair catching the light.

The lower hem of her blue gown rippled like water with every graceful step.
Its open shoulders highlighted her poise, the pearls and ribbons gleaming beneath the chandeliers.

Each movement carried effortless dignity — the kind no one could imitate.

“Lady Clody?”

“Is that really her…?”

Whispers filled the room, but I didn’t falter.

Ignoring their stares, I walked through the crowd with measured calm, heading straight toward the cluster of women who had been gossiping about me moments before.

As I met each of their eyes, I smiled — bright, beautiful, and unshaken.

And for a heartbeat, the entire group fell silent.

“It’s been a while, everyone,” I said smoothly.
“I’m Berian Clody.”