🌷 Chapter Eight
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Evelina sat on the bed, waiting for Berry to return.
As she adjusted the cloth covering her eyes, she flinched at the sound of a knock on the door.
“Your Grace, I’ve brought your washing water.”
“P–Please, come in.”
The door opened, and Berry entered carrying a basin of water.
Steam gently rose from the warm water, and in her hand was a soft towel.
Berry placed the basin on the small table.
“Thank you, Berry.”
“It’s my duty, Your Grace!”
“Well then… could you excuse me for a moment?”
Evelina slowly lifted her hand and untied the knot of the cloth covering her eyes.
The fabric slid down and fell softly into her hands.
She took a deep breath, opened her tightly shut eyes, and slowly raised her head.
When she met Berry’s gaze—who had been watching her the entire time—Berry’s eyes widened in shock.
“Your Grace…”
Her voice trembled slightly.
Evelina suppressed a bitter smile, thinking that perhaps Berry was simply frightened.
In her father’s mansion, there had once been a maid much like Berry. But when Evelina showed her eyes to that maid, the girl had screamed, calling them horrifying.
That was the moment the maid’s once-gentle eyes turned into ones filled with fear and hatred.
Evelina still hadn’t forgotten the sound of her scream.
Moreover, even though Evelina had looked into her eyes for just a brief moment, the maid resigned the next day, claiming she’d been cursed and had begun seeing terrifying things.
Since then, no one in the estate dared to meet Evelina’s gaze.
She had covered her eyes again and insisted she was fine, but no one listened. They all continued to avoid her.
Just like everyone else, Berry would surely scream and flee the room now, terrified.
Evelina thought she had grown used to it by now, yet the idea of it happening again left her feeling a bit despondent.
However, even after a few moments passed, Berry continued to stare into Evelina’s eyes as though spellbound, without screaming or looking disgusted.
In the end, Evelina couldn’t bear the silence any longer and carefully opened her mouth.
“Umm… Berry?”
“Oh my—!”
Only then did Berry snap out of her daze, her shock apparent.
Suddenly, she dropped to her knees.
“B–Berry? What’s wrong?”
“I’m terribly sorry, Your Grace! I was so rude to keep looking directly into your eyes. I’m truly sorry!”
Evelina was taken aback.
This wasn’t the reaction she had expected at all.
Berry’s sudden kneeling and profuse apologies made her feel utterly flustered.
“Your eyes, Your Grace… they’re so beautiful I couldn’t look away. I’m so sorry…”
And in the end, Berry began to cry.
Evelina blinked and asked in a dazed voice,
“My eyes… are beautiful?”
Berry lifted her head at those words and nodded fervently.
“Yes~! It’s not a lie. You have the most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen, Your Grace. I’m not very good with words, but your eyes are so clear, dazzling, and radiant. They look just like rubies.”
Berry spoke gently with a bright voice.
Evelina was stunned—this was the first time she had ever received such praise.
“…Aren’t they revolting and frightening?”
“What are you saying! Don’t even joke like that.”
Berry’s eyes widened in disbelief, and she shook her head firmly.
Feeling uneasy seeing Berry still kneeling, Evelina stepped forward and gently approached her.
“Besides, Berry, you didn’t do anything wrong. There’s no need to kneel and apologize like this.”
“Pardon? But…”
“I’m fine, really. Please, stand up.”
When Evelina took Berry’s hand and pulled her up, the maid stood at once.
Just then, Berry noticed the water had gone cold and quickly picked up the basin.
“Your Grace, the water’s cooled. I’ll bring you a fresh one. Please wait just a moment!”
Before Evelina could tell her it was fine and that she could manage with cold water, Berry had already hurried out of the room.
Left alone, Evelina stood in silence before sitting gently at her vanity.
Her red eyes reflected in the clear mirror.
She rarely looked into mirrors.
After staring at her reflection for a few seconds, Evelina turned her head away.
Even just glimpsing her own eyes sent chills through her. Her pale white face and those unnaturally crimson eyes looked ghastly.
Biting her lip, Evelina stood up.
She couldn’t bring herself to look any longer.
“I guess Berry was just trying to make me feel better.”
She murmured quietly as she sat back on the bed.
The red eyes she had seen in the mirror were too eerie, too repulsive to be called beautiful.
Berry had probably lied, afraid she’d be dismissed.
But to be honest, Evelina had no intention of cutting off anyone’s livelihood.
Who was she to dare fire someone from the Archduke’s staff?
Since she had no plans of causing any trouble for Berry, Evelina didn’t intend to ask her whether it was a lie or not.
Just then, another knock came at the door, followed by Berry’s voice.
“Your Grace, I’ve brought the water again.”
“Come in.”
Berry entered the room and placed the basin on the table.
Evelina washed her face with the warm water, covered her eyes once more, and changed her clothes.
When she did, Berry looked a little disappointed, though Evelina didn’t notice.
The sun had already been up for a while, and Arsen and Karina were probably waiting for her in the dining hall.
As Evelina quickly descended the stairs, she encountered Arsen coming up.
“Arsen?”
“Evelina~”
Arsen beamed brightly when he saw her.
Quick-witted as always, Berry had already descended the stairs and vanished somewhere.
“Why are you here instead of in the dining hall?”
“Because I wanted to go there with you, Evelina.”
He stepped forward and offered his arm.
Evelina hesitated for a moment before gently linking her arm with his, walking down the stairs side by side.
“You look beautiful today as well.”
“Ah… thank you. You look handsome too, Arsen.”
Evelina’s cheeks flushed at the unexpected compliment.
If the Archduke complimented her, she had to return the gesture, right?
So she spoke despite her embarrassment.
A satisfied smile curved Arsen’s lips when he heard she thought he looked handsome.
It had been worth getting up early and putting in the effort.
Arsen had woken two hours earlier than usual to prepare.
He usually didn’t waste time picking out clothes, always wearing what Noel prepared for him. But today, he had chosen his outfit himself after a lengthy discussion with Noel.
He had also fretted over whether to tie his hair up or leave it down, whether to roll up his sleeves or not.
To others, these might seem like trivial concerns, but to Arsen, they were everything.
He had to look his best so Evelina wouldn’t glance at any man but him.
He was proud when she said he looked good.
Evelina glanced at Arsen hesitantly before speaking.
“Did… did my mother go to the dining hall first?”
“Perhaps.”
He had purposely come without telling Karina so he could have Evelina all to himself.
“By the way, the designer will be arriving later this afternoon.”
“Ah… it’s fine. There are already so many dresses. I don’t think she needs to trouble herself to come just for me.”
“It’s a gift from my mother, so I hope you’ll accept it.”
At those words, Evelina pressed her lips together.
It was far too much to be called a gift, but she couldn’t refuse—it would likely hurt Karina’s feelings.
Seeing her expression, Arsen slyly added,
“My mother’s been thinking hard about the perfect gift for a long time. She was so happy when she came up with this idea… I think she’d be really disappointed if you turned it down.”
With that, it became even harder to refuse.
Eventually, Evelina hesitated and nodded shyly.
“I–I understand. Then… I’ll accept it with gratitude.”
“Yes. That will make my mother very happy.”
Arsen’s smile grew even wider.
After finishing breakfast together, Evelina went ahead to the reception room to await the designer.
She was nervous—it was her first time interacting with someone outside her father’s duchy or the Archduke’s household.
“Evelina, your hands are so cold.”
“Ah… I guess I’m a little anxious.”
Arsen gently took her hands in his.
Evelina looked pale, like she might collapse at any moment.
“There’s no need to worry. We’ve been working with this designer for a long time.”
Karina, who sat beside Evelina, also took her hand and patted it reassuringly.
“Yes, sweetheart. Nothing will happen that could break your heart. And if it does, I’ll step in personally and get rid of her.”
“B–But… you’ve worked with this designer for so long. Wouldn’t that be a bit harsh…?”
Karina chuckled, kissed Evelina’s cheek, and said gently while still holding her hand,
“You’re far too soft-hearted, dear. What’s the point of years of acquaintance if she ends up hurting my precious daughter? If she causes you pain, then nothing else matters.”
Karina’s voice was so soft and tender it seemed to melt even Evelina’s frozen heart.
As Evelina looked at Karina with a deeply moved expression, a knock came at the door.
“Madam Rania has arrived.”
(Author’s Note: “Madam” is a French title used for fashion designers.)
“Let her in.”
Karina’s voice was cold and firm—completely different from how it had just been moments ago.
Her smiling expression turned icy in an instant.
The drawing room door opened, and a red-haired woman stepped inside.
Her gaze, a deep navy blue, swept across the room.
She smiled and bowed politely.
“Greetings, Your Grace. I’m Madam Rania. Please feel free to call me Rania.”
“Hello, Rania.”
Evelina smiled shyly.
Although there were many rumors about her, Rania’s expression didn’t change in the slightest.
Instead, she said something completely unexpected.
“As I’ve heard, you’re very beautiful.”
“P–Pardon…?”
Evelina looked flustered, and Rania gave her a gentle smile.
Beside her, Karina spoke firmly, though her voice sounded more affectionate than before.
“Of course. As expected of you—your eye for beauty never fails, Rania.”
“Thank you for the kind words, Madam.”
No matter how many times Evelina heard compliments about her appearance, she always felt embarrassed.
Her cheeks reddened, and she fidgeted awkwardly as Rania smiled warmly.
“I think I’ll be happier designing this dress than I’ve ever been before. It’s truly an honor for someone as lovely as the Archduchess to wear my creation.”
“You’re exaggerating!”
Startled, Evelina waved her hands in flustered denial.
“Why would I be? You may have heard many things about me, but I’m the one who’s grateful to have the chance to design for you.”
Evelina’s eyes widened at Rania’s incredibly kind words.
At the same time, Rania felt sorry for her.
In her eyes, Evelina was stunning—enough to rival the most celebrated beauties of the aristocracy.
Any designer would jump at the chance to craft a gown for her.
Rania took Evelina’s hand firmly.
“Your Grace.”
“Yes?”
“I promise to create a dress that suits your beauty and your status.”
At that moment, Arsen, who had reclaimed Evelina’s hand from Rania’s, spoke up.
“The dress Evelina wears must be the finest.”
“Of course, Your Grace. You have my word.”
Rania’s eyes sparkled with determination as she looked at Evelina.
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