TCBCVF 42

~Chapter 42~

“Welcome.”

As Dietrich stepped into the jewelry shop, the staff greeted him with a polite bow.

He spoke up.

“I’m looking for a gift. It’s for a young woman in her early twenties…”

“Ah, please come this way.”

The staff led Dietrich to a glass display case.

Inside, a variety of dazzling jewels sparkled under the lights.

“This section features our most popular designs,” the staff said, pulling out a bracelet case to show him.

Clink.

A bracelet inlaid with small blue stones shimmered.

“This piece is inspired by the ocean and made with turquoise. Recently, every lady in the territory owns at least one of these—”

“……”

But Dietrich wasn’t listening.

His gaze had drifted to a pair of earrings sitting in another corner of the display.

They were simple studs—nothing flashy—but intricately crafted with delicate detail.

In particular, the translucent pink gem at the center struck him with a strange sense of familiarity.

“Your Grace?”

A soft voice echoed in his ears.

And then—

“Ah.”

He realized it.

That pink stone—it looked exactly like Larit’s eyes.

That gentle, flower-pink shade.

“Sir? Sir!”

“Ah—yes.”

Snapping out of it, Dietrich quickly straightened up.

“Are you interested in this piece?” the staff asked, smiling and holding out the earrings.

“They’re made from rose quartz. Aren’t they lovely?”

“……”

Without meaning to, Dietrich imagined those earrings dangling from Larit’s ears.

They would look perfect on her.

But then—

‘Why am I even considering buying something for Lady Ansi?’

She was just Evangeline’s friend.

Sure, she had a positive influence on his sister, and he appreciated that.

Still…

“I’ll take both—the turquoise bracelet and these earrings.”

His mouth had already decided for him.

“Understood. Shall I gift wrap them?”

‘Why am I doing this…?’

Even as he questioned himself, Dietrich simply nodded.

“Yes, please.”

“Thank you! Please visit us again!”

As he left the jewelry shop, Dietrich stared down at the two gift boxes in his hands.

‘What the heck…’

Somehow, he’d ended up making two impulsive purchases.

Right then, his assistant—now awake—asked with confusion:

“Why did you buy two gifts?”

“Don’t ask.”

Dietrich answered firmly.

‘If you say so…’

The assistant shrugged, then handed Dietrich a letter.

“By the way, this just arrived for you, sir.”

“A letter?”

[Evangeline von Claudius]

Her name was written in bold script on the envelope.

‘…What kind of trouble has she caused now?’

A chill ran down his spine.

He opened the letter, frowning.

[To Big Brother Dietrich,
There’s going to be a party at the Ansi estate on July 5th.
You have to come.
– From the most beautiful, cutest, coolest, and most lovable Evangeline in the world]

No greeting, no politeness—just straight to the point.

Dietrich stared at the page, speechless, and continued reading.

[I already know your business trip is practically over.
You’re in the Ansi territory anyway, right?
Since you’re here, at least make an appearance at the party and help boost my friend’s confidence, okay?]

[P.S.
Since I’m a Claudius princess, I said I’d cover the party cost.
Put it on credit for now and just bill the Duke’s estate later.]

“…She’s so shameless.”

Dietrich couldn’t help but mutter under his breath.

Not only did she dump all responsibility on him, she’d already assumed he’d pay for the whole thing.

Staring at the ridiculous letter, he sighed deeply and turned to his assistant.

“Please find out exactly what’s going on with this situation.”

“W-What?!”

The assistant’s dreams of a warm bath, freshly grilled steak, cold dessert, and an early bedtime—all crumbled instantly.

He looked absolutely devastated.

The Next Morning

Dietrich was finally filled in on the whole story behind the party.

“…So Eva just suddenly announced she was hosting a party at the Ansi estate?”

He pressed his temples in frustration.

“First, send a letter of apology with a gift. And of course, we’ll be covering the full cost of the party…”

Just then—

Knock knock.

A hotel staff member appeared.

“Your Grace, another letter for you.”

“……”

As if summoned by his thoughts—it was Evangeline again.

Dietrich opened the letter, already bracing himself.

And right on cue, he imagined her shouting in his ears:

[Big Brother, why haven’t you replied yet?!]

She wasn’t even pretending to follow letter etiquette anymore.

She’d sent yesterday’s letter just last night—and she was already demanding a response this morning.

Dietrich felt a deep despair toward his sister’s character.

[You are coming, right?
I already told Lady Ansi you would.
I promised that her first dance at the party would be with you!]

“She already sold me out…?”

Dietrich read the next line with disbelief.

[So you have to come.
Got it? I mean it.
And send your reply by lunchtime today!]

No greetings. No closing. Just demands.

“……Haa.”

Dietrich let out a sigh from deep in his chest.

Logically, he knew what the right choice was.

He should return to the capital and take care of other pressing matters.

He had worked himself to the bone to free up time—he should use it efficiently.

So, obviously, he should reply that he won’t attend.

“……”

But his eyes wandered to the table.

There sat two gift boxes—one for Evangeline, the other for Larit.

“Your Grace… What shall I write in the reply?”

his assistant asked cautiously.

Dietrich narrowed his brows.

‘I was going to give Lady Ansi her gift anyway…’

It wasn’t like he had to do it in person.

He could easily send it through a servant or have Eva deliver it.

But even knowing all that…

“Tell her I’ll attend.”

He gave in to his own uncooperative heart.

Meanwhile, in High Society…

Southern high society was in chaos.

The fact that the Ansi and Gusto families were hosting parties on the same day was shocking enough—but what really caused a stir was that Evangeline Claudius herself had suggested the date.

And she had personally announced that she’d be attending the Ansi party.

“There were rumors she was close with Lady Ansi, but…”
“I didn’t think she’d actually attend her party!”
“The princess rarely goes to social events at all!”

Until now, Evangeline had only attended high-ranking parties in the capital.

This was her first time appearing in a regional social event.

“The Gusto family must be panicking.”
“Well, no matter how much influence they have in the South, they can’t compare to the Claudius dukedom.”

Now, all eyes in southern society turned toward the Ansi estate.

And at that very moment…

The Ansi household was—