Episode 34
“Isabella Rosana”
Did she use a fake name?
Flint didn’t know if “Isabella” was another name used by Lady Rosana. So to him, Eliano using both her real last name and a fake first name seemed clumsy. A quiet laugh slipped from Flint’s lips—it felt a little cute.
Eliano Rosana seemed to be looking for something in secret, enough to use a fake name. Judging by the weight of the coin pouch, it was probably something valuable. Or maybe it was really urgent. Or maybe both.
What is she looking for?
Flint narrowed his eyes as he tried to tighten the slightly open coin pouch. His grey eyes sparkled. As he untied the pouch, he found several folded notes inside. A smile formed at the corner of his lips. It felt like luck was on his side today.
Flint’s eyes landed on Astin’s careful notes and drawings, written while listening to Eliano. Now Flint clearly knew what she was searching for. He put the notes back inside the pouch and sat on the sofa, calmly welcoming Astin as he returned, pretending nothing had happened.
Brillante, the most famous boutique in the capital, was bustling after receiving news that Lady Rosana would be visiting. Everyone assumed it would be the second daughter, but when they heard it was the first daughter, even more staff gathered—everyone was too curious.
Only tailors who visited the Rosana estate had ever seen Eliano in person. Even designers had been refused entry by Pamela, her maid. If they were lucky, they might catch a glimpse of Isabella in the hallway.
The Rosana carriage arrived smoothly in front of Brillante.
“My lady, there’s dirt on your veil. Should I bring a new one?”
As Eliano was about to get out of the carriage, she realized she was still wearing the veil. Shaking her head, she removed it and handed it to Jane. There was no longer a need to hide her face.
The three designers from Brillante admired Eliano’s appearance, which they had only heard about through rumors. Her clear green eyes, like emeralds, were striking. Her snow-white face stood out even more because of her jet-black hair—but that only made her more beautiful.
Now they understood why people in high society called her “noble.” Every step, every gesture, even a blink of her long lashes, was graceful and elegant. A noble lady with both beauty and class—and noble blood—she was the perfect role model of high society.
When Eliano gracefully stepped forward and handed over a bouquet of flowers, the designers were at a loss. They were so distracted by her beauty they hadn’t even noticed the flowers in her hands. Eliano gently teased them.
“If you stare at me like that, even I’ll get embarrassed.”
The three designers flinched and quickly apologized. Eliano, used to this kind of attention, smiled kindly.
“It’s just part of your job, I understand. Now, use those sharp eyes to make the best outfit for me.”
Madam Marian, the boutique’s owner and head designer, led Eliano to the VIP room. She chatted politely along the way, being careful not to mention Pamela—Eliano’s loyal maid and former nanny who used to serve her closely had clearly been dismissed.
“Madam Marian, I’m a bit tired, so please take care of everything on your own.”
“Of course, Lady Rosana.”
Just then, a woman looking at loungewear made eye contact with Eliano. Eliano tried to enter the VIP room quietly, but the woman came over and greeted her.
“Hello, First Lady of Rosana. I’m Countess Adele Evans.”
Adele Evans was a rising noblewoman, well-known in society for her bold reputation. There had been rumors of her scandalously kissing a nobleman on the terrace, or showing up with messy clothes. The more conservative nobles gossiped, but no one dared criticize her openly—she was a respected warrior.
What made Adele unique was that she was never ashamed of her past and was even admired by other ladies for putting rude men in their place.
Rumors even said a young girl once confessed her love to her. Adele was a favorite topic for gossip in high society.
“Hello, Countess Evans.”
Eliano replied kindly. Though Adele’s stare felt intense, Eliano didn’t show it. Since Adele was Flint Howard’s person, she was willing to be more generous.
“Did you know, Lady Rosana? The hat you wore to the Hyrun riding club sold out completely. Now, all the young ladies wear capelines with their riding outfits.”
“Really? But with the wind these days, capelines are easy to lose…”
“That’s why they’re selling so well! Isn’t that right, Madam Marian?”
Madam Marian chuckled and agreed.
“May I have a moment of your time, my lady?”
Eliano nodded, and Adele boldly entered the VIP room. After asking Madam Marian to give them privacy, Eliano stepped in. As she sat down, Adele spoke.
“You’ve probably heard this a lot, but you really are elegant. It’s true when people say you seem like someone who’s trained in etiquette all her life. I would’ve never made it into high society if I weren’t a warrior. It doesn’t suit me.”
Adele spoke fast and a lot, so Eliano had to focus more than usual.
“Someone really said I look like a person who’s only trained in manners? I wonder who that was.”
Isabella had once said something similar. It wasn’t offensive—more like interesting. She was curious who said it and why.
“I heard it from the Little Sun.”
“Oh, so it was his impression.”
Now Eliano understood. The “Little Sun,” Prince Heriath, must’ve been mocking her—saying someone like her, with no real talent, must have spent all her time just practicing manners. Her face started to stiffen, but then Adele winked and added,
“The rumor spread because of the Little Sun, but the one who said it first was my lord.”
Eliano blinked a few times, surprised. Adele smiled, admiring how pretty her lashes looked when they fluttered.
“My lord is the ruler of the North.”
Flint Howard said that about me? Eliano grew curious about what he really meant, so she leaned in a little.
“He rarely speaks and never shows interest in women. So for him to say something about a lady… it really surprised me. That’s why I got bold like this today.”
“And what’s your impression of me, Countess Evans?”
Eliano asked, sipping her tea.
“You’re nothing like the rumors. The nobles in Bianteca clearly don’t know how to judge people.”
From far away, Adele once thought Eliano would freeze to death in the North. But seeing her up close, she still looked delicate, but not weak. She’d be cold, maybe, but not broken.
Adele already saw Eliano as the future Duchess. That’s how rare it was for Flint to notice a woman.
She even wanted to grab Eliano’s hand and beg her to marry her lord. Lady Agnes! Please give me strength! Adele wished she could draw courage from the duchess she had never even met.
And with that heart, Adele made an outrageous proposal.
“My lady, please marry His Grace!”
Eliano nearly spit out her tea. As she coughed, Adele kept going.
“He’ll treat you very well. He’s not good at showing emotions, and he’s really blunt, but…”
If Heraith heard this, he wouldn’t even know if it was a compliment or insult. Eliano kept coughing into her handkerchief.
“But he’s very warmhearted inside. He’s incredibly responsible. He goes to war and never dies—he’s that strong! He even survived the terrible Lynxgen. He’s not weak at all. Compared to half-strong men, my lord is far more reliable. Strength is everything in a man, isn’t it?”
Eliano finally stopped coughing and sat up straight, though her expression was still awkward. Her calm green eyes were clearly shaken.
“And His Grace… he has a great body. Ah! Don’t misunderstand! He’s a bachelor! Brand new!”
Br-Brand new… Eliano was shocked by Adele’s word choice, her mouth slightly open.
“He’s nothing like those gross men who fool around. And I once accidentally touched his thigh, and—”
“W-Wait a moment, Countess.”
Eliano quickly stopped her before things got even more inappropriate. This was beyond shocking—it was terrifying.
“I’ve only met the Duke a few times.”
“What?! A few times?!”
More than once?! Adele’s eyes sparkled so brightly it was almost scary. Eliano couldn’t hide her discomfort.
“You’ve already met multiple times… Then you’re destined! Why are you only showing up now?!”
Adele was clearly overreacting. Eliano could see she was the type to exaggerate everything. She was starting to get tired.
“My lady, His Grace… he’s actually a very lonely person.”
Now the man who was once strong and fearless became a poor soul, all thanks to Adele’s dramatic tongue.
“You know he was born after his father died, right? And then he lost his mother as a child.”
Everyone in the Empire knew Flint’s story. Hearing something familiar, Eliano began to relax.
“And the Duke grew up like that in harsh Lynxgen… Even with noble birth, being a hostage’s son is no easy life. He grew up so alone. That’s why he’s like that now.”
If we don’t catch this lady, our lord will never marry. Adele thought. I have to do something! Her thoughts were pure loyalty, at least.
“He’s not cold-hearted! He’s sometimes really thoughtful.”
Adele had never seen anyone colder than Flint in battle. The only time he was “thoughtful” was when working—he was so detailed it was annoying. Still, she had a knack for exaggerating and twisting things.
“Countess Evans, please don’t embarrass an unmarried lady like me.”
Eliano was thankful she didn’t mention that she had just seen Flint at the flower shop. Who knew what Adele would imagine?
“So the lady isn’t interested in His Grace after all. He’s going to end up a lonely old man… Oh, poor, poor Duke!”
Now she was whining. Eliano calmly stared at her and replied politely,
“His Grace will meet someone good one day.”
“When?! He needs to marry now!”
Suddenly, Eliano’s sharp instincts caught something. She decided to pull the thread gently.
“Is it urgent for him to marry?”
“Yes! Very urgent. He must marry as soon as possible.”
“Because of his age? He doesn’t seem that old. I’m still unmarried too.”
“He’s not that old, but… there’s a serious issue…”
Adele trailed off with a big sigh. Eliano smiled sweetly and asked,
“Is it to stabilize the North and the Howard family?”
“The North and Howard are already stable, my lady.”
People like Adele always spill the truth when you tug at their emotions. Eliano spoke gently but firmly.
“But the North had no ruler for a long time. Even now, His Grace is alone. Doesn’t that make Howard look unstable, with no heir?”
Adele snapped sharply.
“You sound just like His Majesty. My lady, His Grace is Howard. Whether there’s a duchess or not doesn’t affect his power.”
“Then why are you rushing his marriage so much? Is there a hidden problem?”
“There’s no problem! The biggest problem is His Majesty! He unfairly took Howard’s seal and—!”
Adele’s voice echoed through the room—but then it stopped. Eliano’s green eyes gleamed. She had finally tugged the thread far enough to see the truth.
