Chapter 57
Yes, it was clearly her own fault.
Somehow, she had heard Diana say it was the duchess’s favorite fragrance, and without checking properly, she had given it to Catherine.
It was also true that she had been considering coming forward and confessing everything herself.
But she had never imagined—not even in her wildest dreams—that Catherine would point out her mistake in front of everyone like this.
Alicia already had many enemies. What could be a passing cold for Catherine, might become a severe illness for Alicia.
And of course, Catherine knew that too.
Alicia’s eyes trembled in shock. But Catherine continued speaking without the slightest sign of hesitation.
“You told me I had to wear it today. That I had to apply it today of all days… Now that I think about it, it is strange. Why did you give me Monstroteiran perfume and oil today of all days…?”
Catherine went even further, twisting Alicia’s mistake to make it look intentional.
She was trying to shift all the attention and blame off herself and onto Alicia.
“I really thought it was just peppermint. I’m so sorry, Madam…!”
Then she broke into loud sobs.
Now all the gazes that had been on Catherine turned sharply toward Alicia. Their eyes were filled with scorn, slicing into her like daggers.
Alicia staggered as if dizzy.
It was a shocking situation, after all. Catherine had thrown her own mother away just to save herself.
And now, Diana—who had been calmly observing—stepped forward to drive in the final wedge.
“……Your Highness, I didn’t mean to…”
Alicia tried to offer an excuse, but no one here was going to believe her now.
Even Diana was wearing an expression of utter shock—as if she simply couldn’t believe what she was hearing.
Why are you making that face…?
You’re the one who said it was the duchess’s favorite scent!
Alicia wanted to scream at Diana, who now looked at her with blame.
“You knew she was at the ducal residence, didn’t you? Was the lack of an invitation your way of getting revenge, Alicia?”
“No! I really thought it was just an herbal scent…”
“I’m truly disappointed in you.”
Diana didn’t even listen to Alicia’s defense. She turned her back on her coldly and bowed deeply to Serena.
“I’m sorry, Madam. I’ll make sure no one who wasn’t invited is brought along again. I never imagined something like this would happen…”
“……It’s all right, Your Highness. It wasn’t your doing. Let’s just put an end to it here. Everyone, let’s return to the banquet hall.”
It was frustrating, but since the offender was someone from the Grand Duke’s household, this was the best way to wrap things up.
Serena led the guests back to the banquet. Left behind on the terrace were only the people of Ernst’s Grand Duchy.
As soon as everyone was gone, Alicia grabbed Diana’s arms, looking up at her desperately.
“Your Highness! You clearly told the maid that this was the duchess’s favorite scent!”
“What are you talking about?”
“You said you couldn’t give it to either of your daughters, so you’d store it away in the warehouse—!”
Diana coldly brushed off Alicia’s grip.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about. Are you trying to blame me now?”
Diana had never worn that expression toward Alicia before. More than her denial, the fact that Diana was angry at her shocked Alicia the most.
“No, that’s not it, please just listen to me—”
“Even if what you say is true, then you’re admitting you took it upon yourself to give Catherine the oil I said I wouldn’t give to either daughter.”
Alicia’s shoulders flinched, as if tears would fall any moment. There was nowhere to run.
A faint smirk escaped Diana’s lips, so subtle no one noticed. She then turned toward Catherine.
“Catherine.”
“Yes, Mother.”
“Is what Alicia said true?”
Catherine fidgeted with her clasped hands, then answered quickly.
“I don’t know about the rest. All I know is that the doctor gave me the oil and perfume and told me to apply it today.”
“Today, I am truly disappointed in you, Alicia. I don’t want to see your face right now. Go home—immediately.”
“Your Highness!”
With that final sentence, Diana turned away from Alicia. Aicel and Catherine followed her.
Catherine didn’t glance back once—as if she had completely severed ties with her mother.
Alicia was left alone in the stillness of the terrace.
She covered her pale, devastated face with both palms.
Soon, her shoulders began to tremble.
Inside that silent terrace echoed nothing but the sobs of a mother abandoned by her daughter.
* * *
After leading the guests back to the banquet hall, the Duchess quickly settled the atmosphere. Then, still shaken, she stepped into the drawing room to calm herself.
Following behind Serena were Diana, Catherine, and Aicel.
“Really, how could something like this happen!”
“I’m sorry, Madam.”
“Please never bring that woman to any of my parties again, Your Highness.”
The moment Serena entered the drawing room, she shouted. Her breathing was still heavy, as her anger hadn’t subsided.
She had disliked Alicia from the start. And now the woman had come to her party wearing Monstroteiran perfume, clearly trying to provoke her and ruin everything.
It felt as though she’d been humiliated publicly in front of countless nobles. The bitterness stung.
“I will. I never imagined something like this would happen either…”
Diana placed a hand on Serena’s shoulder, her voice trailing off. She truly felt sorry. After all, her personal revenge had dragged the completely unrelated Serena into the fallout.
“Hoo… This isn’t Your Highness’s fault. It’s the fault of that arrogant baron’s daughter who doesn’t know her place.”
As Serena fumed, Catherine hesitantly approached her.
“I should’ve looked into it more before using it… I’m so sorry. The doctor said it was just peppermint scent, and I really believed that.”
“……You should be more careful in the future, My Lady. You applied something on your body without even knowing what it was.”
“……I understand, Madam.”
Catherine lowered her head meekly. Diana silently gestured for Catherine and Aicel to leave. Catherine walked out looking like her world had collapsed, while Aicel followed with a mischievous grin, clearly entertained.
Thud. The door closed behind them. Once Diana confirmed they were gone, she opened her mouth again.
“Madam.”
“Yes, Your Highness?”
“About the engagement with your son…”
Serena, who had been fuming moments ago, waved her hands in surprise at Diana’s words.
This whole thing was just an unfortunate mishap. Though she was annoyed, she couldn’t possibly lose a match like Pereshteh over a lowly physician.
“……It’s fine. I wouldn’t think of canceling the engagement over something like this—”
But Diana cut her off.
“No.”
“Pardon?”
“It’s better we call it off.”
Her voice was firm. Serena’s lips trembled in stunned confusion.
“Are you saying this because I lost my temper earlier? That wasn’t—”
“I’m talking about Catherine.”
Serena tilted her head, confused.
“Sorry? I don’t understand…”
“She may be my daughter, but she lacks too many things to be seriously considered for your son.”
“But still…”
“Instead—”
Diana fixed her gaze on Serena, who stared back, trying desperately to read her expression.
“What do you think about Aicel?”
Serena searched Diana’s face, trying to understand her intent. But she found none.
Diana looked as if she were genuinely suggesting Aicel as a replacement due to Catherine’s shortcomings.
“Besides, it seems she’s already grown somewhat close to your son.”
“Oh? Is that so?”
Truthfully, Serena didn’t mind whether it was Catherine or Aicel—if not for today’s fiasco.
But Catherine had made a grave mistake today: her singing had been a disaster, and she wore that disastrous perfume, turning the party into a mess.
Even if it was a mistake, her impression had plummeted to the lowest possible point. Serena didn’t even want to see her face anymore.
In contrast, Aicel, though the same age as Catherine, appeared far more composed. Plus, she was favored by the Marquess of Pereshteh and even capable of using magic. She was the perfect catch.
“Yes. You may even ask your son yourself. In fact, Aicel…”
“Yes?”
“…is so adored by her father, he’s even considering handing over the mining rights.”
“Oh my, the diamond mine?”
At the word diamond, Serena’s eyes widened in astonishment. Any hint of her earlier irritation disappeared as her eyes sparkled.
“Yes. He treasures her dearly.”
Pereshteh’s diamond mine was famous—every noble knew of it.
Even though the Duke of Iberk’s family was already rich and influential, a diamond mine was in a league of its own. One could easily say the mine was the heart of the Pereshteh family’s wealth.
Serena gulped audibly, then quickly suppressed her excitement and spoke in a composed tone.
“Ahem. Whether the mine is passed down or not, if that is Your Highness’s wish, of course I will respect it.”
She gave a small cough, pretending the mine meant nothing to her, and agreed without hesitation.
Diana smiled, satisfied, and clapped her hands.
“Good. Then let’s do this: we’ll let your son choose.”
“Pardon? Are you sure about that?”
Letting someone choose between her two daughters? Serena blinked in disbelief.
“I want the children to have a say. Marriage is a serious matter.”
“If that’s how you feel, then… yes. I’ll tell Sawyer. He didn’t have much connection with Lady Catherine anyway, so I’m sure he’ll understand.”
Thus, the vague engagement between the Iberk and Ernst households was finally brought into the open.
Diana and Serena exchanged pleasant smiles.
“Ah, Madam.”
“Yes?”
Diana was about to rise but called out to Serena again as if remembering something. She hesitated, looking somewhat troubled.
“Can I ask one favor?”
“Of course.”
“Please don’t say anything to Catherine. I’ll tell her myself.”
“Of course. Naturally.”
Serena shrugged as if it were no big deal and agreed readily.
“Thank you, Madam.”
Only then did Diana stand and head outside. Her steps toward the banquet hall were incredibly light.
When she entered the hall, she saw Sawyer and Aicel deep in conversation, while Catherine hovered nearby, eager to join in.
Diana looked at the three of them and smiled brightly.
Now that I’ve played the part of the real one long enough…
It’s time to return what belongs to Aicel.
As for Catherine—
The real misfortune begins now for the one who brought pain to both me and Aicel.
