SWMD 20

Chapter 20

Diana stood by the window, dressed in the new gown prepared for the tea party.

Since they’d decided she would attend, she’d already changed into the dress.
“Now that I’m wearing the new gown, I’m ready to go. Belinda, could you bring me some jewels?”
“Yes, Your Grace.”

Belinda returned with a small set—earrings and a necklace, each adorned with diamonds the size of thumbs. As the box was opened, an overwhelming brilliance burst forth.

Carefully, Belinda draped the diamond necklace around Diana’s neck. Diana then placed the earrings herself. The large diamonds swung and flashed in the light.

Is there anyone to whom diamonds suit so perfectly?

Allie turned to the mirror, seeing her own reflection. Earlier, she had looked like a Grand Duchess too—but now the difference in atmosphere between herself and Diana, even if wearing the same dress and jewels, was stark.

Clenching her fists so tight her nails bit into her palms, she watched with envy.

Calypso, displeased, spun around and exited silently—throwing a look as if to say, “Even when praise is spoon-fed, you can’t take it.”

To think he only uttered a cold “Congratulations” before disappearing. Diana scanned him once, then spoke softly.

“So… I’m going alone?”

“Mother—”

Diana moved to step toward the carriage, holding the hem of her gown. Catherine called softly to stop her.

“Please take me with you, Mother. I really am fine. Please.”

Before the regression, Catherine had never begged Diana like this—surely because Diana had always done everything for her without being asked.

Despite her pride, Catherine now swallowed it all.

She must really like Prince Sawyer.

“Is that so?”
“Yes, Mother… please.”

Very well. In that case, let me show you mercy. Let you feel, like me, the journey from heaven to hell.

“Then, come along.”

Surprised by the unexpected permission, Catherine’s eyes widened. Diana wasn’t one to let Catherine accompany her so easily when it came to her health—but today she yielded with ease.

“Really?”
“Yes. Come along.”

Diana smiled and held Catherine’s hand as they walked toward the carriage.

Catherine glanced back at her biological mother, whose expression had turned ugly. Diana just smiled to herself—she didn’t care anymore.

All that mattered was Prince Sawyer.

Now that Diana’s vision was restored, Catherine—posed as her daughter—could still marry Sawyer. That was enough.

“Gasp—Grand Duchess, your sight is…?”
“It’s returned. Take us to the Duke of Iverck.”

Ignoring the startled coachman, Diana and Catherine boarded the carriage together.

Normally, the trip to the capital would take three days by carriage—but using the mana tunnel under the mage tower, it would take only one hour. They passed several towns across the Grand Duchy.

Diana opened the window fully. After seeing the displeasure on Calypso and Allie’s faces, and finally removing her blindfold, she felt exhilaratingly free.

“This turned out wonderfully.”
“Hm?”
“I was ill because of… what you did. Now I’m well again.”

Catherine bathed Diana in affection—exactly what Diana invited.

“Thank you for caring.”
“I felt so heavy-hearted.”

Pretending tears sprung to her eyes, Catherine whimpered. Diana looked at her mother Rebecca—sporting a soft, triumphant smile.

“Then will you read aloud from your books for me from now on?”
“…Yes—yes?”

Taken aback by Diana’s request, Catherine stumbled.
“I want to ease your mind, sweet Canary voiced one.”

Diana softly teased. The voice of her daughter evoked genuine warmth—the kind she could savor.

“Alright, Mother. I’d be happy to.”

A forced reply, of course. Diana snorted inside, amused by her naïveté.

Soon they passed through the final village and approached the mana tunnel. It sparkled like a rainbow. Emerging from it, the capital’s streets stretched out before them, bedecked in evening lights.

Washed in stunning sunset hues—like a watercolor painting.

They arrived at the grand Iverck estate.

“Wow, it’s stunning!”
Catherine stepped down elegantly, clutching her gown as if she were a Duchess herself.

“First time here?”
“Yes, Mother!”

Although Catherine was from the noble House of Ernest, the Grand Duchy had endured hardships—luxury was rare. She would naturally be awed by the grandeur of the Iverck estate.

“Let’s go.”
“Yes.”

They approached the terrace together. As Diana appeared, the assembled ladies wore expressions of astonishment.

“Oh my, Grand Duchess!”
“Goodness!”
“They said you’d had an accident…”
“A miracle has come to me.”

They offered their greetings. Diana smiled warmly and approached one of them—Duchess Serena de Iverck, whom she had met before her marriage.

“Grand Duchess.”
“Duchess.”
“I feared you wouldn’t come.”

“Pardon?”
Serena’s gentle reproach was obvious even as she masked it:
“You replied, saying you’d send your physician instead.”
“Oh…”

“And it could only be Lady Blair—of the lesser barony.”

Catherine’s shoulders trembled. Serena wasn’t unkind, but that was society. As long as nobility remained rigid, etiquette demanded no less.

“Forgive me—I came directly as soon as I could. Will you understand?”

“Of course.”

Perfect. That bright daughter’s mind was certainly weighing Diana and Allie against her.

Now hearing from the Duchess, Catherine’s scales would tip toward Diana.

“Catherine, please greet her—I believe you met before?”
“Yes! I’m Catherine de Ernest.”
Catherine curtsied tightly, her face flushed.

“Oh, she’s lovely.”
“And the children?”
“They’re enjoying refreshments indoors.”

Serena noted, “And the Princess is…?”
“No, she’s at home. She caught a cold, and with children, one must be careful.”

A lie—but Muttered softly, it served its purpose.

Diana noticed Catherine’s flinch, but she managed a kindly smile.

“I understand—then.”
Catherine’s violet eyes trembled, but she couldn’t protest among the gathering women.

Catherine had to stay near Diana, veiled disappointment hidden inside.

After the Party

“Was it enjoyable?”
“…Yes.”

The event ended. They returned to the carriage. The ride had been excruciatingly dull for Catherine—romance with Prince Sawyer had been her only hope. She’d wanted to shatter all the teacups just now.

But the Daughters of the Iverck estate included future in-laws. She couldn’t expose her rage like a child.

“Quite fortunate,” Diana purred, rolling down the window.

They passed back through the mana tunnel and returned homeward. Villages lined the horizon against a glowing sky.

Diana smiled softly—once again.

Suddenly, by the roadside, she noticed a group of children running. Among them was a child with platinum blond hair—distinct, unmistakable.

She gasped. It felt as though her heart would leap out of her chest.

Snapping the window shut so Catherine wouldn’t see, she turned to the coachman.

“Stop—please.”

“Mother?” Catherine asked.

“Return with Catherine. Do not stop, understand?”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

As the carriage pulled away, Diana surveyed her surroundings. The child she’d glimpsed was still in sight.